[Jukebox-list] AMI F-120 JUKEBOX QUESTIONS

[Steve Wahl]

On Sun, May 06, 2007 at 11:13:22AM -0400, Dan Peshkin wrote:
> Hello:
> I am brand new to this.  I have sort of taken up a jukebox project as  
> a new hobby.  I was just given an AMI F-120, and am sad to say that  
> the prior owner.. now deceased took out the original tube amp and  
> replaced it with a more modern transistor/capacitor amp.  It actually  
> played a record after sitting 25 years.  THe coin mechanism is gone.   
> if I push on the correct selector under the record mechanism it will  
> pick up and play the correct record.   The problem is the buttons up  
> top do nothing.  The box (I'm sorry I don't know what to call it)  
> that has the counter in it is still there.. but I assume that the  
> coin mech at some point powered up the buttons.

Like others said, you need to get a manual.  They're something less
than $50 I think.  For one thing, it solves the "I'm sorry I don't
know what to call it" problem, as you get labeled diagrams, etc, that
tell you what things are called, and it makes the conversation here
*so* much easier.

Can you read a schematic or a wiring diagram?  Use a voltmeter?  If
not (to either or both), do you think you can learn?  That's all it
should take for this particular jukebox.

The AMI F (and other AMIs with the 80/120 select mech) are really
quite easy to understand, and an excellent first jukebox -- first of
two jukes for me, personally.

> First and foremost.   ANy suggestions how to power up the buttons so  
> that they will work without the coin box.

It'd help to know what's there and what's not.  IF the box you refer
to above is the one in the center of the lower compartment, above the
amp (er, where the amp *should* be, your transistor amp may be
different I suppose); then I think it's the credit unit*.  It's a wheel
/ rachet assembly that goes forward for each credit you add, and
backwards one step for each selection you make.  Manually moving the
wheel forward should make it work.  My F is on continual free play
because the spring that's supposed to pull the wheel back is
disconnected.

[ *I think it's called a credit unit; I don't have MY manual at the
moment; sorry. ]

Have you tried ALL the buttons?  Start with the upper (or maybe
lower?) left.  The buttons are in a series circuit, such that when you
push the first one, it breaks the chain and none of the rest get
current; this is so the customer can't cheat and get 2 selections for
1 credit.  This series circuit often ends up with one or more breaks
because of dirty contacts, so buttons further down the chain don't
work.  Fix is to clean the contacts where the circuit breaks
(propperly: using a burnishing tool, or a piece of paper dragged
between contacts pressed together; NOT by using a piece of
sandpaper!).

> Some of the buttons are sticking out.  can they be fixed.

Common problem, rumor is yes they can be fixed, I've not done it
personally. 

It's a shame that the original amp is missing.  It's likely you don't
have a mute circuit to cut the sound when a record's not playing.  And
you can't tell if an original amp would sound better until you get one
to put in.

As I understand it, that particular amp was used with many AMI mono
jukes in the surrounding years.  A replacement might be reasonably
available.

> Do you now anyone in the South Jersey area that works on this type of  
> machine in the event that I can't figure it out?

That's not my neck of the woods (MN), sorry I have no idea.

--> Steve

-- 
Steve Wahl    steve at pro-ns.net

I write to make people think. Sadly, in many cases my writing makes
people think, "Man, this guy is really an idiot".
   -- Nizo, on Slashdot