Free play method (Rockola 459)

[Paul]

Hi Folks.

My Rockola is set for free play.

I am planning to extend the wiring and slide switch located on the Credit Unit to the exterior surface of the jukebox, hence making it more accessible.

Can I please ask if anyone could provide me with the component number of the slide switch located on the Credit Unit?

Many thanks

Paul

[Ron Rich]

Hi Paul,
Your phono is not "set for free play" if the slide switch on the credit unit stays on the "free play" side ! The switch is broken-- or rather the spring that is supposed to return it is missing ! Or could be someone's modified the switch, and which contacts it holds closed ? See the schematic -- (also read "How a Jukebox works", in our FAQ's section)) It originally was set-up to add one credit, per push--I don't know the model # of that switch, but if it's the black sliding type, it's probably a Switch Craft brand, switch. Springs for it are available -- check with suppliers listed in our FAQ's. If you wish to extend it, any N.O., spring loaded switch, can be used, but I would advise against doing such. Check the "coin fuse" for correct size, and type !! Ron Rich

[Paul]

Good morning Ron.

Thank you once again for sharing your in-depth knowledge and skills with me.

Yes. You are right from your note, its not set for free play.

It is a black sliding switch, as you mentioned above, and is spring loaded, returning to its original position, after each use.

Ron. I was planning to extend the switch system as I've heard of the possibility of the large spring loaded arm, on each side of the top door, giving way and smashing the glass of the top door! This has concerned me, not only from the damage/replacement/cost caused but, also from a H&S point.

I suppose I could turn my attention to the coin operated system and check it out, but I think it has been dismantled.

Ron, can I please ask, why you would advise against doing the sliding switch extension?

Can I also please ask, what you would recommend?

Many thanks and much appreciated

Paul

[jukenorman]

Hi Paul,
There is a "sticky" at the top on free play. This method certainly works on older Rock-Olas but I'm not sure whether it would on your 459 because the subtract solenoid (Rock-Ola call this the reset coil) removes credit and also operates a switch in the write-in circuit. So if you reposition the solenoid, you need to ensure that it will still operate the switch (it might do, I don't know!).

Because I'm set in my ways, I do the Rock-Ola free play modification a different way. I put a small cable tie on the subtract solenoid plunger or actuator to restrict its movement so that it is physically unable to remove credit. I have done this to a 459. Installing another switch to add credit seems over complicated to me!

Norman.

[Paul]

Hi Norman.

Thank for your response.

I'm really unsure how to move forward with the above issue. My main concern is the possible break-through of the spring loaded arms and breaking the door glass.

I was considering removing the three wires from the three terminals of the spring-loaded switch in the Credit unit. Their colours are:

1. Cream only(Prong 1)
2. Cream and Red stripe(prong 2)
3. Two red wires located on the same prong (prong 3).

Leaving the original switch in-situ (in the credit unit), extending the wires to a new spring loaded switch located on the outer surface of the jukebox, hence giving me easier and, safer access to the switch.

I don't think I have the confidence manipulating the Solenoid/plunger etc.

I have tried working the coin/credit operating system, using several sized 10 pence coins with no success. They all get lodged in the mechanism. In fact, the one I recently used, 1975 coin, from my coin collection, is still lodged and wont move!


What do you think?

Thanks

Paul

[Ron Rich]

Paul,
You can remove the slug rejector/coin acceptor and wash it--pretty easily-- see the post in our FAQ's section.-- I agree with you on the glass supports- they are prone to failure ! New ones may be available -- once again, see our FAQ's section. Ron Rich

[Paul]

Hi Ron.

Will refer to the FAQ's section and try advance the switch issue.

Many thanks

Paul

[jukenorman]

There is usually a sticker on the slug rejector with the coin denominations. If you want to beef up your lid supports, I have some pictures of something I did in 2017 which I can put in a folder in my Dropbox. I would do it very slightly different next time but I suppose that's what prototypes are about! You need some basic DIY skills and access to a hand drill.
Norman.

[Paul]

Hi Norman.

If its not too much trouble, yes please.

Many thanks

Paul

[jukenorman]

OK Paul, give me a day or two to get it organised.

[jukenorman]

Paul, I have created a new thread for the strut reinforcement. If you do decide that you want to proceed with the modification, I can provide you with the two short pieces of nylatron at minimum cost, because we are both in the UK - PM me.

Norman.

EDIT NOTE:  This subject locked-- new post by Norman is now a "sticky".  RR