Tech Data for 1950s Vinyl Dictating Machines?

[rexophone]

Among other clutter I collect the dictation machines popular in the 1950s using flexible plastic discs. Does anyone know a source to find schematics for these? I don’t think they are in the regular SAMS series but I may be wrong.

In particular I am looking for the--

--Gray Autographs including the 1950s tube model, and the transistorized Keynote,
--1950s and 60s tube and transistor Edison Voicewriters including the small Escort,
--Soundscribers desktop and portable models.

I appreciate any help! Thanks.

Steve

[p1cturelamp]

Possibly look for museums/private collectors that own them and ask if they have any original manuals or papers that came with them. Other than that there could possibly be sources online or companies to help make schematics from objects, but I would not bet on it.

Good luck with your search! And sorry I can not be of more direct help

[rexophone]

Thanks! Yes, it can be frustratingly difficult to find data. I have traced a few machines--particularly parts machines. I thought I found a gold mine at an estate sale--a shelf of 3 ring binders factory printed as Ediphone Voicewriter maintenance manuals. But the owner had just re-used the 3 ring binders. Nothing interesting inside. I haven't found any specialty books from SAMS or Riders for these since I believe the companies considered contracted upkeep by their in-house repair team a valuable revenue stream, so schematics, etc were not distributed to third parties.

Steve

[tape]

many are described in detail if you search the free patents online database. search eg. for "soundscriber"