Magnavox Micromatic fails to stay on (Video)

Here is a video of the issue at hand:

https://youtu.be/qpk6uMo2_50

Video of it actually working:

http://instagram.com/p/xez5ShvKSO/?modal=true

Essentially, whenever I release the the knob from the "auto" position, the player will not stay on as before. Even when I turn the knob to "on", it won't even come on.

In the video, I am pressing on the on/off lever which allows everything to cycle through, but this process isn't being actuated with regular operation.

I've asked around about this and have gotten everything from it being a lubrication issue or shot idler to a latch out of place. I only hope the issue is a simple as these.

I'm hoping some of those experienced with these collaro changers can provide some insight. I really miss this sound. It's been almost two months since I last spun a record on it and it's awe-inspiring sound still haunts me. So pure and authentic. Please help. Thank you.

From the video, that changer does need an overhaul.
But the video alone cannot show me (an experienced tech) all the problems to address.
It simply has to be on my bench to give an informed diagnosis.
Best to locate a local tech that knows these, stop going into it yourself, you'll make things worse.

MattTech,

Thank you for your reply. I am in Morgantown, West Virginia and wouldn't know the first thing about finding an experienced tech.

You are a state away. I could send it your way. If I were to send it to you, or happened to luck upon a tech nearby, how much would the changer overhaul presumably be? Then there is the cost of shipping and handling. Shipping a unit as such unnerves me.

The insides still look pretty good from what I can tell - with it being a 60 year old player and all. And I am hoping whoever services it can give it a new life.

I am willing to do whatever it takes to get it back running in tip-top shape. I want this thing to outlast me. Someone once harped that these players can last a few lifetimes with proper care. I just need directed to where and how I can give it the proper care and upkeep it deserves.

I can appreciate your interest in having me do the needed servicing, and indeed I've done countless Micromatics over the years for my customers.
Yes, they all run like a fine clock afterwards.
However, due to changes within my shop over the past year or so, I can no longer accept "shipped in" equipment, sorry.
Only walk-in customers now.
Good luck, all the best.
-Matt

"Donuts" you can D-L a service manual here:
http://www.vinylengine.com/library/magn ... atic.shtml

From the sound of that video it appears that much of the mechanism is bone dry. --Careful-- lubrication will get things to the point where they are at least not destroying themselves. For best performance it is important to know what parts need a drop or two of light oil and what areas must be clean and dry.

It appears the phono has the pre-1967 tonearm. The electronics are also well due for overhaul, though if the amp is not humming and the heatsinks on the output transistors are not idling hot, you can probably get away with using it as-is for a while. Eventually a rebuild will be necessary.

A pic of the faceplate and internals would be useful in narrowing down the vintage.

Rob-NYC