Converting a Seebeug KD200 to UK Power

[Brian-E]

Hi all.

Sorry if this has been covered elsewhere - I have searched here for ages but with no success.

I have a Seeburg KD200 which I am attempting to run on a UK 240V 50Hz supply.

There are a number of problems with this unit, which I won't go into here (working my way through them) but initially, I have a Step-Down transformer to provide 115V which seems to work fine. However, getting a record to play (at present I have to trip the mech manually) I find it runs 20% slower than intended.

I had hoped that the Record Drive Motor would be DC (as on other machines I've seen), but no such luck  

This one is 117V 60Hz.

My question is - can anyone supply a 50Hz motor, or is there any way that this one could be modified to run 20% faster so that the records play at the correct speed?

I bought a Service manual for this phono from Jukebox Junction (in Iowa) some long time ago, and also Ron Rich's Seeburg Mechanism Guide, but I didn't really expect to find anything of help in either of those, as my intention is to use the thing outside of its design spec. 

I did try to contact RR himself, for some guidance, but I discover that sadly he passed away in 2022

If anyone can offer any advice I'd be grateful.

Thanks in advance.

Brian.

[jukenorman]

Hi Brian,
No 50Hz motor that I know of! The options are to change the drive gears, for example
www.jukebox-world.de/en/Jukebox-Parts-USA-oxid/Seeburg/General-Seeburg-Parts/Gear-set-45-RPM-50-Hz.html

or to use a frequency converter, for example
www.jukebox-revival.eu/en/products/jukebox-parts-4922/other-brands-4988/50-to-60-hz-frequency-converter-29572-p

Other sources for these parts will be available! And vinyl jukeboxes generally use synchronous AC motors for the turntable drive.


Norman.

[Brian-E]

Thanks Norman.
A great help - although perhaps a little cost prohibitive.
I think I'll probably have to go for the gear replacement option - or find a 300W inverter that will power the entire machine

Thanks again.
Brian.

[jukeboxmarty]

Hi Brian,

Before you make your final decision, I'd research the process required to change those gears. There is a lot of mechanical disassembly required... not a casual replacement.

-Marty

[Brian-E]

Marty.
Thanks for your cautionary warning.
If I 'were' to go that route, I am certain I would be able to cope with it - I was brought up on mechanical and electro-mechanical engineering, and have been doing similar kind of work for some 50 years. However, I'm fully aware of the cost versus gain, and will probably go the Mains Frequency conversion route.

Anyway, Thanks to Norman's suggestion above, I've gone a step further.
The gear replacement works out to about £220 + postage and import duty.
The Frequency converter is about £350 + ...
Problem with both of these solutions is, neither retains the machine in its original state (as designed for a US Supply).

However, I have identified a source in Spain where I can buy a 400W 240V 50Hz to 110V 60Hz converter.
The guy sells on eBay (and probably elsewhere) - search for:
"VOLTAGE AND FREQUENCY CONVERTER GOES FROM 220V 50HZ TO 110V 60HZ PURE WAVE 400W"
Current price (Feb 2024) is around £142 + £20 postage. This will probably attract Import Duty and/or VAT - Still checking.
Watch this space.

As I've stated elsewhere, this machine has lots wrong with it, so currently replacing all Capacitors (some are hard to find), and cleaning all PCB contacts and connectors. As an aside - one advantage of being an old fogey is, we're not scared off by Valve/Tube circuitry

When I get it all back together, I'll possibly be posting another thread (maybe about how the Write-In circuits work, which at present appear to do nothing), but for now I'm busy cleaning everything in sight

Thanks to everyone for your advice.
Brian E.

[Hildegard]

Some years ago we tried a modern voltage and frequency converter on a Seeburg AY.
It worked, but created a high frequency side noise because the wave delivered wasn't a sine wave but like "steps".
If still possible maybe you can ask the seller before purchasing if he tried these units in a jukebox.

B.t.w. even back in the 1950s and 1960s gears were changed for use with 50Hz. instead of 60Hz. There are even ID plates available which state 117V and 50Hz.

[Brian-E]

Hildegard.
Thanks for this.
I already did the deal before I saw your post here - but I'm hoping all should be well, as the unit is advertised as Pure Sine Wave.

Fingers crossed
Brian E.

[Brian-E]

Hi again.
Further to my message on Feb 29 2024 @ 2:46pm - I have now received the Power/Frequency converter, and it seem to do the job admirably. The only noise that it produced is a very light sound from the built-in fans (too quiet to notice above the very light 'hum' that comes from the fluorescent lamps in the 'box' - so negligible).

Obviously, this could be used for ANY Jukebox (or for that matter, any other appliance that requires 110-115 Volts at 60 Hz up-to 400W - where the main supply frequency is an issue).

The 'Converter' comprises two parts:
1. A 230V AC to 12V 40 Amp DC Power converter, coupled to...
2. A 12V DC to 115V 60 Hz AC Inverter.

The inverter is rated up-to 1000 Watt - Pure Sine Wave.

Not sure if this will work but... see images below  

postimg.cc/gallery/zys4PXm

Anyway, thanks again to all those who offered help.
Kind Regards.
Brian E.

[Hildegard]

Hi Brian,

Thank you for letting us know about the converter. It sounds you made a good purchase regarding function and price.
Up to 400W - these would be good most vinyl jukeboxes. 78 rpm models require more - up to 600W I think.

So enjoy the KD and the music it will play.

Kind reards - Hildegard

[Brian-E]

Hildegard.
I don't think 600W would be a problem - The inverter is rated at 1000 Watts!
It all depends on the 240V drop down power capacity
Suggest anyone interested could contact the guy directly - [e-mail] - to see if he can supply.
( I'm sure he won't mind the extra business )

I've added a new post, referring back to this, in the General section.