Date: Tue, 24 Nov 1998 10:49:24 -0500
From: Frank Rauck

During the early 1960s I worked as a service rep for Friden, repairing the
Flexowriter, Friden Calculators and Adding Machines, in the Columbus, Ohio
area. In 1964, I transferred to Rochester, NY, where I worked as an
instructor, teaching Friden Reps how to service the Flexowriter and related
equipment.

The Flexowriter originated in Rochester as a product of IBM. You will note
the similarity of design between the Flexowriter and early IBM electric
typewriters. IBM sold the product, along with the factory in Rochester, to
Commercial Controls Corporation, which later sold out to Friden.

The Flexowriter had many configurations, but basically was an electric
typewriter that could produce punched paper tape or cards and could read
the tape or cards and type the information. Here was the ideal I/O device
for the early computers. The early Flexowriter was sold as an OEM product
to many computer manufacturers, including Burroughs.

As a stand-alone product, it was indeed an early word processor. I had
prepared many church newsletters on the Flexowriter. Each editorial change
required that I punch a new tape with the corrected information.

A product called the Justowriter evolved from the Flexowriter and was used
as a typesetter for many small printing operations. It was still an
electric typewriter, and used a five-unit type system and carbon ribbon to
accomplish quality type and right justification. Some of Friden's early
photo-typesetters evolved from the Justowriter.

Being a pre-transistor device, electrical control was accomplished through
a bank of E-Class telephone type relays. Trouble-shooting often involved
the consideration of "pick" and "drop" times of these relays.

In the latter years, Friden produced a device called a Computyper. This was
a combination of the Flexowriter and Friden Calculator and was use for
billing applications.

I'm curious about the condition of Doug's machines. There were several
rubber components, which even back in the 60s became hardened and glazed
with age. I would guess that getting these units back in working condition
could be quite a challenge.

That's a very brief overview of the Friden Flexowriter. I will be happy to
answer any questions about this fine product.