Rowe Ami RI 2 playing the wrong selection

[Dave W]

I have an RI 2 that plays the record 5/6 forward of the selection (depending how you make the count). The machine had been forgetting selections and sometimes playing 5/6 ahead, sometimes getting it right. I have a manual and I have checked/adjusted the encoder mechanism, encoder wipers, magazine detent solenoid and microswitches. Mechanically it all seems to work better than ever, but still plays 5/6 ahead of the selection every time. All the power lights are on, clock/scan/17V lamps all operating as per the manual on the memory unit. Magazine and transfer lamps all work as described in the manual, with the magazine stopping in the right places after scan out. I'm getting short of ideas - any help/suggestions very welcome.

[ami-man]

Hello Dave,

Have you checked that when the mechanism/carousel is at 100 that the mark (200) on the large gear on the back of the encoder is in the correct location (please see your manual) if this is out then the timing of the mechanism is out.

If this is a new fault and you have had the jukebox for some time then more than likely there is an issue with the spragwheel which has allowed the mechanism timing to go out.

Regards
Alan Hood
ami-man
UK

[Dave W]

Alan,
Thank you for the reply. This is a new fault, having the machine for sometime. The memory unit did suffer with senior moments of forgetfulness, which I traced to large vaiations in the 0.1uF caps used to 'store' the selection. I am struggling to find the new fault which is very like what you describe. However, I have removed that complete mechanism, so I can clearly see and check the alignment (twice now). I set the magazine to '00' at top dead centre, the detent locks the carrier at that position, the '00' on the encoder sprocket is in line with the cut out on the side of the encoder assembly (as drawn in the manual) and the second wiper is 1/64" off the copper. Maybe I have misunderstood the marks, but I don't think so. Is it possible to 'add' a segment electronically?

Thanks for your help.

Dave W

[ami-man]

Hello Dave,

From what you say it is ok from a timing point of view.

Have you checked the spragwheel for wear (I have seen the teeth worn through).

On the encoder the wiper block is atached in a way that allows for wear on the bottom two wipers more than the others, have you checked to see if these are worn out.

Have you adjusted the variable capacitor on the Memory Unit whilst in scan, it effects the clock & data pulse rate (if out it also flashes the display instead of counting through smoothly).

Regards
Alan

Alan Hood
ami-man
UK

[Dave W]

Hello Alan,

Thanks for the reply. I shall take the mechanism out again at the weekend and have a close look at the sprag mechanism. I don't recall seeing any misshaped or missing teeth but I will check. The error in the play selection remains constant and will even play in the space between record segments and select where there are no records available (if that makes sense?), then make the transfer, start the turntable and then return empty.

I have made no adjustments to the variable capacitor on the memory unit or any where else, but I did have a look at the clock signal for shape and period using my oscilloscope. A good square wave was noted with an amplitude about 15V with a period of 1.5ms - I'm not sure if this is correct.

Regards

Dave W

[ami-man]

Hi Dave,

If it is trying to play between the record locations then something is out.
Check the Pinion & Plate assembly (301-05181) for broken teeth also check out the small nylon drive gear on the end magazine drive shaft assembly (201-11000) I have seen a groove worn right through the teeth.
This gear drives the metal toothed gear on the magazine.

Regards
Alan

Alan Hood
ami-man
UK

[Dave W]

Hi Alan,

I will check at the weekend when I will remove the whole assembly (need the kitchen table) and report my findings. I'm not sure if I made sense in my last post. I'm sure you know the RI-2 magazine has records in 10 groups of 6, with a gap between each group. The selection is always a segment ahead and could select between the segments where there are no records. As you suggest, there is something wrong mechanically and as I write this, my thoughts focus on the nylon detent and gear arrangement. Is it possible for this to become out of sync by a segment?

Thanks & Regards

Dave W 

[ami-man]

Hi Dave,

You have already said that when the mechanism/magazine is at 100 and the rear gear of the encoder is at the 200 mark it can not be out. This would also suggest that if this is always correct and never out that then there can not be slippage is not the issue.
There could be an issue with the encoder wipers being out against the 200 mark.

Please let me know how you get on over the weekend.

Regards
Alan

Alan Hood
ami-man
UK

[Dave W]

Hi Alan,

No solution I'm afraid. All indications are that there is a mechanical timing issue, but I just can't see it. I have one record at the '00' position (100 selection) and can play it repeatedly by selecting 192! I have the mechanism out just now and was going to take some pictures of the settings, showing the detent, magazine and encoder details, in the hope that you might see something obvious. Short of putting the mechanism in the boot and bringing it to you, I am at a loss.

Regards

Dave W

[ami-man]

Hi Dave,

I suggest that you give me a call and do that but carry the mechanism on the passanger seat with the seatbelt over the mechanism but under the tone arm to avoid any damage.

I would also require the Selector Logic Board.

Regards
Alan

Alan Hood
ami-man
UK

[Dave W]

Hi Alan,

I received the reworked and replacement parts today. Many thanks for the support and the quick turn round. The RI-2 is rockin' and making lots of good noise - I wish I could make it even louder!

To close this post out and provide information to others, I could find no mechanical faults with the machine and the set up always went according to the manual. The selector logic, mechanism control and memory units (3 PCB's) along with the encoder were sent to Alan Hood - Ami Man (you can find his details elsewhere in this Forum).
Alan was able to recreate the fault which was traced to the mechanism control unit. I bought a replacement unit from Alan, the other two PCB's being OK. Alan also replaced the wipers on the encoder, which were badly worn, with a new wiper set. The turn round and service was excellent and the jukebox is working properly, with no faults.

Many thanks to Alan Hood; Ami-Man, for the help.

Dave W

[ami-man]

Hello Dave,

Thank you for the glowing references it is appreciated.

The main thing we have both put life back into this jukebox that will now run for several years without the need for more work electronically.

Regards
Alan

Alan Hood
ami-man
UK