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1 - melodistranger
- New Member
Offline - Registered: 20-5-2014
- Posts: 9
Typewriter into Code Machine
Hi there,
I'm wanting to turn a typewriter into a simple coding devecie. My idea is to swap the 'Type-Slugs' (I think that's the stencils on the end of the hammers are called) around so that when you press a given key it will write a different letter to what it should. Is that something that is possible to do with a paticular model of typewriter? Ideally I'm looking for the cheapest and least type consuming option.
Thanks for your help guys!
Marc
- malole
- Inactive Account
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- From: East Anglia, UK
- Registered: 02-6-2014
- Posts: 330
Re: Typewriter into Code Machine
I am not sure there is a cheap and quick way to do it, though it should be possible. I would look at getting some 3D printed type slugs to stick over the top of your existing type which would probably be cheaper than paying someone skilled to do a swap around of all the type. unless you can do it of course! The 3D thing has been done, to create a Comic Sans Typewriter. really fun project, but it is not a perfect solution if you want a really neat and secure job.
- TypewriterGuy
- Typewriter Talk Vet
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- Registered: 24-4-2015
- Posts: 1,250
Re: Typewriter into Code Machine
The easiest (Although a little time consuming) way is to cut off, or preferably pry off the existing type slugs, and rearrange them.
Back from a long break.
Starting fresh with my favorite typer. A Royal Futura!
- Uwe
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- From: Toronto, Canada
- Registered: 12-3-2013
- Posts: 4,410
Re: Typewriter into Code Machine
TypewriterGuy wrote:
The easiest way is to cut off, or preferably pry off the existing type slugs, and rearrange them.
Um, that's really terrible advice.
@melodistranger: Do you have any experience with soldering? If not, I'd suggest finding a very inexpensive typewriter with plastic keys, remove them, and reinstall them to different positions on the keyboard. The typewriter would still be usuable as a normal machine for a touch typist, and would double as a code machine. It would achieve the same effect as rearranging the slugs.
The pronoun I has always been capitalized in the English language for more than 700 years.
- TypewriterGuy
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Re: Typewriter into Code Machine
Well its easier than getting them 3d printed...
Back from a long break.
Starting fresh with my favorite typer. A Royal Futura!
- beak
- Key Master
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- From: Qld Australia
- Registered: 24-3-2013
- Posts: 929
Re: Typewriter into Code Machine
The mechanical options would be tough for an amateur to perform, I think, and would leave you with only one substitution code (very easy to run down), but what about electronic options?
There are kits which will enable the TW's keystrokes to be entered into a computer or tablet as text, and with a little creative programing along the way, you have a code machine.
Sincerely,
beak.
- Uwe
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- From: Toronto, Canada
- Registered: 12-3-2013
- Posts: 4,410
Re: Typewriter into Code Machine
Well its easier than getting them 3d printed...
How do you figure that?!? How do you propose to reattach a slug that was "cut" or "pryed" off? Most slugs are soldered onto the end of the typebar, and that's the method that should be used whenever there's a need to remove and reinstall them. What you suggested would essentially destroy a typewriter, or were you expecting the OP to try and weld cut off slugs back on to the ends of hopelessly mangled type bars?
The pronoun I has always been capitalized in the English language for more than 700 years.
- TypewriterGuy
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Re: Typewriter into Code Machine
Im not a big fan of ruining any typewriter, but its an idea that popped into my head. Sometimes I just post any ideas that pop into my head. Whatever I post doesnt mean I mean it. Also, Melo said that they wanted to rearrange the slugs around, and the only way you can really do that is to rearrange the slugs around.
Back from a long break.
Starting fresh with my favorite typer. A Royal Futura!
- ztyper
- Key Master
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- From: Somewhere in New Jersey
- Registered: 01-10-2014
- Posts: 773
Re: Typewriter into Code Machine
To be fair, 3D printing replacement slugs would be quite difficult if one does not own a 3D printer. They're not cheap, and are hard to operate to a normal person off the street. Hell, some people have a hard time with Microsoft Windows let alone a piece of fine machinery that is way beyond the capabilities of the average joe. However, taking the type slugs off and soldering them back on would be extremely hard. It's a job that requires an expert hand that only the factory could do. And I think you'd have a hard time contacting Royal and asking if they could switch the slugs around at their factory.
So the best option? Maybe learn programming and mess up the order of type for an electronic typewriter.
A high schooler with a lot of typewriters. That's pretty much about it.
- JustAnotherGuy
- Speed Champion
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- From: Illinois, USA
- Registered: 20-9-2014
- Posts: 277
Re: Typewriter into Code Machine
Well its easier than getting them 3d printed...
How do you figure that?!? How do you propose to reattach a slug that was "cut" or "pryed" off? Most slugs are soldered onto the end of the typebar, and that's the method that should be used whenever there's a need to remove and reinstall them. What you suggested would essentially destroy a typewriter, or were you expecting the OP to try and weld cut off slugs back on to the ends of hopelessly mangled type bars?
Hey, calm down, it was just an idea. In theory it sounded easy, even though it is really just not a workable method.
