Restoring Magnavox Micromatic Turntable

[Weston_R]

I purchased a Magnavox stereo console from a thrift store earlier this year and I'm working to restore the turntable. The changer is a Magnavox Imperial Micromatic. After tearing it down and cleaning/lubing everything I can get the turntable to spin and it keep accurate speed. However, I can't get the changer to work. It only works if I manually drop the tonearm while the turntable is running. When I try to use the auto function the tonearm lifts, tries to determine the record size, then lowers back down without setting on the record. When I reach the end of the record the auto shutoff doesn't engage, and if I engage the auto function it resets the tonearm on the wrong part of the record instead of resetting on the stand.

Last year I restored a Zenith console with a Voice of Music changer. I'm not familiar with Magnavox changers, and I'm not sure what common things to check first. Attached is the record changer I'm working with.

Any assistance or tips is much appreciated!

 

[tom3]

Make double sure the center spindle is oriented right and pushed completely down in. Has to be just right.

 

[Weston_R]

Thanks. I'll give this a try and report back.

 

[Fishead]

Hey @Weston_R ! Welcome to AK! I restored one of these earlier this year and what @tom3 says is very likely going to be related to the problem. Otherwise, it's really a pretty simple mechanism and cleverly designed so unless that spindle is not "sending" the proper information to the tonearm, things should work without much of a hitch. Now, if someone else has been in there before you, all bets are off because there are a number of washers that go on under and above the bearing that need to be in a certain order for things to operate properly. I found some information on line that helped with getting things back together properly so there's that. Another invaluable resource was Gary at The Voice Of Music, who provided insight and support during my efforts. Let us know how it goes amigo!




Look familiar?

 

[Weston_R]

Hey @Weston_R ! Welcome to AK! I restored one of these earlier this year and what @tom3 says is very likely going to be related to the problem. Otherwise, it's really a pretty simple mechanism and cleverly designed so unless that spindle is not "sending" the proper information to the tonearm, things should work without much of a hitch. Now, if someone else has been in there before you, all bets are off because there are a number of washers that go on under and above the bearing that need to be in a certain order for things to operate properly. I found some information on line that helped with getting things back together properly so there's that. Another invaluable resource was Gary at The Voice Of Music, who provided insight and support during my efforts. Let us know how it goes amigo!

View attachment 3073847
View attachment 3073849

Look familiar?

Greetings @FishHead! I checked the center spindle as @tom3 suggested, and while I was doing that I tightened all screws and nuts underneath the changer. After doing that things seemed to work a little better, but the auto start still wasn't working. I tore down the changer again and found that one of the metal rods underneath the tonearm looked bent and wasn't sitting in the track of the main gear assembly. After bending it back and putting the mechanism back together the auto start is working! I'm sure I'm using wrong terms here, and will include some pictures next time I take apart the changer.

I still need to work with it, since the tonearm drops a little ways into the first track of the record, but this is a good start!

I actually worked with Gary over at VOM while restoring the last console! He was a huge help with troubleshooting and identifying what replacement parts were needed. I hadn't thought to reach out to him with this being a different brand changer, but I'll keep that in mind.

 

[Fishead]

Very good work there sir! These things sometimes just take a little time......studying how they work and what should happen when is part of the mystery and intrigue. You are on the right track and let us know how it goes!

Here's a little more help. This video will show you better than I can tell you how to adjust the setdown position of the tonearm by turning a certain screw either clockwise or counterclockwise:

I think you will find several interesting aspects pertaining to the tonearm contained therein. Hope you get it worked out and playing as it should.

 

[Doug G.]

It's a Collaro record changer.

Douig

 

[Fishead]

Right you are, @Doug G.

 

[Weston_R]

Sorry for the lack of updates. I've been caught up with the holidays and family obligations. (My wife and I are expecting a baby in February. Very exciting stuff!!)

@Fishead that video is very helpful. I'll try applying those adjustments and will share how that goes.

Another item I need to look at is the motor. During play it will often start this loud whining noise. It looks like there are some vibrations happening that are causing this. Whether its the motor itself or the idler wheel I don't know yet. I think I'll start with tearing down and cleaning the motor to see if that helps. The project continues!

 

[mfenberg]

I've had a nice Magnavox console stereo for a few years now, with the Micromatic 620 turntable. I've collected all the parts to refurb it, but still haven't gotten around to doing it! An invaluable source to service the turntable can be found...HERE

 

[Fishead]

I think I'll start with tearing down and cleaning the motor to see if that helps.

Yes, if it's whining as you describe it will most likely be the bearing and you can, after cleaning it thoroughly, lubricate it with some 3 in 1 Oil:



It worked for me, everything got really quiet after that and smooth. Take your time in pulling the motor apart and make sure you put everything back together in exactly the same way you took it apart! I took a bunch of pictures with my phone each step of the way which made things a whole lot easier and certainly more efficient!