Phonoland

Can anybody tell me where I can get more information on this thing? It has been passed down to me from my parents and I would like to tinker with it to get it back to fully working order. Everything seem to be powering on with the replacement of a power cord, but the turn table does not always engauge, and is rubbing on something slowing it down. I can't get the FM radio working, but the AM works great. The TV still powers on and all glow plugs seem to light.
I'm looking for any kind of manual, schematics or even the year of this.

Thanks! All help is appreciated. I can post more pics if needed.

Very nice!! The rubbing noise you are hearing from the turntable is most likely the dried out rubber on your idler wheel - the rubber coated wheel that the motor drives to drive the turntable. They get hard as a rock over the years, and then provide no 'grip' to move the turntable. Most seem to be available online, 2 sites I know of are www.west-techservices.com and www.turntableneedles.com. The 'glow plugs' you speak of are actually called vacuum tubes (or just tubes for short), and just because they light up doesn't mean they are functioning. Just a little info to get you started, the fellows on this site have much more experience than me, and can probably help you much more. I have found some pretty good info on some of my sets simply by googling the make and model #. Hope this helps a little!

Mike,
In most of the world (other then the USA), the "glow plugs" are called "valves".
Ron Rich

Thanks for your help. It's really appreciated being a novice to this world. I've googled, and looked all over on-line, but the only thing I have found is an exact replica of this for sale on Craigslist only 30 miles from my house.

Thanks for the tip on the dried out rubber wheels. I can see these things are pretty solid. Much appreciated!

True, Ron! Didn't think about the fact he might be outside the US!

Mike,
Yep-I wish people would post their "location"--as it sometimes helps to answer their questions--
Ron Rich

Wow! What a wonder unit.

That thing is ANCIENT (LOL), and I wouldn't leave it plugged in for an extended period of time, if at all. I may semi-trust my 60's Astro-Sonics, but what you've got is gonna require some serious attention, so you don't burn down your house.

Dealing with glow plugs/valves/tube units carry alot of high voltages and can be very dangerous. If you INSIST on doing some tinkering yourself, be very carefull and seek as much help and education as possible. Otherwise, get it to someone who knows what they're doing.

Units of this age come with a different flavor and may also have different issues than Solid-State units. There are alot of contributing folks and professional guys like MattTech (go easy on him, Matt) who can help you. With TV/Radio/Phono and Amp, there will be MANY issues to be addressed on something that old, even though some parts may work well as is.

From previous postings, I think Matt is a bit backlogged, but could probably steer you in the direction of other professional folks that he's kept in contact with over the years. Please keep us posted on your progress and enjoy what you have! --BB

Bobby Basham
Tucson, Arizona

Backlogged indeed!
Yet two more units came in today for work.

Tinkering?...... nah, I wouldn't do that.
The expertise needed to bring that Maggie to a safe and proper operating condition requires years of technical knowledge that simply can't be tossed onto a comuter screen in a few posts.

As always, my suggestion is to locate a good reputable restoration tech in your area to perform the work.
We are out there, trust me.
It's simply not a good idea to mess with something that produces 20,000 volts.

I guess I shouldn't take the "tinkering" thing lightly, unless you wanna get your foot in the door and destroy a few things along your path of inquisitiveness. Guinea pigs can be had for a dime a dozen, but be carefull about what you get...that may be a gem you've been searching for. As far as the others, have at it and learn from your mistakes.

MATT, are you down in Eastern Pennsylvania? Philly, Harrisburg, ec.? I'm originally from the Western end...Pittsburgh, Erie, Edinboro University, close to the Ohio border, but have been living in Arizona for the last 20 years.

Anyhoo, as far as those older units go, TV's can be extremely dangerous, and tube amps aren't anything to "tinker" with either. Some of their issues are different than Solid-State amps. The only tube units I have would be a Maggie console that I did a cap job. Phono played great, but the radio was dead. The radio plays well now. Oh, I do have a heavy portable that seems to be behaving for the time being. It's amazing how one part of an amp fails while the rest keeps churning on. --BB

Bobby Basham
Tucson, Arizona

LOL, this is really a wonder piece. I wouldn't leave it plug up for an extended phase of time, if at all. The dried out rubber on your idler wheel is most likely to be the cause for the rubbing noise you are hearing from the turntable. Dealing with glow plugs/valves/tube units can be very dangerous bearing in mind that they carry a lot of high voltages. I saw some program on discovery channel www.dishactivations.com, They showed how dangerous its.