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I agree with much of what you said in principle. For me, this project is just about creating something you cannot buy. There is only one prototype TVT and it resides at the Computer History Museum. Strangely, the museum has never photographed the insides of that unit. Which to me is odd, because, you know, that’s what the project was really about.. not the case. And from what I’ve heard, the bottom is open (for easy access). The boards mount upside down with the switches on the back of the motherboard facing up. The museum was very helpful giving me measurements and stuff, but they can’t/won’t flip the unit over because it’s bolted to its display shelf. I asked when it might be possible and they guessed in about 10-20 years.
I did have an exchange going with Don Lancaster at one point. Don is the one who told me the original boards were ‘G10 Green’. However on my third email (spaced about six months apart), he stopped replying. And he would not answer questions about the case design either. I still don’t know if the top of the case is wood or metal. I’m hoping I’ve not offended him – ie. maybe he doesn’t want a replica of his prototype out there.
I’d happily buy an original TVT board set in any condition, but they just don’t come available. I’m still kicking myself for missing that board set that came up some months ago. It only went for $38 too! Don’t know if they’re original or not, but based on the silkscreening I think they were vintage 1973 boards from the kit the magazine offered, made by SWTPC.
Anyway, I know I could get away with being inexact here. But the point of the exercise is to get as close to original as possible, which is why I went to the trouble of getting 1973 vintage chips. I’d also like to duplicate the process a hobbyist of that day would have used also, for my own education and experience. The experience is a big part of this. I want to be able to do what the museum can’t/won’t, let people see and use and get the feel for the thing. The museum will never show the most important part of the TVT, the boards, but I can with mine. And because I can I will, and I guess for that reason I want them to look right.
From: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com]
Sent: Friday, March 18, 2016 10:35 AM
To: Homebrew PCBs <Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com>
Subject: Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] TV Typewriter: Custom G10 copper clad
Yeah
And besides, there are scant few folks around in hobby electronics nowadays that have ever actually
laid eyes on a finished (or unfinished) Lancaster TV Typewriter. It is totally obsolete by todays standards and state
of the art.
And, as Lancaster envisioned, the thing was to be enclosed in a kind of wooden desk-top enclosure, so
nobody sees the circuit boards anyway.
Too bad that a search can't somehow be made on the internet, inquiring if there is some
"old-timer" (like me) that has a Lancaster TV Typewriter in a dusty pile of forgotten projects,
and that way, you could get the "real" item and bring it back online.
These are just suggestions.........now, don't everbody jump on me with snide remarks.
Regards.
Roland F. Harriston, P.D.
∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗∗
From: "Stefan Trethan stefan_trethan@... [Homebrew_PCBs]" <Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com>
Snip:
Most people are going to look at you as if you are crazy for wanting a specific colour and weave of material. That is because you are crazy of course, and nothing to worry about.
It will not help your quest at all, but consider buying double sided laminate (with copper on both sides). I found it much easier to obtain and just etch one side away completely for single sided boards. Of course it makes impossible to see the inside.
Also mind that in any case the copper on the other side will severely change the colour you see, even if the seller provides a photo of the board side. The copper layer is actually a dark red underneath, completely different colour from the shiny top surface.
ST