ASR33 Teletype

In the earliest days of personal computing there were few reasonable options for user interface. Video terminals were very expensive (the cheapest in 1975 were typically over $1,000) and print based terminals, such as the DECWriter, weren't much cheaper, if at all.

As a result, many hobbyists turned to surplus teletypes as input/output devices. They were usually fairly inexpensive and were reliable enough for their intended use. They also had the added bonus of providing paper tape storage for information retrieval at a "blazing" 110 baud (about ten characters per second or about 5 to 6 typewritten lines per minute)

Pictured above is my ASR33 as it arrived. It was probably a military surplus unit returned to the depot in need of repairs. The ASR33 (Automatic Send/Receive) was strapped down to an ASR35 pallet with genuine old stock tie-downs. There was tape in various places to hold the whole thing together. It looks to have sat in this condition for at least 25 years.

Strapped to the pallet is a hard to find document holder and to the left is a box of ribbons for the unit.

Here is a better view of the keyboard and keypad. The paper tape punch/reader can be seen to the left.

The date code of 28 69 indicates that this unit was built in June of 1969. The stand contains the phone set/modem and is dated 1970.

After undoing all of the dried old tape and straps I was able to get the cover off for this interior picture. The main motor is easily visible in this rear view.

Here is the front of the uncovered unit with almost everything but the keyboard and teleset guts exposed.

Shortly after snapping these pictures I was able to power the beast up. After a few quick adjustments I was able to get the machine to sort-of work. The pad on the typing unit has gone soft so the typed output isn't quite readable and there will definitely have to be some cleaning and reforming done to make this machine work properly.

After that and a little cleaning and this unit will be hooked up to the Altair 8800 to give a taste of cutting edge personal computing from 1975.

After sitting for some time I finally got back to working on this unit. I've managed to replace the typing hammer and got the machine to mostly work. At this point about every tenth character types incorrectly both on the paper and on the paper tape. Either the cam is worn or there is something else that I can't yet figure out wrong with this unit.

(Submitted April 27, 2008 19:23:07 by Chris)

I'm looking for a couple of the clear plastic buttons that go on the model 33 paper tape punch. I've got a working 33 but it's missing a couple of these buttons. Any around?

(Submitted April 17, 2008 21:26:11 by wayne handzus)

i didnt read the whole thing above somebody asked what what is a figrurs d code. that is the diconnect code on txw, it trips the disconnect relay if you are on line made to disconnect from a paper tape message at the end. the op program control d, however, on a telex, model 32 or model 28 figures d is the who are you code. that trips off the answer badck drum at the other end the 1st one, check you range finder knob on the left side( AT THE END OF THE MAINSHAFT THE SELECTOR MECHANISM) a thumb wheel with a pointer, Select repeat y (Y IS 5 LEVEL OR U 8 LEVEL TWX)and move it to both extremes till it makes errors then set it in the middle. only the range finder is done like this. under power, the rest are done under hand poWer only usually. wayne out in sf ca usa

(Submitted April 17, 2008 21:13:18 by wayne handzus)

one of the best teletype techs in the united states here. there aint no trouble that i cant fix on one of them machines. USMC and USN schooled 1st in my class. western union quality control tech and teletype repair instructor. all adjustments memorized and knwo how to adjust them so as the wear then come into tolerance instead of being on the edge of tolerance. used to guarantee them. also wire chief at WUTCO in 6 cites. there arant too may people who know the teletype circuit better then i, if any at all.machines and all points between. of the 70's 80's die hard teletype repair tech, my e mail . doing music these days full time busy recording artist. who needs help? wayne out in sf ca usa

(Submitted April 17, 2008 16:53:42 by CPMuseum Curator)

In response to don caprio, and to all that might find it useful: As of 4/2008, Don Holley's SWTPC website contains a document, that while not TTY specific, contains the instructions I used to successfuly configure my 33 for 20MA current loop. The instructions specific to the TTY are on pages 7-9 of this document: http://www.swtpc.com/mholley/MP_S/MP_S_AssemblyIn structions.pdf Hope that helps.

