Depending on the number of bits per character, start bits, stop bits,
etc., 14.8 or 15 characters per second is APPROXIMATELY 150 bits per
second.
Depending on how you count words, spaces, etc., 14.8 or 15 characters per
second is APPROXIMATELY 150 words per minute.
30 years ago, when I worked at Goddard Space Flight Center, there were
some holes in the wall, and discussion of the record "driving" distance
for selectric type balls flying when they came off. But I suspect that
that was mostly due to sloppy locking down of the ball on insertion.
(Some people there kept putting NON-APL type balls in the terminals.)
BTW, I'm reminded that there were two more versions of the device. There
was a guy in Walnut Creek that made one specifically for selectrics that
mounted UNDER the keyboard in place of the stock base. And there was one
shown at the 5th? West Coast Computer Faire that used strings for moving
the carriage, and worked on MANUAL typewriters (it drew a big cheering
crowd).
Now, after all of this discussion of them, am I going to have to go to
e-bay just to find a buyer??
--
Grumpy Ol' Fred cisin_at_xenosoft.com
On Thu, 11 May 2000 allisonp_at_world.std.com wrote:
> > Fred Cisin wrote...
> > > It is vitally important that you not exceed 14.8 characters per second on
> > > Selectrics.
> >
> > ... or what? Does the Balls-O-Meter wear out? :)
>
> Like most typewriters it's mechancical and if driven to fast it will jam
> and do bad things.
>
> allison
Received on Thu May 11 2000 - 11:45:15 BST