SPS 160 won't scan anymore

gintonic · by **gintonic** » Sat Apr 19, 2014 1:28 pm

First of all, hello to everyone here. I have browsed this forum a while but unfortunately haven't found the answer to my problem yet.

I have spent Good Friday cleaning my recently bought SPS 160. The machine functioned well but due to its past (40 years in a smoky bar) it stank and had to be cleaned. While I'm quite happy with the cleaning result, the Seeburg now refuses to start scanning as soon as the third digit has been entered. I am certain I haven't left any cables unplugged or damaged anything vital so I am a bit at a loss.

The machine still substracts credit but only starts scanning and playing when the the 'start scan' switch is activated. The Seeburg troubleshooting guide therefore tells me to change the grey box. I find this very strange since I haven't touched that box which sits securely in a metal housing and can't possibly have been damaged by me wiping away grime and muck in different places. In the meantime, I have unplugged the grey box, cleaned the contacts and applied some contact spray. However, the problem persists.

Any help would be greatly appreciated! Best wishes from Switzerland,
gt

by **Ron Rich** » Sat Apr 19, 2014 5:36 pm

Hi GT,
I would first suggest that you instantly wipe off all/any "spray", that you have used ! POWER OFF, when inserting or removing plug(s) !!
Next, I would suggest you check the NC side of the "selection pass" switch. These are known for making poor contact--
which often times causes this problem--a GOOD spray here is OK !
If that does not help--I would suggest a copy of my "Seeburg MicroLog Trouble Shooting Guide, should help, as I have covered this problem fairly well in it--(PM me if you wish to purchase it).
Ron Rich

gintonic · by **gintonic** » Sat Apr 19, 2014 7:59 pm

Thanks for the quick reply, Ron!

About the switch: do you mean the one on the lower left hand side that is activated by moving a lever forward or backward (yes/no)? The switch that does not sit where the service switches are? If so, that switch is one that I actually forgot to clean; it's still quite dirty and definitely needs cleaning. However, what do you mean by the 'NC side'? Is that the side towards the outer 'hull'? If so, how can I get access to that? In other words, how do I disassemble the curvy bit of purple housing on the lower, left-hand part? Simply unscrewing screws or is there some kind of trap involved?

On another note, I've found an offer of a 2nd hand but tested replacement grey box but at quite a price. Would you recommend buying anyway (I have no idea if these are rare or not) or do you think the problem lies elsewhere? As I stated earlier, the Seeburg Trouble Shooting Guide outlines my exact problem and suggests replacement of the grey box.

Sorry to bother you again but I greatly appreciate your advice! Yes ordering your books is indeed on my mind but I have to figure out customs costs first...

Again, thanks!

by **Ron Rich** » Sat Apr 19, 2014 9:57 pm

Hi GT,
I think we are talking about the same switch--but I have no idea what you are calling the "purple thing " ?
Just remove the whole bracket and you can "spray" inside that switch/ while moving it in both directions--"NC" means "normally closed".
It is possible for it to be a bad DRD, but rather unusual--
As for customs--usually they do not charge, so I'm told, for "books" ?
Ron Rich

gintonic · by **gintonic** » Sun Apr 20, 2014 1:16 pm

Ron, you're my hero! Just fiddling around with the switch did it! It now starts scanning as soon as the third digit has been entered. All is well, thanks for your expert advice!

by **Ron Rich** » Sun Apr 20, 2014 4:36 pm

GT,
Glad it worked--Enjoy you music ! and thanks, for purchasing the Mechanism guide !
Ron Rich