(Submitted March 7, 2008 10:04:42 by Gerhard Kreuzer)

Anyx ASR 33 for sale, I need it to make my pdp8/e systems complete. Thanks Gerhard

(Submitted February 17, 2008 19:59:53 by don caprio)

I've had a ASR 33 for souple years now. Finaly got a change to pull it out and give it a try. I was suprised for the most part it worked. I was able to create tapes and read them back on the reader. Every once in a while it mis-prints a character. I have the original service manual but can not find any details on the current loop interface. I bought a current loop to RS-232 adapter so I can hook it up to my IMSAI-8080.

Does anyone have any links or know the pin outs for the current loop interface?

Thank you.

(Submitted February 7, 2008 12:37:41 by Wayne Durkee)

The 33 ASR teletype is a TWX machine. It looks like is has been reconditioned, but never sold or used. Th AB drum is uncoded. Very clean inside.

(Submitted January 28, 2008 17:49:39 by Chris)

Model ASR33 FOR SALE!!!

The unit is model 33 TDH (it looks like an ASR33 to me), and it worked fine last time we plugged it in. My grandfather spent a large amount of money to buy it new. He used it for years and it has been in storage in his dry basement until about a year ago. It has since been on display in our store's lobby. Make me an offer. Im willing to put it on a pallet and ship it anywhere. If you call me I can get more details about its make/model. Pictures available upon request.

Email me at minibike672005@yahoo.com or call Chris at 419-215-4350

(Submitted January 21, 2008 13:14:42 by Claud Hobby)

I am still looking for a teletype machine from the old flight service stations to be used in a display. Don't know the model but would like info.

(Submitted January 14, 2008 15:22:55 by Stan )

The machine pictured is a DTWX and the unit in the stand is a 100 series data modem. Machine could be used to dial up connections and send messages similar to the way dial-up computer connections are made today.

Teletype techs (I was one) didn't care much for the Model 33 when it was introduced. The Bell System sent out a memo telling repair staff to quit telling the customers that the machine was made by Mattel. The phrase being used was You Can Tell It's Mattel — It's Swell.

(Submitted October 24, 2007 13:06:16 by Claud Hobby)

I'm looking for a teletype to be used for a display at a flight school.(non working) Old weather sequence reports from these machines would be great also

(Submitted October 22, 2007 21:37:51 by Gregory)

I'm looking for a Model 28 Teletype. Might be interested in a 33 as well. So if you have one for sale and you'd like to see go to a good home. Drop me an email :-)

(Submitted October 8, 2007 20:31:52 by Mark Frattarola)

I've got an ASR33 that I'd like to get restored back to working condition... it seems to have a few small problems... anyone know of someone in the New England area that can help me out with repairs?

(Submitted October 3, 2007 20:32:02 by (a href=mailto:danielNOSPAMATbingamonDOTcom)Daniel Bingamon(/a))

I have a Model KSR33 - The KSR's are just like the ASR-33 only no tape unit. There is a piston on the left that cushions the return of the carriage - you have to adjust the bleed screw on those so that they return properly - the cup seal pressure changes when they get older.

(Submitted September 26, 2007 07:08:57 by Tom WE0M)

I have a Self Standing (floor mount)and a desktop Model 28 used with a HAL ST-6. Looking for a supply of ribbons/ink. Is there a preferred ink type to re-ink the existing ribbons?

(Submitted August 29, 2007 06:57:03 by Craig Landrum)

Am looking for an ASR33 front brushed metal dress plate that says TELETYPE on it.

(Submitted August 16, 2007 00:59:00 by Chris Johnston)

Teletypes for sale! See my posting on the forums page!

http://www.vintage- computer.com/vcforum/showthread.php?t=8201

(Submitted August 13, 2007 13:39:59 by Bill King)

Does anyone know what both rows of characters were when printed above each other? In other words, when the carriage shifted, what the the letter D become, etc.?

(Submitted August 8, 2007 08:13:36 by Tom Truty)

I have a set of manuals for the 33 type: Bulletin 1184B 33 Page Printer Set (ASR, KSR and RO) Parts, Bulletin 310B Vol 1 APRIL 1973 Technical Manual, Bulletin 310B VOL 2 Technical Manual Feb 1974, Bulletin 310B Technical Manual VOL 2 June 1972 as well as 2 new Paper tape punch sets. Are you interested?

(Submitted June 18, 2007 09:00:42 by Frank)

I worked for Teletype - built & repaires these great units. If your problem in every 10th char is printing wrong could be one or two contacts on the side of the keyboard either not in the right slot or touching each other. or, the clutch w/all the cams maybe out of adj.

