IBM Wheelwriter

More info can be found at the Trello board as we migrate knowledge into this wiki.

The IBM/Lexmark Wheelwriter series are the last great typewriters. Their electronic buckling spring keyboards (akin to the IBM Model M), as well as relatively minimal mechanical parts make them durable and usable to this day. Their word processing capability, character correction, and reprint features make them more accessible to modern typists.

Sections

• Options - The IBM Wheelwriter was capable of a whole host of optional accessories.
  • PC Printer Option - The most important option was an Parallel interface for printing from a PC, effectively transforming the Wheelwriter into a daisywheel printer. Unfortunately, it was also expensive at the time, and remains rare to this day. However, there are hopes that this accessory can be replicated on an Arduino, for attachment to a Raspberry Pi.
• IBM Wheelwriter/Packing - If you plan to mail or move your IBM Wheelwriter, make sure to use a lot of bubble wrap and package it carefully.
• Sources - Sources of knowledge preserved over the ages, and integrated into this wiki.

Models

There are generally three different case shapes for the IBM Wheelwriter:

• Large (IBM) - The first models were made in a large case with the logic boards in the back of the case, as well as option cards clipped on the back. They also had very weak plastic hinges which tended to break off over time.
• Large (Lexmark) - Around the time IBM spun off the printing division into Lexmark, the Wheelwriters acquired a new shape. These used a significantly reduced mainboard, and option cards were mounted inside the cases. The case hinge was significantly improved as well, as it is a fundamental part of the case molding.
• Personal - IBM introduced an "Actionwriter" series that had a smaller case size. Eventually, it was renamed the Personal Wheelwriter, and then the Wheelwriter 1000 under Lexmark.

IBM Early Wheelwriter

The first Wheelwriter to come out. Later revisions made incremental upgrades, but the original still makes a great typewriter on the cheap.

• IBM Wheelwriter/5 - This wheelwriter has a much noisier buckling spring keyboard, which is somewhat muffled by attached rubber O-rings on the barrels.

IBM Series I

The Series I typewriters have the same casing as the first Wheelwriters, but have somewhat different internal circuitry, requiring different Option Cards. They also add full cursor keys.

• IBM Wheelwriter/3
• IBM Wheelwriter/6

IBM/Lexmark Series II

These final models were made in the 90's, and have significantly improved case design, as well as simpler electrical circuitry and more interesting option cards.

The 4 digit models came around the time IBM spun off its printing division into Lexmark, so they were dual branded with IBM and Lexmark logos.

• IBM Wheelwriter/1500
• IBM Wheelwriter/3500

Personal Size

Some Wheelwriters are somewhat more compact and lighter than the usual large models.

• IBM Actionwriter
• IBM Personal Wheelwriter 2
• IBM Wheelwriter/1000

Manuals

• Lexmark - Official Product Manuals for IBM/Lexmark Wheelwriter Typewriters