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There are many different types of mechanical teleprinter
which become available on the surplus market from time to time, but we
will only concern ourselves with the ones which are most liable to be
encountered. The teleprinters that we will be considering come from
three manufacturers: Creed & Company of England, The Teletype
Corporation of the U.S.A., and Siemens of Germany.
There are three fundamental requirements which must be considered before purchasing a machine:
1. The electrical signalling characteristics.
2. The code that
the machine uses.
3. The signalling speed at which the machine
operates.
Signalling Characteristics
Machines
manufactured in the U.K. normally use what is known as Double Current
or Polar signalling, in which the two signalling states, Mark and Space,
are represented by current flowing in opposite directions, often +/-
20mA, with Mark being represented by a negative current flow. Whereas
machines manufactured in the U.S.A. and Germany normally use what is
known as Single Current or Neutral signalling, in which the two
signalling states, Mark and Space, are represented by the presence or
absence of current, often 60mA, the actual polarity being unimportant.
Note that we are referring to current flow in each case, and not to voltages. The receiving section of a teleprinter usually consists of a form of electro-mechanical relay, often called the electro-magnet, with a fairly high inductance, perhaps up to 4 Henrys, and a low DC resistance, perhaps only 200 Ohms, which responds to the incoming signalling impulses. The actual voltage developed across the receiving electro-magnet is quite small, perhaps only 4 volts, but in order to reduce the time constant of the signalling circuit, which is represented by the total circuit inductance divided by the total circuit resistance, and thereby increase the speed of operation of the elecro-magnet, the circuit resistance must be increased to the maximum practicable, which is best served by a current source and not a voltage source.
In the real world voltage sources are more convenient to generate than current sources, but a current source can be simulated by using a fairly high voltage and a series resistor. When the resistance is increased to reduce the time constant, the driving voltage must also be increased in order to maintain the required current through the electro-magnet. For historical reasons the voltages usually used are +/- 80 volts for Polar signalling, and 120 volts for Neutral signalling, but the precise values are not too important. However, for Polar signalling, it is important that the positive and negative supplies are balanced, otherwise distortion will be introduced.
What all this means in practice is that a machine designed for Polar signalling will not work in a circuit designed for Neutral signalling, and vice-versa. Designs for Terminal Units are available which are suitable for either type of signalling, and the Terminal Unit configuration required should be checked very carefully before any teleprinter is purchased. Having said that, some of the Creed machines can be adjusted to operate in Neutral circuits by means of auxiliary springs, or other means, but the parts required may not be fitted on individual machines, and this should be checked if single current operation is required.
The transmitter output of a double current machine consists of a single pole changeover contact which operates in sympathy with the transmitted code, the two poles representing Mark and Space respectively. Whereas the transmitter output of a single current machine consists of a normally closed contact which opens for the duration of the Space impulses.
In addition to this transmitter contact, the Creed machines usually have a second single pole changeover contact known as the Send-Receive switch. This contact operates just before the Start impulse of the character is transmitted, and restores just after the end of the Stop impulse has been transmitted. In the case of punched paper tape readers the contact remains operated for as long as characters are being transmitted, and restores after the end of the last character has been transmitted.
All of the contacts mentioned above are fitted with radio interference suppression networks, usually consisting of resistance, inductance and capacitance which are suitable for the normal signalling voltages and currents involved in teleprinter signalling.
There are several codes in use for communications purposes, with the standard five unit code being the International Telegraph Alphabet number 2 (ITA2). Other five unit codes which may be found are: the Murray code, which has some similarities with ITA2 and is partially compatible with it; Elliott 403, Stantec Zebra, and Ferranti Pegasus which are all early computer codes dating from the 1960's and are of no practical purpose to the Radio Amateur; and the Baudot code which dates from the late 1800's and was never used for teleprinters as we now know them. The only Baudot equipment that I know of is in the London Science Museum, and the now closed BT Museum in London. Needless to say, none will be found on the Amateur surplus market! When people refer to Murray and Baudot code they invariably mean ITA2, because they do not appreciate the differences between the codes.
There is no certain way of checking the code of every machine which may be found without actually seeing it in operation. A simple way, which is usually a good guide, is to carefully inspect the keyboard. The layout of the characters should be very similar to that of a standard typewriter keyboard, and as long as there are no strange characters, the machine may well be coded for ITA2. However, even this is not guaranteed as machines which use the Elliott 403 computer code have a very similar keyboard layout to a machine coded for ITA2.
In addition to five unit codes, there are also codes with seven units which are primarily used for data communications, rather than plain language communications. The main code which may be encountered is the American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) which is now in fairly universal use.
