What's a "computer console" selectric called?

From: Gary Oliver <go_at_ao.com>
Date: Mon May 24 15:34:48 1999

Back in the days before "glass" consoles, computers often (if
they had them) used typewriter devices as console input and
output stations. Many minicomputers used Teletypes, but Control
Data used (believe it or not) IBM Selectric typewriters.
(You can bet THAT stuck in someone's craw...) This was the case
on the "lower 3000" line (3150, 3200, 3300, 3500) and I believe
it was the case on the sister line of "upper 3000" (3600, 3800)
systems as well.

On the 3300 system, the console typewriter was a "drop in" unit
with a small number of cables connecting it to the system. It
dropped into a well on the console operators station and sat in
this well on little rubber feet. Think of a "modern" Selectric
with the top of it's case only; the lower part of the case was
omitted and surrounded by the "well" it sat in.

For a "vintage-like" construction project, I'm trying to locate
an example of this console device. It needs to be working (or
repairable.) The choice of type font is unimportant at this
point.

I've considered picking up one of the inexpensive Selectric
or Selectric-II typewriters (don't need no stupid correction
mechanism) and "converting" it to operate as said console device.
However, I helped a guy do this conversion once (many odd years
ago) and it wasn't pretty then and doubt it would be pretty now.
And the conversion didn't cover the "input" side of the equation
at all. It was just a printer.

Does anyone know where I can get a unit such as this? If any
of you have such a thing, I would be interested in purchasing
and/or trading.

Contact me offline if you want to arrange a deal.

If any of you have pointers to places selling these sort
of things, please let me know. I've mined all my usual surplus
haunts and have searched the net considerably but have yet to
come up with anything "right."

Thanks,

Gary
Received on Mon May 24 1999 - 15:34:48 BST