Phonoland

Hi everyone,
I'm a newbie, and I'm delving into the first one of these projects. I found a Magnavox Imperial (model L-600), a nice, small unit, for $12.50 at a house sale! This model has the tuner on the left side, and the phonograph on the right. The cabinet is in beautiful condition, and the radio plays beautifully. The turntable, however, does not spin.

I pulled the pin that holds the platter down, and observed. It has two wheels, larger to the right, and smaller to the left. The motor spins and activates the larger wheel, which I gather does NOT turn the platter. The smaller wheel moves when I engage the auto play switch, but does not turn. I haven't torn too much into it, since I don't know what I'm doing. I'm pretty good with cars and some small electronics, I just would love some guidance here.

Also -- is this a desireable machine? I'm keeping it for myself, but just curious!

Thanks!
Tom
SS27

How 'bout some pics, Tom. Maybe a nice shot at the cabinet, and your turntable (before removing the platter) and the guts once you removed the platter.

One wheel rotates the platter, while the second one is dedicated for the change cycle only. The smaller wheel on the left may not be making contact with the motor shaft...that's where the power is not being transfered from the shaft to the wheel to the inside rim.

That small wheel should move (push out) toward the inside rim of the platter to make it spin. Maybe the linkages are gummed up. While you have the platter off, turn it to reject and you should see the small wheel push outward. The change cycle will still work without the platter. If not, then the smaller wheel could be stuck in place. No harm in moving that linkage back and forth to see if it is gummed up and doesn't want to move. Hope the wheels haven't hardened, but that doesn't sound like the case.--BB

Bobby Basham
Tucson, Arizona

Bobby-
Be happy too, thanks for the interest. I have a video, too, if that would be helpful. The larger wheel turns, and not the smaller (idler) wheel. Do they run off the same motor? Thanks!

Tom



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This usually happens because the lubrication on the idler jockey brackets has dried out. Lubricating the pivots of both jockey arms will usually restore operation.

Also check to see if the idler tensioning spring has come loose from its mounting studs on the jockey arm and the power control.

Turning the switch to ON should make the idler wheel jump toward the motor shaft. If it does not, find out why.