[Jukebox-list] AMI F-120 JUKEBOX QUESTIONS

[peshkin at comcast.net]

Thank you so much for the help.  It is appreciated.  Other than using sand paper which seems to have been improper, I have made much progress.  There was a blown fuse that appeared to be causing the power misfunction to the credit unit.  The selector buttons are working now (a small miracle for me).  I am currently waiting for my manual.   

It is a real shame that the prior owner (a deceased electrical engineer) would do the unthinkable and remove the tube amp and guts just to get a quick fix.  

Thank you for being so understanding about my jukebox illiteracy.  I will catch on.  


 -------------- Original message ----------------------
From: Steve Wahl <steve at pro-ns.net>
> 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
> 
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