▶

How the IBM Selectric Converts Keystrokes to Motion

engineerguy · Explainer · YouTube title: IBM Selectric Typewriter & its digital to analogue converter
Why it's here

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

What it covers

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.