Rockola 481 micro switch wire problem

[marymay]

I’m new to all this, my husband inherited a rockola 481 from his father. It’s very special to him.I cant get it to work properly. I can select a record, the arm jerks like it wants to pick it up but just stops. I’ve discovered if I take the 2 wire off the #1 micro switch it completely the selection and plays. Then I have to put the wire back on the micro switch for it to pick up the record and place it back in the carriage. I’ve looked at the schematics and tried to trace this wire to no avail. If anyone has any advice it would be so appreciated. 

[Hildegard]

What if the microswitch is faulty, doesn't close or open like it should? Have you measured it?

[jukenorman]

I agree with Hildegard, start by checking out #1 microswitch. Do bear in mind that checking it for continuity with a digital meter can give a false indication. Can you also clarify what you mean by the number 2 wire - do you mean there is a "2" imprinted on the switch, ie the normally closed contact?

I've looked at the diagrams, your jukebox seems to be basically working albeit with the glitch you've identified. I'm also having difficulty understanding how removing the wire actually contributes!

Norman.

[marymay]

I checked the micro switch it seems to be working fine. I replaced it just in case I was wrong. It’s a mystery to me why it works when I remove the green blue wire. I replaced the latch relay. Nothing changed. I’ve replaced all the fuses. It still just stops at the record but won’t pick it up unless I remove the wire. I then I have to replace the wire for it to return the record. Everything else works fine 😂. I was trying to get it together for a Father’s Day surprise. I guess I’ll just have to buy him a bottle of Jack. Still any ideas for fixing this thing would be greatly appreciated.

[jukenorman]

Hi Marymay,
I'm going to make a guess that your problem is down to lack of lubrication!

First of all, according to the schematic there is no green-blue wire on cam switch #1 (or any of the switches) but not to worry, I'm fairly sure that when you remove the wire, you are breaking the 32VDC supply through the switch which goes to the magazine motor.

What happens when the magazine motor rotates and finds the selection is that a solid state switch operates and applies 32VDC to the negative side of the magazine motor stopping it dead. This is known as dynamic braking. Simultaneously the same solid state switch applies 32VDC to the transfer motor to bring out the disc. I think the power supply doesn't have enough "oomph" to support both operations and by removing the wire, there is now enough power to drive a "struggling" transfer motor.

Start by lubing the transfer assembly - check the sticky on lubrication. You might need to strip, clean and lube the transfer motor as well. There is also the possibility of a power supply issue but I suspect lubrication may be the answer. The bottle of Jack will also have provided copious lubrication!

Norman.