Zenith console question/identification

Actually, if the overarm is over the rest post, it puts the changer into semi-auto mode. The arm returns to the rest post after the record, but the changer does not switch off. This feature was added to V-M changers in the early 1960s, and remained until they stopped making changers.

From the video, I see the automatic shutoff is not working. With the overarm in that position, the changer should shut itself off. It could be the overarm is binding or caught on a wire, keeping it from dropping all the way. I suspect dried grease on the shutoff parts.

The arm should index the way it did because of the wrong way the changer is being used. Since the record was not up on the spindle when the changer was started, the 12" record sensor was not activated by the dropping record, so the changer set down for a 10" record. This is normal operation for a V-M intermix changer. On this model, you can't start a 12" record already on the platter and expect it to work.

So there is nothing wrong with the setdown adjustment, just how the changer is being used. Put the record up on the spindle ledge, put the overarm on it, and try it. It will set correctly on the 12" record because the dropping record hit the sensor.

MattTech wrote:Judging from that video, that changer's in need of some serious servicing.
It shouldn't even land on a record with the stabilizer arm down over the record.
It should shut off, arm on the rest post, period.
Parts of the mechanism are binding up, causing this issue.

Also, the landing is way off - looks like someone apparently messed with the adjustment.

That said, it's best to have a pro service it, to perform as intended, unless this thread/topic is to go on endlessly.

The setdown is not misadjusted. That changer will always do that if started with a 12" record already on the turntable. I have owned 4 of them and repaired many more. For the changer to set on a 12" record, the record must be dropped from the spindle during that change cycle.

Almost all changers that can take intermixed record sizes will not index correctly for a single record already on the turntable. Most intermix changers sense the record size while the record drops down the spindle. If the record is already on the turntable, the sensor is not struck by a falling record, so it chooses the wrong size.

I'm not going to quabble over things like setdown positions, etc, particularly since the video cannot really tell anyone what's going on with that vintage changer.

To have the unit on my workbench at the shop is one thing, a blurry video is another.
All I'm gonna say on this matter is the thing needs servicing after 40PLUS years of neglect.
I'm sure it hasn't been maintained at all - none of them are. - they're just played, or left to gather dust in grandmon's dining room.

This isn't any different than an old car - and would you drive one that hasn't been serviced in over 40 years????

I've certainly done enough of these changers Professionally over the decades to know what I'm talking about.

MattTech wrote:I'm not going to quabble over things like setdown positions, etc, particularly since the video cannot really tell anyone what's going on with that vintage changer.

....

I've certainly done enough of these changers Professionally over the decades to know what I'm talking about.

Then you should know that the index of that kind of V-M changer will not select a 12" record unless a 12" record actually drops down the spindle. If the record is already on the turntable, the 12" feeler can not detect it. The changer instead indexes for the largest size it does detect, a 10" record.

Brand new V-M changers of that kind would do the same thing. The arm is setting for a 10" record solely because the user in the video is using it wrong.

I built a little attachment for my V-M changer out of a spring, to make it repeat a 12" record over and over. The spring holds the 12" feeler back, so the arm will index the single 12" record already on the turntable correctly. I leave the overarm tip over the edge of the record for repetition. Of course, I had to remove the spring when I wanted the changer to play other sizes.

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The RCA RP-215 has a similar index. I modified it with a spring that replaced the circlip on the overarm shaft. The curved end of the spring hit the lower end of the 12" feeler, and pushed it back as the overarm was raised and the tip was placed over the rim of a 12" record. So if I wanted the changer to repeat a record over and over, I placed the overarm tip over the edge of the record on the turntable, and started the changer.

I also made a linkage from the reject position on the control knob to the shutoff lever the overarm moves when it drops below the spindle. Holding reject until after the arm swings out causes shutoff even with records on the spindle, providing a stop function. Reject functions normally if used normally (released immediately after activation).