(Submitted June 7, 2007 01:25:15 by Mike Stone)

I would like to buy an ASR33 in reasonably good condition if there is such a thing out there.

(Submitted May 24, 2007 17:33:19 by (a href=mailto:.)Roy(/a))

I used one of those in my Freshman year (Fall 1976) at Edinboro State College (now Edinboro University) in Pennsylvania. That one used an acoustic coupler though for the connection to the colleges mainframe computer. (The campus mainframe began as a RCA computer but was at the time a re-branded Sperry-Univac machine.)

(Submitted April 20, 2007 17:48:15 by Frank Dawsey)

I worked for Western Union up till they went under in about '82. I went to school in LA on the M32 and would'nt mind having one for nostalgia sake. If anyone wants to give one a good home I would be glad to take it.

(Submitted April 4, 2007 20:25:27 by Troy Garrett)

I have a model 35 that needs to be restored. Anybody want it? It's way out of my league. Asking $150. I'm in Newberg, OR.....Thanks, Troy

(Submitted March 7, 2007 11:51:11 by Klaus)

i have a pdp11/05 and i need a asr 33 as console - is there anybody witch can help me ? - remember - i'am in germany thanks

(Submitted March 3, 2007 22:33:35 by Chris Johnston)

I find the best sources for paper and paper tape are CNC (Computer Numerical Control) supply companies - believe it or not, a lot of manufacturing facilities still use it!

http://www.wncsupply.com/paptape.html

Is only one source.

Chris

(Submitted February 19, 2007 19:35:52 by Gary Davis)

I had one of these Teletypes when I was in high school. At the time, you could still buy a typewriter ribbon at the drug store. Even though they were on a plastic spool, it fit the machine. You could also buy a new ribbon and put it on the old spool. Maybe Staples still sells ribbons. Nylon was highly recommended over cotton for longer life. Even if the ribbon was black and red, the Teletype only typed on the black half.

For paper, you could try fanfold computer paper if it was only 8 1/2 (not 9 1/2) inches wide.

Can't imagine where you'd get new paper tape!

--Gary

(Submitted January 21, 2007 15:41:08 by Sarah)

Dear Sir/Madam

I have an enquiry to ask about Teletype machines; please can you give me as much information about this subject as possible? I understand that information is placed on the Internet but I am finding it hard to understand the terminology. I understand that you are busy but I would appreciate it if you could help me.

Kind regards

Miss Sarah S

(Submitted January 10, 2007 14:51:01 by Chuck Shuey)

I have an ASR teletype model 33 that I'd like to sell. I have the teletype, two rolls of black paper tape, two rolls of printing paper, and the service manual. The case has two cracks and a small piece missing, but the mechanism is in great shape. I cleaned, lubed, and adjusted it myself (all beit 20 years ago).

(Submitted December 26, 2006 13:54:43 by john del villano)

i would like to know how much the model 19 teletype machine is?......thanks john k3nui

(Submitted November 25, 2006 07:39:43 by Kim Stanfield)

I have two old teletype machines in my basement. We live in near Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The machines were here when we moved in and we are currently getting ready to move. We have absolutely no use for them. If anyone lives in the area and wants to come and get them, we will be glad to give them to someone. We will NOT ship them anywhere - we don't have the time to do that. Feel free to contact us if you want to come and pick them up. The previous owner of the house was a hand radio operator and his family left them in the basement when we bought the house. We look forward to hearing from you.

(Submitted November 21, 2006 07:03:17 by Dylan Constan-Wahl)

I'm looking for a Teletype machine, hopefully complete, doesn't have to work, to use with my military receiver and RTTY converter. Thanks!

(Submitted October 26, 2006 01:54:57 by John Whitney)

I have an ASR33 that is in good condition, with little wear on it, but it seems jammed up from sitting so long. Are there any former Teletype repair people out there in the San Francisco / San Jose area? I'd love to have someone look at it that knows them, before I screw it up.

