Mysterious Rockola 444 Write-in Motor Issue

Now that I've got the magazine motor fixed, a new problem has poped up. It was working great, then the write-in motor just quit. The motor just isn't coming on. I did my testing and 27 VAC is coming on and off out of the connector to the write-in motor just as the sequences in the manual say it should. Things get crazy when you plug in the write-in motor. The 27 VAC goes away. I've checked at the motor connections, and back probed both sides of the connector. No voltage. Unplug the motor and check the connector again, the 27 VAC is back. I've checked for continuity through the connector and wires, everything is good. Where did the voltage go! I'm stumped. Anybody have any ideas??

A number of "things" can be happening here--
I would attempt to operate that motor from an outside, FUSED, 25vac source. It may be internally shorted ? Or just "frozen" (oiled it lately ?)
If it operates, I would suspect a "poor connection" somewhere in the supply line to it--possibly one or more of the pins in a plug/socket--or a poor crimp on one of them, or a contact on a relay that's pitted or burned---cold solder joint---
Good luck ! Ron Rich

I forgot to mention that it is not frozen. It turns freely. The only resistance is the gear reduction, but it feels normal. I'm getting solid, consistent, connections. With the a number and a letter button stuck in, I've test every contection for voltage. The relays have all been recently cleaned and they are all operating as expected from the manual. For some reason, when I plug the motor in, the voltage is gone, but I can immediatly check continuity on those wires and across those contacts and it's there and it is solid. I can unplug it and the voltage is back at the connector. Any suggestions on an inexpensive way to get 25 VAC to bench test the motor?

I use an extra wall box transformer, as a 25vac source--hopefully there is one in phonograph ?
Ron Rich

Hi
By any chance is the 9 pin jumper plug on the write in unit not plugged in, its marked stepper and if missing or not plugged in properly the write in wont start
Clones

I rigged up a 24v source and bench tested the motor. It turns good. I'm still stumped. I have 24v at the connector going to the motor when the selector buttons are locked in. None when they released.

Clones,
Are you talking about the connector at the bottom of the credit box?

This "condition" is usually the result of a "poor connection" somewhere in the "supply chain". Your meter is seeing raw voltage, until there is a "draw" on it. Whatever the poor connection is, is not passing enough current to operate the motor. I would suspect a burned/pitted contact point ( or perhaps loose), or a plug connector somewhere in that motor's supply line--either side-- Ron Rich

Hi
Its on the power supply unit, i think on the 444 the credit unit is just underneath, its the bottom plug with wires jumpered on it and doesn't lead anywhere unless you have a wallbox set up post a photo and i will be able to say, also you could try and cut the plug on the write in motor if its at fault and wire up directly
clones

Here's a picture. I suspect you're talking about the connector at the bottom of the 2 boxes (15 pin) or the one at the bottom of the top box (9 pin).

I seem to have her working for now. I found several pitted contacts in both the write-in and the stop relays. It was the stop relay that was keeping it from running the write-in motor. I thought I had cleaned the contacts in them both a couple of weeks ago but this time I completely dissembled the relays so I could see the contact surfaces better. There's just no substitute for experience when working on these things, your expert advise has helped me again. Thank you!

Glad you "got it" ! Didja read the above "How to clean contacts " ?
Ron Rich

Yes sir, I used an extra fine burnishing file. They looked great when I was done.

and----they WORKED !!!
Ron Rich