phonograph died in middle of play

[spider89119]

Hi I am new to the world of jukeboxes.  I have always wanted one, and recently acquired a working AY160.  One of my hobbies is refurbishing antique radios, so I can do a little bit electronically, but figuring this out is another story.  I was playing the unit yesterday, and the record player just stopped.  The music became slow for a second as the spinner came to a stop.  The mechanism did not put the record back.  It is still on the spinner.  When it stopped working, it seemed like the power to the record playing  mechanism was just cut off.  Kind of like what would happen if someone pulled the plug, except the lights stayed on.  I checked the main fuse in the lower corner of the tormat unit, and it is fine.  I then tested the tubes and they all tested fine except the 12 AX7.  That one was bad, so I have ordered another one.  That tube is part of the pulse amplifier, so I looked up what a pulse amplifier does, but from what little info there was, I am not sure if that could be the problem.  I have not done any recapping as of yet.  Anyone have any ideas about this?

[jukeboxmarty]

The 12AX7 won't have anything to do with your issue.

If you have 120vac up to the motor, then the most likely cause of this failure is the motor capacitor.

This assumes that the gears have proper lubrication and turn freely, and that your motor coupling hasn't broken or become loose.

[spider89119]

Thanks, Marty.  Where is the motor capacitor?  Also do you have any tips on how to take the blue metal cover off of the record playing mechanism?  I saw a video of how to do it on an earlier Seeburg and it looked easy, but this one is different.  Looks like I might have to take the selection bar off.

[jukeboxmarty]

The selection playing indicator bar just pops off. The motor cap is under the cover; it's cylindrical with three wire soldered to the top of it.

[Ron Rich]

If the 12AX-7 was bad, your phono would NOT be stopping for records ! You may have lost the motor cap, or you may have contact problems in the TSU. or (un-likely)on the reversing switch. ( BTW--there is no "fuse in the Tormat " !! )--IMHO You need to purchase and read the I&O and Service manuals--see our FAQ's for a list of legit sellers. In conjunction with the above manuals, Also, IMHO, I think my "Seeburg Mechanism Guide" could help you understand the operation of you system better. Should you wish to purchase a copy, contact me at : [e-mail] (yep--three "n's") Ron Rich

[spider89119]

Thanks for the info. Ron.  I don't know why that 12AX7 tested bad then.  Could be my ancient Heathkit tube tester.  It will be interesting to see what it reads when I test the tube I ordered.  There is a fuse right next to one of the transformers and it's not in the amplifier unit.  I am sure you know which fuse I am talking about.  I thought it was in the tormat chassis, but you can chalk that up to me not knowing much about jukeboxes.  I will email you about that mechanism guide.

[Ron Rich]

Hi Will
The Tormat, and that chassis are two different units. That chassis is the Tormat Selection Unit (TSU), Which should have a 5 amp, MTH type fuse, in it. If you can't find a MTH type, Buss (fuse maker) says the AGC (fast blow)type will suffice. The Tormat, is the unit that is attached to the back of the record rack, and IMHO, should NEVER be opened ! Got the email/answered it -thanks, Ron Rich

[spider89119]

Jun 19, 2019 21:41:24 GMT jukeboxmarty said:

The selection playing indicator bar just pops off. The motor cap is under the cover; it's cylindrical with three wire soldered to the top of it.

Thanks, Marty.  With that information, I was able to remove the mechanism cover and test the cap.  The cap seems to be good, so back to square one.

[Ron Rich]

Hi Will,
How/with what did you "test" the cap ? Did you dis-connect the common when you "tested" it ? Ron Rich

[spider89119]

Jun 22, 2019 14:38:37 GMT Ron Rich said:

Hi Will,
How/with what did you "test" the cap ? Did you dis-connect the common when you "tested" it ? Ron Rich

Hi Ron.  I tested the cap with an analog ohmmeter.  I disconnected the ground, then I used the ohmmeter to test if the cap was charging.  (The needle moved up, and then down. I  reversed the polarity and it did the same again)  But here's some good news.  Out of frustration, and with nothing else in my limited bag of tricks, I deposited another quarter in the slot and made a new selection, fully expecting nothing to happen.  Lo and behold the mechanism came to life again.  It put the record back and played my new selection.  Then I selected a couple more records and it seems to be working fine now.  Of course that doesn't mean that this problem won't recur.  I had already contacted a local jukebox repairman before getting it to work again.  He collects, repairs and restores vintage arcade machines and jukeboxes.  He can't come over til next week because he is out of town.  When he found out I was sort of a do it yourselfer, he seemed eager to help me learn about the unit.  Even though it is working now, I am going to have him come over, check it out, and show me how to oil it.

[Ron Rich]

Hi Will,
After that explanation, I expect that the .01x1400 cap is missing, or dis-connected, on your play control set of contacts. I would humbly suggest you purchase a copy of my Seeburg Mechanism Guide, and read it, if you wish to learn more about your phono. If you wish to purchase it, contact me at: [e-mail] Ron Rich

[spider89119]

Jun 22, 2019 16:44:24 GMT Ron Rich said:

Hi Will,
After that explanation, I expect that the .01x1400 cap is missing, or dis-connected, on your play control set of contacts. I would humbly suggest you purchase a copy of my Seeburg Mechanism Guide, and read it, if you wish to learn more about your phono. If you wish to purchase it, contact me at: [e-mail] Ron Rich

I already purchased the guide and you sent it out on Thursday, Ron.  I am the guy with the house by the sea in the desert .  Remember?

[Ron Rich]

Hi Will,
Yep--Now I remember ( I gotta GREAT memory--it's just not too long !)--that's how I figured out your name ! Now that I got 1 + 1 together, I'll add your name, and location to your posts, as requested in our user introductions section here. Ron Rich

[spider89119]

Thanks, Ron