Seeburg HSC2

Happy New Year to all!

I looked at this HSC2 today and have a couple of questions before I can make an offer. Naturally, if I buy it I'll get an owners manual and service manual.

I'm thinking it is a solid state amplifier. Did Seeburg use germanium or silicon transistors in it? If it's tubes, that's a moot question.

I'm told that the radio receiver used in some of them is problematic. Anybody have any experience with these.

The radio comes on, but reception was bad because of no antenna. The turntable motor runs when it's powered up also. When a record is "dialed" up, I can here relay clicking going on. I assume this is a selection receiver? After a selection is made, the carriage doesn't move. The motor appears to stall then pick up speed again. I'm assuming it's in dire need of cleaning and lubing.

Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

Jack

Hi Jack,
If the "selection controls" are the black, push button type, that has the new style ("300") radio.
If it has the rotary selection control, it is,, one of the two, "problematic" types.
The clicking you hear, is the "stepper"--I would pop the cover off it, and see if the "step-up wheels were white, or black. If white, these are a problem, and the new black type are, as far as I know, NLA.
Note: ID tag should tell you if the amp has been updated, and the wheels changed ( Marked either "U", or "Code B".
If the turntable motor is changing speeds, I would figure that it needs replacement--I do have a few, NOS, left--If just the turntable, I would assume that the belts were shot--
Depending on the "position" of the carriage--if in "play position", it would not tend to move--I hope !
If in scan position, and "someone "messed with" the reversing switch/and, or, relay, it also should not move--that's a separate motor--who's gears strip easily ----
Ron Rich

Ron, Thanks for the info.

Still a little confused. There is black pushbuttons for radio selections, AM, FM, Aux, etc... So that means the 300 series. The method of selecting records is a rotary type, like old telephones. So I read that as a problematic type.

I'll check on the step up wheels, hoping for black wheels. If it has white wheels, I'll probably have difficulty upgrading it.

The ID tag on the back has HSC2- printed and 2 or 3 characters hand scribed afterwards. They were not easily read. I'll try a magnifying glass to see if any of them is "U" or "B".

I'm guessing the belts are shot since the machine hasn't been serviced in 20 years.

When viewed from the rear, the carriage is at the right. I'm assuming that is the park position and not the play position.

Is the audio amp part of the radio or could it be the chassis under the left speaker box (right side when viewed from the rear)? Is it solid state? germanium or silicon? I'd hope for silicon because I'm sure germanium transistors are also NLA.

Lastly, are there transit screws to secure the carriage?

TIA

Jack

Hi Jack,
Sorry I confused you--I should have written ---the selection system for the audio functions should have the black push-buttons across the top of the radio section. ALL HSC's, have the rotary dial system for record selection. The "6000 series" had the "touch pad" for record selections.
If "something" was written in ink on the ID tag, I'm 99% sure it says ether "Code B", or "U".
Both were used to indicate that the unit was "updated".--IMHO--90% of which is a waste of time.
The audio system consists of both type transistors--this was an out of factory built/purchased product. Most of the transistors are still available--and I would guess that 99% can either be found or a good sub can be found. That little box, on the front of the carriage, is the pre-amp/mute relay.
Your "assumption" is incorrect. Play position is anywhere on the rack that has a record--If in "Play Position" the clamp arm that holds the record to the turntable will be pressed against the turntable, and the tonearm free to follow the record grooves.
YES--there were tie down bolts---If not there, and you do not have the instructions, I strongly urge you to remove the whole mechanism assembly and transport it outside the cabinet in an upright position ( besides--this makes the cabinet easier to move !) . Ron Rich