Attn: "Newbies"

Hi All,
I fully realize that everyone is/was, at one time, a "newbie", and at times my reply may seem "gruff" especially when I answer with just a "yup" or "nope". It's not that I do not want to help, on the contrary, I like helping--However, if a "newbie" can not communicate using terms (in the factory ) service manual, I really do not have a clue.
My late Aunt, once called me to come pick her up, because her car would not start--found out why when I got there--the engine and transmission had been stolen right out of it, while it was parked in a supermarket lot !
So my advice to all newbies is--First--unplug the phonograph it, and keep your hands outta it ! Purchase ( a GOOD copy of) the Service Manual (see "where to find"--above), and all other pertinent materials, and READ them--then ask any questions you have. As at that point, I, and others, then have a chance at giving an answer that is at least close to "correct".
"ADJUSTMENT" ? It has been my egg-speer-re-ence, that almost no "adjustment" changes, by itself. Should it appear an adjustment is suddenly needed on something that has been working fine, this is usually an indication that something has failed. Therefore, prior to "adjusting", one must determine what happened and correct it. Most of the time, on a mechanical problem, lack of proper lubrication is the first suspect.
If you are "new", and expect help, please give all info that you can, including, make and complete model number, plus, machine "history" (just got it-also helps !)
Start a new topic, unless you are having exactly the problem covered by another topic ! To start a new topic, simply go to the Home page, click on the subject you want (in this case, "Jukebox") and click the "new topic button".
Also, please feel free to use the PM system, if you are asking a direct question to a specific member, which should not be classified as a "general interest question". ( example--hey Pete--got any part number xxx's for sale?) Questions of this type, may be deleted by moderators--at any time-- " for sale", and "wanted" items should be listed in their own categories, above.
One other thing--there is, is most cases, no "one button fix-all" for any jukebox !
Ron Rich

Thanks for that Ron.

I totally agree with you. I too am a relative newbie to the jukebox world, but in no way a newbie to the world of electronics or electromechanics.

If one thinks they are capable of repairing such a piece of equipment, then they should at least understand the importance of a service manual, and the
technical terms used within the equipment they are attempting to repair.
As you say it then gives those that do understand a chance of being helpful.

What annoys me is the fact that one make the effort to "get involved" and offer lots of useful information which appears to go to waste and is not even acknowledged.

An example, I myself spent quite some time trying to help on here with the rockola 459 that would not make a selection. I really quite enjoy trying to help too.

I actually get almost as much of a buzz out of trying to help someone else with a problem as I do working on my own kit.

I don't think they realise how disappointing it is when they don't bother to acknowledge you help you are offering.

It makes one think "why did I bother replying"

Pete

Pete

Hi Pete,
You are welcome--I have been "helping" "people" with jukes for well over 40years--
Sometimes it is rather difficult as there is no info to work with--and like said--no "one touch, magic button".
Also some have a very high skill level, but, I wonder if others are qualified to "fix a sandwich"- ?? Ron Rich

Oh, I can fix a sandwich alrighty!
Yepperz, one helluva balony!

My wife fixes a lovely sandwich.

Far better than me.

Hi Pete. Just wanted you to know that I also have a Rockola 474 that had the same symptoms that the 459 had that you posted about and it is now fixed thanks to you and Ron.I did all the electrical troubleshooting and tested all the relays only to find out that my write in motor was seized. I was using a Rockola troubleshooting guide that was printed when the machine was new but they didn't have these problems when they were new. Thanks again.

Thankyou Toomer7074

It is good to know that information given pays off.

Pete

The service manual for some jukeboxes are useless . The symptom is not listed . I was restoring a Wurlitzer 1015 that refused to select the right number of record . I asked here and other places . After some pretty off ideas from a few people that didnt work i figured it out . It was one simple adjustement of one switch that fixed it . The manual said nothing about that .

50's seeburg manuals are pretty good though .

Sadly - it`s a bit late for me ...I wish I knew about this site BEFORE I purchased my Rockola ...that advice would have been invaluable ...
allan

What's funny is that when the newbie like me learns the names of the parts per the manual the repair guys with the real experience have their own names for the parts. For instance, the "lift arm guide tips" in my Wurly 2800 are called duckbills by Rob-NYC.

But I agree wholeheartedly with Ron Rich that the manuals are the first source for identification of a specific part or function. Got to know the names of the functions as well.

Zeke,
True--but any one familiar with the WurliTzer would also know the term, "lift arm guide tips".
"Duck-bills" is/was more common slang, as that's what they look like--
Most confuzing to me--one company calls something an "electric selector", while another company calls something else an "electric selector"-- Ron Rich

We all have our nick names for parts, this could be that as Ron says they look like that, we also have the language barrier and of course old age etc, we tend to forget at times, this results in loads of pointing and gasps.

With me its is peoples names.

Getting back to the plot!

If you have an understanding of the correct terminology then at least we have a chance of helping you with your issues.

Regards
Alan

Alan Hood
ami-man
UK

ami-man wrote:If you have an understanding of the correct terminology then at least we have a chance of helping you with your issues.
Regards
Alan

Alan Hood
ami-man
UK

Alan, all that is nice but....
The uneducated/untrained/uninformed will always be confused as to specific parts, etc.
The internet is limited in its ability to convey specific information to others.
It's an inherent problem, and always will be.
Even a highly experienced tech cannot determine a problem from hundreds of miles away.
How can he, if a part is bent out of shape or damaged?
The "newbie" doesn't know the part is bent, being untrained.
All the "online" diagnosis in the world isn't going to solve the problem.
How can a trained tech know if a certain transistor, etc, has leakage - his test leads cannot reach to another part of the world.
And certainly a newbie doesn't know such things.
A missing spacer/washer from a previous attempt at repair by someone, and critical to operation, isn't obvious to either the DIY'er or the tech at the other end of the internet.
And all the 2 dimensional photos in the world, some blurry, cannot convey the same info across the internet.

This is why I don't frustrate myself by attempting to discuss complex mechanical assemblies or procedures to people who know nothing of such things.

The tried and true method of hiring a trained tech to perform service was and still is the best road to go down.
It was the way to go about things before the internet, and saves a lot of time, error, and frustration.
Sure, these techs are scarce, but spending time to locate one "online" or through the phonebook isn't impossible.

Putting the cart before the horse doesn't get you anywhere.
Wait for a manual - patience is the key.