Common problems with the "400" series phono's

[Ron Rich]

Hi All,

The 2nd most question asked of me about RockOla's concerns either the Write-In, or Read-Out arm continuously "searching"-- or not "hammering" the pin--

Assuming no burned out coils, I have found the problem to be on the "contact rings", or "fingers(contact blades)" that ride on them.

My cure for this is somewhat simple--NO-DO NOT USE SANDPAPER on either the ring, or contact point !  Saturate a cloth, or a paper towel with a plastic safe, "safety solvent". Wipe the rings, softly burnish ( using a tool only), the contact points, then treat the rings and points with Deoxit-5 (once again--use a rag), AS PER  Instructions, on the can . NOTE-- I have no affiliation with the above named product--I have not found anything else which works !

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Another common RockOla ( and Rowe) problem

Slow turntable speed.

RockOla used two slightly different style turntable (TT) motor mounting systems.  Both use the same three "white" rubber supports, that tend to "get old, and sag". No mater what you may read elsewhere, I have never been able to replace the  white version with any other color ones, to my satisfaction. Also--be sure if you have the screw on type of metal mounts, you do not lose the spacer that's inserted into the grommet.  The motor of course requires oil, in BOTH top and bottom oil wicks--some motors have a tube to oil them with, others still have the wicks, but no tube-- so, guess what you GOTTA do ??   BTW. Use 20 wt. ND motor oil only ! And that "spring"--if "messed" with, in any way, it must be replaced, and it's likely the idler wheel needs to be CLEANED ( use naphtha, or rubbing al-key haul), or possibly,  re-surfaced, at the same time.

Rowe's are about the same, except you can use the black rubber supports, or the white ones?

On the later "computer" style, RockOla's-- the battery tends to LEAK ! MOVE it outside the case-- add two wires, string them thru an hole in the case and mount the battery outside-- use either "Velcro" or 2 sided tape to mount it to the wall away from that computer ! 

Ron Rich

[nyjb]

Great job, Ron. You anticipated my question months in advance.

[Ron Rich]

That's why we have the "stickies"--
Ron Rich

[nyjb]

And why it's worth checking them before posing a question. Let's develop this one, as I still have the problem after taking the steps you suggested. I removed the relevant parts, used Deoxit-5, and gently burnished the fingers. I was tempted to bias the fingers downward hard, in order to ensure better contact, but didn't. They all make contact as far as I can see.

FWIW: turntable continues to turn, scanning works on service switch. It doesn't seem like the problem is tied into any others.
Possibly related(?): The 1 button wasn't working, but only when pressed as the second digit of a selection. Otherwise no selecting issues.

Next steps: relay contacts? biasing of fingers?

[Ron Rich]

Gottem "DaBook" ? Time to look at it and determine what controls the turntable--betcha, a switch is "bad"-- as for the 2nd digit of a selection not working, I would guess that maybe it could be set for "album" (or,"premium") play only ??--time for "dabook" --again ! Ron Rich

[nyjb]

I have the book, but not much familiarity with either 70s jukeboxes or Rockolas of any era, and thus no "feel" for things like when the turntable would normally be revolving. I'll concede the point however; I could figure that out from the book, and didn't bother to.

I love that the Rockola books have schematics for each stage of operation, and wish they had a troubleshooting section like the Seeburg books do. Can't have everything in this life, I guess.

[normg7]

I had a 450, 2nd digit wouldn't work, it was a fuse in back behind the rear cover

[johnie]

Hi Ron from chilly WI. Was looking at the post regarding "burnish the contact points" on my Rock 448. What kind of tool you talking about regarding "burnish"? Not sure if you mean a points file for cars, 1000 grit emory or what. I've had this Rock since 1983 with no issues. Currently the selections that end in 6 it keeps searching.
Thank you.
John

[jukenorman]

Hi John,
Ron passed away last July. I am not sure which post you are referring to but I absolutely wouldn't be using a burnisher file to resolve the problem you describe. Have you cleaned the write-in printed circuit contact plate and/or the button bank switches? This has been covered a number of times in various Rock-Ola threads.

Incidentally you should be able to get burnisher files at Mouser.

Norman.

[johnie]

Hi Norman,
I'm so sorry to hear about Ron, but thank you for letting me know. And thanks for the info on the burnish file. I did find some info on the 400 thread. I will clean the write in area once I get some Deoit and the proper file.
John
WI