Micro Switch Sequence timing

[wirelessguyny]

I've been trying to restore my Rockola 418 (Rhapsody II) and can't seem to figure out what's preventing it from playing through the cycle correctly. My main assumption is that the issue lies with the Cam and micro switches. I'll try to be as descriptive as possible, if anyone has any recommendations please let me know.

#1 - I have the service manual and schematic. I just don't understand them.

Does anyone know what the cam micro switch sequence is?

At start, I have Micro switch #1 (far rear) in open position and micro switch #2 and #3 closed down by the cam.
I have no clue what 'favoring back drop off' means in the manual. Either it's barely unengaged or unengaged to the extreme but their choice of words is poor (I did hear that they changed their verbiage later on). I believe mine is barely unengaged.

Anyhow, I do have the correct set of Bristol wrenches to adjust the set screws I just don't know exactly when each switch should engage. When set 'wrong' I tend to blow the 1.6A fuse at the end of the sequence that lays the record down on the turntable.
When I modify the set screw on #2 and #3 the unit doesn't lock up of blow a fuse but what I get is that... the selection is picked up, placed on the turntable and then immediately returned back again.

If I have other selections still in the queue they are ignored and the everything keeps spinning. If I cancel that selection pin manually the selector assembly stops correctly at the home position.

Some other quick notes...

Yes, sadly I did remove the cam when I disassembled and greased the gripper mechanism. I believe its in the right position but I'm not certain how to be sure of that. The issue has been so frustrating that I am second-guessing myself and wondering if I reinstalled it backward. Does anyone have experience with that and know what would result there? In all likelihood I did not install it incorrectly but I just can't seem to get past this sequencing issue.

The 15W Slow down resistor in the control box tested fine.
My tonearm switch is fine (not bridged)
The reject button at the rear of the unit is disconnected (so that isn't interfering either).
I'm not sure what is causing the Cancel.

The only other hint I can share is that the RESET button next to the number keys never does anything. (i.e. doesn't cancel any selections I've made). 

Any thought or recommendations would be GREATLY appreciated. 


Also, I'm in southern NYS just north of the NJ border. If anyone know of a semi-local technician please let me know. (The only one I've seen is somewhere out on Long Island and he seems unresponsive   )

[Ron Rich]

Hi Wireless,
Yea--RockOla always spoke with a strange accent in their manuals ! One manual (can't recall which), has instructions for a person to "UN-loosen" an adjustment screw ? ( Had to look that up in Websters, many years ago !) I can't help you there--hopefully someone will chime in--
I can help you with the "RESET" button on the keyboard--that's there, to correct your error(s), not cancel selections. If you are making a selection, and decide you have made an error, hit that button, and you can restart the process. Ron Rich

[jukenorman]

The procedure for setting No. 1 micro switch is on page 11 of the manual - you need to start with this. You wind the transfer motor manually until it jams as described. The switch actuator must now be fully in the groove, "favoring the back drop-off" means it needs to be up against the edge of the groove that it has fallen into. Operating the transfer motor manually, the switch should operate as it leaves the groove and winding it back, it should operate before it bottoms out in the groove and before the jam. The operating point of No. 1 micro switch is also covered on page 42, as is No. 2 micro switch. The operation of No. 3 micro switch is covered on page 44.

The operation of the the micro switches after the music cycle is complete is covered on pages 45 and 46. I think what you need to do is to wind the transfer motor manually and ensure that the switches operate when they should. One thing to be aware of, is that hearing the switch click or metering it with power off is no guarantee that it is functional (it may not be able to pass sufficient current due to deterioration of the switch contacts). These Rock-Ola switches are often problematic. There will be a "sticky" on checking micro switches which you can refer to.

There is no such word as "unloosen" - I asked my wife, she knows big words!

Norman.

[Ron Rich]

Hi Norman,
I dis-agree with you ! There certainly IZ such a word as "Un-loosen" --I did find it in a dictionary --which was the "Snopes" of that day !
That wore is listed rite besides "Inflammatory", if my great but not too long memory serves me well ! Ron Rich

[jukenorman]

Ron, I'll never take my wife's word ever again! I believe she was being inflammatory in telling me it didn't exist. The word "unloosen" is used in the 418 manual. Norman.

[Ron Rich]

Norman,
Please don't never say, "never" ! I no--I am not always rite, nor write, nor right, nor correct--but I am NEVER rong !! Ron Rich

[bjwizzer]

Hey, I know this will sound a little out there.

But if you haven't tighten the bristol set screws too many times, you may be able to see the original
set screw impressions. That would at least be a good starting point.

If you readjusted the cam quite often, you may have a problem seeing the set screw marks.

BTW, I am having the same problem with a Friends R-418, If I can get the r-418 going I'll let you know
what I did. If you get your 418 going please let me know.

BJ

[johnlivo]

I am originally from the Chicago area where both Rockola and Seeburg I believe were made, and I think I can see some of us from there saying "Unloosen" LOL

John in Portland, OR