USB Typewriter "Easy Install" Kit

A while ago, I designed a DIY kit that let folks dig up their old typewriters and put them to use as USB computer keyboards or as iPad docks. Even though that kit worked great, the hardest part by far was the soldering. Many people wanted to know if there was a way to put together the kit without doing any soldering at all.

So this summer I designed an "Easy Install" version of the USB Typewriter kit, which now involves absolutely no soldering or special tools and is just plain easier to install all around. This guide explains the installation process for my new kit, which is now available for sale at www.usbtypewriter.com . I'm interested in making this kit as easy as possible to install, and making the instructions extremely clear, so if you see room for improvement please leave your comments and suggestions below. 

I have designed different versions of the kit to fit each of the major brands of typewriters, dating from the early 1920s through the late 1960s.  Here are the brands that are currently supported by the USB Typewriter Kit:

• Underwood Desktop Models (eg the Model 5)
• Underwood Portables
• Royal Desktop Models (eg the Model 10)
• Royal Portables
• Olivetti
• Remington
• Smith Corona
• Corona
• Olympia
• Sears

However, for each brand of typewriter, certain specific models are not supported: 

• Underwood "Noiseless" models and "3-bank" models
• Royal's ultra-modernist "Royalite," "Fleetwood", and "El Dorado" models
• Remington "Noiseless" models (the kind with the chrome doorknob-shaped ribbon caps)
• Olivetti Studio 44
• Corona Model 3 and Model 4
• Olympia SF and Traveller models
• Electric typewriters are NOT supported

For a pictorial guide to which typewriters are and are not compatible, consult this handy compatibility chart.

Step 1: Tools and Materials

This kit was designed to require very few tools to install. Here is what you will need:

• A fine tool for scraping/sanding, such as a metal file, 100 grit sandpaper, exacto knife, or Dremel (Dremel is best)
• A small flat-head screwdriver
• A pair of pliers
• A pair of small scissors (like nail-cutting scissors)
• A strong, fast setting glue (like super-glue or hot glue)
• Wire Strippers (optional but highly recommended)

You will also need the Easy Install Conversion Kit from www.usbtypewriter.com, which includes:

• 1 small roll of cloth tape
• 1 control panel that fits on the side of the typewriter
• 1 sensor panel which fits underneath the typewriter
• 4 magnetic switches for detecting Shift, Space, Backspace, and Enter
• An assortment of magnets

The project is open-source, so if you want to take a look at the design files that go into making these components, download them HERE.

Comments

[jolshefsky]

I was thinking, "okay, this is kind of neat, but I like my old typewriter to be a typewriter." I like to use it especially if I have writer's block because (although I installed a ribbon with correction tape instead of red) it's hard to go back, making it impossible to edit-while-writing. It also has no mytimewastebook or any such nonsense.

But then I realized that one use — for me at least — is that if I write something on the typewriter, I usually have to transcribe it manually since OCR has a tough time with the cloth-ribbon letters. With this, I can make an instant backup, at least getting all the text entered.

A Bluetooth version would be cool, but perhaps even better (more generic) is something to make a USB keyboard Bluetooth (a box with a rechargeable that acts as a Bluetooth keyboard but requires a USB keyboard to get its input.)

[spedersen4]

I would love a guide to make a bluetooth keyboard that could be linked up with the Galaxy S3 :-D please please please provide... ;-)

best regards
Elkongen (=the electrical king)

[rronald]

really impressive. Is it possible we can further convert it into a printer ? store file in USB typewriter module and print out on typewriter ?... raspberry pi can be used .

[gregp1962]

What if I plug it in and there is no beep?

[ChinaMike]

I thought about doing this years ago, it is nice to see someone else went to the trouble to do it. I had a secretary model--forgot the brand. It came in a slim case and from what I understood, it was used primarily by sports writers and journalists on the go. I loved using it, because I am old enough (52) that I started on a manual in 7th or 8th grade, then moved on to electric in high school.
The manual typewriters were/are more corporeal and I like the deeper finger movement; it just seems "righter for a writer".
I believe that this type of re-invention might find its way into the work place of people who do a lot of data entry and/or people who suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome. CTS never existed in the days of early electric typewriters because you still had to thunk the keys a bit.
I know my wrists/hands benefit more from a manual style typewriter. Maybe you re-invented the future!

[poofrabbit]

Hey congratulations on being a finalist in the hack it contest! Good luck to you!

[J-Five]

Neat!!!!

[happy2bmom]

Cute as a novelty, but wouldn't work real good for everyday use as there are many essential keys missing.

[jackzylkin]

Thanks for the feedback, but actually, the additional 3 buttons on the control panel allow you to access many additional functions, such as Ctrl, Alt, F1-F12, Arrow keys, and so on.

[happy2bmom]

All of a sudden I like it even more than I already did! :)
Well done!

[J-Ri]

Nice! Ever think about a USB typewriter that prints to paper as you type on a regular keyboard? You could type on a typewriter, have it go through a computer and typed on a different machine!

[randofo]

Wow. Cool kit. I did this years ago with a lot of switches and patience. It was a royal pain in the neck.

[Relkniw]

"'Royal' pain in the neck" I see what you did there.

[Ninzerbean]

He's shifty that way.

[srutkowski]

That looks a lot easier than the board I built back in 1980 to interface an IBM Selectric to a TRS-80. Sure beat paying $1300 for a Radio Scrap line printer and another $300 for an Expansion Interface.

I still have my original schematic.

[Green Silver]

WOW! Thats what I call technical extacy!