1969 IBM Magnetic Tape Selectric Recorder #62052
Status: My Collection
Hunter: Erik Bruchez (ebruchez)
Created: 03-25-2024 at 08:24PM
Last Edit: 07-04-2024 at 07:36AM
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Description:
This is a first on TWDB, and in fact this might well be the only known surviving Magnetic Tape Selectric Recorder in existence!
The label inside the typewriter says "TYPE 655" and "MODEL MT/SR".
This was an unknown system to me! The Magnetic Tape Selectric Recorder appears to be a simplified system to type data and save it to magnetic tape, for use by the IBM Magnetic Tape Composer system. The normal system would have an MT/ST Model IV, with word processing abilities. This Recorder can probably only write to tape. It is unclear how you would deal with typing errors: would the backspace key allow erasing the last character on tape, for example? It is also unclear whether the I/O typewriter is a standard I/O typewriter, or one that can only send signals out (vs. also being able to receive data). Further inspection might clarify that.
The I/O typewriter uses fabric ribbons in a cartridge. A spare, sealed ribbon was present, as well as another, open ribbon. A single type element, identified by MT/SR, is present.
A 1967 document quotes the MT/SR at 3,950, which is about $36,000 in 2024 US dollars.
Amazingly, a complete binder with service schematics is present. The binder was meant to be stored in the MT unit. There is also a complete service record, showing that the machine was put in service in 1969, and used until at least 1978.
The MT console contains only one tape drive. It also contains simple electronics, with cards connected to a wire-wrapped backplane, to interface the I/O typewriter to the tape recorder, I assume.
Unlike the Magnetic Tape Selectric Composer desk, which contains electronics, this desk is just a piece of furniture, with the electronics in the MT console.
Also unlike the Magnetic Tape Selectric Composer and Mag Card units, you can easily disconnect the magnetic tape console from the typewriter by unscrewing a connector.
This unit is meant to be used with this Magnetic Tape Selectric Composer:
https://typewriterdatabase.com/see.22538.typewriter
In addition to two tapes present in the MT reader of the Magnetic Tape Selectric Composer, there were 3 dirty tapes that came with this system.
This unit has received initial superficial cleaning (including removing dirt, rat excrements, and urine from under the desk!). The desk is in surprisingly good condition after cleaning. For more, see also the photo album "MT/ST Composer/Recorder - Restoration in progress" linked below where you can see the condition of the unit as found.
Typeface Specimen:
Links:
- Photo album: IBM MT/ST Recorder Model V (1965) - Part 1
- Photo album: IBM Selectric MT/SR 655 (196x) - Part 1
- Photo album: MT/ST Composer/Recorder - Restoration in progress
- Blog post: The IBM Magnetic Tape Selectric Composer - Part 1
- Blog post: The IBM Magnetic Tape Selectric Composer - Part 2
Photos:
Hunter: Erik Bruchez (ebruchez)
Erik Bruchez's Typewriter Galleries [ My Collection ] [ My Sightings ]
Status: Typewriter Hunter
Points: 11371
I started collecting my first pre-WW2 standard typewriters in 2017. Since then I have added a few machines to my collection, which now ranges from the 1880s to the 1980s. As of 2024, I have more big standard (desktop) typewriters than portables, a few standard electrics, and some unusual machines like Varitypers, uncommon IBM machines, and more. I am not a pro restorer, but I have restored a few of my machines beyond simple cleaning.
RESEARCH NOTE: When researching the IBM Magnetic Tape Selectric Recorder on a computer with lots of screen real estate, you may find that launching the IBM Serial Number page and the IBM Magnetic Tape Selectric Recorder By Model/Year/Serial page in new browser windows can give you interesting perspectives on changes throughout the model series.