Help

(Submitted October 23, 2006 21:05:52 by JEAN BEAUPRE)

I HAVE A 55 GALLON DRUM OF ASSORTED TT PARTS THAT I PURCHASED AT A GOVERNMENT AUCTION IN 1970 ALL IN ORIGINAL PACKAGES

(Submitted September 24, 2006 08:33:17 by Tim Stromley)

I am looking for Model 28 teletype parts. Any information on any parts would be helpful. Thank You

(Submitted August 9, 2006 23:41:17 by Chris Johnston)

I grew up on the ASR33/KSR33. the KSR was no fun - no convenient way to save your hard worked code.

I am working on restoring two more ASR33's - but the hardest part to find is the rubber mallet for the hammer.

i have a few spare (NEW!) type heads I would be willing to trade for new(er) rubber. I am also in need of a spcially machined steel part that works on the carriage guide.

My biggest challenge is cleaning (and straightening) the tape reader gold-plate wires. If anyone has a suggestion, please email me.

Thanks

Chris

(Submitted August 6, 2006 00:36:46 by Bob Lilley)

I have a Mod 15 KSR with synch motor and a bunch of rolls of paper. Also a current-loop interface to a PC parallel port. Full set of manuals and original TTY grease!

Also - Heath H-19 with manuals; has add-in Tektronix graphics board with manual. Located in Santa BArbara, CA.

Want to see these to a good home; low cost plus shipping!

Unit is in Santa Barbara, CA, and as you know, it's heavy! Worked when I packed it up.

(Submitted August 3, 2006 15:31:03 by Terence)

Wow! I worked in the warehouse and repair center for Western Union Data Services in Mahwah NJ in the mid 70s, and packed many of these units. We packed them with the same strap and tape in crates, as shown in your pictures. My guess is that this is packing from the Western Union warehouse. Great to see these pictures. I still have a brochure of this unit, the data sheet, Accessories sheet, tape drive programmers manual, and several other brochures and manuals of the Western Union terminals from this period. I will scan a few of them and post pictures on a web page as soon as I can.

(Submitted July 21, 2006 13:21:41 by kevin)

I read through the submitted emails. I too am looking for the yellow teletype paper. I have a gallery of teletypes: M28 KSRs (1 cabinet style, 2 rack mounted, miscellaneous parts (including print hammers); M19, complete, however it is in a roll-type desk, am converting it from 220v operation, to US standard; M15 Typing Reperf; TD that used the 'Ta-head'; Printer/keyboard set of Klienschmidt (Reperf not included); AND my antique TT-4/() Army Signal Corps backpack/submergable teletype/operates at 10- 15wpm or wph. If any would like to see, I'll try to get pics. I also have sevetral boxes of perforation tape (pink and yellow). Please send comments.

(Submitted June 24, 2006 21:43:15 by jery dunn)

I have teletype paper and ribbon for sale. bulk discount. also manuals and a few misc. parts.

(Submitted May 23, 2006 08:22:47 by (a href=mailto:webmaster@vintage-computer.com)Erik Klein(/a))

is that a Trans Am wheel I see in one of the pics? Is said wheel attached to a Trans Am?

Not quite - better, actually.
http://www.vintage-computer.com/images/corvette/side.jpg

(Submitted May 23, 2006 08:15:37 by Steven)

Ok, more importantly (j/k), is that a Trans Am wheel I see in one of the pics? Is said wheel attached to a Trans Am? If so what year? Looks to be late 70s? Old computers, Old cars, both are very cool!

(Submitted April 22, 2006 18:06:13 by Dan Hilberman)

I have a complete set of model 33 BSPs for sale. That's about 150 BSPs, 20inches and 35 lbs. worth of paper. Information includes installation, repair, adjustments, part numbers, lubrication, etc.

(Submitted April 2, 2006 07:14:04 by 1024doc)

I'm looking for a short lenght of *punched* paper tape to use as a visual aid in an introductory computer architecture course. If anyone has some scrap they could part with, please contact me at gcox_AT_cs.uah.edu. Thanks.

(Submitted March 16, 2006 13:57:11 by Russ Hughes)

I am looking for a model 15 or other 5 bit teletype machine.

(Submitted October 29, 2005 03:53:26 by Tony La Tourette)

IN rgards to the 10th character misshap, I would check out the keyboard, since that is common both the printer and tape punch, I beleive there are two types of keygoards for this model one with photo electric cells and the other with a mechanical system of stiff wires at the keyboard feeding to a bank of contacts at the rear of the machine, If you have not fixed the problem by now and need any help please email me. I am a former model 28 repairman and have done some work on other models

(Submitted October 28, 2005 13:54:53 by WB0GHL)

I have a model 33 ASR in good condition. I also have a model 19, and a model 28.

