Help with a RockOla 445 not playing records.

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MyWifesRockOla
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Re: Help with a RockOla 445 not playing records.

by MyWifesRockOla » Wed Nov 14, 2012 7:27 pm

g0pkh wrote:
If the motor runs using the service switch, the motor is not the problem. If it won't return to home, if started via the service switch, it almost has to be the contact(s) on the read-out arm, or wobble plate switch, or service switch. Trace the circuit -- Ron Rich


Totally agree Ron.

There may be a problem with the other (gripper) motor however, its worth checking in my opinion of course.
The reason I mentioned it, is because the first picture shows the machine with the pick up arm stopped in a strange position.

Always good (and reassuring) to be sure that the motors are in good condition first.

If the magazine doesn't return home (with the switch in OPERATE), then there may be problem with the Homing wiper on the rotating wiper board at the end of the mech.
For the magazine to return home, the play relay must be activated.

The homing wiper and wobble plate switch are in parallel and then in series with the play relay.
Once the wobble plate switch is opened (last selection played) then the mag will continue to rotate until the homing wiper goes open, the play relay will
drop out stopping the turntable, and the magazine at the home position.
Pete


I think the gripper is ok as when I got it back together it started to play the record that would have been there. I moved the arm to the center as to simulate end of record, gripper arm started to go up and stopped/jammed. Replaced the fuse and I had to play around with the gripper arm to get it to complete its cycle. And it did.

Tonight if I get a chance am going to start (try) to trace wires and switches starting with the wobble plate switch to look for an open and or disconnected and burnt wire. As that is what my wife and children smelled before they pulled the plug.


Ron Rich
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Re: Help with a RockOla 445 not playing records.

by Ron Rich » Wed Nov 14, 2012 7:46 pm

In this case, I would proceed as follows:
Using only 20 wt ND oil--oil the gripper, in every "joint" and anyplace that moves--being sure to flood the area between the two gears, as they must "slip" past each other.NOTE: This will take awhile to combine the graphite grease used by R/O, and the new oil--unless someone has introduced another type of grease, it will work--I have run the gripper up to 100 operations prior to having this work--
Double check the size and type of that "fuse", and install a slightly smaller one, then called for--
Check to be sure the gripper motor has totally "finished it's cycle" (gripper down all the way over basket--switch "opened")
Note--the basket-read-out motor will not function if the gripper has not finished it's cycle.
Look for the "smoke"---
Good luck--
Ron Rich

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