Rowe AMI MM1 - Selection Unit failing to register

This is a post for AMI-Man, or anyone who cares to help, as I need it!

First, this is my first post. I have a strong amateur background in schematics-diving from my pinball hobby (I have 13, both electromechanical and solid state, all purchased dead or mostly non-working, and all revived by me) and now I humble myself before the Gods of Juke for a little help with these "familiar parts in new configurations"!

I have a schematic with an (initial) troubleshooting section for my Rowe AMI MM1 that I just picked up from a collector.

This thing's search unit sets up any and all pins just fine. Problem is - just like in that schematic/guide's help section - that when the selection unit goes to "read" the pins, it literally just barrels right over them, not stopping for them, or any pin.

Now, I removed (both?) stopping switches from that rotating assembly. They both engage and disengage with a satisfying click as they buzz out for continuity correctly with my multimeter. So those went back in.

The manual suggests the switches are bad (which as above has been tested to APPARENTLY not be the case).

It does a full rotation through all number and letter combos then "gives up" and stops, as it appears it has been "programmed" to.

The manual suggests checking wiper 4 and 5 of the "spin wheel" (if I recall correctly?) These were all professionally cleaned and appear in great condition.

Manual finally suggests there is simply a loss of continuity on one of those two leads, somewhere. I am tracking with this so far, but basically I am looking for pointers on where to buzz out to systematically zero in on the lack of continuity, if that is in fact the problem.

Any experience, tracks to follow or ideas, all?

Thank you so much.

Regards,
Matthew Jackson
Florida
USA

You should test those switches with a test light, not a meter. I have seen switches activate before, after, and while the switch clicks. You also have a lot of contacts to clean, too.

Hello Matthew,

If the stop plate assembly and its microswitches test out ok clean the slip rings with a pencil rubber (eraser) and then a lint free cloth. I would also check out the soldered connects from the switches to the slip ring tracks for dry joints (cold joints USA).

I have seen this happening on a few mechanisms that I have in for repair. In most cases the fault tended to be a problem with the diodes behind the molex connection to the mechanism on the mechs left hand side. Another thing that could cause this is incorrect wiring on the Annunciator.

Please let us know how you get on.

Regards
Alan Hood
ami-man
UK

Hello coopgriff,

Check out and clean the two open relays (one each side of the search unit) these are S1 & S2, the best way to clean these open contacts is to pull writing paper in the form of a taper through the open and closed contacts.
Do not use any form of contact cleaner!
You can also clean the printed circuit board with a pencil rubber (eraser)

Regards
Alan Hood
ami-man
UK

hello ami-man,

Thank you for your help! I cleaned the contacts S1 and S2 along with any other contacts I could get to. I then turned the machine on and noticed that it did help. The coil and plunger that pushes out the pin for the selection you enter could push out some pins all the way and others partially or not at all. I was able to determine that some of the 200 pins are just stubborn. I used some lubricant and manually pushed them in and out a few times to loosen them up and then wiped up all the excess lubricant. I turned the machine back on and it works perfect! I love it! Next problem to tackle is figuring out why the highs on the right top speaker are not working. Thanks again for your help!

Cooper.

Good morning i need some help with a 1967 Rowe AMI ,MM1. iI dont have any kind of manual but the juke worked great last time we used it [about 1 month ago] now when we make a selection it seams to move around corectly but wont send the record up for play .havnt done much work with juke boxes but does anyone know where to get a manual or at least a copy or sugession which way to go thanks all

Hello Mikej,

Check out www.victoryglass.com or www.jukebox-world.de for a mannual for your 1967 Rowe Ami MM1 manual.

Regards
Alan Hood
ami-man
UK