Rockola 442/443

Hello all,

Currently I'm working on getting this box cleaned up and have a couple of questions I was hoping somebody could answer.

At some point in its life it looks like it had wall boxes and a remote volume control. The "remote control" module is still laying in the box and plugged in, but I would like to remove it for now. The cable from the controller connects into the bottom of the selection/coin unit (which then runs into the power supply) via a blue plug. It looks like in order to remove the controller I need to put a jumper plug in its place.

Since finding a matching plug is probably never going to happen, does anybody know what pins need to be jumped in order to make my own?

My second question is a little more involved - Does anybody know how to safely bypass the amplifier without effecting the operation of the rest of the machine? Right now, if the amp is unplugged the selection system stops working. Is it just a matter of grounding?

Thank you in advance for any help.

Hi MM,
There should be a "volume control" located on the rear outside of that cabinet. It should have the same plug as does the remote. Just "swap" them, leaving the remote one un-plugged--
The amp should not affect the "selection system", if I recall right ? The only thing can think of, is the "record reject" system going through the amp--besides, why do you wish to replace it ??--it was designed to give optimum service with the combination of the speakers and cabinet system of that phonograph. Ron Rich

Thanks for the reply Ron.

The only thing on the outside of the box is the main power switch, the reject button and the "local" volume - the later two being directly integrated into the amplifier and accessible via a small access hole in the back of the main cabinet.

Here we go:
I believe at one time in addition to wallboxes it had a remote like this(bottom of page):
http://jukeboxesunlimited.com/rockola456.html

Which required this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ROCK-OLA-JUKEBOX-464-REMOTE-CONTROLLER-FREE-SHIP-/120649443458?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c17446882

The "remote controller" box is what I'm trying to eliminate - the blue end you see plugs into the bottom of the selector/psu unit. Its probably just a matter of jumping 4 pins, but better safe then sorry.

I have to recap the original amplifier, in the mean time the box kinda turned into a "tinker/hobby/modernize/learn as you go" project.

You're right on the "record reject" system - it does go through the amplifier in order to drive the mute circuit. Unplugging the amp definitely does prevent any selections from being made though. I believed this to be by design to prevent patrons from loading it up and not getting anything back till the box was serviced.

I'm pretty sure its just a matter of ground wires but I'm not sure...

Hi MM,
That's it --the local pot should be connected to the same type of 5 pin plug--usually it's just "sitting around" somewhere, un-used.
To install the "remote VC kit", all that was done was, un-plug that "local", and plug in the remote--(and add wires to the external switch--)
I do not have the manual on that model, but I sure can-not imagine what in the amp could cause that problem-- gonna hafta get out the manual, and schematic-- Please post it when you sort it out-- Ron Rich

Thanks again for taking the time to help Ron.

I don't think we're on the same page, or I just don't understand(more than possible) - I'm going to blame Rockola's naming scheme and my poor communication skills for that.

This is the part I'm trying to eliminate from the system:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ROCK-OLA-JUKEBOX-464-REMOTE-CONTROLLER-FREE-SHIP-/120649443458?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c17446882

It has a 15pin blue connector, when I unplug it, the entire box loses all power. This lead me to believe that before this option was installed, there was probably just a blue jumper plug in its place. I'm pretty sure the "remote controller" box itself is just a relay to remotely cut the AC).

I'll dig through the manual some more and see what I can find on the amp. I must admit I'm a bit more worried now that you believe the behavior to be abnormal.

I will definitely let you know if I come up with anything.

MM,
OK--Now I'm on your page--that's not what I would think of as a "normal Remote Volume control". It's a combination "Remote power switch, AND (remote)volume control". What they did there was pick-up 24vac (because you can run it outside the phono legally, in most areas with out conduit) and use it to power a relay that controlled the rest of the 117 circuits. I think all JB makers made some version of that unit--and yes that blue jumper plug probably has a jumper in it when the unit is not used--but the volume control portion still needs to hook up, with the 5 prong (round--gray) plug, as I said prior, in order for the "local" pot to be operative. Look at the schematics, it should show that "blue" jumper plug. Ron Rich

I agree with you, It's not what I think of as a "remote control" either, but the text on the case was all I had to go off of.

The local volume control 5pin is already plugged in and working fine - I've never been in possession of the "hand-held/wall-mount" remote.

I haven't been able to find any diagrams/schematics beyond a part number mention for the blue jumper plug, but I'll keep hunting.

Thanks again for your help.

MM,
Should be in the Service Manual, or if RockOla provided separate sheets, for that model, it should be included in any good reprint--usually NOT with the "stuff" sold "on line"--
Ron Rich

We have a nice, working Rock-ola 443 jukebox. We want to sell it. Can anyone tell me what it's worth?
Thanks,
Sporter24

It will be less then you want for it--and more then a buyer wants to pay--depending on your daf-ee-nation of "nice" and "working", I would say up to $1500.00 in the USA. Ron Rich