HP 2644A Terminal Restoration
This is an HP2644 Terminal, from ca. 1976. It is unusual, in that it uses an 8008 microprocessor and has a simple (but amazing) operating system for two tape drives. This unit cost several thousands of dollars when new.
Figure 1 shows the keyboard shortly after restoration. I buffed each individual key using a technique that I had developed while working on the Hazeltine, which I hope to write up later. No, the color of 1970's HP keytops was NOT chalky yellow. Once buffed out, they are a nice glossy putty. Hopefully, I will be getting a TAB key to replace the missing (but not broken) tab key soon. The case was repainted more towards what I thought was the true HP color scheme of the time (Avocado), not yellowy dark color seen 25 years later.
Figure 2 shows the tape drive. These drives (supposedly) can use DC100A tapes, now extremely expensive. The "gummy wheel" problem was solved with shrink tubing, sanded so that the replacements would have good grip.
Figure 3, the inside view, shows the expandibility of the "mainframe" design. You could get options for the unit; later models used the exact same design with new processor boards.
Figure 4 shows the processor board with the famous Intel 8008 installed.
Fogure 5 shows the main unit, with the unusual format screen. Unfortunately, this screen has developed a mold between the (otherwise fine, with no burn-in) CRT safety glass and an additional anti-glare glass. I hope to perform a hair-raising operation to repair this, because the CRT is probably irreplaceable or very expensive to replace.
Figure 1. Keyboard.
Figure 2. Tape Drive.
Figure 3. Inside View.
Figure 4. Processor Board (Note 8008)
Figure 5. Main Unit (note CRT mold)