AMI Continental 2 Selection Problem

[a4skyhawk]

Hi - I have a Continental 2 that works perfectly with one exception that has recently occurred.  When I select the record 'B8', the wipers in the pulse generator box just continue to rotate.  Normally they would rotate to the 'B8' position, stop and then the carousel would move to that position and the selection would play.  This works OK on selection B7 or B9 - or and other selection, but not B8.

I have used contact cleaner on the pulse generator contacts and they look clean.  What is the next thing to check?

Thanks,

Paul
Oakland, NJ, USA

[Ron Rich]

Hi Paul,
I would assume that the wiper is still not making contact on the ring-- I would remove whatever contact cleaner you used, by saturating a rag with safety solvent, wiping it clean. After the ring(s) are dry, use only a very small amount of Deoxit-5 on the rings-- wipe it on with a rag, or "Q-tip". Also see if other "8's" can be selected-- if not, check the keyboard -- Ron Rich

[a4skyhawk]

Thanks Ron. Good call on checking out the other '8's" and they also do not work. The button locks in and the scan process starts, but just continues until the 'Cancel' button is pushed.

I used CRC QD Electronic Cleaner but will see if I can get some Deoxit-5. I believe the base ingredients are the same. There is no visible corrosion or discoloration on the contacts and I put light pressure on the scan arm while scanning to see if that would make contact and stop the scan but it made no difference.

I will check this out & and report back.

Paul

[Ron Rich]

Hi Paul,
Also look at the keyboard # 8 switch ---- I am thinking the CRC product is very similar, but I have never had both cans together to compare ingredients. I know Deoxit-5 has solved many a problem I have had with "slip-rings" ! Should you be able to do so, please let me know---
Thanks,
Ron Rich

[a4skyhawk]

I just wanted to give an update on this problem. I don't consider it fixed but I sprayed down all the contacts in the keyboard and associated relays, paying particular attention to the '8's and I would estimate have played over 100 selections over Thanksgiving all OK. I hate problems like this because I know it is going to re-occur. I have also ordered some Deoxit-5 per your suggestion.

Another problem has come up. Bearing in mind I have owned this jukebox for close to 20 years and after my initial restoration I have had no problems, it is strange that these two problems have come up at the same time. This other problem is that sometimes the cut-off switch at the end of the record does not energize the reversing motor to return the disc and move onto the next selection. It is not an adjustment problem with the cut-off as manually moving the tone arm inwards does not cause the return record and scan process. You can hear a relay click, the audio is muted but the tone arm just sits on the disc with the turntable running. Pushing the red 'reject' or 'cancel' button next to the volume control also doesn't cause the tone arm to return.

It appears that if I turn off the jukebox and let it sit, then when I turn it on again, the record will return and everything will work as normal. I currently have the jukebox running through what has probably been 50 or so selections with the back open, dome glass up and the cover around the turntable removed so I can see what is going on when it fails. Predictably it hasn't failed!

I will report back on these problems when (and if) they occur again.

Paul

[gazzy58]

Hi Paul, your problem relating to the record cancelling may lie with the turntable motor sticking. If you have not already done so, it may me worthwhile looking at stripping and cleaning your motor. I have seen AMI continentals fitted with either AC or DC motors. My own one has a DC motor fitted, but I think this may have been a replacement from an earlier model. If your machine has a DC motor which has never been apart, then you should find that the copper commutator has become very dirty and will need cleaning and perhaps the carbon brushes have become worn. If you have to take the brushes out, be sure to put them back exactly as they came out because over the years they will have worn down to fit the curvature of the commutator armature. Putting them back the wrong way round will result in them only making contact at the outer edges. I hope that makes sense. Good luck and I hope you get the problem sorted. Gary

[Ron Rich]

Hi Guys,
Gary--are you sure you wanted to write "turntable motor" ? My GUESS would be you wished to write "gripper motor" ?? As for re-installing brushes, on a DC motor, one should never re-install brushes the same way they came out !. One SHOULD, re-surface the brushes, to like new configuration ! If that's not possible, new brushes must be installed -- This problem can also be caused by a non functioning "stopping switch", and / or a non functioning clutch, on AC type motors. Ron Rich

[gazzy58]

Hi Paul and Ron, apologies, yes I did mean to write transfer motor. Its been one of those days. Yes Ron, I would agree if the brushes are badly worn and replacements are available best to replace with new. Good point about refurbishing the ends of the old brushes if there is enough left on them. That had never occured to me before. Never too old to be learning new things. Regards Gary