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Overarm height changes record detection

NSRadio

NSRadio

New Member
Hello all,

TL;DR:
VM 1201 - If I hold the overarm up even just 1/16" as a record drops, then the tonearm will automatically swing into position and play the dropped record. If I do nothing and leave the overarm to rest on the record when it drops, the tonearm picks up, sets back down, and shuts off the changer. Any ideas?

The rest of the story:
My old 1959 VM Console's record changer recently began playing very slowly, etc. So I undertook the process of researching and repairing it. I took video of myself just in case, cleaned it all up, re-lubricated everything needed, reassembled, and I'm using a zip-tie to hold the motor up from sagging until the new mounts get here. Sounds good as new!

I've watched the video I took of my repairs and cannot find any re-assembly issues, but I must be missing something.

When I load a record and swing over and lower the overarm, then turn the switch all the way like normal, it drops the record, picks up the tonearm... and then just sets it back down and shuts off. HOWEVER, by happy accident, I discovered that if I hold the overarm up even 1/16" when the record drops... it works normally. The tonearm raises, backs up, then swings over and sets down perfectly and starts playing.

Aside from the overam now moving up and down much easier and smother than it did before since I cleaned everything up... I can't see where I made any changes... I was wondering if the information regarding how it will work one way but not the other might draw up some ideas?

Thank you for your time!
- John
 
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Is the overarm all the way down on the shaft? Is the overarm level when it is laying on a stack of records?

It has been many years since I worked on a VM changer but those are two things I can remember checking.

Doug
 
I didn't even think about the idea that the overarm could be slightly separated from the shaft. I will check that tonight.
It is definitely level, and holds records flat. Left to it's own however, the tonearm just picks up, sets down, and shuts off after the record drops.
Lifting the overarm up though, thus leaving the record (s) to wobble freely, one record drops, and tonearm works perfect! Weird!
I will check.that fit tonight though thanks
 
The shut off lever and pawl underneath needs to be cleaned. This is explained in the 1200 series service manual. I would recommend getting a manual from thevoiceofmusic.com if you don't have one.
 
I have the manual, beginner's guide, motor mounts, and a new idler wheel on the way (although I figured out it was the motor sagging down on the corner, the idler wheel seems fine).
I guess I will take another look. I cleaned the holy you-know-what out of everything, and oiled all joints, and re-greased the appropriate areas - following online guides... but I certainly may have missed something under there, and I'm looking forward to having the service manual and lubrication guide.
I'm also trying to figure out my 45 RPM adapter. It was always in pieces... I can order a new one from tvom .com, but I'm hoping to tniker with it and get it working as well. This has been a fun learning experience. I love this old console and I'm not about to let it go if I can help it! :)

Thanks again for all the help. I just got home. I'm going to go take a look at both of the items you all mentioned.
 
Thanks, orthophonic. The mechanism is vertically sensitive because that's how it knows whether to play another record or if the records have all been dropped and played. As long as the overarm is above a predetermined height, the arm will cycle and return to play another record. When it drops down after the last record, the mechanism knows there are no records left and the arm stays at the arm rest and the changer turns off.

As orthophonic said, the parts all have to be clean so they don't stick and they should be properly lubricated.

Doug
 
Ok so I will just have to be patient for my manuals :) . As far as the overarm issue - I've definitely reassembled something incorrectly... In my haste to figure out what was wrong with the tonearm just shutting off, I had not played a full record since reassembly.
Well, now I have found that the tonearm, if I raise the overarm and let the record drop - allow the tonearm to automatically set down and start playing the record - it will only make it about 3/4 of the way through the record, and then begin to stick in the same spot. If I pick it up and try to move it toward the center, it resists as if it thinks it is already at center, but it does not auto return. All I can do is reject, let it return and shut off. Once I've done that, I can move the overarm to the side, turn the unit on only, and it will manually play all the way through without issue.
So - it's pretty obvious that although I can't see what I've done following along on my video... I've reassembled something 'not quite right'.
It's kind of amazing it works as great as it does that being the case!

Thanks again for all of the insight. I'll update the post once I've received my service manual and figure out what I did wrong.
- John
 
OK good luck. I remember there is another setting for the overarm on most VM changers. If you push the overarm all the way to the right, it kind of goes into a detent position (or is that what you're talking about?) and you can play a record manually/automatically one at a time. The arm will return to the rest after each play. I hope I'm remembering it correctly.

Doug
 
Well, I will post back when I have an update - but it will be a while guys. The disaster in Texas has reached a point where inspections can begin (for financial assistance to citizens and businesses), and all agents / contractors have been activated. I'm being deployed over the weekend, so it will be a couple of months before my first week off and the back into it for another month or two at a time. That's probably going to repeat for a year. This was a big one.
All the best and thanks again!
 
Yes stay safe and take time and what is needed to deal with the situations that will confront you.

Your task will not be easy.
 
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