The Forward Look Network
The Forward Look Network
Search | Statistics | User Listing Forums | Chat | eBay | Calendars | Albums | Skins | Language
You are logged in as a guest. ( logon | register )

RCA AP-1 Record Changer Renovation
Jump to page : 1 2
Now viewing page 2 [50 messages per page]		View previous thread :: View next thread
   Forward Look Technical Discussions -> Electrical, Battery and ChargingMessage format
 
wizard
Posted 2011-02-21 6:11 AM (#261798 - in reply to #249701)
Subject: Re: RCA AP-1 Record Changer Renovation



Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+

Posts: 13045
500050002000100025
Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island		Finally the RCA AP-1 is mounted in JoseFin - this was indeed the most demanding and interesting renovation so far for me. Sorry for the bad clip quality





Edited by wizard 2011-02-21 7:04 AM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
RONR11
Posted 2011-03-05 6:42 PM (#263598 - in reply to #249701)
Subject: RE: RCA AP-1 Record Changer Renovation


New User

Posts: 2

Location: hartsville sc		Hey Wizard, I want to compliment you on this excellent article, you really have gotten all of us excited about restoring our players. My first question is have thought about making the bushings/ idler wheel for resale?
It looks like there area number of us that are in need of the same parts due to age of course.Also can you give me the number for the stylus that you used and how you hooked it up.I would like to also do this to my mondern system.
Thanks as much Ron
Top of the page Bottom of the page
wizard
Posted 2011-03-06 5:33 AM (#263634 - in reply to #249701)
Subject: Re: RCA AP-1 Record Changer Renovation



Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+

Posts: 13045
500050002000100025
Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island		Thanks Ron. The idler wheel takes me several hours to make and I tried to sell one, but it seems like my price was too high (close to the renovated ones which you can buy in America).
The stylus is a Pfanstiehl ceramic cartridge diamont 911-D7, it's a new stylus made in Japan. The stylus has an output of up to 1,2 volt, so there's no need for a preamplifier.
The hook up is simple - you solder a RCA female on a short cable and connect it to the pick-up cables. You connect it to an RCA input on a modern stereo with a "T" connection for to have the sound in both speakers.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
mogge65
Posted 2011-03-29 8:07 AM (#266364 - in reply to #249701)
Subject: Re: RCA AP-1 Record Changer Renovation



Expert

Posts: 1295
1000100100252525
Location: Nasco , SWEDEN		WIZARD, you are amazing! the most people open their "ebay-package" and find something looking like this will emidiate light a cigarette and think " why in the hell..............." then put it in a corner deep in to the garage! But not you o no, that´s far too easy! just digg in to the problem and solv it! congratulation to a very nice job done! Morgan
Top of the page Bottom of the page
wizard
Posted 2011-03-29 8:41 AM (#266370 - in reply to #249701)
Subject: Re: RCA AP-1 Record Changer Renovation



Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+

Posts: 13045
500050002000100025
Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island		Thanks Morgan, one must be really stubborn and half crazy to do all the work and research behind this project. Now when the record changer is working and mounted, I use it very often - it's a time machine you know, like back to the past.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
FinFury57
Posted 2011-03-29 10:51 AM (#266386 - in reply to #266370)
Subject: Re: RCA AP-1 Record Changer Renovation



Elite Veteran

Posts: 693
500100252525
Location: Kangasala, Finland		Really nice work! Looks awesome and sounds great - as does rest of your interior.
That thing is cool. I would love to have one as well. It sure beats the '56-59(?) Highway HiFi in everyday use. The 16rpm record selection kinda sucks...

Not trying to steal your thread here, but is that front rubber mat original or repro? I had one like it in my '60 DeSoto but it fell apart. Only difference was that it was white with black diamonds.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
wizard
Posted 2011-03-29 11:09 AM (#266393 - in reply to #249701)
Subject: Re: RCA AP-1 Record Changer Renovation



Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+

Posts: 13045
500050002000100025
Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island		There might be one Phono Matic 500 record changer for sale Jan. The rubber mats are old aftermarket items - not from Mother MoPar, but kind of nice still.
PM me if you're interested in a record changer.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
hemidenis
Posted 2011-04-12 9:21 PM (#268270 - in reply to #249701)
Subject: Re: RCA AP-1 Record Changer Renovation



Expert

Posts: 3887
20001000500100100100252525
Location: Northen Virginia		Amazing Wizard, just amazing. As you know I went trough a different road with mine and it was in far better condition!.

