Rock-ola 425 Grand Prix - Letter & number switch issue

Greetings,

I am totally new to jukebox repair however I can read circuit diagrams and have most tools necessary for troubleshooting and general electronics repair (volt meter, ohmmeter, logic state analyzers, soldering gun, etc…).

I just received the service manual and am reading thru it now (it will take a while as my brain can't just skip a part I don't grok, thus I have to read and reread sections until I "get it"). I would like to know some general information before I continue troubleshooting and then if anyone has some pointers or guesses as to the specific issue, that would be appreciated as well.

General Stuff:
- How safe is it to poke around in the jukebox with my meter with power on? Is the voltage high enough to kill you or just give ya a good zap? I did a lot of electrical work on aircraft and had plenty-a-good shocks in my time.

- The service manual seems good at documenting the circuits and parts and general operation but it would be awesome if there were a "troubleshooting" manual. Something in the form of "X fails to do Y, check power at the B relay. If power is at the B relay, check the …..). Does this sort of guide exist?

Specific Stuff:
- The jukebox has worked great for years. It had been off for a few months, then the next time I turned on the jukebox, the following issue occurred: I turn on the jukebox and all seems well (power, lights, etc…). I press a letter switch and then a number switch to make a record selection. The letter and number switches stay depressed and nothing else happens. Pressing the reset switch does nothing. The only thing that will release the letter and number switch is to power cycle the jukebox. If anyone has any pointers to share on figuring this one out, thanks for being awesome!

I will post updates as I learn more about this awesome Rube Goldberg machine and the issue I am trying to solve.

Cheers,

Josh

Hello Josh,

Welcome to the forum.
Can you please edit your profile and put in your location so we can see what country and area that you live in, this helps to advise you where to get parts and help from engineers if it comes to that.

So I do not work on Rock Ola, the last time I touched one was over 30 years ago in the mid to late 70's.

Regards
Alan

Alan Hood
ami-man
UK

Hi Josh,
As for "poking around"--mains voltage is about all you need worry about.
As for a "trouble shooting guide"--check with the legit suppliers listed above in "announcement--where to find--"
As for the "nothing happens" --check AC voltage at write-in motor--If AC is prsent, motor has probably sized due to lack of proper oiling. CAUTION, do NOT dismantle this motor, as it is extreemly difficult to re-align.
Ron Rich

Profile updated!

Thank you for the quick replies. I will perform the checks indicated after reading a bit more of the manual and learning where all of the parts are located, etc...

Will update when complete...

Thanks again everyone!

Cheers,

Josh

Good news! In the "Control Box", there were several relays that had a good amount of oxidation / corrision on the contacts. After a good cleaning, the system is working again.

Thanks for all of the information and assistance.

Cheers,

Josh