Just go a 1488 - selection problems

[shughey]

Hey, all - 

Just got a decent 1488 and have a selection problem. Nothing happens at all.

Cleaned the amp/power supply, pulled amp to inspect/clean/check fuses. All look good, but this is just general cleaning.

Fluorescent lighting works, carousel spins and turntable spins on scan. 

When I select a letter and/or a number I hear a small click in the accumulator box. I opened it and I see the little coil move. I cleaned all the contacts with 400 paper. No change. The keys seem to operate but I see no indication of a selection number light up anywhere - there must be a little display somewhere. Nothing at all happens other than the little clicks I hear.

Any ideas on how to proceed? I have the manual, but it doesn't have a troubleshooting section.


Thanks!

Scott in Virginia

 

[Ron Rich]

Hi Scott,
One can not "check fuses" by looking at them--yes, sometimes if the glass is all black, it's blown-- one needs to use a meter on them, AND BE SURE, that each one is the correct size, and type ! Also, IMHO, probably one of the worst things one can use is "sandpaper" on contacts !--See our FAQ's section on contacts ! The "little click" you hear should be the start/subtract relay removing one "credit" from the credit ratchet. Check the dual capacitor in that credit unit--often it goes bad, and can be replaced with two individual caps---Oh, BTW--is there a "service switch" in that model ? If so, is it in the "run", or, "Operate' position ? Ron Rich

[shughey]

Thanks for the tips - I had no idea about the contacts and abrasives. Yikes! I'll smooth out the mating surfaces if I've created problems.

Anyway, yes the service switch is on OPER when I try to run things. And I did test the fuses with a meter. The Cap in that component will be checked out- I have an Atlas tester that with give me the value and ESR for it. Maybe I'll get lucky.

Does anyone know if the selection buttons are supposed to stay down until both buttons are selected on this unit the way my 446 does?

Thanks again!

[Ron Rich]

Hi Scott,
Yes- ( I am ASSUMING that this model phono requires a letter & number be pressed ?)--the first button should stay down , until the 2nd one is pressed. Ron Rich

[shughey]

Thanks, Ron- Yes, this has a letter and a number to be pressed. This model, 1488, is called the Regis.

That's how pretty much any unit I've ever seen operates. I'm going to use my DVM to test those circuits to narrow what's going on. I'll also change out that capacitor in the accumulator box as you advised. I have parts here. The funny thing is some signal is getting from the keys to the accumulator and I see the coil reacting each time I press a button, but nothing else is happening. It's almost like there isn't enough energy to trip what needs to move. The coil jump is just a little soft click that does not move those 3 small gears at all. Seems like it should. I can press any key over and over and that little click is all I get. Hmmm.

I'll take some pictures along the way to see if anyone can see something that needs to be addressed.

Thanks, everybody! More work to do.

[Ron Rich]

Scott,
As far as I know -- there should be o "small click", when ONE, button is pressed ? Do you have the Service Manual--schematics ? Check the keyboard contacts--are they making well ? Ron Rich

[shughey]

Ron -

I do have the manual/schematics. I'll be looking into the contacts and will clean them properly.

I also see some references for setting free play. Doesn't look like anyone has altered things here.

This Regis (1961) is quite different from my 446 (1970). It has a huge carousel that is driven by a large rubber belt.

I'll drop some more coins in and look at the accumulator and credit functions in the manual. There are some interesting step by step descriptions of the cycle of operations. Maybe I can decipher these and figure out exactly what is not working. I'm beginning to think I am not getting credits. Is there an indicator for this? 

Scott

[Ron Rich]

Scott,

READ, "how a jukebox works" in our FAQ's section--READ, the service manual, for that model phono !

Yes-- with the power OFF !, push down on the relay in the pricing unit-- If it moves the wheel, you had at least one credit--- Wheel should be, advanced each time a coin Of the proper value, is inserted -- should be a "credit/select" lamp showing on phono front. Ron Rich