W2204 selection issues/blowing 0.4A fuse

[e093116]

Hi,

I've been having some trouble with my W2204.  Over the past few months, it would occasionally blow the 0.4A fuse, which I believe is there to protect the selector coils.

Previously, after making a selection, I can hear a buzz for approximately 1-2 seconds until the buttons on the keyboard reset. In reviewing "TFM", I believe there is an RC "hold up" circuit on the timing relay #1, consisting of a 150MFD cap and 50 ohm 2 watt resistor.  I've replaced 150MFD cap (it's located in the metal box/base at the bottom of the mechanism) without any change.  I've also been unable to find the 50 ohm resistor anywhere.  Curiously, the capacitor is wired across a 3 position block and is connected to terminals 1 and 3.  There is a wire to terminal 1, but no wire connected to terminal 3, terminal 2 has a wire connected to it, but there is no continuity between terminal 2 and either of the other terminals.  I believe the resistor went between terminals 2-3 to complete the circuit, and at some point the resistor was cut out and not replaced.  Wondering if anyone can confirm or has a picture of this area?

Anyway, using some test leads, I've built what I think the correct circuit is, without any improvement to the situation.  Currently, I do not have a 0.4 amp fuse installed (it will just keep blowing), but I believe I can "test" the system without the rest of that circuit active.  When I make a selection, the buttons will stay latched in for ~5-6 seconds before resetting (the buzzing would be for this amount of time or until the fuse blows).  In watching some youtube videos, I believe the latching should be of a very short duration (less than 1 second, and probably more like 150 milliseconds), and if I got my phono to act this way, the fuse blowing problem would be solved and I wouldn't hear the buzzing noise anymore either. 

Wondering if anyone has had this problem in the past and how it was solved?  FWIW, I have a spare playrak that I've tried, with the same result.

Thanks in advance for any guidance provided.

Bill

[Ron Rich]

Hi Bill,
Where (in which circuit) is this 4/10 amp fuse ??
Ron Rich

[e093116]

Ron,

Hopefully you can expand and view the pictures below.  This is out of the manual for 2204 from Victory Glass (note the page footers say 2104, but this is what is in the manual...I'm guessing the two models are the same in this area).

Thanks,

Bill

[Ron Rich]

Bill,
In this case, I would look at the contacts shown--use a GOOD, analog meter to test them after examining them for burns/pits, "cleaning-burnishing" them as per the notes in our FAQs section, and checking their adjustment. As shown--problem can also be poor continuity thru the keyboard, to ground --- Ron Rich

[e093116]

Hi Ron,

I’ve noticed that timing relay 2 will stay pulled in for several seconds, after power is provided and then removed from the coil. I’ve verified this with the meter. So I think I’ve figured out what the problem is. There is a bit of pull in still present on the relay if I disengage it manually after it has been pulled in and then power removed.

The relay is clean and cycles nicely by hand.

This coil has some rings on it, which I believe is what the text refers to as “delayed action shorting rings”.

Is it time to replace this coil? The only thing I can think of to do is “tensionize” the spring a bit more to provide a bit more drop out force.

Thanks again.

Bill

[e093116]

Never mind...I figured it out.

I think there was some oil between the coil and plate causing a bit of stiction.  Some contact cleaner took care of it.