Editing IBM Wheelwriter/Options/PC Printer
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[[File: | [[File:ww-printer-option.jpg|thumb|IBM Wheelwriter 6/10/1500/3500 compatible PC Printer Option card.]] | ||
The '''PC Printer Option''' is a Parallel interface for printing from a PC, effectively transforming the [[IBM Wheelwriter]] into a daisywheel printer. Unfortunately, it was also expensive at the time, and remains rare to this day. | The '''PC Printer Option''' is a Parallel interface for printing from a PC, effectively transforming the [[IBM 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. | |||
== Variants == | == Variants == | ||
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There are about 3 variants of the PC Printer Option, designed for different typewriter series. | There are about 3 variants of the PC Printer Option, designed for different typewriter series. | ||
* '''IBM Wheelwriter 5''' - I've never seen this variant but all evidence points to it's existence. It uses a different connection wire than the WW3 | * '''IBM Wheelwriter 5''' - I've never seen this variant but all evidence points to it's existence. It uses a different connection wire than the WW3. | ||
* '''IBM Wheelwriter 3 | * '''IBM Wheelwriter 3''' - A slightly newer variant of the Wheelwriter 5. It uses a different connection wire than the WW5, so even though the casing is the same, the option cards aren't. | ||
* '''IBM Wheelwriter 1000/Personal Wheelwriter 2''' - A smaller, lighter version of the Wheelwriter which requires a different design and shape for the option card than the WW1500. | * '''IBM Wheelwriter 1000/Personal Wheelwriter 2''' - A smaller, lighter version of the Wheelwriter which requires a different design and shape for the option card than the WW1500. | ||
* '''IBM/Lexmark Wheelwriter 10 | * '''IBM/Lexmark Wheelwriter 6/10/1500/3500''' (not sure if 2000/3000 supported) - These were the last Wheelwriters made, and are dual labeled with IBM/Lexmark. They are larger than the 1000/WW2 series, but the same size as the WW5/WW3 series. These Wheelwriters supports printing backwards, cutting the printing time in half. When it takes 2 minutes to print with previous models, that's quite an improvement. | ||
== Installing the PC Printer Option (Wheelwriter 5/Wheelwriter 3) == | |||
== Installing the PC Printer Option (Wheelwriter | |||
For these typewriters, installing option cards is pretty straightforward. The Option Card case just clips on the back, and then you attach the cable to the slot covered by a case flap on the top left. The end. | For these typewriters, installing option cards is pretty straightforward. The Option Card case just clips on the back, and then you attach the cable to the slot covered by a case flap on the top left. The end. | ||
== Installing the PC Printer Option (Wheelwriter 1500/3500) == | == Installing the PC Printer Option (Wheelwriter 1500/3500) == | ||
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=== Modifying the Case === | === Modifying the Case === | ||
[[File:01-ww-printer-option. | [[File:01-ww-printer-option.jpg|thumb|'''Fig. 1 (A, B, C)''': The back of the Wheelwriter contains perforated panels that can be knocked out and filed off.]] | ||
# Turn the machine off and unplug the line cord. | # Turn the machine off and unplug the line cord. | ||
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=== Attaching the Option Card === | === Attaching the Option Card === | ||
[[File:02-ww-printer-option. | [[File:02-ww-printer-option.jpg|thumb|'''Fig. 2 (L)''': The transport motor cable should be clipped down to the case.]] | ||
[[File:03-ww-printer-option. | [[File:03-ww-printer-option.jpg|thumb|'''Fig. 3 (D, E, F)''': The Option card needs to be plugged in and locked into place.]] | ||
# Disconnect the carrier cable. | # Disconnect the carrier cable. | ||
# Remove the electronic board cover. | # Remove the electronic board cover. | ||
# '''WHEELWRITER 10 typewriters''': Place the transport motor cable along the top of the round rear frame rail and install the two cable clips '''(L)''' if they are not installed. | # '''WHEELWRITER 10 typewriters''': Place the transport motor cable along the top of the round rear frame rail and install the two cable clips '''(L)''' if they are not installed. | ||
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=== Install the Grounding Straps === | === Install the Grounding Straps === | ||
<gallery | <gallery> | ||
File:04-ww-printer-option. | File:04-ww-printer-option.jpg|thumb|'''Fig. 4 (G)''': 2 keyboard-to-shield grounding straps should be attached to reduce the risk of static damage. | ||
File:05-ww-printer-option. | File:05-ww-printer-option.jpg|thumb|'''Fig. 5 (H, I)''': Two frame-to-shield grounding straps should be attached. Note that newer machines do not need (H). | ||
File:06-ww-printer-option. | File:06-ww-printer-option.jpg|thumb|'''Fig. 6 (J, K)''': A grounding strap should be attached to the paperfeed motor and power supply brackets. | ||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
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=== Apply Labels and Test PC Printer Option === | === Apply Labels and Test PC Printer Option === | ||
[[File:07-ww-printer-option. | [[File:07-ww-printer-option.jpg|center]] | ||
# If keys 5, 6, and 7 are not labeled as indicated in '''Fig. 7''', install the keyboard label with Spell Assist on the left end. | # If keys 5, 6, and 7 are not labeled as indicated in '''Fig. 7''', install the keyboard label with Spell Assist on the left end. | ||
# Plug in the machine. | # Plug in the machine. | ||
# Test out the printer option board by pressing Code + 5. The display should change. | # Test out the printer option board by pressing Code + 5. The display should change. | ||
# If the printer option works, reinstall the covers. | # If the printer option works, reinstall the covers. | ||
== Printing == | == Printing == | ||
== Drop-in Replacement == | |||
== | |||
There's some sort of mysterious electronic sequence going on in the PC Printer Option. | There's some sort of mysterious electronic sequence going on in the PC Printer Option. | ||
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=== Output Card to Wheelwriter === | === Output Card to Wheelwriter === | ||
Then, something magic happens in the black box of the option card that then causes the Wheelwriter to start typing. Now how would we figure out what is going on here? | Then, something magic happens in the black box of the option card that then causes the Wheelwriter to start typing. Now how would we figure out what is going on here? | ||
I suppose we could intercept the electronic signals and do a replay? | |||
And of course, one possible roadblock is that if it were easy to clone this card, IBM could not justify just selling it at a high price forever. | |||
== Sources == | == Sources == | ||
* [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yDV0WwSdmklh-ueRPAgxhX4QEhc2cF9khwkeod91ky4/edit Google Docs - Enhanced Transcript of PC Printer Option PDF] | * [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yDV0WwSdmklh-ueRPAgxhX4QEhc2cF9khwkeod91ky4/edit Google Docs - Enhanced Transcript of PC Printer Option PDF] | ||
[[File:ww-printer-option-installation.pdf|thumb|'''PDF''': IBM Wheelwriter Repair Information Manual, Pages (3-27) - (3-30): PC Printer Option. Helpfully provided by Jim from Typewriters.com.]] | [[File:ww-printer-option-installation.pdf|thumb|'''PDF''': IBM Wheelwriter Repair Information Manual, Pages (3-27) - (3-30): PC Printer Option. Helpfully provided by Jim from Typewriters.com.]] |