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Perpetuum Ebner REX A-4 Turntable / Changer Issues

ajmich

ajmich

New Member
Seeking information for restoring this classic P-E record changer, Model REX A-4. It is an approximate replacement for the missing changer in my 1955 Grundig 8050/USA hifi set. The 3 small belts are on order (not shown here).

The motor does not turn; I just discovered that the voltage selector beneath the platter is marked "50 Hz" -- oops. ( Yes, that is a "5" in the photo of the selector.) Of course, we use 60 Hz in the USA, so now I am wondering if I mistakenly bought a European-only model (if so, I did not know they existed, and the power requirement was not mentioned).

So..... If necessary, is it possible to adapt this player to operate on 60 Hz current, as we have here in the USA? Prior to the 50 Hz discovery and suspecting a bad motor capacitor, I swapped it out for a new cap, but still no motor movement. The motor can be turned by hand, although a bit stiff. The main/bottom bearing has been cleaned and lubricated. The unit is the 4-speed model and has a multi-tap resistor at the AC power input. Continuity is fine through the tonearm lift switch. Any advice/assistance most appreciated! Thx..... [Alex]

Perpetuum Ebner Rex A-4 top platter off.jpg

Perpetuum Ebner Rex A-4 power voltage setting.jpg

perpetuum ebner rex A4 from beneath2.jpg

perpetuum ebner rex A4 motor cap & resistor.jpg
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You will need a 60 Hertz motor pulley to do that. And select voltage correctly. AC motor turntable, voltage and Hertz matter on this turntable.
 
Thanks, yet so far, I have found no mention of such a pulley change for an older P-E 'table. If none exists, what options if any? Can my US 60Hz current be adapted/converted to suit the 50Hz motor?
 
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I would think the motor would spin even if it was at the wrong speed due to the frequency difference, unless there is a problem with it. If it is working you might be able to use a power converter/inverter to convert your 110/60 hertz wall outlet to 50 hertz and plug the Grundig 8050 into that. The receptacle on the converter would be dedicated for use only with the hifi set. Maybe someone with more knowledge of the electrical properties involved will have some advice.

I have a similar PE tt in my Blaupunkt Radiogram which I haven't used for a while. Now you have me wondering, so I'll have to check out the motor on the turntable to see what it says. I don't recall any problems playing old 78's on it, but I'll definitely take a look. Best of luck with the restoration.
 
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Christian B... I am looking at exactly that -- some sort of inexpensive power converter. Only the frequency needs changing, since the voltage on the 'table is set for my 125v. Yes, the motor (or other component) has problems, as it does not run, but will turn (stiffly) by hand. No hum or other signs of life. Continuity confirmed -- it's getting power, and the tonearm switch is working. I've replaced the motor run/start cap. No difference. Thanks for the reply. Is your changer a REX model? On my model A-4, the voltage setting is beneath the platter. Have you looked at yours? Not all models have it, of course.
 
Omegaman: I was afraid of that, as have seen no such pulley for these older P-E changers. Replacing the motor is a project-killer! I continue looking for a power frequency adapter/converter solution.
 
I tried working on one for a younger friend as it was his late father's. I got it playing again, but I was gobsmacked at the complexity of that unit. Holy cow, I mean I was amazed at the engineering and amount of complexity in that machine. I gladly gave it back to him with a new cartridge mounted and set up and wished him luck. :confused:
 
ajmich said:
Omegaman: I was afraid of that, as have seen no such pulley for these older P-E changers. Replacing the motor is a project-killer! I continue looking for a power frequency adapter/converter solution.
Click to expand...

I do not think there is a 50hz to 60hz converter available

It is not difficult to swap the motor if you find a donor table

I got my 1959 Blaupunkt 40400 New Yorker Ebner Perpetuum Rex table working great with a motor trasnsplant

I just waited for one on eBay
DSC00306.JPG DSC00312.JPG

PICT0035.JPG
 
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Hi! I just finished restoring my REX A on my Blaupunkt Boston Stereo. As far as the 60hz vs. 50hz... the motor will run 20% faster with the 60hz. The motor should turn relatively easy... not stiff. Have you tried using CRC 2-26 Multi-Purpose lubricant (available at Home Depot)? I would recommend trying to get it in every nook and cranny of the motor to get at some of the 50+ year old grease that is probably hardened. I had a few components locked up that loosened right up after using the CRC 2-26. See attached for some schematics if you haven't seen any yet.
 