(Submitted September 28, 2005 22:01:55 by Mark Pippin)

Never Mind! Found yellow roll paper, punch tape, the heavy metal software program. Ready to start my news room!

(Submitted September 28, 2005 21:37:41 by Mark Pippin)

Hi all, I’m looking at using my ASR33 I got when I bought a 1970’s flight simulator with my PC. I have a current loop to RS232 adapter. I haven’t got everything hooked up yet, I’m working on the simulator first. Just needed to know if there is any software I need to print to the teletype. Thanks! Mark Pippin pilotx@swbell.net

(Submitted September 22, 2005 08:53:38 by Jeff Butcher)

Hi,

I'm the prop master for a movie called The Hoax starring Richard Gere and Alfred Molina. The film takes place in 1971 there is a scene that takes place in McGraw Hill Publishing where a teletype is seen printing in extreme close-up and is then pulled from the machine and brought to a meeting where it is read. Can you offer any suggestions about where I might rent a working machine and hire an operator for a day?

Thanks for your help.

Jeff Butcher prop master The Hoax macdad@digitalanalogy.com

(Submitted September 17, 2005 03:25:58 by D. Little)

I will be selling parts and paper from my ASR-32 on ebay this week under seller listing - mugwump8i2j - many of these parts are interchangeable with the ASR-33. Hope this info helps.

(Submitted August 30, 2005 14:01:42 by Dennis Dement)

I have an old teletype machine that i beileve was used in the world war II era. its is the old type with 3 rows of keys. i dont know what its worth or where to go. can anyone help me??

(Submitted August 30, 2005 14:01:00 by Dennis Dement)

I have an old teletype machine that i beileve was used in the world war II era. its is the old type with 3 rows of keys. i dont know what its worth or where to go. can anyone help me??

(Submitted August 9, 2005 07:24:04 by robert driesen)

Would like to get an ASR33 that works. Can you assit? Need to make a prop for a play, need to have a message created from it. Or can you create the nessage for me, then I can make a mock up of the the ASR 33 that does not ahve to work. Regards

(Submitted August 6, 2005 22:23:29 by Thomas E. Jones)

I've spent the last month trying to repair a broken ASR-33 that was busted up in shipping. If anyone has one, it's worth a lot to me. I live in Minnesota, would travel to get it, or willing to pay for shipping if out of state.

Thanks, - Thomas.

(Submitted July 8, 2005 19:22:50 by don shoeman)

I've got one left, its ugly but it works $40 + 60 lbs shipping from area code 55126

(Submitted June 22, 2005 21:14:06 by Guy Gustavson)

I got some rubber stick on feet from Radio shack, and used one to replace the hammer bumper, which seems to be working very well.

I also wetted the old dried out ribbon with WD- 40 and got good ink out of it.

I also fiddled around with the print cylinder and got it into alignment. What I did was slightly loosen the nut on top, so it slipped a little bit each time I typed a character. When it slipped to the point where it typed the character I was pressing I tightened it down fast.

Soooo..... Basicly it all works! The carriage doesn't advance perfectly all the time, so I think I have a bit more cleaning, and oiling to do. But basicly 9.9 out 10 characters come out fine and nicely black and readable. :) I'm very happy.

(Submitted June 22, 2005 18:25:41 by Guy Gustavson)

Ok, when I first started working with the ASR-33 it wouldn't line feed paper relieably, it had paper jammed in the punch, and it needed a good general cleaning, and lube.

Now it feeds paper, and reads and write to paper tape. I'm afraid to run it much without a rubber bumper to protect the print cylinder. However I have removed, cleaned, and replaced the print cylinder. It now prints the same characters when I hit the same key's repeatedly. So I think the cylinder is out of sync...

Does anyone know how to align the print cylinder?

(Submitted June 22, 2005 08:04:28 by Guy Gustavson)

I called up Dataterm, and they do have a tremendious amount of knowledge and parts available for the ASR-33.

