Rowe Ami R86 - 1st Purchase - Tone Arm / Carousel issues

[Brownie]

At last made my 1st purchase & was delivered to me Sunday.  However, issues already so looking for some guidance initially (hopefully Alan will know).
I've placed a video on you tube search: 'Rowe R86 db' so hopefully this will help explain. Basically it plays automatically as soon as it's turned on & then the tone arm sticks at the beginning of the record.  It didn't come with a manual, which I will obtain soon.
Any guidance to get me started would be really appreciated.... thanks in advance.



Dean

[lilshawn]

link for the lazy:



seems like some kind of auto play or random play is enabled. I'm not sure if this machine specifically supports that function, perhaps it's just flushing out song selections stored in memory. hard to say. the manual will enlighten you one it shows up.

as for the tracking issue,

you should wash your records really well...get all that dirt out of the groove. playing a dirty record not only can ruin the stylus, but ruin the record. don't use rubbing alcohol, it can ruin the vinyl.


 Don't use soaps or solvents as they can leave a residue. (unless you have a layer of oil or grease on them, in which case a mild detergent can be used...just be sure to rinse really well. warm to cool water. never hot.)

also check your stylus (AKA the needle) for foreign materials. a buildup of crud from dirty records can build up behind the needle causing it not to "track" or follow the groove. your stylus may also be broken. in which case, you will need a replacement cartridge.

[Brownie]

Good point yes the records could have residue, as they are the ones that came with the Jukebox (I’m yet to replace with my collection, which have all been cleaned as I need to remove the centres). Although if you pick the tone arm up and move it say ¾ along the record they do play fine & the tone arm returns as it should but then it selects another record.  I’ll clean the stylus tonight & will try one of my records.   Sorry thanks for doing the link...

Many thanks Dean

[ami-man]

Hi Dean,

Points I pickup up off of your video:-

It looks as if you have not undone the two tie down bolts on each side of the mchanism frame.

You have turned off the Playmaker Mode switch so if the the mechanism is selecting at random after the Clear Selection Memory button is pressed you will have a fault on your CCC.

The tone arm cables should be checked to make sure that they are not catching anything in operation that is holding it in one place.

Also check the tone arm cam to make sure that it is not damaged.

You will need a manual to check your tome arm adjustments, the auto cut off screw should be about a sparkplug gap above the contact plate on the tone arm cutoff circuit board assembly with a record in play, it looks less than that in your video.

The mechanism looks as if it is stalling when scanning, this could be down to the lockdown bolts, but you had better check the Spragwheel and the stem bushing, in order to do that you will have to remnove the 3 x 1/4AF (4BA) machine screws that hold the Sprag Assembly (basically the mechanism motor plate) in place

Regards
Alan

[Brownie]

OK thanks Alan,  removed retaining bolts and reset memory. As you can see in this latest video, is much better.  So now need help on the tone arm. No wires are catching so may need fine adjustments or a new cam.  Do I now buy a manual or can you help further. .. thanks again Dean

[ami-man]

Hi Dean,

Contact me off of line on 0114 247 0242.

Regards
Alan