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    IBM Selectric Typewriter & its digital to analogue converter

    engineerguy

    4 HN recommenders · recommended in 8 months, 2016–2025

    YouTube

    3:05 · 1.1M views · Nov 7, 2010

    Bill Hammack of engineerguy uses slow motion video to show how the IBM Selectric typewriter works. He focuses on its fully mechanical digital-to-analog converter, which turns key presses into rotation of the type ball.

    HN commenters recommend it whenever the Selectric comes up, as a short, excellent explanation of its internals.

    Engineering, Transport & MakingMechanical & precision engineeringHistory of computing
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    8 comments from Hacker News

    1. @voxadamApr 2023· in “DIY IBM Selectric type balls give ’60s typewriters new life (and Comic Sans)”

      The Selectric is a fascinating machine. I highly recommend watching "IBM Selectric Typewriter & its digital to analogue converter"[0] by The Engineer Guy. [0] this video

      Strongly recommendsView on HN
    2. @golem14Jun 2023· in “How to make your own Selectric Typeballs”

      To deepen the wonder, I'd be interested to see the longevity per material (PLA/Nylon/metal/...). I'd expect a lot of trial and error to deal with shrinkage and the probably high precision needed by the Selectric. But this is a great repository, thanks a lot! P.S. excellent short video by Bill Hammack on the Selectric internals: this video

      RecommendsView on HN
    3. @djmipsMar 2023· in “Mechanical aircraft weight and balance computer using whippletrees”

      You might enjoy these. IBM Selectric Typewriter & its digital to analogue converter this video The Whiffletree: A mechanical digital-to-analog converter [LINK]

      RecommendsView on HN
    4. @voxadamSep 2025· in “Comic Sans typeball designed to work with the IBM Selectric typewriters”

      Bill Hammack (engineerguy) has an excellent video on the IBM Selectric titled IBM Selectric Typewriter & its digital to analogue converter .[1] [1] this video

      RecommendsView on HN
    5. @dghughesJun 2016· in “Xerox Alto Restoration Part 2: Firing up the monitor [video]”

      You may enjoy Bill Hammack's video "IBM Selectric Typewriter & its digital to analogue converter" this video

      RecommendsView on HN