In addition to the five information units in the code, the machine requires a START unit and a STOP unit or units. In order for the machine to re-synchronise at the start of every character, the STOP unit is usually made 1.5 units long, or in the case of machines from the U.S.A. 1.42 units long. This is why teleprinter codes in general, and ITA2 in particular, is sometimes referred to as a 7.5 unit code. The corresponding machine receive cycle is usually 6.5 units, which allows the machine to cope with transmit cycles of less than 7.5 units, and significant speed errors.
Standard Radio Teleprinter Telegraphy (RTTY) communications use the ITA2 code, any other code is usually considered under the umbrella term of data. Machines will only be able to talk to each other if they use the same code, and it would be extremely difficult to change the coding of a machine after it is purchased. Indeed, it would be easier to throw it away and look for another machine!
There are a number of speeds in use on the Amateur bands, but the main ones are:
1. 45.45 Bauds, which is the original domestic speed of the U.S.A.,
and the speed at which most Amateur RTTY operation takes place.
2.
50 Bauds, which is the international standard speed for the public
Telex
service, and may sometimes be found on the Amateur VHF/UHF bands.
3.
75 Bauds, which is a common commercial communications speed on private
networks connected together by land-lines.
4. 110 Bauds, which is
the standard speed for data machines using the ASCII code.
Before considering speeds in greater detail, perhaps a few words about the "Baud" would be appropriate. The Baud is the unit of signalling speed, and is named after Emile Baudot who was an eminent French telegraphic engineer of the late 1800's, and who also devised the now obsolete Baudot code. The signalling speed in Bauds may be defined as "the reciprocal of the shortest signalling element in seconds". Therefore, a system operating at 50 Bauds will have a signal element time period equal to 1 second divided by 50. That is: 20 mS. This is most important, because machines will only be able to talk to each other if they both have the same Baud rate.
Knowing the number of units in the code, and the Baud rate at which it is transmitted, allows us to calculate the signalling speed in words per minute. For this calculation it is always assumed that a word consists of five letters plus a space, that is a total of six letter intervals.
Therefore, at 50 Bauds, and using the ITA2 code with a 1.5 unit Stop
bit:
Each letter lasts for: 7.5 x 20 = 150 mS
Therefore, one
word lasts for: 6 x 150 = 900 mS
Therefore, the number of words
transmitted in one minute is: 60 divided by 0.9 = 66.67 wpm
This is usually abbreviated to 66 words per minute. By the same reasoning, a transmission at 45.45 Bauds is equivalent to 60.6 words per minute (60 words per minute, or 60 speed), and a transmission at 75 Bauds is equivalent to 100 words per minute.
Most machines use an electric motor to derive all of the internal machine timing, and it is the speed of this motor which sets the Baud rate for the machine. Motors may be governed, if they are to be run from DC supplies, or synchronous, if there is a stable AC mains source available.
A governed motor driving a machine at 50 Bauds can usually be adjusted for 45.45 Bauds, and vice-versa, but a motor driving a machine operating at 75 Bauds cannot be adjusted to operate at 45.45 or 50 Bauds because the change in speed is just too great. In order to check the motor speed, stroboscopic markings are normally provided on the motor governor case. These markings are used in conjunction with a special tuning fork which has small shutters attached to the tines. When the motor speed is correct, the markings on the governor will appear stationary when viewed through the shutters. In practice, the motor speed is normally set so that it is running very slightly fast when idling, and very slightly slow when on full load. Under average operating conditions the motor speed will then be just right. The stroboscopic tuning forks are sometimes found at rallies, and may also be obtained through the advertisement columns of Datacom, and other Amateur radio magazines.
When synchronous motors are fitted it is necessary to replace some of the internal gears if it is required to operate the machine at different speeds, because the signalling speed is directly related to the AC mains frequency. Gears were normally produced for the three common speeds of 45.45/50/75 Bauds, but if they have to be specially manufactured they can turn out to be very expensive. Another solution which has successfully been used is to start the machine on 50 Hz AC mains, and then automatically changeover to the output from a 45.45 Hz power oscillator. Some machines may be found which are fitted with a manually operated dual speed gear box, usually for 45.45/50 Bauds or 50/75 Bauds. Intending purchasers should always check the speed at which the machine is operating, and what will be required to change the speed on that particular machine, should it be necessary.
To summarise the items above, to be of much use in Amateur circles a
teleprinter must:
1. Use a signalling system which suits the
terminal unit with which it is to be used. The BARTG ST5 series of
terminal units, with the exception of the ST5C, provide a double
current
output. However, it is possible to convert the ST5 to provide a single
current output.
2. Use the ITA2 code. (Not Murray which is now
rather rare, or one of the early computer codes, or Baudot which will
never be found.)
3. Be able to operate at least at 45.45 Bauds, and
ideally at 45.45 and 50 Bauds. Operation at 75 Bauds would be a bonus.
Having covered the basic requirements for teleprinters, we may now
look in detail at the individual machines which have been available on
the surplus market.
6S
This is a punched paper tape
reader, with reference numbers from the original 6S introduced in 1926,
to the latest model the 6S/6 introduced in 1958. Some of these tape
readers were allocated the Post Office reference numbers of: "Automatic
Transmitter No. 1B" (the 6S/3), "Automatic Transmitter No. 2D" (the
6S/5), "Automatic Transmitter No. 2E" (the 6S/5M), and "Automatic
Transmitter No. 2F" (the 6S/6M). The output from a tape reader is a
single changeover contact of exactly the same form as a teleprinter
keyboard. The early machines used a governed motor operating at 3000
rpm, whilst the later machines from the 6S/3 onwards used a governed
motor operating at 1500 rpm. All of these machines are suitable for
operation at 45.45 or 50 Bauds. Some versions of the 6S/6 may be found
with a manually operated dual speed gearbox giving the choice of 50 or
75 Bauds. The 6S/5 and 6S/6 were also available with an electromagnetic
clutch on the tape drive, which is signified by the suffix "M". The
clutch requires 50 volts DC at 20 mA to operate, and allows for remote
tape control. As these machines also contain tape sensing contacts, the
clutch may be wired in series with the sensing contacts to
automatically
stop transmission at the end of the tape. The 6S/6 and 6S/6M have an
adjustable width tape gate in order to accept the wider 7/8" wide tape
used on the model 86 printing reperforator.
Like the model 3X it originally used the Murray code, but very rapidly
changed to the standard ITA2 code. Over 150,000 model 7's were
manufactured before production ceased in the late 1960's. The machine
could be fitted with interchangeable platen assemblies for either:
Friction feed paper, Sprocket feed paper, or 3/8" wide paper tape. Many
variants were also manufactured as the machine was developed, and these
may be identified by various suffixes after the 7. These will be
described later, as some of the suffixes are common to other machines.
This machine was usually fitted with a 3000 rpm governed motor for
operation at 50 Bauds, which is adjustable for operation at 45.45
Bauds.
Motors were produced for DC voltage ranges of 24 volts to 220 volts,
and
for AC voltage ranges of 110 volts to 230 volts. Some machines were
fitted with a 3000 rpm synchronous motor for operation at 50 Bauds, and
are not directly suitable for operation at 45.45 Bauds without an
external AC mains upply running at 45.45 Hz, or some other form of
electronic speed conversion. This machine was allocated the Post Office
reference number "Teleprinter No. 7".
7P
This is an off line keyboard
perforator, introduced in 1934, whose sole function is to produce
punched paper tape directly from the keyboard input. It may be found
with either 1500 rpm governed or 1450 rpm induction motors. The punch
mechanism is capable of working at up to 140 words per minute, so the
speed of operation is entirely dependent upon the skill of the keyboard
operator. A character counter is often fitted so that the carriage
return and line feed characters may be inserted at the appropriate part
of the text. This is essential if the contents of the tape are to be
printed on a standard page teleprinter.
This machine was
allocated the Post Office reference number "Perforator No. 45".
7TR
This is a non-printing tape
reperforator, introduced in 1931, which uses a number of assemblies
which are common to the model 7 teleprinter. The signal input circuit
is
electrically identical to a model 7 teleprinter, and the same range of
motors may be encountered. The later model 7TR/3 punches two tapes
simultaneously. This machine was allocated the Post Office reference
number "Reperforator No. 2".
8 This is the receive only version of the model 7 teleprinter and, hence, is not fitted with a keyboard. It is otherwise identical to the model 7.
25 This is a high speed non printing tape reperforator, introduced in 1955, which operates from a parallel drive at a speed of up to 33 characters per second. The speed of operation is independent of the motor speed, and is determined by the parallel drive circuitry. This machine was usually fitted with a 1500 rpm induction motor operating from 50 Hz AC mains, but 3000 rpm governed motors for DC supplies may sometimes be found. It was designed for use with some of the early electronic computers, and may be found in versions for 5, 6, 7, or 8 unit tape, and with drive voltages from 12 volts to 100 volts DC. It is not normally used for communications purposes, but with suitable drive electronics it can be put to good use.
35 This is a high speed paper tape reader operating at a speed of up to 40 characters per second, in either direction, with a parallel output. The speed of operation is independent of the motor speed, and is determined by the control circuitry. This machine was usually fitted with a 1500 rpm induction motor operating from 50 Hz AC mains. It was designed for use with some of the early electronic computers, and may be found in versions for 5, 6, 7, or 8 unit tape, and with drive voltages from 12 volts to 100 volts DC. It is not normally used for communications purposes, but with suitable drive electronics it can be put to good use.
47
Like the model 3, this
teleprinter also prints on a 3/8" wide gummed paper tape for the Post
Office Telegram service, and was introduced in 1947 to replace the
ageing model 3. The component parts have many similarities with the
model 7, from which it was developed. Like the model 7, a governed
motor
was normally fitted. This machine was allocated the Post Office
reference number "Teleprinter No. 11".
54
This page printing teleprinter
was introduced in 1954 as a stop gap measure pending the development of a
totally new teleprinter (the model 75), and is really only an advanced
model 7E in an all enclosing silence cover. This makes it a very nice
machine to operate. Like the model 7 a governed motor was usually
fitted, although some synchronous motors may be found. A tape punch,
operated from the receive mechanism, is often fitted as standard within
the silencing cover. This machine was used as a print out device for
some of the early electronic computers, and may be found coded for some
of the early computer codes.
67
This is a combination of the
model
7P keyboard perforator and the model 6S punched tape reader, which was
introduced in 1934. This permits a tape to be punched, and transmitted
directly to line. A governed motor operating at 1500 rpm is normally
fitted, which will permit operation at 45.45 and 50 Bauds. It would be
unusual to find a complete model 67, the majority of which had the
transmitter head removed so that the machine reverted to a standard 7P
keyboard perforator.
71 This is a multiple head punched tape reader with three independent message transmitting heads which was introduced in 1951. It is based on an American design and provides a single current output, not the standard changeover contact found in other Creed machines. It was usually used in message relay stations so that two other messages could be loaded whilst the first was being transmitted. A governed motor is normally fitted, which will permit operation at 45.45 or 50 Bauds. As a tape reader it is physically rather large. This machine was allocated the Post Office reference number "Automatic Transmitter No. 3".
72 This is a multiple head punched tape reader with three independent number transmitting heads to identify the messages being sent by the model 71 tape reader. In all other respects it is very similar to the model 71. This machine was allocated the Post Office reference number "Automatic Transmitter No. 4".
74 This is a multiple head punched tape reader and is a combination of the models 71 and 72, providing one number transmitting head and two message transmitting heads. In all other respects it is very similar to the model 71. This machine was allocated the Post Office reference number "Automatic Transmitter No. 5".
75
When this page printing teleprinter was introduced in 1958, it was the
smallest, lightest, fastest, and most versatile machine in the world.
It
utilised a stationary paper platen, and a cylindrical type head which
was driven by a complicated arrangement of levers positioned in
response
to the received code. The machine uses one main cam shaft for the
transmit and receive functions, and provides the local copy by internal
mechanical means. When used with the BARTG ST5 terminal unit a very
minor wiring change is necessary to take account of this mechanical
local record. It will operate at 45.45, 50 or 75 Bauds, and may be
found
with a dual speed gear box for 45.45 and 50 Bauds, or 50 and 75 Bauds.
If the gear box is not fitted two gears will need to be replaced to
change the operating speed of the machine. The standard motor fitted
was
a governed motor operating at 4200 rpm, but some machines were fitted
with 3000 rpm synchronous motors for 50 Hz supplies, or 3600 rpm motors
for 60 Hz supplies. As would be expected, the gears for the different
types of motors are completely different and are not interchangeable.
The various gears for the governed and 3000 rpm synchronous motors,
which have colour coding spots by which they may be identified, are
sometimes seen at rallies, but the gears for the 3600 rpm motors are
extremely rare. Factory fitted options included a paper tape reader
and/or tape punch, automatic carriage return/line feed, dual colour
printing, and a choice of three or four row keyboards. The model 75
could also be supplied as a receive only machine, which could also
fitted with an answer back unit and the associated transmitter
contacts.
This machine may also be found coded for some of the early computer
codes, or with a solenoid operated parallel drive mechanism and
parallel
output contacts. This parallel drive version may usually be identified
by the 25 way Plessey mark 4 signal connector on the rear of the
machine. A modified version of this machine, which utilised a remote
keyboard for use on the Telex cordless switchboards, was allocated the
Post Office reference number "Teleprinter No. 12".
85 This is a printing reperforator, introduced in 1948, similar to the model 7 page printing teleprinter, but fitted with a perforating unit fitted in place of the paper platen. The perforator is designed to produce "chadless" tape, which means that the holes in the tape are not punched cleanly, but the chads are still attached to the tape by means of a small flap. The text is then printed directly on top of the tape. This style of tape may be read by any of the standard range of punched tape readers. The same range of motors as fitted to the model 7 are also fitted to this machine. This machine was allocated the Post Office reference number "Printing Reperforator No. 1". The receive only version of this machine, the model 85R, was allocated the Post Office reference number "Printing Reperforator No. 2".
