Rock-Ola 440 Jukebox repair questions

This is my first post! I'm very happy to have found this forum! I don't have a manual yet, so I hope someone can offer some advice:

I just purchased a Rock-Ola 440 "Psychedelic Money Grabber. Happily, it mostly works. I'm in the process of cleaning it up inside and out and awaiting a replacement needle. After spraying the volume knob, the static I was initially experiencing is now gone

The major issue I am having is the keypad doesn't seem to work. There is no power to it. Is it possible that it has been disconnected? I don't know the exact terminology to use, so I'll explain it the best I can, and can provide a picture, if that is helpful. I have noticed a wire coming out of the gray wire snake underneath the keypad is not connected to anything. It is a 2 hole wire that looks like an AC adaptor. I also noticed you can't push the coin return button in. It seems to be stuck in one position, and the coins drop right into the return slot.

Also, I replaced the burnt out middle florescent bulb under the song selection panel. Now, the bulb only lights dimly on each end with nothing in the middle. I've read that this is usually a started problem, but I can't locate a starter.

Lastly, how hard is it to find the color wheels and motor? Right now, I have clear glass in those 9 holes, and am trying to decide how to proceed.

Any help would be much appreciated!

Hello nipperdog,

Welcome to the forum, sorry you did not leave your name.

I would hold off on any work until you have recieved and read it a couple of times fully. This will help you when talking about any issues you have and also the guys that work on Rock Ola's will be talking from the same hymn sheet. The only thing I know about the 440 was that it was made in 1969, I did work on a few of them around that period into the early 70's and have not looked at a Rock Ola for over 30 years. The major thing that I remember is that the gripper bow motor is unforgiving so do not get your arm or hand caught in there.

No doubt some of the Rock Ola guys will be along soon.

Regards
Alan

Alan Hood
ami-man
UK

Hi Nipper,
As Alan correctly advised--wait for the manuals !
I would advise that if you can't find the starter--you remove that tube before it also "burns out"--
"Alameda"--where ?? I was just in Alameda, California, USA, yesterday--(remember, this is a world wide forum) Ron Rich
Ron Rich

Thanks for the responses! The book is on the way, but I guess I'm a little anxious to restore this jukebox to its former glory. I'm grateful it won't take that much to get it there. Despite needing a little cleaning, it is in great cosmetic shape. There don't seem to be an mechanical issues, other than the ones I stated. The hanging wire seems like it should be connected to something, but there is no obvious place to plug it into. There is no power going to the keypad, which is what got me thinking in the first place. The Fluorescent bulbs seem to be wired in series and the other 2 are working fine. The bulb I replaced was completely burnt out. Being that the new one, which is the middle bulb of the 3, lights up on the ends, I know power is going to it and there should be a simple fix for this as well.

OK, I'll be patient and wait for the manual

Ron, I am located right smack in the middle of Alameda!

Thanks again!

Peter (AKA Nipper)

Peter,
Lamps are never wired in series--aways have a seperate ballast and starter--follow the wires--
Guess I went "right past" your house--
Ron Rich

After a strong cup of coffee and a few minutes of peace and quiet, I was able to trace down where the bulb starter was. A trip to the hardware store and $1.29 later, the jukebox is now fully lit! What a difference that third bulb makes! The new needle arrived the other day. I have the software to create the the title cards. I am still waiting on the manual, which should be here next week. I'll champ at the bit until then