• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Help repairing Magnavox turntable on Barcelona-Astro-Sonic

jiggyflipper

jiggyflipper

New Member
I have this vintage Magnavox Micro Sonic Turntable AM/FM Radio Stereo Console - believe it is the Barcelona-Astro-Sonic "40" model 1-RP656

I am trying to repair the turntable. The radio and speakers work fine.

When I switch to the turntable, if I hold the knob to Auto, it will spin just ever so slightly.

If I manually spin the record by hand, I can hear it playing just fine.

Any ideas where to start for repairs??
https://imgur.com/a/8SY7nEr
 
Register to hide this ad
The first thing to check is to make sure that the AC power is getting to the turntable. There is probably a Molex type plug near the motor on the bottom side.
Next, try to determine if the motor is spinning when you rotate the knob to play a record.
If the motor is spinning but the platter is not rotating then maybe the idler tire rubber is bad or cracked.
It could also be hardened grease on the mechanism that prevents any of the levers from moving into position.
  • 25 - idler tire
  • red arrow - motor
Instructions for removing the platter are in the Service Manual document.
Magnavox W 801, W 802, W 812 Automatic Record Players Service Manual : Magnavox : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive
Hope this helps.

1789917138557.png
1789917205073-png.3840343
 

Attachments

  • 1789917205073.png
    1789917205073.png
    768.1 KB · Views: 115
Before you do that, it is more likely that the voltage is not getting to the motor. There should be a switch (or switches) in series with the motor leads that goes to the motor input AC power connector. With power OFF and UNPLUGGED, you need to use your DMM to check continuity from the AC input connector to the switch then to the motor and back. Somehow the start control should push the switch to apply AC voltage to the motor.

I don't have a clear photo so I can't tell exactly where the wires go to.
 
omg I just solved this problem!

So I noticed the idler tire was not making much contact with the motor pulley. I put a rubber band around the idler tire, thickening it, and now the motor pulley is spinning the idler tire!!!

So the record is now spinning!

Two more problems:

#1: I think I need a new needle cassette.

#2: Both ends of these green wires were soldered. In order to removed the turntable for repairs, I determined I had enough slack that I could snip them and splice them back together. But not when I reconnect the I am getting a lot of feedback/distortion/humming.
 
Photos!! B/W diagram in the SM is color blind.
Typically you would unsolder one end then resolder it back. Are you sure you connected the correct green wire to the correct other end? If that is AC coming in from the wall receptacle there is a hot and a neutral wire. Get them mixed up and you might have the hot wire tied to the chassis.
 
The root of your issue might be that the arm the idler is mounted to has something like dry grease limiting it's movement. If you decide to look further check that. But hey, it works. Enjoy!
 
jiggyflipper said:
omg I just solved this problem!

So I noticed the idler tire was not making much contact with the motor pulley. I put a rubber band around the idler tire, thickening it, and now the motor pulley is spinning the idler tire!!!

So the record is now spinning!

Two more problems:

#1: I think I need a new needle cassette.

#2: Both ends of these green wires were soldered. In order to removed the turntable for repairs, I determined I had enough slack that I could snip them and splice them back together. But not when I reconnect the I am getting a lot of feedback/distortion/humming.
Click to expand...
That confirms that it’s gunked up with old grease. Idler arms swing free when clean.

Get under there and clean all the pivots and sliding mechanisms.
 
dankik said:
The first thing to check is to make sure that the AC power is getting to the turntable. There is probably a Molex type plug near the motor on the bottom side.
Next, try to determine if the motor is spinning when you rotate the knob to play a record.
If the motor is spinning but the platter is not rotating then maybe the idler tire rubber is bad or cracked.
It could also be hardened grease on the mechanism that prevents any of the levers from moving into position.
  • 25 - idler tire
  • red arrow - motor
Instructions for removing the platter are in the Service Manual document.
Magnavox W 801, W 802, W 812 Automatic Record Players Service Manual : Magnavox : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive
Hope this helps.

View attachment 3840331
1789917205073-png.3840343
Click to expand...


Any chance you would have a link to the w-601 turntable? I assume it may be similar to the 801 but just checking.
 
Thank you! After rereading my comment above I realized my fat fingers typed W601 when it should have been W611. Checked on that site and found nothing so will use the 801 and 602 to see what the differences are. The main mechanics should be similar.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom