1 of 1- Superskish
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Smith Corona 600 DLD - messed up leters
I have a Smith Corona 600 DLD electronic typewriter. I just got it from a nearby thrift store, and it works perfect, except for one thing. Whenever it types anything, it only shows half of the letter. For example, if I typed a "W", it would only show a "V". After looking at the typewriter ribbon to see if it was the problem, I noticed that the ribbon only moves half of a space when typing a letter. Normally, the ribbon is supposed to move a full space when typing a letter to give the next letter that I type a full new space of ink to show the letter. But it's only moving half. I need help. I apologize if this doesn't make sense. I would be happy to answer any clarifying questions.
- TypewriterKing
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Re: Smith Corona 600 DLD - messed up leters
The first thing you can try is to remove the ribbon and reinstall it--there may be something either down there gumming up the works. Then, if you can, try the action of the ribbon cartridge, or get a new one to see how it works in there. I've seen ribbon cartridges that have worked better than others for some reason or another. You might also remove and reinstall the print wheel. And, if it has a separate correction tape, remove and reinstall that. Make sure everything is clean under there. And, unlike in times past when I would normally recommend fluids or oil, these electronic jobs are strictly dry. Oil eats plastic parts like you wouldn't believe. I don't do too much servicing on those electronic jobs, but hopefully this will help.
Underwood--Speeds the World's Bidness
- Superskish
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Re: Smith Corona 600 DLD - messed up leters
Thanks for the help! I've tried most of that. I haven't ordered a new cartridge yet because I wanted to see if anyone new a way to fix it. I've looked online to see the recommended cartridge that comes with the typewriter, and its the same one that's in my typewriter now. From the looks of it, it's almost out anyway. Would you recommend I get the same one, or a different one to see if it changes anything?
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Thread Starter- TypewriterGuy
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Re: Smith Corona 600 DLD - messed up leters
The ribbon I'm assuming is carbon/ one use. In that case, the ribbon advance IS the issue. If its multiple use, then its not. Ive had problems with those electronic SCs before. One time it was a missing spring underneath the ribbon cartridge.
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- Superskish
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Re: Smith Corona 600 DLD - messed up leters
Do you know how I might fix it? Sorry, I only use the typewriters, not fix them.
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Thread Starter- Superskish
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Re: Smith Corona 600 DLD - messed up leters
I do see a place where a spring would go. There's a little hook on the thing that advances the ribbon. T here's also a little hole about the same distance that the other springs are. I'm not sure where to find a spring though. Any ideas?
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Thread Starter- TypewriterKing
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Re: Smith Corona 600 DLD - messed up leters
Superskish wrote:
Thanks for the help! I've tried most of that. I haven't ordered a new cartridge yet because I wanted to see if anyone new a way to fix it. I've looked online to see the recommended cartridge that comes with the typewriter, and its the same one that's in my typewriter now. From the looks of it, it's almost out anyway. Would you recommend I get the same one, or a different one to see if it changes anything?
I'd do me a little research--I'd either go to an office supply and see if they had a ribbon that was made exactly for your typewriter (brand, model number, etc.), or go online to find out. It could be that the last owner slipped in a ribbon for a similar machine, but not quite the exact one. Probably not, but there is that chance. Also, the ribbon itself may be defective, or, underneath, a spring or some other part may have fallen out. You can unplug the machine, take it to where you can shake it out to see if a part falls out. Sorry to say, it could be any number of things, but these I've seen are the most common.
Underwood--Speeds the World's Bidness
