Rowe ami R85

[Bazmo]

Hi I am new to this Forum, I am looking for help / advice. I have just purchased an R85. There is a fault with the amp, I would like to know the output transistor numbers as there is just odd numbers printed on them I don't thiink they are the correct ic numbers. And the main problem is that when  I switch on, the jukebox begins going through picking up records, then returning them. If I press clear memory button then the mechanisam rotates then stops. I can then add credit and select a record. I have checked the memory back up battery and its dead. Is this the problem and can i just replace the battery, or is there setting required when new battery is fitted? I don't have a manual at the moment. Thanks for any information that can be given. Barry UK. P.S. the amp is a mkIV by rainboe manufacuring.

[ed12]

just sit in idel for a few
ami-man will chime in
he is in uk and rather up on your model

ed

[Ken Layton]

I've never heard of that amplifier. Someone must have put in a home stereo amplifier maybe?

The correct amplifier should be the 125 watt Stereo Amplifier # 6-07438-02 which should be silkscreened in black lettering on the front of the chassis. There is one on ebay right now (seller is in Pennsylvania):

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ROWE-INTERNATIONALworking-R-84-R-85-CTI2-AMPLIFIER-125-WATT-STER-6-07438-02-/331070368251

[ed12]

sorry ken i did not  mean to dis u in the post
it just the nick is in the uk

ed

[Bazmo]

Hi Ken thanks for the reply, I think this is an original amp as the connectors look like they are made for it. Pic attached. Have you any info regarding the problem I mentioned when switch on, it starts to pick records Im not sure if its seqential but it seems to be. There is a switch on the processor board that seems to be for auto play but I have set this to off. I will check to make sure the switch is working. But pressing the clear memory button, stops it selecting records and accepts record requests, when credit is applied. It seems as though the memory chip is getting data from some were? I no very little about the later Jukeboxes, had more experiance with older valve jukeboxes. So any information would be helpfull thanks

[ed12]

ok
steps here's to take
a=replace battery
b=put it in learn mode
c=allow it to scan >complete<
d=save
your memory now knows how many playable songs there is
next
a=set your programming values >ammount it costs to play a song<
b=set to enable free play/or none free play
c=set time and date..this is real time and date,set in 24hr style
ie 1300=1pm
d=if u want happy hour set it for a start and finish time again in 24hr format
e=set radmom play yes/no and if yes the interval >this is done on a 24 hour basis<
ie .15/.30/.45/.60 << that is an example
now some times u have to punch in the serial #
but that is rare

ed

[Bazmo]

Thanks Ed, I will have a go when battery fitted, amp on bench checking through it, thanks for you help.

[ami-man]

Hello Barry,

My advice re the amplifier is to buy the Rowe Ami 125 watt amplifier part number 6-07438-06 or the 130 watt amplifier part number 6-09931-01.

The Rainbow MK4 was produced by the Music Hire Group of Leeds like its earlier MK3 amplifier. At the time MHG had the UK distributorship  for Rowe Ami and for their own operation they bought in jukeboxes without amplifiers and output package to make them much cheaper, after saying that we bought a brand new R-85 Starlight in 1981 delivered to sheffield for around £900.00.

The Rainbow amps were a poor substitute when they were working correctly, these days if asked to repair one, unless it is just the power caps they are not worth repairing, go for an original amp that is worth spending the money on.

With regards to the boards we offer a repair service both on EBay or direct.

Regards
Alan

Alan Hood
ami-man
UK

[Bazmo]

Hi Allen thanks for comming back to me. Thats good information. I have another question, is the ami amp true stereo, as this rainbow amp has two channels but the pickup input is linked together on the pcb, so its really mono (strange). On the good side I replaced the backup battery (fitted button cell base), and its working correctly now, and the amp is working but as you said I not impressed. I set the door switch to service mode but dont know the setup procedure at the moment. I am trying to get a manual as I have a problem with the 10P not giving credit, I checked and cleaned coin chute switches and its going back to the main module. Well at least its getting there. One other thing doeas anyone know where I can get a door gas strutt, one is faulty, so a length of wood at the moment.

[ed12]

believe it or just about any auto suppiler sells them
they are the smaller 1's used on rear hatchs
about 22.00
just pop out the old 1 take it with u
they should beable to help u

when u get the manual u will beable to set the pricing right

ed

[ami-man]

Hi Barry,

Rowe Ami jukeboxes of this period were very susceptible to dry joints (cold joints USA) you need to check all of the boards in the jukebox from the PCB in the power supply upwards. Regard the pricing board as a glorified connector (the top & bottom connections usually have dry joints and all lines of data go through this board).

The orginal wiring with the original amplifier has the cartridge out of phase on one side of the cartridge being as the output from the amplifier on one side is inverted (this gives the Rowe Ami enhanced bass) the bass speakers are wired across both channels (pink & violet wires) the high range is across pink & black and violet & black.

A company call A1 from Hull were advertising gas struts on EBay earlier in the year, as far as I know they were not sold. As ed12 says go a scrap yard to look for some, they will have to be stronger than the sample you take with you.

The strut was fitted to the R-82 & R-83 it only needed the single central strut fitted. The R-85 Starlight had the heaviest full length door produced on all Rowe Ami jukeboxes so the struts were never up to the job.
We tended to make a mild steel support about 25mm x 3mm flat bar with a hole drilled at one end  and a cup slot at the other end. We took the strut off the cabinet end and fitted the bar with the hole in over the ball joint and refitted the strut, the other end cup slot braces into the ball joint on the the door, when not in use the created bar sit over the amplifier upper door out of the way. Foolproof and saves on bumps on the head when the brushstay gets knocked over.

If you need any help by all means give me a shout.

Regards
Alan

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

[Bazmo]

Hello again Alan, thats a good idea about the locking bar, thats worth looking into. Thanks again for the reply, just have to do something with the transformer in the power supply, it hums a bit and vibrates through the cabinet, but its comming along.

[ami-man]

Hi Barry,

If you can not sort out the power supply buzz, we can sort it out by repairs or exchange of the power supply.

Regards
Alan


Alan Hood
ami-man
UK

[Bazmo]

Hi Alen I have put records in and just found that it will play random records which is great. Managed to get the power supply to a low hum, by fixing down with some rubber washers. Do you know if there is a moulding that fits over the rcord mechanisem? I want to make the mech visable

[Bazmo]

Does anyone know if and where I can get a turntabel with the small centre spindle for the R84? 6-08700-01 mech

[Ken Layton]

Alan Hood could answer that for you.

[Bazmo]

I now have error code 099 come up and the record carrier does nor rotate and the arm picks a record and replaces it the turntable does not rotate. Does anyone know what error code 099 relates to. I am still waiting for the manual so I have no circuit diagram of main board. I am having to work out what contoles what. thanks

[Bazmo]

Panic over I traced fault to Q123 MPSA 56. its leg had broken off from the base, as there is a lot of green corrosion around some components, including this one. might have been from the old battery . I put Q124 in its place and it now selects and runs ok. Dont know what Q124 is for but it must stop somthing from working. I am learning more the more problems I have lal

[ami-man]

Hello Barry,

Sorry re the delay in replying about the turntable, I am up to the neck with work trying to get all the promised repairs out before Christmas.

With regards to the automix turntable you will have more luck winning the lottery, sorry but it is a fact of life by the time the R-84 was produced in 1980 they were very few EP's on the market. I have only come across and stocked two of the turntable & automix kits in the last 33 years.

Regards
Alan

Alan Hood
ami-man
UK

[Bazmo]

Hi Alen I got your mail, I suspected you were busy thanks again for the reply.

[Bazmo]

  Well I got what is described as field service manual, but I would call it a user guide, disapointed to say the least. No circuit diagrams. All I can say is I am glad I didnt buy one in the uk at £35 +.

[Ken Layton]

You want the "Shop Service Manual". It has all the schematic wiring diagrams of all the boards. It comes in a vinyl 3-ring binder that is 11" by 17". Here in the USA this manual sells for $100 and is not reproduced nor made as pdf files. You can only buy originals, generally through the parts department of your local Rowe jukebox distributor/dealer.

[Bazmo]

Hi Ken thanks for the reply. I am in the Uk and the price of a full manual over here, would be as much as I paid for the Jukebox. It would only be viable if I was to repair these hukeboxes for a living. So unles anyone has a scaned copy I will have to repair the juke the hard way. I have a hum problem at the moment, and I have traced it to the white/ black wire on the mech/ It connects to the frame. If I disconect it the hum goes away, its getting a hum thriugh the amp pickup. I followed the wire it goes to the amp mute connector and the cancle button as far as I can tell. But the wiring has been messed with and there are a number of connecting blocks joining wires together. If you can tell me the rought of that black /white wire would help. thanks

[ed12]

there is a chap selling one on ebay right now
feild service manual..24.00 us = 12.50 erous

ed

[Bazmo]

Ok so It's still work in progress but here she is. As It was'nt expencsve I changed a few things. But I like to see the mech.

[ami-man]

Hello Barry,

The Rowe Ami R-85 model you have is the Starburst, IMHO better than the Starwood but not as good a version as the Starlight that had infinity lights and the mirror ball in the lower part of the door.

Best of luck with your project.

Regards
Alan

Alan Hood
ami-man
UK

[Bazmo]

Hi Allen, this one had no flashing lights when I got it, and the board that went over the front window only had about 20 title holders in the centre and I think there would have been a printed list on one side. I added the flashing lights and raised the mech, made a board to mount the title list that I got from a jukebox parts supplier. As you can see I made a metal plate to fit on the top of the mechanism. It's something to do and a bit of fun.

[Bazmo]

Hi all, I have another question, I have been using the jukebox and I noticed that when its set to continua’s play it seems to play the B side of the records. Is there a way to play more random , including the A side, or is it something written in the software? Thanks

[ami-man]

Hi Barry,

On the Rowe Ami R-84 to R-88 CCC the only option was 20, 40 min & continuous B side only and these were selected at random, the idea was to play at random the b sides of the least played records so someone would put money into the jukebox to play some decent records.

On site operation of the switch standard/as selected was usually set to standard to earn more revenue. A mechanism continually scanning to search for records earns less also who wants to hear the same record over and over again.

The ability to set the attract mode on the CCC was introduced on the R-89 onwards.

Regards
Alan

Alan Hood
ami-man
UK

[Bazmo]

Does any one out there have a circuit diagram of the R85 power supply they can send me? Thanks

[ami-man]

Hi Barry,

Cross my palm with silver and I will see what I can do.

Regards
Alan

Alan Hood
ami-man
UK

[Bazmo]

thanks Alen but I have since drawn out the circuit from the pcb. I do have one question, why is the 8 volt supply have a large current supply I thought it was just to supply the electronic circuits?

[ed12]

the 8 volts runs 90% of the sub circuits
hence the hudge power requriment

ed

[ed12]

if u are still hunting for the paper work for it
try here
>https://archive.org/web/<
or here
>http://www.verntisdale.com/AMIschem.htm<
that is there ami page but u should beable to back up to rowe

ed