Rock-ola 445 Won't Play B-sides

[ptijerm]

Hello:

My Rock-ola 445 has stopped playing the bottom selection (i.e., b-sides) of my 45s.

When choosing a bottom selection after pressing the letter/number buttons, the magazine and read-out carriage both spin but - rather than stopping on the proper selection and choosing the record - the magazine returns to the start position and stops. This happens every time I choose a bottom/b-side selection. The top selection, or a-side, works everytime without issue.

I've replaced the A-B snap switch, thinking it might be faulty...but that hasn't solved the problem. The b-sides still won't play.

I see through some other posts on this (and other) boards that the odd-even alternating dog *may* be gummed up, and in need of a cleaning. Unfortunately the alternating dog/linkage arm looks to be difficult to get at or remove.

I've tried to find some videos online of someone actually removing the alternating dog and linkage arm, but am having no luck. I'm hesitant to go at it myself without some direction, for fear of screwing something up. I'm hoping that the alternating dog and linkage arm can be removed without removing the entire magazine or other parts...

If someone could provide some direction/advice re: alternating dog/linkage arm removal or offer some other suggestions for me to try and solve the problem, that would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Jeremy

[jukenorman]

Are the pins on the selector drum being moved when you make a B side selection? It looks very much like a write-in issue.

Norman.

[ptijerm]

Dec 22, 2023 11:59:01 GMT jukenorman said:

Are the pins on the selector drum being moved when you make a B side selection? It looks very much like a write-in issue.

Norman.

Norman:

No, the pins on the selector drum are not moved when I make a selection. I can confirm, however, that when I depress a B side pin by hand, the B side selection plays fine.

Any suggestions what I can try next? FYI - I do own a Service Manual for the 445, so can navigate through some things.

Jeremy

[jukenorman]

Hi Jeremy,
Refer to "Sequence No. 11, Selection Lever Moved Into Play Position, ADR Relay Operates" If you can make an A side selection OK, then the majority of the write-in process is functional. For the B side not to work, you are looking at a fault from K2-1 to ground on that side (B sides) - eg the hammer coil open circuit, dirty wipers, dirty switch contacts or maybe a broken wire.

Norman.

[shrimpeater]

I would start by cleaning the selection drum and its contacts/wipers .Might as well clean both sides while your at it.