Phonoland

Hi,

I hope someone may point me in the right direction.

I have a Wurlitzer Americana III. Recently the selection buttons started sticking when pushed in to select a song.

They stick, and need to be pulled back before I can select another song (once they are pulled back, the select light comes back on). They select fine.

I have looked underneath the selection area but cannot find anything that is adjustable. Am I missing something?

Is it lube that is required?

I'm a bit lost.

Any help greatly appreciated.

Gordo.........

Gordo,
What happens if you turn the power off while the buttons are stuck down ?
Ron Rich

The usual suspect here are the flimsy leaf switches at the keyboard cam levers.

Swing open the top, at the center right near the latchbar solenoid you'll see two sets of blade contacts (leaf switches). Make a selection and once the buttons are stuck down, tap on these blades -move them slightly. There aren't any lethal voltages here but you can use a plastic stick if you are uncomfortable touching live contacts.

If the selector takes off and punches as normal, you'll need to power-off and clean/reform the blades for better contact. Go easy here but do form them to give a slight wiping action.

There are of course other things that can go wrong, but from your description this is the typical cause.

Rob/NYC

Rob, Gordo,
I can't recall ever seeing the "switches" cause this (the usual problem caused by these switches is the failure to allow the latch bar coil to energize fully)---so--gotta somewhat dis-agree here. Granted the switch blades are IMHO, inadequate ("flimsy" is too kind a word) , and a source of much of my "revenue" (from adjusting them) over the years, however I would caution against "messing" with them, in any way, unless you are real familiar with them. The best way to check them is with an analog meter, or a "jumper wire". Check that they are actually "conducting" when closed--then, if not working right, carefully burnish, and re adjust them. Ron Rich

Ron, gotta disagree here. The switches up there initiate the search-punch process. I've owned rebuilt the following during my Wurlitzer phase:
1700
1800 (2) still have one
2100
2150
2304 (Stereo converted)
2300 dual pricing (orig stereo) still have
2300 (Stereo converted)
2300 Left mono amp, mag pickup)
2400 (mono w/mag conv)
2400 (Stereo)
2600
2710 (100 sel)
2900
3000
3110 (100 sel)
3200

--What do they have in-common?...The same flimsy leaf switches on the keyboard which leads to the same problem: credit established-buttons latch...then nothing. Sometimes if the failure is just in it's nascent stage you can just jiggle both pressed buttons at the same time and the machine will launch.

There was a pizzeria nearby that had a W3000 in summer 1970 it -always- had leftover credits due to the fact that the contacts were erratic. Press both buttons and look like genius.

Anyway, if the machine just sits after both buttons are pressed and nothing else moves, those contacts are where you look first.

Rob

Rob,
I would agree with you if the gent had not said he could "pull them back". If latched in the "full down"position, I don't think one can do that.
This seems to indicate to me that the coil plunger is not being fully released. I would guess a "rusty" pivot point for the latch bar mechanics is more then likely the problem here--
Ron

Hi,

A little of both. I adjusted the latch very slightly and added lube.

It appears OK now.

Thanks everyone for your help.

Next problem is the select globe has stopped working. Changed the globe and checked the wiring and it all looks good.

Any ideas?

Thanks

Gordo..........

Gordo,
First-are you using the correct # lamp ?, 2. Socket good (getting power ?)? If so, I believe it is energized thru the "set-up" relay and is in series with one of the two resisters located on the keyboard ( check your service manual schematic )---- Ron Rich

Thanks Ron,

You are probably correct I don't believe I have the correct globe.

How can I check if I have power to the globe plug?

Appreciate your help.

Gordo...........

Gordo,
Stick your finger in the socket ? You will get a light shock, if there is power there---
All kidding aside--use a meter--or try the correct # lamp !
Ron Rich

Thanks Ron,

I have ordered the correct globe. Unfortunately it need to come from the US, (i am in Australia) so it takes time.

Thanks once again for your assistance.

Gordo............

Gordo,
Don't you know Erwin Boot ? He's there --and has almost any "globe" made, any where in the world, in stock (see "announcements--where to find---" above).
All kidding aside--It can be very destructive to some equipment if the wrong lamp ( globe) is installed ! ALWAYS use ONLY the correct number lamp !
Ron Rich

Thanks Ron,

Advice taken.........Yes, I have spoken with Erwin previously, however, he is located a long, long way from my home. He was very helpful via e-mail and phone.

Regards

Gordo....

Hi,

I finally had the chance to get back to my friends place to install the new globe. Unfortunately it does not work.

There is no power at the plug. Where can I check next?

Thanks in advance.

Gordo..........

Gordo--
What voltage is supposed to be there ? Follow the schematic, or wires back to source,and ground.
Ron Rich