RCA 1972 Model VQT-5S2 Question???

Virgin threader here.......i just bought this player last weekend. When i bought it the automatic function worked fine. but since then i haven't been able to get it to work. I set it to Automatic but the arm never moves but when the record is done playing the arm returns to the dock (please forgive me, not good with phonograph terms).

The next problem i have is i couldn't get multiple records to play. ................

Im totally new to the vinyl. so really have no idea lol. i have all the manuals to this cabinet but they aren't helpful. Any advice would be great. thanks .

Mayhem,
I am not familiar with that changer, however, most "automatics" have some sort of "sensor" that indicates if there are more records "sitting on the spindle". This is usually connected, in some manor, to the arm that "swings" over the records, and holds them, prior to the spindle "dropping them". When no more are sensed, the tone arm will return the pickup arm to the dock, as you describe. Therefore, I would assume that the "sensor" is not functioning for some reason--probably "gummed up" from lack of use-- Ron Rich

Ron Rich,

Thank you for the advice. i will try to see if i can find the sensor that you are describing. That would make sense about not being used. This player looks like new and they told me they hardly ever used it. So i will check it out and get back to you.

The other problem i was speaking of is that when you turn it on automatic the tone arm never goes to the record to start playing (this is just with one record on the spindle). However when i first got the player it worked just fine but i have not been able to get it to work since.

Perhaps the Auto/Manual switch/linkage is "dirty" ??
At this point, I would strongly suggest that you find a "pro", as MUCH damage can be done by "messing around"--or just even "playing it"--
Ron Rich

New to records eh?

Is the record UP on the spindle notch, balance arm laying ON it, before you hit the "auto" switch?
The record should DROP down to the platter, arms swings in, and record plays.

If the balance arm is DOWN, it will tell the changer to shut OFF, since no more records are ON the spindle notch to play.

Mr Rich,

You were right the first time.i found some sensors that were mucked up with old grease. i cleaned them and applied new . Works like new now. Thanks For the help!

MattTEch,

Yes i am a newbie to records. My brother in law got a record player and let me listen to ACDC's Back In Black album and i immediately feel in love the sound of the music off of a record. So much more quality than a CD or MP3. i was immediately hooked. so i got on craigslist and found the RCA and it was pretty close to home. So i snatched it up. Thanks for the advice you gave. I appreciate it guys.

That record changer is labeled a bit weird. The main control has:

OFF - the power is off
MAN - The turntable runs, but the changer does not cycle.
AUT - The turntable runs, and the changer cycles at the end of the record.
SEL - Starts a change cycle, to start the stack of records or to reject the playing record. Momentary position that moves back to AUT when you let go of it.

The sensor is the leveling arm. When it drops below the spindle ledge, there are no more records on the spindle. This tells the changer to shut itself off the next cycle.