Edited by hemidenis 2011-04-12 9:24 PM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
RONR11
Posted 2011-08-14 2:29 PM (#284634 - in reply to #249701)
Subject: RE: RCA AP-1 Record Changer Renovation


New User

Posts: 2

Location: hartsville sc

I have sold my player (no room in my new ride) but I would like to comment on the GREAT information that Sven/Wizard provided my during my restoration.He is without a doubt the man to contact if you are working on or have a car record player.
His knowledge and schematics enabled me to rework my player to play thru my radio using the FM modulator or 8 tape/cassette player or Ipod connection.

Thanks again Wizard/Sven

Top of the page Bottom of the page
wizard
Posted 2014-05-09 3:08 AM (#440014 - in reply to #249701)
Subject: Re: RCA AP-1 Record Changer Renovation



Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+

Posts: 13045
500050002000100025
Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island		Thanks' for the kind feedback guys! You know the procedure; fix one thing and three other "problems" occur?

I had my 7-button self seeking radio converted and with that, the possibility to use a mobile phone or other auxiliary sources for music - worked just fine, BUT - the output of the pickup was too low, so the radio took over when I used my RCA AP-1 record changer. This forced me to investigate how to increase the output signal of the pickup, as well as solve that the mono output from the record changer couldn't make a "short circuit" for the other auxiliary units. I had some great hints from Serge in this matter - thanks' my friend!

The first test was with a simple pre-amplifier and that worked out just fine - the output is now approximately 2 volts between the peaks and the record changer output is hence stronger than the radio signal, which makes the record changer the "master" as long as it's on.





(Resize of IMG_9027.JPG)



(Resize of IMG_9028.JPG)



(Resize of IMG_9029.JPG)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments Resize of IMG_9027.JPG (97KB - 365 downloads)
Attachments Resize of IMG_9028.JPG (96KB - 355 downloads)
Attachments Resize of IMG_9029.JPG (113KB - 364 downloads)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
wizard
Posted 2014-05-09 8:15 AM (#440029 - in reply to #249701)
Subject: Re: RCA AP-1 Record Changer Renovation



Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+

Posts: 13045
500050002000100025
Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island		Here is a picture of the test circuit with the signal relay mounted. It has been tested and it works very nice. Now I must tidy up the cables and the soldering somewhat.

I'll try to make a drawing and a component list later on.

Edited by wizard 2014-05-09 8:17 AM




(Resize of IMG_9030.JPG)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments Resize of IMG_9030.JPG (67KB - 358 downloads)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
wizard
Posted 2014-05-09 11:44 AM (#440064 - in reply to #249701)
Subject: Re: RCA AP-1 Record Changer Renovation



Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+

Posts: 13045
500050002000100025
Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island		Here's the drawing with the component specs.



(Pre-Amp.png)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments Pre-Amp.png (17KB - 355 downloads)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
wizard
Posted 2014-05-10 1:21 PM (#440167 - in reply to #249701)
Subject: Re: RCA AP-1 Record Changer Renovation



Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+

Posts: 13045
500050002000100025
Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island		I saw that I forgot something in the drawing - the first one I cannot remove now....

This is the correct one



(Pre-amp_Mounted_E.png)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments Pre-amp_Mounted_E.png (23KB - 360 downloads)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
AudioMobil
Posted 2016-10-26 4:42 PM (#524481 - in reply to #249701)
Subject: RE: RCA AP-1 Record Changer Renovation



Member

Posts: 16

Location: Germany		Although this is an old topic I'm glad I found it. You really did a great job on this amazing restoration.
I've seen your video on Youtube earlier but never knew what you actually started with. That thing
was really crusty! After many years I finally found a nice looking ARC 2500 that was still in working
order but unfortunately the seller's wife was not too careful when boxing it so it arrived damaged and
is not working anymore. I'm looking for an owner and service manual and will need some parts like
the "cushions" for the springs, the motor mount grommets and have the idler wheel rebuild because
it's dented. The needle is missing as well, I'm not sure if those are still available or if it would be better
to look for a modern replacement? I got the mechanism working but the arm is not moving towards
the record. The seller said it did move when he tested it so something must have happened during
shipping. The ARC2500 has a small, tar filled box which is a small AM transmitter. It broke during
shipping but probably won't be needed since I like to use an auxilary input on my hidden aftermarket
radio. Apart from this the motor mount got bent, the seller did not secure the mechanism before
shipping, even left some records inside the unit, which made it worse.



