Magnetic Tape/Selectric Typewriter Restoration

4/13/24

We removed most of the dried out and degraded sound deadening foam from inside of the magnetic tape cabinet, and vacuumed the entire cabinet. The system looks to be in very good condition. We connected the power and data cables from the magnetic tape cabinet to the Selectric typewriter. One of the retaining screws on the data connector does not engage. We will need to fix that later. 

We powered up the system. The motor in the magnetic tape cabinet spun up, but nothing else happened. The motor in the Selectric moved a little and stopped. We turned off the power and found that the grease in the Selectric was dried and would not let the powered shafts turn.

We found some maintenance and operator's manuals for the MT/ST, so we have something to study before we attempt repairs.

4/27/24

Kyle, the RICM Selectric wizard, started working on the Selectric Typewriter. The grease on the Operational and Cycle Shafts was gummed up and the shafts would not rotate. Kyle is disassembling the shafts, cleaning, lubricating, and will reassemble and adjust everything. 

To Do:

Read the Selectric and MT/ST maintenance manuals.

Fix the retaining screw on the data connector on the bottom of the Selectric.