I was given a 1973 RCA VRT54F stereo console. It has an AM/FM radio, an 8-track player, and a record changer/turntable. It all works pretty well except for the record changer/turntable. From my research online (see here), I see that the record changer/turntable is a model RP-234B-11. Anyways, power gets to the device, but the mechanics seems to be inoperable. I include several images below (click on each image for a hires version). Does anyone know how I might proceed? Or perhaps where I could find a service/repair manual that would be detailed enough for me to repair it myself? I am a computer scientist by education (professor at a university) and have done tons of electronics (build my own electronic devices including with microcontrollers and such), but don't have too much working knowledge on this mostly mechanical device. Thanks!


The console model


The AM/FM radio


The 8-track


The record changer/turntable


Functions on the record changer/turntable


The back of the record changer/turntable


The darker (almost black) part near the center with a hole at the bottom seems supposed to be hooked to something. It rotates freely through a restricted range.


The record changer/turntable model number.

I like the labels afficed to the perimieter of the platter.
Always ignored.

Well a dummy here but have fixed a few record changers. Know nothing about this one but first would ask if you have the platter for the top, not shown in the picture? Most changers of this type use a series of drive wheels that ultimately meet with the inside of the platter wheel and do the turning and work. Second I would ask if with the changer installed and turning it on, can you hear of feel the motor running? It will be quiet, but with good hearing or sense of feel, you should sense it running. Without the platter on, well, the motor will just run freely and nothing at all will happen. Getting the platter on can sometimes be a bit tricky as for it to fall down in place, the drive wheel that runs it needs to be out of the drive mode. Otherwise it will try to drop down on top of the drive wheel. Usually means that you need to move the speed changer in between speeds to allow the drive wheel to back up a little. Hope this makes sense but it's a start. These are a lot easier than what you do. You can look at them, watch them move then figure out what is going wrong. With the platter on and all things set up, you should be able to rotate the platter (if the motor doesn't) and hit the auto lever and see the arm move up, over and drop. Just need the motor to move the platter. Let us know how it goes.
Good Luck Jerry

PS: If you continue to have questions about the changer go to the Phono section of the Forum and post there. It will get the attention of experts.

If power gets to the device I take it that means the motr runs?

You will need to operate the mechnaism manually and observe the linkages. Any stiffness could mean hardened grease. Set the switch to auto and hand-cycle the platter, does the arm move and drop?
Take the stylus out first so you don't ruin it.