They did not have the rubber bumpers for the print hammers available. They had the same problem that I did... the rubber is so old that it's breaking down and turning in a tar like goo. Their spares are all coming up with the same problem, so are not useable. They suggested going to a home store and getting some glue on rubber feet for protecting surfaces from equipment sliding around and replacing it with one of those. They have had good luck with that. I'm going to try that tonight when I get home.

BTW: I just picked up my ASR-33 from Don Showman last night. Thanks Don!

(Submitted June 16, 2005 05:22:18 by Sharon Nicholls)

We are looking for Printer Hammer Heads and The Rubber Caps that protect the head for our ASR 33 do you know were we can get spares? Please contact me at Amblecote Machining Services by e- mail sharon@ams-machining.co.uk or by phone 0044 (0)1384 374935.

(Submitted June 16, 2005 05:15:23 by Sharon Nicholls)

We are looking for Printer Hammer Heads and The Rubber Caps that protect the head for our ASR 33 do you know were we can get spares?

(Submitted June 6, 2005 15:31:58 by don shoeman)

I have 4 model 33's with paper tape reader/punches that I's like to get rid of. They were working when removed from service 20 years ago

(Submitted May 27, 2005 05:30:39 by Vince)

I have a teletype with modem and phone set like the one pictured above. Is there any way to test it as a complete unit? How easy is it to convert to a standard ASR33?

(Submitted April 23, 2005 02:30:53 by (a href=mailto:daleathollywoodtypes.com)Dale Chalfant(/a))

I would like to have an ASR 33. It was a terminal for my first computer.

If you have one for sale, please drop me a line or call me at (818) 723-4995.

Thanks

(Submitted March 22, 2005 10:40:44 by Robert Horgan)

Dataterm sells and services used teletype machines and parts. Located in woburn, ma. (781)938-1010

(Submitted February 1, 2005 12:55:20 by Alex)

I am looking for an ASR 33 Teletype machine to purchace. It doesn't have to be working, but it would be good if all the parts are there so we can figure out how to fix it. Please let me know if you have one to sell.

(Submitted January 13, 2005 11:51:21 by steve dresner)

We're looking for regular, older, light yellow- ish teletype paper. Please let us know if you where we can located a box or several rolls. Thanks for your time. Steve Dresner/NBC-Washington

(Submitted November 12, 2004 12:17:01 by Mike Campion)

Hello,

I own a Model 33 ASR Teletype which I bought 23 years ago. I am looking for paper tape 1, roll paper and printer ribbons. Any help will be appreciated.

Mike.

(Submitted September 30, 2004 08:29:15 by Peter Simpson)

I used to fix these in college. Lube with 30 weight motor oil (buy a squirt oil can & saturate the felt pads inside the clutches on the main shaft). For your error problem...check the range pointer (left side looking from the front, has a knurled lock knob) is at mid-scale (60?). The fact that you're getting errors on both tape and print means that it's a badly received character...check for missing springs. Email me if you need more ideas.

(Submitted September 28, 2004 11:32:23 by jim mason)

I have a model 33 with a current loop supply (home brew) and the tech manuals. If interested in them drop me an email...jim

(Submitted September 19, 2004 10:46:36 by Albert Hale)

Hello, Is there any info on the internet on how to clean and restore teletype equipment? I have a Western Union stript unit I would like to clean up.

Thanks, Al N7AL

Description
Manufacturer	Teletype Corporation
Model	ASR 33 (Automatic Send/Receive)
Date Announced	1960s
Date Canceled	??
Number Produced	Hundreds of thousands
Country of Origin	USA
Price	Varied
Current Value	$10-$500

Specifications
Processor	None
Speed	N/A
RAM	None
ROM	None
Storage	Paper Tape
Expansion	None
Bus	None
Video	Printed
I/O	Either 20 Ma current loop or RS-232
OS Options	None

Notes	Although not originally designed for it, the ASR33 was the terminal of choice at the beginning of the microcomputer revolution. Many users of Altair's, Mark-8s and other machines of that generation relied upon the ASR33 to interface with their machines and to store programs. The users of some minicomputers during the late 1960s and 1970s also used teletypes as terminals. By the late 1970s with the success of the dumb terminal (glass teletype) the old paper teletypes fell out of favor.

Related Items in Collection	Some spare parts, paper and tape.
Related Items Wanted	Time to make the thing work perfectly