Moving an SMC1

This Saturday I may be buying a SMC1 Jukebox, and I was wondering what the best way to get it ready to be transported was. I plan on buying the books to go along with it, but those wouldn't be in soon enough to help me move it.

Thanks, James.

Hi,

It's a lovely Jukebox, and I hope it will be to your liking as well.
Most important thing to do when moving the jukebox is removing the mechanism when transporting it not standing up.
It's easy to remove it. it just slides out after removing the pins that hold it in place.

Other than that default rules apply

Do you have some pictures of the unit?

Hi James,
The SMC cabinet was unique in the fact that there is no access to the underside of the mechanism.
In ALL other models, two "shipping thumb screws (or bolts)", are inserted into the carriage from the bottom to hold it in place during transportation. On the SMC's, they added two "tie-down brackets" to the top of the mechanism. Unfortunately, most of these were removed, and thrown away. If you happen to still have them, you will need to look at the "I & O manual" for the proper procedure for their use. Fortunately, removal of the mechanism is simple on these models. All one need do is remove the lower cabinet section ( UNplug the "power", to that section ! Then, just lift up, and away, after opening the lid). Once the lower cabinet is removed, I would remove all records, so they don't fall all over--then un-plug the two mech plugs on the rear wall. At that point, look at the "front" ( closest to you), of the rails that support the mech, and you will see a "pin" in each one. Just slide that pin back ( or remove it totally, and put it in you pocket), and you can slide the whole mech out. Transport the mech in an up-right position, guard the two "limit switches" (lower front, under the tone arm area) against "bending".
Prior to re-assembly, I STRONGLY suggest that the whole mechanism be oiled with SAE 20 wt ND motor oil. Fill the motor cups several times !!!
Ron Rich

MrMario, I don't have any pictures, but tomorrow I'll try to post several! And Ron, thanks for the step by step instructions, I'll be sure to print them out and take them with me tomorrow. I also need to P.M. you about the gen 2 MCU, but one thing at a time

Do you know in what state the machine is in? Is it broken? or?

Looking forward to those pictures, Nice to have someone who is also working on that same jukebox. Nice to exchange information.

I know that it lights up and the mech doesn't pick up a record, but I'm hoping that Ron's mech guide will help me with that. I agree, maybe we'll have some of the same issues and be able to help each other out some.

James,
My Seeburg Mechanism Guide, won't help much in this case, unless it's a ( mechanical) "Mechanism problem".
There are only 4 switches involved with "record pick-up" on a SMC mechanism--the two switches directly involved would be the clutch lever switch, and the detent switch---if either of these fail to make contact, the mech will scan past all selections. The other two are the limit switches. If either of them fail to make contact, at the proper time--or fail to open, the mech can either by-pass selections, or detent at the wrong space, OR, if "un-watched" using the original Seeburg MCU, can burn up the play motor. ( The new Gen 2, MCU, I build, has added diagnostics in it, to check timing on the detent, and limit switches, and a "time out" circuit to protect the motor !) Ron Rich

Well we picked it up and are driving back home, it powers on and cycles the record, it's just missing the cartridge and needles with it, I'll try to post pictures later. Also, somebody carved into the plastic on the upper left, is there an easy way to fix that?

James,
Depending on how much it's "carved", you might try one of the car "headlight restore kits"--
I have never done something like that--but replacement plastic might be hard to find !
Oh, second thought--Do you have a "TAP Plastics" store nearby--check with them---
Ron Rich

Currently on ebay, a set of the upper plastics click here!

Sorry for being a curious guy, but how is it going with your Jukebox?

It's not too bad, but it's not too good either. The amplifier has been recapped, and that's about it. The clutch is all gummed up, and when I looked at it one of the screw heads on the back was stripped, so I figured I'd wait a bit so I don't mess it up any further trying to take it out. Is there any easy way to take it out that one of you knows of?

Which screw is it--top/bottom, Left, or Right, as viewed straight on, from the record rack side ?
What type of screw was used--Phillips, hex ?
Ron Rich

As viewed from the record rack side it's the left screw near the top, and it's a philips head. If it'll help I'll post a picture when I get off later

Hi James,
Sounds like you "got lucky"---
That one is reachable using a "Vise-Grip". I would just clamp my VG on, and turn it--
Ron Rich