Any tips on servicing Marchant calculators?

From: D. Peschel <dpeschel_at_u.washington.edu>
Date: Sun Aug 30 22:33:18 1998

I just picked one up today. I don't know what kind of shape it's in. The
salesman said, "Why wouldn't it be in working order?" -- I can think of many
answers to that question and (as I know from reading the list) it's always a
good idea to check something out before wrecking it by turning it on.

My model is a tasteful shade of dark green, with "MARCHANT" in gold Art Deco-
ish letters. I think it's one of the earlier electtric models (it may be one
produced from 1939-1945).

I'd like to know if there is any simple cleaning up I can do. What's the best
way to clean the plastic exterior? Is it possible to operate the mechanism by
hand? (The machine didn't come with a power cord. It's in an "unstable"
state -- some dials are in intermediate positions, and some multiplier keys are
engaged. So it might be a good idea to clear everything.)

And does anyone have advice on repairs? I've taken off some of the panels and
I was rather intimidated by the mechanical complexity. Then I did some reading
on the Web and learned about the insane mechanisms these things use for speed
(proportional gearing to handle the carries, tiny differentials, three drive-
shafts, the division mechanism which has an analog comparator, etc.) and now
I'm *really* intimidated. :) If there are any repairmen in the Seattle area,
I'd love to hear about it.

(The same guy had a Comptometer which I wish I had bought -- a friend of his
apparently has it, and when she opens her store in November it will surely go
for 1.5 to 3 times the price he was charging.)

Thanks,

-- Derek
Received on Sun Aug 30 1998 - 22:33:18 BST