Rock-Ola 490-1

Novice on first machine ever. Have control unit operating manual. Control unit appears to attain Normal Operation status. Credit function appears to operate properly. I am unable to load the record magazine as described in the manual. Looking for ideas on how to proceed or informational web sites or other reference information.

Hi
There should be a lever/switch in the machine marked open-off-scan, when set to open this is for normal operation, move to scan to which will allow you to stop and start the record basket and insert the records, or maybe you have tried this, also make sure to select normal operation on the control unit
regards
Clones

Yes, I have Normal operation on and then move the scan switch as instructed in the manual. Is their any information on how the record change mechanism is supposed to work?

Hi
record basket should move when you move lever to scan, i would check the motor and associated connections, power supply fuses, play control relay(does it move when you scan) and mechanism pcb fuses including associated plug connections
clones

Read above--"Used/new--books--where to find" and you will find a list of suppliers where you may purchase the Service Manual package. Ron Rich

Hello. Hopefully, you can address your issues with the posted advice about fuses and such. But take a look at your S2 Controller. In my limited experience with the 490 / 494 machines the System 2 Control Unit has been their weakest link. If the "initializing lock in" lamp located center-right on the S5 row is illuminated, then either the controller is looking for a missing pricing set-up, or its defective. I don't know if the pricing set-up would cause your problems, but I've got a small stack of defective S2's that have caused me plenty of grief. If the controller is defective, you will not get anything, including scan control, to work. If that lamp is lit, see if the S1 button advances the top light and, if so, set up free play. If it's defective, try replacing the onboard 3.6v ni-cd battery located between the PCBs (best relocated OUTSIDE the unit). You can find help for that on this forum.
Patrick

Checked all connections. Don't think the relay gets activated. No noise from the motor. Can I email you a photo of a limit switch that I can move to get the carriage to turn 360 degrees?

Perhaps my S2 is ok. I can add, subtract and clear credits. I can view total receipts, total selections, set up free play to 99 and run the system test. When I enter a selection on the key pad, it shows for a time and then goes out. I noticed my +26V power supply red indicator lamp does not come on. I checked inside and all fuses appear intact. What to try next?

Patrick: You indicate battery is between the PCB's. The PCB's are part of the S2 unit? Just unscrew the posts and nuts?

If your voltage LED is not lit--I would find out why--LED's do fail--but seldom--
On the computer--yes, open the unit, separate the two boards-cut out the old battery -add leads to mount the new one outboard ( I use Velcro, and just stick on the outside of the wall next to the computer). Ron Rich

Just unscrew the posts and nuts (note where the posts go) then follow Ron's instructions. Be certain to power down the jukebox before removing or reinstalling the connections to the S2 (bad things can happen to your display). I replace the original battery with a 3.6v ni-cd cordless-phone battery, easily available.
Patrick

OK, so I took the PCB out. Is the big clunky thing about 1/2 inch o.d. and about 2 inches long a battery? Its the only thing back there.

Don't think you are looking at the battery ??--depending on who changed it, and which style was used, it is usually about the size of an AA style flashlight battery--in any event, the + terminal is marked--
It's soldered to the inside of one of the two boards--in a corner--almost--
If there are two wires running from the PCB. to that "big clunky thing", it would be my guess that it is, a battery ??
Ron Rich

The tan cylindrical object is just about the size of a AA battery. One end has a circle with a plus symbol. It also has 83-12 Japan on it. Does the battery slide out or are the tabs from the board spot welded to it?

Eureka ! That's the battery--83-12 is the code date that it was built--12 th month 1983
Battery is not welded, it's soldered. If you don't know how to solder, find a friend that does--
Hopefully there is no "battery grunge" in or around the battery area ? If there is, it MUST be removed--totally !
Ron Rich