Phonoland

My Seeburg PFEA1 scans after making 2 selection (1 quarter inserted for 2 selections) but will not grab a record.... then stops. Any ideas? Thanks for any help.

Couple of questions for you-- (Please read "Attn Newbie's" above)
1.Which model phonograph do you have "APFEA-1", or, "PFEA-1U" ?
2.Do you have the correct service manual ?
Ron Rich

I have the PFEA1. No I do not have a manual. The original owner said he will try to find it. Thanks for your reply

PFEA1 is not a model number--it's the series number. Model number needed to give you any useful info--AND you need to read the Service Manual, and understand the terminology, to follow any info-- Ron Rich

Thanks Ron, I sent pm asking where I can find a manual.... I thought I found the model on the back metal plate....

Yikes.... re-do

At this point that machine is 49 years old. Unless it has been rebuilt at some point in the last 25 years, it is -way- over do.

The "scans twice and stops" is the most common problem in Seeburgs. Expired capacitors in the control center, broken wires at the mechanism and a number of other minor problems.

While it may be possible to do a patch-up and get it working, you will be dealing with frequent problems and eventually something major will happen that will really be costly.

Personal advice from someone with 29 years of operating machines; take an honest assessment of your abilities with regard to electronics repair and basic mechanical maintenance. While these machines aren't as complex as some modern devices, they are different than, say, simple computer repair which is unit-board based. Twenty-plus years ago parts and whole units for these 1960s Seeburgs were plentiful. today that is much less so. Today the emphasis must be on repairing and preserving what you already have.

If you know how to use basic tools ie; soldering iron and DVM, can read a schematic and understand it, then get what is needed starting with a full service manual and then parts to DIY-it. If not, it is best to send the units to a technician.

Whatever you decide; don't 'tinker" with it. This is more complex that a record player or radio. You'll end up with more problems and possibly real damage.

Rob/NYC

If you do have the skills needed, as Rob pointed out, and decide you want to do this--read the posts above to find a book seller ( I might also suggest that my Seeburg Mechanism Guide, should be of help--PM me to purchase, if you wish), and "Just do it"!
Everyone has to learn--the first time--Just do NOT "ADJUST" ( or "bend") anything until you are 200% sure of what you are doing-- Ron Rich

Thank you Rob & Ron ! I took out the 3 boxes & am planning on doing a all rebuild of the caps & electrolytics.

I usually get my antique radio caps from Mark at oldradioparts.net but I saw there are kits on Ebay for this model... where do you get you parts from?

Smp,
I buy in "bulk" usually, but if I need a "kit", I buy from Tisdale--list above "where to find---"
Ron Rich