Seeburg SPS-160, record loads, arm comes down, then record unloads.

Hi all,

I'm going to be buying one of Ron's book packages next week (no cash for it now) but I do have one question for now, hopefully one of you will know the answer:

I just got the song selection light assembly (for some reason it was missing from my box) and I figured out how to affix it to my cabinet door, but I don't know where to plug it in, and no connection seems apparent inside the case. Any ideas on where it might go?

Hi Joey,
Guide won't help on this--it's covered in the Service Manual--large white Molex socket mates with the large plug from the display--socket located on top left corner of the mechanism. Ron Rich

Ron Rich wrote:Hi Joey,
Guide won't help on this--it's covered in the Service Manual--large white Molex socket mates with the large plug from the display--socket located on top left corner of the mechanism. Ron Rich

What mechanism? I don't see anything that is an obvious mate to the connector on the light assembly:

Here's the connector on the light assembly:



Here's the DCC, which I assume is the mechanism you're referring to:



I don't see any obvious place to plug it in though.

I've always heard the record player component referred to as the "mechanism", but I can't imagine it plugs directly into that; besides, there's no place I can see to plug it in there either.

I really am in over my head on this. I suspect it's chock full of all the wrong parts. Wonder who Frankenstein'ed it? The guy I bought it from suggested that he had played it, but I don't believe him. I think he bought it same as I did, with an eye toward restoring it, and found himself over his head as well.

Thanks for putting up with my incessant questions Ron, I really appreciate the guidance.

Hi Joey,
No, the DCC is the (Digital) Control Center--that white plug has a mate ( or should have), on top of the record playing "mechanism"-near the left hand side top, under the lamp--Ron Rich

Ron Rich wrote:Hi Joey,
No, the DCC is the (Digital) Control Center--that white plug has a mate ( or should have), on top of the record playing "mechanism"-near the left hand side top, under the lamp--Ron Rich

Well then... I'm fairly screwed. I not only don't have a lamp, but to my knowledge, there's no plug on the mechanism either. How weird. Starting to wonder if ANY of this jukebox is original parts.

There's supposed to be a lamp on the mechanism?

Yep- sounds as if someone "saw you A-commin'" ! ! Ron Rich

Ron Rich wrote:Yep- sounds as if someone "saw you A-commin'" ! ! Ron Rich

Well damn. Do you happen to have a picture of what the mechanism is supposed to look like in its complete form? I fully intend to purchase your guide next week, but I'm really wondering now if it's something I'm even going to be able to restore after all.

No-- I don't have that model mech around here--sorry--it is in the Service Manual---and the parts manual has a breakdown of parts used on it too-- Ron Rich

Ron Rich wrote:No-- I don't have that model mech around here--sorry--it is in the Service Manual---and the parts manual has a breakdown of parts used on it too-- Ron Rich

Is this your book we're talking about? Do I need to pick up the service manual and parts manual as well to get the whole story of this machine?

I hope I can bring it up to functional state without going into bankruptcy.

I've been looking around online and can only seem to find parts manuals & service guides for the 160ST26, not the 160ST25. Are they the same?

Joey,
My mech guide is intended as a supplement, for the correct Seeburg printed "Manual package", for the model phono being worked on (from M 100 B, thru SMC-4)-- The -25 and-26, vary only in the function of the pop meter handle. Ron Rich

JoeyDVDZ wrote:

Ron Rich wrote:Yep- sounds as if someone "saw you A-commin'" ! ! Ron Rich

Do you happen to have a picture of what the mechanism is supposed to look like in its complete form? .

There are some pic's here: http://www.retroaudiolab.com/sps160.htm

In particular: http://www.retroaudiolab.com/pictures/e ... 60mech.jpg The Selection Playing Indicator contacts are a silver metal box that runs above the record rack. It looks light a smaller version of Tormat unit that runs below the record record rack. There is a set of contacts that are attached to the mech and run under the playing indicator .

http://www.retroaudiolab.com/pictures/e ... 0rack1.jpg An overall shot of the rack. At the extreme left top -right behind the florescent tube you can see the grey temflex tubing and a bit of the white Molex plug attached to the indicator contact box.
The pictures are the best part of that site.......

As for your machine, the first order of business here is to look for the model numbers on all the electronic units and post them so that we can determine if you have the correct types. Given that the machine selects - things are not that far off.

These are not high value machines, but this series were very popular so most parts should be available at reasonable cost.

So, either reconcile yourself to some additional work and expense --much of which you would be dealing with even in restoring an intact machine, or see about leaning on the seller to return the machine and get your money back. These were good sounding and reliable...once you get them running.

Rob-NYC

Nah, I'm not going to be leaning on anyone to return. Buyer beware and all that. Besides, I've sort of developed a soft spot for the beat up old girl. I kind of want to her her filling my basement with sound now.