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I need help with my Micromatic Magnavox.
Posted: Thu Aug 29, 2013 8:03 pm
by lessthankris
I recently aquired my grandparents old record player and I'm trying to restore it and I can't seem to figure out why it keeps doing this. I When ever I turn it on it only moves the needle over the record and then brings it back and turns itself off. I've tried a 45 as well as a 78 and it doesn't seem to matter.
Model Number:1RP617
Here is a demonstration of what its doing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsXaKi-v ... e=youtu.beThank you for any assistance.
Re: I need help with my Micromatic Magnavox.
Posted: Thu Aug 29, 2013 8:21 pm
by DoghouseRiley
Hi and welcome!
You'll probably get a more definitive answer, from the experts, as there's a lot of different auto-changers. But what I think it is doing is "looking" for a record on the "stack column." It does this by "feeling with the tone arm." Clever innit? Not finding one it will stop automatically.
If you aren't going to use that facility, where you can put a number of records in the column, kept in place by the arm you can see, then there should be a "first" position on the switch you used to turn the turntable on, before a further part of a turn engages the auto system. Check first that the correct speed has been selected.
It's the same with 45s it will look for one on the stack if the automatic system is engaged.
If the auto system hasn't been engaged, you will then have to manually place the tone arm on the track-in part of the record or the space between the tracks on an LP if you want to play a particular track. On completion of the last track the tone arm will automatically return to the rest position after checking there's not another record in the stack.
If no other records are "stacked" and you want to stop it playing at any time. Turn the switch you used fully and it will engage the auto system, stop playing the record on the turntable, but again will again look for a stacked record and finding none, return the tone arm to rest and stop the turntable.
If it's not been used for a bit, you might want to have it checked over by someone more familiar with it. The experts will tell you that the last thing you want to do if you think such equipment needs restoring...is to to turn it on.
Re: I need help with my Micromatic Magnavox.
Posted: Thu Aug 29, 2013 10:46 pm
by lessthankris
I suppose that's not the real issue then. When you get it going the table doesn't move. I took the table off and I can see that the smaller wheel that should be moving the table isnt moving even when the motor is running.
Re: I need help with my Micromatic Magnavox.
Posted: Thu Aug 29, 2013 11:32 pm
by DoghouseRiley
I don't understand, "when you get it going the turntable doesn't move." as I can see the turntable revolving in the video, it slows a bit whilst the tone arm is searching for a record, but that's because the motor also powers the auto mechanism.
The knob you used to turn it on should have a first position that holds, which will get the turntable turning without the auto-changer mechanism starting.
Re: I need help with my Micromatic Magnavox.
Posted: Fri Aug 30, 2013 12:04 am
by lessthankris
yea, it looks like the main big wheel inside is turning it just find but as it transitions to the smaller wheel it doesnt make any contact with the motor so the motor just sits there and spins.
Re: I need help with my Micromatic Magnavox.
Posted: Fri Aug 30, 2013 1:07 am
by lessthankris
I've now cleaned and oiled the motor,and cleaned the wheel.
Now it will kind of play but not very well.
http://youtu.be/0XcD-ZQHlmo
Re: I need help with my Micromatic Magnavox.
Posted: Fri Aug 30, 2013 1:47 am
by MattTech
lessthankris wrote:I've now cleaned and oiled the motor,and cleaned the wheel.
Now it will kind of play but not very well.
http://youtu.be/0XcD-ZQHlmo
Do yourself a nice favor, and locate a reputable technician to perform the needed service on that console.
I've done plenty of them, and they all require restoration after 50 years.
Simple putzing around will not correct the issues and improve reliability, it's much more involved.
Re: I need help with my Micromatic Magnavox.
Posted: Fri Aug 30, 2013 11:24 pm
by Thom
It is crying out for a professional rebuild but if that is not in the cards then a thorough cleaning and lubrication is the minimum. However, knowing what to lube and more importantly what NOT to lube is critical. And therin lies the rub. If you do plan on keeping and using this then yes, find a tech. Read the post on "Crosley" posted a few days ago and you will know why we insist on the vintage changers.
Re: I need help with my Micromatic Magnavox.
Posted: Sat Aug 31, 2013 1:46 am
by Rob-NYC
Thom, short of a proper rebuild, you can go here:
http://www.vinylengine.com/library/magnavox.shtml Scroll down to "micromatic". You will have to register, it is free.
Is this a tube set or transistor?
If tube It is especially necessary for safe operation that the amp/receiver be serviced with capacitors replaced.
If transistor, turn the set on and let it run with volume all the way down for 10 or so minutes. Feel the amp's heatsink -those are large silver fins. It they are cool and there is no noticeable hum from the speakers it is probably Ok to use the unit. Even so, it is unlikely to be working at it best.
Rob/NYC
Re: I need help with my Micromatic Magnavox.
Posted: Fri Sep 06, 2013 2:46 am
by Record-changer
Nothing wrong with the change cycle except that the record needs to be up on the spindle. Here is a picture of mine scanning the size of the record with the pickup arm. The arm scans, and then the record drops. it shuts off if it doesn't find a record.
Incidentally, on the models made before 1967, the arm scan measures the size of the record accurately, so odd-sized records can be played. The only restriction is that smaller records must be above larger records. It should hold 8 records.
There are two drive wheels wheels in the earlier Magnavox changers. The one on the left of the photo runs the turntable, the one on the right runs the changer cycle.
Are the drive wheels good, with smooth, but not hardened rubber on the edges? If they were replaced with replacement parts made after 1970, they might still be good, but the originals deteriorated rapidly in humid weather. If the wheels are good, the motor bearings, idler pivots, idler bearing, and turntable center bearing need to be cleaned and lubricated.