86 This is a printing reperforator, similar in most respects to the model 85, but using 7/8" wide tape instead of the standard 11/16" wide tape, and printing the text below the clean punched holes. This tape may be read using the 6S/6 series of tape readers, which are fitted with an adjustable width tape gate. The same range of motors as fitted to the model 7 are also fitted to this machine. This machine was allocated the Post Office reference number "Printing Reperforator No. 1D". The receive only version of this machine, the model 86R, was allocated the Post Office reference number "Printing Reperforator No. 2D".
92 This is an electromagnetically operated punched paper tape reader, introduced in 1957, which operates at speeds up to 20 characters per second with a parallel output. It was designed for use with some of the early electronic computers, and may be found in versions for 5, 6, 7 or 8 unit tape, with drive voltages from 12 volts to 100 volts DC. It is not generally used for communications purposes but with suitable drive electronics it can be put to good use. The mark 1 and mark 2 versions caused very high tape wear, which was corrected in the mark 3 version by redesigning the tape sensing mechanism.
444
This page printing teleprinter was introduced in 1966 to replace the
ageing model 7 in the Telex and private wire services. It was designed
to operate continuously at 75 Bauds, and was only provided with gears
for 50 and 75 Bauds. It was usually fitted with a 3000 rpm synchronous
motor for 50 Hz AC supplies, but a few machines fitted with 3750 rpm
governed motors may be found. Machines for export were sometimes fitted
with 3600 rpm synchronous motors for 60 Hz AC supplies, but these are
now extremely rare. A replacement 45.45 Baud gear for 50 Baud machines
fitted with the 3000 rpm synchronous motor was available from BARTG
some
years ago, but the stocks have long since been used up, and there are
no
plans to produce any more. This machine is often fitted with a built in
tape punch, a paper tape reader, dual colour printing, and a "stunt
box"
for character recognition. It is a very nice machine to operate and,
due
to its all enclosing cover, is very quiet in operation. This machine
was
allocated the Post Office reference number "Teleprinter No. 15".
750 This page printing teleprinter is a very rare development of the model 75, and uses separate transmit and receive camshafts in a similar manner to other Creed teleprinters. Visually, it is slightly larger than the model 75 in order to accommodate the two camshafts. Very little information is available for this machine, and any intending purchaser should ask for a demonstration of the machine in operation.
2300 This semi-electronic page printing teleprinter, introduced in 1974, was intended as a general replacement for the entirely mechanical model 444 in the Telex and private wire services. However, due to the variety of options available, it eventually became uneconomic to manufacture, and was overtaken by the emerging electronic teleprinters. The timing is crystal controlled, and was normally adjustable for 50, 75 and 100 Bauds. By changing the crystal, operation at 45.45 Bauds is possible. The electronic section contains a number of non standard integrated circuits and, if a serious problem develops, it may prove very difficult to cure. The machine was normally fitted with a 3000 rpm synchronous motor to drive the rotating print head. Characters were printed "on the fly" by a type hammer located behind the paper, without stopping the actual rotation of the print head. This machine was allocated the Post Office reference number "Teleprinter No. 23".
A
Normally means that the machine transmits a 7.5 unit character and
receives in a 7.0 unit cycle; 66 wpm at 50 Bauds. This was the early
transmit and receive configuration, and is not often encountered.
A
When applied to the Post Office versions of the model 70 series of tape
readers it indicates that the transmitter is configured for a 7.42 unit
character.
ASR
Automatic Send Receive. A machine
fitted with a tape punch and tape reader. Often used with the model 444
teleprinter.
B
Normally means that the machine
transmits a 7.5 unit character and receives in a 6.5 unit cycle; 66 wpm
at 50 Bauds. This is the standard transmit and receive configuration.
B
When applied to the Post Office versions of the model 70 series of tape
readers it indicates that the transmitter is configured for a 7.5 unit
character.
C
Normally means that the machine
transmits a 7.0 unit character and receives in a 6.5 unit cycle; 71.4
wpm at 50 Bauds. This was mainly used on private wire circuits.
C
When applied to the Post Office versions of the model 70 series of tape
readers it indicates that the transmitter is configured for a 7.0 unit
character.
CTK
Commercial Typewriter Keyboard.
This was used on the model 7 series of machines so that an ordinary
typist could use a teleprinter without any special training. It is very
complex mechanically, and uses mechanical character storage to
automatically insert the figures and letter shift signals, but is very
easy to use.
D
Normally applied to the model 7
teleprinter to indicate that the machine has been modified for the
Telex service, and that it is fitted with motor on-speed contacts, an
improved answer back unit, and a 33 way signals plug. The machine still
transmits
a 7.5 unit character and receives in a 6.5 unit cycle; 66 wpm at 50
Bauds.
D
When applied to the standard
versions of the model 70 series of tape readers it indicates that the
transmitter is configured for a 7.42 unit character.
E Normally
applied to a model 7 teleprinter to indicate that the machine is fitted
with the later overlap cam unit. This cam unit consists of three
separate cam shafts, and allows characters to be printed as soon as
they are received, rather than being printed when the next character is
received as in the earlier versions of the model 7. This cam unit is
fitted as standard to the model 54 teleprinter.
