Magnavox console Stereo

Hi, I received a magnavox console stereo from my in-laws and was looking for some manulas to help me find out why the record player doesn't turn. I found a few numbers on the back of the console but tried to goggle them but to no avail. I took a picture of it but can't seem to get it from my phone to attach to this message. Not very good with this new technology Anyway, listed below are the numbers I have if anyone can interpret them for me.

Serial # 19724295
FCC Data Model # R456
Final Unit # BK6486PE01

Also, found a red tag with these numbers: EF5250/649 and C198.C.1

Serial numbers are worthless.

The magnavox consoles are identified by a model number - usually 1STxxx, 2STxxx, ect.
The internal components are identified by chassis number - 88xxx, 94xx, R204xx, etc.
Changers are 600, 800, 700 series, etc.
The Astrosonic models are transistorized and also need attention after decades.

After 50 years these things are not reliable or safe to operate - best to have them restored by a reputable vintage service tech.
The outlay is a one-time cost to reverse decades of neglect and aging.
But once performed properly, these sets can sound great and last another 50 years.

Thank you for your response, I finally learned how to attached items so here is a couple of pictures. The radio and tape player work fine. I had the record player working but all of a sudden it stopped and will not spin. The rest of the player works fine.

Hard to tell from a blurry distance shot, but looks like they adopted BSR's for changers (cheap).

After 40+ years you wouldn't expect a neglected car to run properly, right?
Dried-up grease and oil causes such issues.
Dryrotted rubber components do as well.

Time for service and parts.

Thank you again, ok will do, but is there a way to take off the platter to see what's under it?

The table is a later BSR. you'll probably find one close enough here:

http://www.vinylengine.com/library/bsr.shtml

More specifically it looks like a belt driven model:

http://www.vinylengine.com/library/bsr/p204.shtml

If so the belt has sagged and fallen off.

Rob/NYC

Rob-NYC wrote:The table is a later BSR. you'll probably find one close enough here:

http://www.vinylengine.com/library/bsr.shtml

More specifically it looks like a belt driven model:

http://www.vinylengine.com/library/bsr/p204.shtml

If so the belt has sagged and fallen off.

Rob/NYC

Nah Rob, I'm pretty sure that's an idler-drive model.
(if you look carefully at the speed control slider - it's got "3" positions - 33/45/78 - not available on any BSR with belt drive)

Matt, I based my remarks on looking at the description of the P-204 which does spec 3 speed and has a similar "S" tonearm.

However looking more closely at the console in question I see that turntable has the same control layout as the majority of the idler line. So yeah, this may be one of those cases where a manufacturer "dressed up" a lower priced model to look TOL.

If this is an idler type it is possible that either the puck has dried out and no longer has traction, or the swivel linkage has gummy oil and can't hold the puck against the motor shaft or turntable.

From what I recall in terms of overall brand quality, Garrard was regarded higher than BSR. However, in the various compacts I've found or been given over the years, BSR TT's seem to hold up well and have less of that frozen main cam-gear than the Garrard's.

Rob/NYC

Thank you both so much for the information. I've been away for awhile and just saw your messages. I took off the back of the console and look everything over. It is very, very clean underneath not even a cob web Everything seems to be in working oder, I've moved every lever and linkages are moving smoothly. Looks to me like from underneath, the platter is encapsolated and I can't see under the platter. I assume the puck you are talking about is under the platter. Do you know how to remove the platter? I was hoping to find a "How to" manual that would show be how to remove it. Any other information would be greatly appreciated. The radio and tape player work fine, except can't get FM but get AM radio Oh well, just trying to play some of my old records, Thanks again for your help

Should be a clip or E-Ring located at the bottom of the Spindle. Remove that and the platter should come off. You will find a rubber idler wheel in there that is probably dried out due to age. You can try cleaning it with isopropl alchohol as well as the platter rim. This may get it working BUT, Matt is right in that the lubrication is gone or solidified by now and needs to be cleaned off and replaced. As for the FM not working, the antenne for FM may have gotten disconnected, usually just a piece of wire strung around the insides somewhere and connected in the back. Also consider that the electronics are just as old as the changer and will need rebuilt for reliable and SAFE operation.

Thank you for your reply. I did what you said. Removed the E clip but the platter will not budge. Should it take some force? It looks like it was threaded on so I try to unscrew it but to no avail. Didn't have much time to play with it I was out of town but will try again today. I checked all the wires for the antenna and everything seems to be attached but will take another look once I get some time. Thanks again for your help.

jditommaso wrote:Thank you for your reply. I did what you said. Removed the E clip but the platter will not budge. Should it take some force? It looks like it was threaded on so I try to unscrew it but to no avail. Didn't have much time to play with it I was out of town but will try again today. I checked all the wires for the antenna and everything seems to be attached but will take another look once I get some time. Thanks again for your help.

It's siezed up.
I've done enough of them to curse from here to eternity.
The rest of the mechanism probably is too.
Undue force, and things will start cracking, etc, rendering it junk.
Unless you're thoroughly familier with the workings (and it seems you're not) I'd advise it to be overhauled by a competant tech.

Check out how to unseize a BSR platter on youtube.

Thank you so much for the information, I really appreciate your help. I will look into a finding a Technical person. Thanks again