(20161026_211914.jpg)



(20161026_210510.jpg)



(20161026_210428.jpg)



(20161026_212647.jpg)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments 20161026_211914.jpg (110KB - 322 downloads)
Attachments 20161026_210510.jpg (106KB - 306 downloads)
Attachments 20161026_210428.jpg (115KB - 311 downloads)
Attachments 20161026_212647.jpg (82KB - 317 downloads)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
wizard
Posted 2016-10-27 1:55 AM (#524533 - in reply to #249701)
Subject: Re: RCA AP-1 Record Changer Renovation



Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+

Posts: 13045
500050002000100025
Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island		The cartridges still exists, see pictures below. As for a modern cartridge, I don't think they could withstand the heavy needle pressure.





(IMG_6057.jpg)



(IMG_6058.jpg)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments IMG_6057.jpg (118KB - 329 downloads)
Attachments IMG_6058.jpg (137KB - 326 downloads)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
AudioMobil
Posted 2016-11-01 7:20 PM (#525020 - in reply to #249701)
Subject: Re: RCA AP-1 Record Changer Renovation



Member

Posts: 16

Location: Germany		Thank you, that already helps a lot. I will try to find a cartridge like this.
Do you have a service manual for your record player?
Top of the page Bottom of the page
hemidenis
Posted 2016-11-01 9:58 PM (#525032 - in reply to #249701)
Subject: Re: RCA AP-1 Record Changer Renovation



Expert

Posts: 3887
20001000500100100100252525
Location: Northen Virginia		it is on the 60 Chrysler shop manual...
Top of the page Bottom of the page
TimeBandit
Posted 2021-07-28 11:47 AM (#613847 - in reply to #252134)
Subject: Re: RCA AP-1 Record Changer Renovation


New User

Posts: 2

Hi,

First time posting here.

This is an incredible restoration. Bravo!

I have a similar record player in front of me. Unfortunately, someone has messed around with the wiring to the ON/OFF and START/REJECT switches. Would anyone have any reference photos of the correct wiring or otherwise shed some light on how this is supposed to be connected to the plug? Thanks in advance.


RCA-changer
Top of the page Bottom of the page
wizard
Posted 2021-07-28 4:08 PM (#613855 - in reply to #249701)
Subject: Re: RCA AP-1 Record Changer Renovation



Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+

Posts: 13045
500050002000100025
Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island		I have mine connected like this.

The schematic from the manual is the second attachment.

Good luck with the restauration, those record changers are very impressive and works very good. A show-stopper, when people see them and hear them working they are amazed.




(Aktuellt kopplingsschema RCA AP-1.jpg)



(RCA AP-1_014_electrical schematic.jpg)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments Aktuellt kopplingsschema RCA AP-1.jpg (60KB - 181 downloads)
Attachments RCA AP-1_014_electrical schematic.jpg (85KB - 171 downloads)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
TimeBandit
Posted 2021-07-28 7:27 PM (#613861 - in reply to #249701)
Subject: Re: RCA AP-1 Record Changer Renovation


New User

Posts: 2

This will be a great help. Thank so much!
Top of the page Bottom of the page
NC Adventurer
Posted 2021-09-25 6:14 PM (#615357 - in reply to #252705)
Subject: Re: RCA AP-1 Record Changer Renovation


Veteran

Posts: 148
10025
wizard - 2010-12-10 1:27 PM

The measurements


You are definitely THE man!!! I just acquired an AP-1 and, of course, it didn't have brackets.

Thanks a million for sharing your measurements and construction techniques for the brackets. Re-inventing the wheel is never fun!

Best of luck with your ride!
Top of the page Bottom of the page
NC Adventurer
Posted 2021-11-07 9:46 AM (#616616 - in reply to #249701)
Subject: Re: RCA AP-1 Record Changer Renovation


Veteran

Posts: 148
10025
I acquired an AP-1 recently that needed the attention of a knowledgeable technician. Through some online forum I located Lee Faber in California, who has been working on the AP-1s since he was 15 years old installing them through the local RCA repair shop where he grew up. The result is amazing. The black portion of the case looks 100% times better than went I sent it to him. A real master of his craft. He sent me a video but it won't load here for some reason. I'll post some pics when I get the unit back and before I mount it in my DeSoto.

Now I need to use Wizard's measurements to create some mounting brackets and get it installed.


Edited by NC Adventurer 2021-11-07 9:59 AM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Jump to page : 1 2
Now viewing page 2 [50 messages per page]
Jump to forum :
Search this forum
Printer friendly version
E-mail a link to this thread

* * * This site contains affiliate links for which we may be compensated * * *


(Delete all cookies set by this site)