Newbie with Rowe Ami R84 problem

[weebiddy]

Hi,

We've had our R-84 for a few years and the only issues we've had have been with the start and finish points on the record which we have been able to adjust.

A few months back it started doing odd things. I have bought some manuals and have been investigating but haven't been able to solve the problem myself.

The transfer motor seems to keep turning when it's not meant to be, even when the LED is unlit. This causes the transfer cam to move very slowly which then mutes the sound and starts lifting the tone arm so the whole record won't play.

When nothing is playing and the machine has no selections the transfer motor switches in and the arm brings a record onto the turntable which isn't turning . It then takes it off again without playing it. This happens at regular intervals. sometimes it happens very slowly.

I'm thinking it's the mechanism control board as I pulled out the 17 pin connector which connects to the CCU and the problem is still there.

I'd be grateful for any pointers on this.

Many thanks in advance. 
I'm in the UK by the way.

Liz

[Ken Layton]

Probably the triac that operates the transfer motor has gone 'leaky' and needs to be replaced.

Forum user "ami-man" is located in the UK.

[weebiddy]

Thanks, Ken, that would make sense as it is like a leak   

Hopefully, Ami-man will get in touch!

[ami-man]

Hello Liz,

Sorry I have been off of this forum for a few days,

I have just seen your posting, thanks Ken for the referral.

Yes the problem souds as if it is your Mechanism Control Unit.

However when I test these units I test them as a set of the following boards to make sure that there is no further problems.

I would require from you the following boards for test:-

Central Control Computer (CCC)
Mechanism Control Unit
Pricing Board (on the rear of the jukebox below the CCC, it has a clear plastic cover)

Here are my full contact details.

Regards
Alan

Alan Hood
Games Unlimited & Datex Systems
Units 4 & 5 Lion Park
New Street
Halfway
Sheffield
S20 3GH
0114 247 0242 phone
0114 251 0727 fax
alan-hood@datex.co.uk

[weebiddy]

Thanks, Alan,

I have already taken out the triac which controls the transfer motor and have tested it and it does seem to be faulty,  so for now I will try and replace it and see if that helps.

I'll let you know how it goes. 

What do you charge for testing services?

Cheers,

Liz

[weebiddy]

Hi, I am sooo pleased.
The new triac has indeed fixed the issue of the transfer motor switching on at odd times. Thanks so much for that, guys!

I'm sure there are other things that could do with a bit of tuning but for now I'm delighted.

Thanks again.

Liz

[ami-man]

Hi Liz,

I charge £25.00 plus Vat and delivery back to you for testing all three of the boards.

I an glad that you got your jukebox up and running prior to Chistmas.

If you need any advice or services in the future please feel free to contact me.

Regards
Alan Hood
ami-man
UK

[RoyS]

Hi,

I got a similar problem with my R-84 that I bought a few weeks ago.
When I turn on the jukebox, the Transfer Motor starts immediately.
The gripper takes a record from the magazine and put it on the turntable (that doesn't start to turn).
The tone arm comes in place, and goes back again. The gripper takes the record and put it back in the magazine.
This is the only thing that happens.
I already cleaned the back of the CCC and replaced the battery. The CCC seems not the problem.
I can add credits, make selections and clear the selection memory.
I think the Mechanism Control Unit is the problem.

I saw the story of Liz, that she replaced a Triac.
I already got a service manual of the R-84 with schematic and components list.
But I can't find the right values of the triacs or witch triac I have to replace.
I hope someone can help me with my problem.

Regards,

Roy from Holland
(Sorry for my bad English)

[ami-man]

Hello Roy,

The problem will be your CCC, however you do need to check all the boards for dry joints (called cold joints in the USA).

I normaly start at the Power Supply PCB (you are looking at the long connector here for faulty connections), CCC, Pricing Board (all lines of data go through this board), Mechanism Control.

When I test these I ask for the following boards so I can test them as a set of boards:-
CCC
Pricing Board
Mechanism Control Board.

If you put the service switch into service and press the reject button on the mechanism, what happens?

Regards
Alan Hood
ami-man
UK
alan-hood@datex.co.uk

[RoyS]

Hi Alan,

Thanks for your response.
So if i got you right, there is probably something wrong with the CCC.
I will check the board for dry joints later this evening.
Is it also possible that the main IC is broken? Can it be replaced?

I tried the reject button in service mode, but nothing happens. (I tried it last week)
Do you got other ideas to find the problem?
Thanks in advance.

Regards,
Roy

P.S. You can find pictures of my jukebox and CCC on this webalbum: http://picasaweb.google.com/royscheepbouwer/RoweAMIR84Jukebox

[ami-man]

Hello Roy,

I have looked at your pictures, it would appear that you have two CCC's or a shot was put on after you had changed the 2.4 rechargeable battery.

I suggest you replace the cell with a Varta 2.4 volt cell.
Just check the connections for dry joints, do not go over the board solering add hoc it will only cause more issues.
Look around below where the battery for signs of leakage and the effect on any resistors and transistors with regards corrosion.

Usually it is the the other IC's that cause the trouble, but I see that the main ic has been changed at some point being as it is in a dill socket. They can become faulty but I find it rare. I do stock some of these and an add on board is available in the USA that replaces the chips used .

I suggest that you get your boards checked out.

Regards
Alan
Alan Hood
ami-man
UK

[RoyS]

Hello Alan,

I want to let you know that I fixed my R-84 last weekend.
I ordered a troubleshooting chip from the USA so I could check out my CCC.
It seemed that an small IC chip was bad, so I ordered a few new ones and replaced the bad chip.
That fixed the problem, so everything is working fine now.
The next thing to do is restoring the cabinet and replace some old parts.
Check this youtube video for a small demo:
Thanks for your tips and help.

Regards,

Roy

[ami-man]

Hi Roy,

Glad to hear that it is sorted out, have you not got a cover for the CCC?
It is rare that the fault lies with the custom chip it is usualy with has you say with one of the smaller chips.

What cabinet partsare you after?

Regards
Alan

Alan Hood
ami-man
UK

[RoyS]

Hello Alan,

My R-84 is back in one piece again.
We gave it a new paint job and cleaned all the chrome parts.
It stands in the living room and played over 200 records already

The next thing is.. I bought another R-84 last weekend (with a working disco light assembly).
I also want to fix this one and replace some missing items.
I already found a cash box door and a coin return (slug cup).
But I can't find a replacement lock for the front door.
They removed the lock, but now i'm missing the special lock bolt and bar links.
I hope you can help me to find this parts.
Thanks in advance.

Regards,

Roy

[ami-man]

Hello Roy,

If you wish to contact me off of line I will try and sort you out on the parts that you need.

Regards
Alan

Alan Hood
ami-man
UK
alan-hood@datex.co.uk
(44) 114 247 0242 phone