Rockola 442 Question

Hi guys

I'm edging ever close to getting my first jukebox, which I believe now will be a Rockola 442. It seems to tick all the boxes for me, it can play small hole records (very useful for we English folk!), has nice display slots for sleeves, great looks and isn't (yet anyway) extortionately expensive like some older models. It also holds 80 records which is a real plus

I have 3 questions though, maybe doghouse can answer

1) possibly a newb question, but does this have an indicator for what record is currently playing?

2) it says "integrated circuit, solid state" on it, my understanding was it was transistorised but didn't have any IC (Chips), were these even in use at this time?! I was avoiding later models as they were potentially harder to repair if the chips failed, but seems they may have been in use much earlier than I thought


3) the one I saw had a panel where you could see the turntable, is it likely someone has replaced a panel with a see through one to achieve this?

And one more cheeky question, did these have moving magnet carts as standard?

Thanks in advance if you can answer any if the above, I want to make sure I'm making the right choice as I doubt my mrs will let me buy a second!

Thanks
Adam

Hi Psychman!

I'm new to this also, but I did a lot of research prior to buying my first unit so I got really good at finding info - Google is your friend!

First thing would be to do a Google search for pictures of that model. You'll be able to tell quickly if the one you're looking at is fairly complete from the outside. This would help answer your 3rd question. Most of this era Rockolas used decorative panels behind clear glass, so it could be someone just altered or removed a panel in order to view the mech.

On number one, you could view the "Now Playing" by looking through a window and seeing the selection info. It's on a label attached to the outer ring of the popularity counter. Not high tech, but it works, as long as the label is there and intact.

Number two - according to the advertising flyer, this had two actual ICs. One drives the volume control and AVC and the other is the left/right channel amplifier.

And yes, it does use a magnetic cartridge.

Good Luck!

Nelson

Guy's,
I don't know--I am leery of "Google searches", when looking for FACTS. Remember ANYONE can put anything up there--
And I have seen a lot of "BS"--
Ron Rich

Ron - I agree 100% with your Google views!
There is a lot of bad and misguided information on the internet. Someone who used a hammer to get something working will post a detailed how-to guide as if using a hammer was the official method of repair!

Adam's request was more along the lines of researching prior to purchasing, and I do think you can locate some pretty basic information on the internet - especially in regard to what this model should look like vs. the one he's viewing for sale.

I forget that this is a public forum and I need to keep that in mind when I respond. I wouldn't want someone to stumble in here and think a member is recommending Google results to provide all the answers!

"Dog" that model used the same electromechanical mech as all their post 1963 machines. The main weak spots are the gripper motors which seem to burn out (on all R-O's right up to the end of the vinyl line) and the need to regularly clean the sliprings on the memory unit.

Looking at the schematic here:

http://www.verntisdale.com/schem/442-43a.JPG

http://www.verntisdale.com/schem/442-43.JPG

The only IC's are standard op-amps. The one possible problem area is the photo-attenuator cell in the agc section. I have these in service in the Rowe MM-1 amps and they have not yet failed. I can't determine from the voltages on the schematic or the numbers on the parts list if the output transistors are germanium or not. If germanium they can be costly to replace.

The machine uses the same Shure M44 cart that Rowe used. Styli are no problem.

i've never been a big fan of Rock-Ola machines, however there a was a 442 in a bar a few blocks over from me that was in service till around 1992 when they went to a Rowe CD. it was used heavily by a young crowd.

Rob/NYC

Thanks for the replies guys, I do google stuff but always find forums such as this the BEST place to get answers. I've been lurking a while but don't tend to see some of the basic things - I guess many people who are into jukeboxes remember them in bars and have an understanding of them already. Unfortunately I'm too young and only recall CD jukeboxes, if any at all! I do love vinyl though and want to get one for my 45s, I tend to collect pop and rock music from the 50s-70s. I do a little electronics and have learned a bit about how a jukebox works however

Regarding net info, I saw plenty of pics but couldn't see any "now playing" indicator, but sounds like one is indeed present.

Here is the typical R-O mech from that era:

http://www.retroaudiolab.com/pictures/e ... before.jpg

The indicator is a metallic strip glued to the circular assembly in the lower center of this pic.The popularity meters are the "pips" that jut out further as a given record is played. The shutter on top swings to show the A or B sides, IIRC it is actuated by the gripper bow.

Rob

You have to look through a little "tunnel" to see the "Now Playing" indicator.

Guy's,
RO's of that vintage operate the selection now playing "shutter", via the A-B cam toggle on the large gear. That cam also operates the A-B (read-out) switch at the same time. Ron Rich

You might want to make sure that it will play your "small hole" British singles at 45rpm. My 425 is a dual speed Juke. Small holes drop it into 33 1/3. 442 might be the same. Someone else on this forum should know.

I guess by the sound of it those ICs could be replaced with modern parts as their role sounds fairly basic.

Regarding the popularity wheel, that's another term I hear a bit. Aside from lifting the hood and seeing which tracks were played most, does it have any other function in this model?

Also I'm fairly sure this can be modified like other rockolas to not change down to 33 for small hole records

The pop meter in any coin op phono is designed to tell the route-person which records are the least, and most played. A good operation, will change the least played records to maximize the collections.
"IC's", unless "programmed", are probably still available for it--
Speed change can be disabled, if speed change kit was installed. Small/large hole records can not be intermixed, if no kit was installed. Small hole only,records can be played, if a dual turntable, only, is installed. If just a large hole turntable was installed, large hole records only, can be played. Ron Rich

Hi Psychman

I have just finished restoring a Rock-Ola 442 and sold it to a client in Germany. For the money they are an excellent jukebox and as long as the one you buy is fully functioning and complete I don't think you will ever have any regrets.

I don't know how much they run at in the UK, but I sold my very nicely restored one for $550, which included the manuals, sales brochure and keys.

Also, it my not be important to you right now, but having the full working coin gear greatly affects value. So you should make sure it has that, or get the box at a price which reflects not having it.

Follow this link to my YouTube channel where you can see the one I just sold: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFJH4ILFhPc