1978 IBM Electronic Selectric Composer #30-5102780
Status: My Collection
Hunter: Erik Bruchez (ebruchez)
Created: 03-08-2023 at 08:05PM
Last Edit: 03-28-2024 at 06:24PM
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Description:
I had a chance to buy this IBM Electronic Selectric Composer (different from the earlier electromechanical IBM Selectric Composer) as "non-working". This adds to my small collection of machines in the same family:
- Memory Typewriter
- Memory Typewriter 100
- Mac Card/A
All of those use similar electronics that essentially control an almost-standard Selectric machine where the keyboard and the printer are decoupled.
This machine was shipped to me. Unfortunately, some switches broke during shipping. That's hopefully fixable and not fatal. I haven't yet thoroughly checked the machine for hidden damage, but I hope this is all there is, except for broken paper table hinges.
The difference between this and the IBM Memory Typewriter or Mag Card are:
- no internal tape loop or external magnetic tape drive for storage
- proportional spacing and ability to justify text
- no correcting feature/correcting tape!
If anyone has some of the special type elements that work with the Composer (either model), let me know! This machine only came with one, with code PR-11-M:
- Press Roman
- 11 pt (the red arrow means 11/12 pt size)
- Medium
This machine features a huge "storage" capacitor. I suspected that it might be to keep the memory of the machine alive if there is a brief power cut, or if the user shuts down the machine by mistake. This appears to be correct based on a comment I found on a YouTube video. I suppose that the capacitor is not necessary to the proper operation of the machine. Also, it is supposed to contain a ton of PCBs.
The power supply has a "May 24 1978" stamp, so presumably 1978 is close to the production date of this machine.
Weight (with hood and platen knobs): 59 lbs (26.7 kg)
2023-03-12: Did some initial cleaning. Disconnecting the capacitor and planar, I tested that the motor runs. So that's some good news!
2023-03-17: I took out the capacitor from its housing to find markings. It is a Mallory-branded 5200 µF/200 VDC capacitor. It looks in good shape but I probably won't use it as it's 45 years-old.
Typeface Specimen:
Links:
- Restoration in progress
- Pictures before restoration
- Blog post: Restoring an IBM Electronic Selectric Composer - Part 1
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 Electronic Selectric Composer on a computer with lots of screen real estate, you may find that launching the IBM Serial Number page and the IBM Electronic Selectric Composer By Model/Year/Serial page in new browser windows can give you interesting perspectives on changes throughout the model series.