K3 The three row keyboard
used on the model 75 teleprinter.
K4
The four row teleprinter used on
the model 75 teleprinter.
KSR
Keyboard Send Receive. A machine
not fitted with either a tape punch or tape reader. Often used with the
model 444 teleprinter.
M
Fitted with an electro-magnetic
clutch. Applied to the model 6S series of tape readers only.
M3 The
three row keyboard used on the earlier model 7 series of machines. Rather
heavy in operation, but very reliable.
N3 The three row keyboard
used on the later model 7, 47 and 54 series of machines. A very nice
keyboard.
N4
The four row keyboard used on the
later model 7, 47 and 54 series of machines. A very nice keyboard.
P
Fitted with a punched tape perforating attachment which is directly
operated by the action of the keyboard.
PR Printing Reperforator.
A machine which produces punched paper tape directly from the received
signal, and prints the text between the feed holes. Applied to the
model 75 teleprinter only.
R
Receive only version of a
machine. That is, no keyboard or transmitting mechanism is fitted.
RO Receive
Only version of a machine. That is, no keyboard or transmitting
mechanism is fitted. Often used with the model 444 teleprinter.
RP
Fitted with a punched tape reperforating attachment which is operated
directly by the received signal.
T
Fitted with a mechanical punched
taped reader operating via the keyboard transmitting mechanism. Applied
to the model 75 teleprinter only.
T100
This is a purely mechanical page
printing teleprinter which, by changing gears, is capable of operation
at 45.45, 50 or 75 Bauds. A 3000 rpm synchronous motor, or a 3750 rpm
governed motor may be fitted. In a similar manner to the Creed model
75, the gears are not interchangeable between the two types of motor. The
machine is designed for single current operation only, and may be
fitted with a punched tape reader and a tape punch. Some of the models, which
were intended for private wire use, may be found fitted with an
internal signalling supply and an all enclosing silencing cover similar to the
Creed model 444 teleprinter.
Above: Siemens 100 Series 1 machine.
Siemens 100 Series 2 machine.
T150
This is a semi-electronic page
printing teleprinter, with an electronic keyboard, operating at 50, 75
or 100 Bauds. The machine is powered by a 1400 rpm induction motor, but
the timing is crystal controlled, and the machine is capable of
operation at 45.45 Bauds by changing the crystal. As with the T100, the
T150 is designed for single current operation only, and may be fitted
with a punched tape reader and a tape punch. Internal signalling
supplies are not usually fitted to this machine.
Teletype Machines
Note: "Teletype" is a registered trade mark of the Teletype Corporation, and may only be used to describe equipment manufactured by that company.
14 A number of different machines were given this designation, including: a tape printing teleprinter (similar to the Creed model 47), a chadless printing reperforator (similar to the Creed model 85), and non printing reperforator (similar to the Creed model 7TR). All of these machines normally operated at 45.45 Bauds, and were fitted with either a governed motor or a synchronous motor for a 60 Hz mains supply, all of which operated at 115 volts. Gears for the 60 Hz synchronous motors operating on 50 Hz are very difficult to find.
14TD This is a punched paper tape reader providing a single current output. The transmitter does not use a changeover contact, as in the Creed machines, but uses a segmented distributor and rotating brush gear to generate the output signal, hence the name: "Transmitter Distributor". This machine normally operated at 45.45 Bauds, and was fitted with either a governed motor or a synchronous motor for a 60 Hz mains supply, all of which operated at 115 volts. Gears for the 60 Hz synchronous motors operating on 50 Hz are very difficult to find. Some machines may be found with many smaller segments in the distributor. These were intended for cryptographic use. Whilst conversion for normal communications use is possible, it is hardly worth the effort.
15 This was the standard page printing teleprinter, using a stationary platen and a moving type basket and in its day was probably the most widely used teleprinter by Radio Amateurs throughout the World. This machine normally operated at 45.45 Bauds, and was fitted with either a governed motor or a synchronous motor for a 60 Hz mains supply, all of which operated at 115 volts. Gears for the 60 Hz synchronous motors operating on 50 Hz are very difficult to find. Receive only versions were also produced without the keyboard and transmitter mechanism. This teleprinter was also manufactured under licence in Germany by Lorenz, and was known as the LO15. It has metric threads, but is broadly identical to the standard TT15 in all other respects.
19 This is a composite set, and comprises a model 15 page printing teleprinter with a built in keyboard perforator and a model 14TD punched tape reader, all mounted on a special table which also contained the necessary power supplies. A character counter was normally fitted to the perforator so that the carriage return and line feed characters could be inserted at the appropriate point, thereby producing a tape which would be suitable for reception on a page printer, whilst the model 15 was otherwise engaged printing an incoming message from line.
