New Vista RCA VGT 90 W K

[TC Chris]

Does anybody know what those two sand resistors under the external speaker switch are for? I'm guessing something to do with the earphone jack, maybe?

If this is a solid-state device, it may be to add resistance when the speaker switch is in the "both" position. In parallel, the impedance drops. Earlier transistor devices did not like low impedances. My Heath AA-22 amp has big resistors in series with the 4-ohm speaker taps.

Chris Campbell

[William]

It is solid state.

Bill

[mattmatty]

Hi Guys, back at it

Just getting started today,.

I have a non-technical question, the hinged lid for this console works really well, but clearly it’s in the way when you’re working on it, would it be advisable just to remove this thing while I’m tinkering with it? And if so, should I remove the top panel from the hinges themselves?, or remove the panel with the hinges on it, from the console itself altogether? (Pics attached)

I just pulled the chassis out, that’s what led me to ask about the hinged top, the wiring lengths gives me a good 12 or so inches of leash length to move it around.

Going to start digging around, following the previous advice given by y’all.

[mattmatty]

I got the chassis out to get decent access at these control knobs. In the attached pic, am I really trying to get the deoxit closer to the chassis itself, where the red arrows are? Or a little further away on those control post units where the blue arrows are? Or both? Or some other plan entirely that I’m not aware of?
Thx!!

[electra225]

If removing the lid would decrease the chance of dropping something or of damaging the lid, then you might be better to remove it. Just be careful with not stripping the threads. IF you do strip the threads, you can use a toothpick or match stick inserted in the hole to repair the threads. You might be able to use a paint stirring stick or other such device to hold the lid up while you work. Good luck.

[mattmatty]

I’m also looking at the speaker control switch as you guys suggested. Here is a close-up picture, is my focus for the deoxit up under the bracket holding it? Where the blue arrow is? Or more between the bracket and this disc thing that clearly holds all the different speaker circuits? With the green arrow?
Also a pic from the front, I assume that’s the same as the other knobs where there’s not much point to spray that?
Thx!!

[mattmatty]

You might be able to use a paint stirring stick or other such device to hold the lid up while you work. Good luck.

The lid stays up good, I learned somewhere online to tighten the screws on the underside of the hinges to increase the spring tension, I’m just worried my klutziness might push it over backwards or something, but I think I’ll work around it for now, so as to avoid the thread issue as you pointed out. Thank u!

[TC Chris]

As to where to squirt the miracle goo, remember first that the controls are "stacked," with separate controls for L and R channels on each shaft.

Second, it looks like your best access will be 180 degrees from where the arrows are--where the lugs that the wires attach to are located. There's a bit of an opening where the lugs pass through the shell.

Chris Campbell

[mattmatty]

Hi, everything has been lubricated. To the best of my abilities. Giving things a chance to soak, turning posts occasionally to help spread the lube/cleaner. I’ll let y’all know once I put it back together & how it sounds.

On another note, the record changer is RP218C-12. This is slightly different than what was listed in that RCA model and chassis number yellow book someone gave me a screenshot of online, which I posted in my original post. That had this unit listed as (RP217C-12). Interesting early example for me to learn that tracking down these specific component numbers is a bit of a mystery and probably pretty important. (I’m not too worried about the record player now, was just poking around to kill time. One reason it’s not working is the wires to the cartridge needle are disconnected, so I will get to that at some point later.)

Thx guys (&/or gals)!

[mattmatty]

Hello,
Before I buttoned everything up for the work week, I put things back together and gave her a test run. Some success, some remaining issues.
---Receives FM and AM signals. the FM stereo red light even came on for a split second on one channel!
---Definitely sounds better all around from the cleaning. The crackling and popping has gone away.
--- The issue now (or still, rather) seems R/L channel related. Both channels work, to some degree. The L channel is strongest, and at times is absolutely loud, clear and impressive, for 60 years old. In order to get the R channel to work at some "reasonable" level, I need to find a sweet spot in the balance. It's not as simple as moving balance from R to L or L to R, at times the signal seems to jump in strength for one side, or the other. When isolated, the L side can really boom. The R side is always the weak link. If they are both working together at similar output, its ok, but clearly a weakened quieter output from both. I do think all 8 speakers do work. I think........

So, I now understood the two channel concept, and how it is in the DNA of the whole system. I am going to keep working to learn new stuff. Watching tons of YouTube videos about basic electronics, audio electronics, ohms law, etc. Ordered a book on the subject, yet to arrive. I'll keep the knowledge journey going forward. It will be a long long time before I will be ready to test various components or replace them. But I do think I can do it, just down the road, once I'm "smarter" . I'm still in no rush to do anything I don't know how to do. To keep some progress going while I learn stuff, I'm going to look at ordering some replacement parts for the record changer. Seems with some sleuthing that's within my wheelhouse.

Onward and upward!
Matt

[William]

Hey Matt. That fact that you have two channels but not equal in volume I am going to suggest that you give those controls another cleaning and don't forget the speaker switch. It sometimes takes several cleaning before things come back to life. If after several cleanings things are still off balance then we can start in another direction.

As far as you changer goes, a good cleaning and re-lube is in order along with motor mounts and probably an idler wheel. Also do not forget to service the motor too. Parts should be available here:

https://www.thevoiceofmusic.com/

Bill

[Hi-Fi-Mogul]

Yes, repeat cleaning as per Bill's suggestion is
worth it.

[mattmatty]

Copy that. I like it. Taking it apart and cleaning is therapeutic. Happy to do it a few more times. Thanks for the RC info! I'll dig into that in the coming weeks.
Cheers y'all!

Matt