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xCAMx1652 said:
Have you tried using CRC 2-26 Multi-Purpose lubricant?
Click to expand...
Good to know, thanks! Wasn't sure what would be safe for motor lube. And good to have the S.M. images to add to my P-E Rex folder. Hope to get the motor running... but still must deal with the speed issue, probably stop looking for a 60-50Hz converter tho... I see/hear nothing about a reasonable one. And on it goes...
 
MitsuMan said:
I tried working on one for a younger friend as it was his late father's. I got it playing again, but I was gobsmacked at the complexity of that unit. Holy cow, I mean I was amazed at the engineering and amount of complexity in that machine. I gladly gave it back to him with a new cartridge mounted and set up and wished him luck. :confused:
Click to expand...
I'd never worked on one before, and there ARE more parts involved than I'd figured. After failing (so far) to deal with the motor, I reluctantly returned an expensive OEM cartridge mount & cartridge... the stylus holder was loose, and too pricy for a replacement cartridge. Probably will start all over with a different changer.
 
Do you know if the motor itself is 50hz? Or is it being fed 50hz from another component? Maybe you can rewire it like the schematic. Skipping the reduction to 50hz....just a thought.
 
Since you have the Grundig USA model it very likely has the 60hz pulley set already installed even though the selector switch says 50hz.

I'm working on a 7090/USA with a REX A but haven't checked the speeds yet. Keep in mind the mono PE10 cartridge tracks at a whopping 9 grams! I only plan on using it for 78's and older mono 33s and 45s that I don't mind subjecting to high tracking force.

I may swap in a BSR until I can figure out how to mount a lighter tracking cartridge in the REX even though it won't look nearly as cool.
 
WizardWG4 said:
...the Grundig USA model very likely has the 60hz pulley set already installed...
Click to expand...
No, because as in my OP, "It is an approximate replacement for the missing changer"... IE, my Rex replacement is not the original, although it LOOKS like the one that came installed (later broke & removed). For awhile I cobbled in a cheap BSR or other brand, but never liked the look. I know about the heavy tracking (wow), and don't mind much since I'll only play 45s and old LPs... IF I ever get it working! Main goal is to stack 45s on a like-new spindle I still have, and dig some 60s music I first heard on the Grundig. Good memories, the kind that an old fart like me tends to go after!
 
A motor will spin fine on 50 or 60hz. The motor itself isn't likely any different, just the diameter up top where the idler or turret or whatever runs against it. It will spin too fast on 60hz, but it will certainly spin. Small possibility there is a little extra iron in the core of a 50hz motor to keep it from saturating, but if anything that will just make it run slightly cooler.

Anyway, if it doesn't spin freely by hand, I'd start there. If this is a somewhat typical small open frame motor you can take the screws out of it and split it in 3 pieces. Should have two end bells with the bearings, the rotor (the part that doesn't spin) and the stator (the part that does). The stator may or may not slide out of the upper end, depending what its got up top. Pulley with a screw might let it come off, but it may be shrink fit to the shaft in which case its just coming along for the ride.

either way, clean the bearings in the end bells. Wipe the ends of the motor shaft with solvent, take a Q tip with a smidge of mineral sprits and lightly swap out the bearing itself if you can. Put some sewing machine oil in the felt around the bearing, and a few drops on the motor shaft. Put it back together and make sure it spins. If its sticky, maybe lightly whack the frame of the motor with a screwdriver handle to re-align everything. The bearings are generally a sleeve type that look like a bronze marble with a hole drilled through them. They will rotate in their pockets with a little bit of percussion and the shaft should spin nicely once they do.


If you happen to know someone with a lathe, they can make this into a 60hz motor. Basically the diameter up top needs to be made 20% smaller. Not hard to do, just needs to be done very accurately or the speed won't be proper.
 
gadget73 said:
A motor will spin fine on 50 or 60hz. The motor itself isn't likely any different...
Click to expand...
gadget73, thanks for the info and when I get a chance I'm going to give your cleaning steps a go. With any luck, on a good day, if the stars align... well, all of that is overdue, eh? :no::smoke:
 
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