26 This is a small, lightweight, page printing teleprinter, with a stationary paper platen and rotating type head, similar in some respects to the Creed model 75 teleprinter. However, it is not capable of continuous service, and spares for the worn out parts are very difficult to obtain.
28 This is a heavy duty page printing teleprinter which was designed for operation at 45.45, 50 or 75 Bauds, and was fitted with governed or synchronous motors operating from 115 volts 60 Hz. This machine was available as ASR or KSR versions, and with many options, including: automatic carriage return/line feed, a two or three speed gear box, and a built in "stunt box" for character recognition. Several different tape readers and tape punches could be fitted depending upon the final requirements. The model 28 is a very fine machine indeed.
32 This is a modern page printing teleprinter, also available as receive only, ASR or KSR. It may be desk top mounted or supplied on a floor pedestal. It was designed as a light duty low cost machine.
33 This is the ASCII version of the model 32, to which it is very similar in all other respects. This machine was very popular in the early days of home computing as a printout device, a function for which it was also used in the commercial field. It was manufactured for single current signalling and the low voltage RS232 signalling system. RS232 machines may usually be identified by the fitting of a 25 way "D" series plug. The machine may also be found under the name of the Data Dynamics model 390, which is the Teletype model 33 chassis in a larger enclosure, with built in power supplies, a paper tape punch and a paper tape reader.
34 This is a modern page printing teleprinter, also available as receive only, ASR or KSR. It may be desk top mounted or supplied on a floor pedestal. It was designed as a heavy duty machine, and incorporated a "stunt box" similar to the model 28.
35 This is the ASCII version of the model 34, to which it is very similar in all other respects.
Due to the wide variety of equipment which may be encountered, only the standard connections to the Creed machines, which are the ones most likely to be encountered, will be considered.
The standard signalling connector for the majority of Creed machines is the 12 pin Multicon (miniature Jones), with the male plug connected to the machine. An additional connector, the Plessey mark 4 circular connector, was also used on the model 75 series of machines so that the power and signalling leads could be disconnected. The pin designations for the 12 way Plessey mark 4 signal connector are given in the (.) brackets. Some early Creed machines used a large 9 pin, round pin, plug for the signals connections. The pin designations for this 9 pin plug are given in the [.] brackets.
Pin No. Function
1 (A) [6] Mark contact
2 (B) [7] Tongue Note 1
3 (C) [8]
Space contact
4 (D) [9] Receive contact
5 (E) [2] Tongue
6
(F) [1] Send contact
7 (G) [5] Receive electro-magnet Note 2
8
(H) No connection
9 (J) [3] Receive electro-magnet
10 (K) [4]
Bell contact Note 3
11 (L) Bell and Who Are You Contacts Note 4
12 (M) Who Are You contact Note 5
Notes:
1. On the 444 teleprinter, link pin 12 to pin 13 on the 50 way
connector, the other connections remain the same.
2. For "Mark",
current should flow into pin 7 and out of pin 9.
3. This contact
closes when the "Bell" character, figures shift J, is received.
4.
This pin may be bonded to the machine chassis.
5. This contact
closes when the "Who Are You" character, figures shift D, is received.
If the machine is fitted with an Answer Back unit, a 20 character
message will also be transmitted to line.
6. For punched tape
readers, only pins 1 to 6 inclusive apply.
Five Unit Codes Datacom, Winter 1998, pp 28-35
Stroboscope
Tuning Forks BARTG Newsletter, July 1982, pp 48-49
Creed & Company -
The First 50 Years Datacom, Summer 1997, pp 8-20
Teleprinter
Handbook (1st Edition) Goacher and Denny, RSGB 1973
Teleprinter
Handbook (2nd Edition) Hobbs, Yeomanson and Gee, RSGB 1983
Creed
model 3 Teleprinter Converting the Creed type 3 Printers to Print like
the 7B (ITA2) BARTG Newsletter No. 38, pp 8-10
Creed model 6S
Automatic Transmitters
Creed 6S Series Automatic Transmitters BARTG
Newsletter No. 69, September 1976, pp 20-21
Creed 6S6 Automatic
Transmitters BARTG Newsletter No. 68, June 1976, p 8
6S6M Wiring
BARTG Newsletter No. 60, June 1974, p 13
Creed model 7 Teleprinter
7B Make and Break BARTG Newsletter No. 43, April 1970, pp 9-10
7B Make and Break BARTG Newsletter No. 44, pp 5-14
7B Make and
Break BARTG Newsletter No. 61, September 1974, pp 12-16
7B Make and
Break BARTG Newsletter No.62, December 1974, pp 10-11
Teleprinter
7B
Standard Adjustments BARTG Newsletter No. 48, pp 16-18
Model 7 and
54 Page Teleprinters (part 1) BARTG Newsletter No.59, pp 9-12
Model
7 and 54 Page Teleprinters (part 2) BARTG Newsletter No.60, June 1974,
pp 3-6
Creed 7B 12 pin Plug Wiring BARTG Newsletter No. 45,
September 1970, p 25
A Switched Two Speed Governor BARTG
Newsletter,
Summer 1966, pp 4-5
A Simple way to make a 7B Governor Dual Speed
BARTG Newsletter No. 50, pp 20-21
A Teleprinter Motor Speed Control
Device BARTG Newsletter No. 65, September 1975, pp 19-25
Automatic
CR/LF for the Creed 7B BARTG Newsletter No. 60, June 1974, p 14
Automatic CR and LF for the Creed 7 and 54 Printers BARTG
Newsletter
No. 70, December 1976, pp 18-18
7B/RP Reperforator BARTG Newsletter
No. 46, December 1970, pp 7-10
Thoughts on the Answer back Drum
BARTG Newsletter No.71, March 1977, pp 5-6
Answer back Ward Chart
for Teleprinters 7 and 47 BARTG Newsletter No.72, June 1977, p 20
The Creed CTK Keyboard BARTG Newsletter No. 68, June 1976, pp 6-8
N3 Keyboard BARTG Newsletter No. 43, April 1970, pp 11-17
Creed
model 54 Teleprinter
Model 7 and 54 Page Teleprinters (part 1)
BARTG
Newsletter No.59, pp 9-12
Model 7 and 54 Page Teleprinters (part 2)
BARTG Newsletter No.60, June 1974, pp 3-6
Model 54 Starter Switch
Control BARTG Newsletter No.62, December 1974, pp 11-12
Automatic
CR
and LF for the Creed 7 and 54 Printers BARTG Newsletter No. 70,
December
1976, pp 18-18
Creed model 75 Teleprinter
The Creed model 75
Teleprinter (part 1) Datacom, Autumn 1997, pp 5-9
The Creed model
75
Teleprinter (part 2) Datacom, Winter 1997, pp 8-11
Creed model 75
Identification BARTG Newsletter, March 1979, p 21
Notes on the
Creed
75 for Amateur Use BARTG Newsletter No. 53, September 1972, pp 20-25
Creed model 75 Motors and Gears BARTG Newsletter, December 1978, pp
15-16
Creed model 75 Timing Disc BARTG Newsletter, June 1980, pp
15-16
Creed model 444 Teleprinter
Introduction to the Creed 444
BARTG Newsletter, Summer 1983, pp 16-20
The Creed 444 Teleprinter
Datacom, Autumn 1995, pp 69-70
ITT Creed model 444 Teleprinter
(part
1) Datacom, Spring 1999, pp 28-37
Maintaining the Creed 444 BARTG
Newsletter, Spring 1983, pp 6-11
Lubrication instructions for the
Creed 444 Datacom, Winter 1988, pp 73-84
The Creed 444 on 45 Bauds
BARTG Newsletter, Winter 1983, pp 8-10
The G3RED Teleprinter
Synchronous Motor Speed Control BARTG Newsletter No.72, June 1977, pp
21-26
Coding the Porcupine BARTG Newsletter, December 1982, pp
12-13
More on the 444 Answer back Datacom, Spring 1984, p 19
Creed
444
WRU Disable on Receive Datacom, Summer 1985, pp 64-65
Using the
Bell
Contacts on the Creed 444 BARTG Newsletter, Summer 1983, pp 24-25
The Creed 444 End of Line Lamp Datacom, Winter 1984, pp 33-34
Creed model 2300 Teleprinter
The Creed 2300 (part 1) Datacom,
Spring 1984, pp 16-18
The Creed 2300 (part 2) Datacom, Summer 1984,
pp 20-23
The Creed 2300 (part 3) Datacom, Autumn 1984, pp 14-16
The Creed 2300 Datacom, Spring 1988, pp 41-50
Connecting the
Creed 2300 to the ST5MC Datacom, Winter 1986, p 30
Teletype 14
Series
The Story of a Teletype 14 Transmitter Distributor BARTG
Newsletter, May 1965, pp 4-6
Using Cryptographic Transmitter
Distributors BARTG Newsletter, Winter 1966/67, pp 4-5
Teletype
model
15 Teleprinter
Speed Indicator and Controller for the Teletype
model
15 BARTG Newsletter No. 42, September 1969, pp 12-20
Teletype model
33 Teleprinter
The Data Dynamics 390 Printer Datacom, Winter 1895,
pp 25-33
==============================================================================================
Thanks to BARTG and Alan G Hobbs, G8GOJ the author, in
allowing me to illustrate his article with images of some
of the many machines listed.
Rev: 15th March 2005
contact, see home page