Rowe R-81 Not functioning properly

[cgwiz]

Hello - new (to me) Rowe R-81 Jukebox.  Powered it up, punched in a code, record started to play.  Sounded "off", hit the reset button by the turntable, chose another record.  This one also sounded off, but not being familiar with the song, hit reset again, and chose a song I did know.  This one started playing, confirmed that the turntable was running a bit slow, let the record finish playing.  Song finished, mechanism picked up record and put it away, turntable is still spinning.  Now, nothing seems to work - punch in a new selection, it accepts it, but nothing happens.  Did I mention the turntable is still spinning? Power off, power back on, turntable is still spinning. So - what's up with that? And once that's taken care of, how can I adjust the turntable speed?  I have ordered a manual, but searched the web and found this forum, thought I'd give it a shot.  Thanks for any help!

[ami-man]

Hello cgwiz,

Sorry you did not leave your name.

Wait until you get your manual before you do anything. There will be an issue with the cam switch that operates the turntable (110 volts on this switch) or the may be an issue with the adjustments on the mechanism/carousel.
 
Rowe Ami boards are well known for dry joints (cold joints USA) on the connections to the boards. If you can not solder then do not attempt to repair these. The boards in the R-80S to R-83 jukeboxes have CMOS chips in them and can be destroyed by static discharge.

Regards
Alan

Alan Hood
ami-man
UK

[cgwiz]

Alan,

Thanks for the reply.  I thought it was probably one of the micro switches on the cam, but haven't messed with anything other than to wiggle some connections (power disconnected first).  My manual has been shipped, so I should have it in a few days, then I can get a little deeper into things.  Probably on the weekend, but I may putter a little in the meantime.  By the way, my name's Chris.  I do have some experience with a soldering iron - I have a couple Saabs that seem to have the same issue with some of their boards.  Got my cruise control and central locking wirking again!
I'll be back in a couple days with an update.  Thanks again, and hvae a great day!
Chris

[cgwiz]

Alan,
Got the manual, very small tweak on the micro switch, turntable off. Rotate the cam manually, it will pick up the record, play, return to carousel, and turntable stops.  So far so good.  New problem - carousel won't rotate.  Power off, then back on, no go.  According to the manual, I'm to check for "SCAN" and "TRANSFER MOTOR" lights. If both are on (which they are) check detent solenoid. If it is pulled, in, I am to short  pins 18 to 17 at J801.  If it is not, I'm to short pin 18 to pin 15.  Results will tell me where the problem lies. 
Ok - is the detent solenoid the one at the bottom of the carousel? Next question - where are these pins?  Is this the connector at the left side of the  "MECHANISM CONTROL UNIT" ? Pin 18 being at the top (rear)?
Appreciate any help.
Chris

[ami-man]

Hello Chris,

Are all of your leds lit on the power supply?

Regards
Alan

Alan Hood
ami-man
UK

[cgwiz]

Alan,

Yes, all of the LED's on the power supply are lit.  When I jumper pin 18 to pin 15, the carousel will rotate.  According to the Manual, it says "Replace MCU".  How about fixing the MCU? Re-flow solder joints?

Chris

[ami-man]

Hello Chris,

Only solder the molex connections DO NOT go over the connections of the components on the board, if you do it will cost you a small fortune for someone like myself to sort out the orginal fault and make good on any new problems.

You do not say in which country you live? if it is the USA I have started recieving sets of boards from the USA since Bruce Wentworth stopped working on these boards.

I do however require all three boards sending to me for testing/repair:-

Memory Unit
Mechanism Control Unit
Selector Logic

Regards
Alan

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

[cgwiz]

Alan,

Yes, I live in the US.  I'll try soldering the Molex connections first.  It may be a while, as the jukebox is in the living room, and we presently have our three grandsons in the house (6, 3, and 1).  Don't want them sticking their fingers into the inner workings.  I'll post back when I've tried this.  If it isn't too cold this weekend, I may be able to turn on the heat in the garage and have a little peace out there.....

Thanks for the input.

Chris

[ami-man]

Hello Chris,

When you remove the plastic covers and metal plates off of these boards before you start to work on them you will need to set up an anti static area and earth yourself with an earthing wrist strap and lead.
The boards contain CMOS chips and are prone to damage with any static discharge.

The above is just a word of warning.

Regards
Alan

Alan Hood
ami-man
UK

[cgwiz]

Alan,

Just thought I would let you know I now have the Jukebox functioning properly - I found an MCU on eBay for $50 guaranteed to work, and it did! I had to pull the amp board and clean the rotary switches, and I still need to fiddle with the coin mechanism, but it is playing records again. Really surprised at the sound quality (and quantity) this unit is capable of.  It will easily rattle the walls.
One last minor issue - the keypad can be a little touchy - occasional double entry, or having to wiggle your finger around to get the 6 to work. Can this be disassembled and cleaned?
Thanks again for your input - it's great to have a resource like this, with people willing to help out. Similar to how I keep my 15-20 year old Saabs running...
Chris

[ami-man]

Hi Chris,

If you are careful de solder the effected switches from the keyboard and strip them down to clean the contacts.

I drive a Saab 93 Areo convertible myself, great car, love to get that roof down even when its winter over here.

Regards
Alan

[cgwiz]

Alan,

I'll try that when I get a little more free time - doesn't look like too bad a job. No worse than re-flowing the solder joints on the cruise control ECU for the car.... I have a '93 900S, a '97 9000 CSE, and a '98 9000 CSE. My dad has a '93 900 convertible - you're right, on the right day, it's great to run with the top down and the heater on full blast in the winter. The looks you get

Chris