Phonoland

I have the drum selector switches on the bench. I have them cleaned and have been testing the mechanical action of the latch and release action. Several do not always release when another selection is made. My wild guess is when a second switch is depressed the first does not release because the switch tie strap in not moved far enough, when a new switch button is depressed, to allow for release of the previously selected switch. I just wondered if anyone had any cures for this problem? I really do not see an adjustment that I could make to fix this problem. I may be misdiagnosing the problem as well.

These mechanical parts look like they would like some lubrication if I ever get them to work properly. Would that be true? I'll double check the manual incase I missed the answer in it. Thanks As Always!

David (Geritol Ghetto)

Hi David,
Lubricate them PRIOR to attempting to fizzing them ! Usually iffin no one has "messed with them" all they need is a drop or two of graphite based grease, on the sliding parts--Ron Rich

David, the entire switch assembly should be washed in a degreaser such as floor stripper (diluted) or sprayed liberally with Easy Off then rinsed thoroughly and dried. then lubed as per Ron's advice.

There are two types of "spline" that runs across the switches. The oldest one is rigid metal with a gold color anodization. The later one is a black spring steel and as such it "gives" a little if there is a slight difference in alignment between the switches.

When I (often) have to take them apart to rebuild a switch, I make sure all buttons are out before tightening the screws on the spline.

With wear these switches develop a lot of backlash which places the sliding contact right at the edge of the gap contacts. The 3 amp current of the motor then eats away contact area on the slider till it no longer works. There is a carry-over set on the cam by the motor that is supposed to parallel the button contacts and take some of the load once the cam starts, make sure it is closing properly.

FWIW: Since I use four of these in commercial service the #%$#* drums and buttons are often a pain. To reduce the electrical wear I install an 24VAC relay to run the motor and the buttons then just start the relay (approx 30ma).

IF you've dealt with these and what the public does to them, you will understand why so many were "Wico'ed".

Rob-NYC

Thank You Ron and Rob! I get to go to the hardware store, today, for some graphite based grease. A visit to the hardware store is always fun and exciting for me! Whoopie!