Low End BIC Changer

[Hi-Fi-Mogul]

While I've been waiting on parts to complete the Zenith
Cobra Stroboscope, I took on this Zenith-branded
belt-drive BIC.

The stereo AM/FM/8-track/Phono unit it came out of
is a very nice product made in Korea.
The OEM tonearm cartridge is a Shure magnetic of all things.

Why Zenith put in such a cheapo changer....

BIC seems to have made some good changers,
apart from this one.

I could not find any info on this low-end model, which
differs in several ways from the better models.

Thank goodness Jordan Pier made some videos re: BIC 940,
which is similar enough to do the service on this one.

I had to make a counter-weight out of washers glued together,
as original is gone.
The spindle is held in place by a clip, which also is gone.
I think I have a BSR clip that's going to work.

Along with the Cobra parts, I have a belt and new stylus for
this BIC coming.

Possibly both will be complete this wknd !

[electra225]

I bought a JC Penney turntable at auction one time that was made by BIC. I used that thing for years, until the speed control went wonky and I couldn't control the speed. The speed control was a solid-state widget that had unobtanium parts. Too bad, I really liked the turntable. It had a Shure magnetic cartridge, I don't remember the model number on the cartridge. V15, N 15, something like that.

[Dr. Radio]

Never heard of BIC. Excuse my ignorance, but is that any relation to BIC of ball point pen fame?

[William]

Nope, not the same company. Here's a good read on Vinyl Engine about BIC turntables. Be sure to read what Doug G. wrote on page two.

https://www.vinylengine.com/turntable_f ... 8&start=12

Bill

[Hi-Fi-Mogul]

After all that effort, having all previous problems
identified, and the belt and stylus installed, one last insult.

I pressed the button that should have started the cycle,
and nuttin'.
I turned the platter by hand, and it rotated and went into
cycle properly.
I tried to repeat a record play, and no motor turning.

After some swearing, I checked the new belt (OK), then
I wondered if the switch was oxidized.
I also wondered if the motor could be worn out, since
it has a magnet in it.

The switch is riveted together, and I then decided that
Plan B was to be followed.

I called the owner and said I was going to replace the
BIC with a BSR that I had already completed.

As I noted previously, the BSR changer base has the
exact same dimensions and spring locations as the BIC.

The circuit is such that the record player does not have
to be wired in for the other functions to work.

Along with those funky Garrards, BICs will be added to
the list of "no go" repair items.

[electra225]

There is a version of a Collaro/Magnavox changer that has a plastic platter. Randy Bassham always said they are not repairable, can't get them working right no matter what you do because the plastic distorts. I don't recall the model, but "700" comes to mind. Maybe someone else will know what I'm referring to. I think they are really late models.

[Hi-Fi-Mogul]

I got the BSR installed and checked out the Zenith stereo.

The back panel of the Zenith multiplex stereo had a
removable plug that I ran the BSR power cord through.
I put a strain relief on the AC cord.

The young man came by today and was wowed by
his "new" system.

It did sound nice. I had some small Realistic Minimus
speakers hooked up for full vintage sound.

After all the cussin', it's great to see someone so happy
with their family's record player back to snuff.

[electra225]

It is always worth the hassle when the plan comes together and your client has a grin from ear to ear. Your ingenuity and putting some of yourself into the project made it a success. Great job, Mr. Mogul....