Rock Ola 451 turntable constantly and won't play next record

[neil451]

Hi, 
I've had the Rock Ola 451 for a couple of months and have enjoyed replacing the records to include my favourite songs.
All of a sudden the turntable just keeps spinning and won't play the next track. The scan is is not scanning either, probably all part of the same issue. I read something about a Circuit Breaker switch but can't find one. I'm really not the most technical so have done as much as i can; switched it off and on, unplugged it and plugged it back in etc. 
I have the manual but it might as well be written in Japanese to me!
I'd be grateful of any advice please.

[jukenorman]

I'm not sure whether that model has circuit breakers? What is the position of the gripper arm?
Nprman.

[Ron Rich]

You could always learn "Japanese" ? The manual should tell you if it has fuses or circuit breakers (CB's). If CB's, there are usually 3 of them-- two with red buttons, and one with a yellow button, in plain view, on, or near, the rear wall components. If it is pre CB's, there will be 3 black "fuse holder caps" in the same area. Ron Rich

[neil451]

Thanks for your replies Norman and Ron.
I'm assuming the gripper arm is the arched part that picks up the records, if so this is sitting just above the records but not over one particular record, it's not moving at all when i try to lift it.
I found a button which had 'mech' above it which must be the circuit breaker, i pressed that and the turntable stopped turning momentarily but then started again.
i've had the jukebox switched off over night and switched it back on, only for the the turntable to keeping turning.

Any other thoughts? It's amazing how used to playing records i've become and i'm really missing it!

[Ron Rich]

Do you have the manual ? If not, get it--if so, read it, and the above red pinned "stickies" here--Do NOT make any attempt to "lift" that gripper arm ! Ron Rich

[jukenorman]

In order not to overlook the obvious - lower the front speaker panel, get down on your hands and knees and ensure that the cable connectors are seated correctly. Pay particular attention to the two motors (other than the turntable motor). It's a bit of a long shot I know, but worth checking. Do this with the machine turned off to ensure that there are no nasty accidents!
Norman.

[neil451]

Thanks Norman, I checked these connections but there's nothing obvious that is out of place. We programmed four songs to play, the first two played ok and then the issue started with no one touching the jukebox to dislodge anything. I guess something is just not resetting.

I've read through the manual again but it really isn't in my skillset to understand and take action from what is written. I have some suggestions of contacts/technicians locally who may be able to help unless there is anything else anyone can think of?

[jukenorman]

Hi Neil,
Can you still programme in a selection? I appreciate that it's not going to play!
Norman.

[neil451]

Yes can still programme in a selection, still makes the sound of recognising you've typed in a selection

[jukenorman]

Hi Neil,
Your jukebox is obviously stuck somehow! I can give you some instructions that should help narrow where the problem lies but since you have admitted you are not particularly technical, I don't know where it will get us?

1 To the right of the turntable there is a large disc with pins around the circumferance. Reset all the pins with your finger - that is, push them back to the position 90% are currently in.

2 In front of the turntable to the left hand side, there is a motor (gripper motor). If you feel underneath, there is a knurled knob that allows you to turn the motor manually. Turn this knob until the gripper jaws are fully open (you should begin to feel it jam) - clue, if you turn this knob the other way, you will see the gripper begin to take a record.

So with the gripper fully open, switch it on - what happens?

Norman.

[neil451]

Norman, you are a legend!

So, I followed your instruction and when turning the knob I spotted a rogue 10 pence piece amongst the mechanics. I managed to remove the 10p and whether it was removing the coin or the turning of the knob that released it I don't know but either way without your advice I would never have fixed it. I am now playing records again. Thanks for the advice and patience!

All the best
Neil

[Ron Rich]

Hi Neil,
Watch out for Norman's "telescoping eyes"-- He just knew you would find that 10 pence, he put in there ! Glad you fixed it ! Ron Rich

[jukenorman]

Well Neil, sometimes all you need is a lucky break!
Norman.

[neil451]

Hi Norman, Ron or anyone else who can advise,
Me again! Not sure if you can advise? The Jukebox sounds warbly sometimes, like the music is off key. When i look at teh actual record that's playing it seems to be moving side to side rather than staying in one position. The warbling seems to have got worse since i have got the jukebox playing again. Could this be to do with me altering the 'knurled knob' (mentioned by Norman in comment above) underneath the gripper motor or is there some other obvious fix for this issue?
Thanks
Neil

[Ron Rich]

Hi Neil,
The knob you turned is the motor shaft-- will have no bearing on this problem !
Since you did not bother to read and comply with the requests in the user introductions section, and the "Hi newbies post" in the FAQ's section, I don't have any idea as to where you are, or which "turn-table" your phono may be equipped with. If it's "domestic", is the speed control working properly ? Ron Rich