GE console stereo, and an RCA 45 rpm record player

[holmesuser01]

Not really sure where to post this, so here goes. Theres no real defined place for this stuff.

Met a little old lady last week that told me that she had a really old console radio and record player. The way she talked, I thought it was an old 78 set, actually hoping for something like a Scott, or a Zenith.

Turns out that it is a GE console from 1960-61. Its an RC-1711A with a PC design tube amplifier, tuner, and FM multiplexer. The turntable was hung up and would not stop rejecting... its already fixed. Its strange.

It has something called a Vaccumatic dust remover for the needle. The vacuum motor was stuck, but a bit of oil cured that, too.

There is a problem with the power amp board. It uses 4-7355 outputs, 2 6U8A's, and one 12AX7A for a preamp. A nice 5U4GB rounds out the critter.

I really need a schematic copy of the power amp itself. Thats all, as the tuner is working fine, as is the multiplexer.

Also, the RCA 45 player. Model 6EY2Q. Bakelite cabinet. Someone stole the cartridge out of it. What can I replace it with? Also, need a schematic for it, too, as a couple of resistors at the 12AV6 tube are fried, as was the tube. There will be more stuff I need later, as I havent even started messing with the little turntable yet. I think the little rubber cam wheel on the mechanism is shot, too.

Thanks, in advance, for all your help!!

Bruce
Asheville,NC

If I have incorrectly posted this here, just tell me, and it wont happen again.

[Jukin Jay]

Originally Posted by holmesuser01

Also, the RCA 45 player. Model 6EY2Q. Bakelite cabinet. Someone stole the cartridge out of it. What can I replace it with? Also, need a schematic for it, too, as a couple of resistors at the 12AV6 tube are fried, as was the tube. There will be more stuff I need later, as I havent even started messing with the little turntable yet. I think the little rubber cam wheel on the mechanism is shot, too.

There are two basic mechs used in all of the RCA 45 changers, RP-168 and RP-190. Mechanical service data here:

http://oldtech.net/TT.html

The RP-168 is the earlier unit, usually has a swept tonearm design and a reject button on the front panel. The RP-190 is later and more common, usually has a slide switch Off-on-reject on the plinth and a zigzag tonearm. Note that there is no automatic shutoff, they will play the top record on the stack until the cows come home.

Repair kits including cartridge here:

http://www.west-techservices.com/45kit.htm

These little guys have a real cult following. There's even a recent book on them, rather thorough and well-written.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0764316370/

[David Roper]

Did you say Vacuumatic?? Grandpa had one too:

The arm is extra wide to accommodate the little vacuum head (with brush) mounted at the front of the arm, not to mention the vac hose that extends out the back. Only this one is a ringer. The original turntable was replaced ca. 1977 and eventually lost. The one you see here was aquired just weeks ago, removed from a model that did not have the vacuum motor. The knobs are also not correct; they should be the same knobs seen on the V-Ms with cobra arms that were being put into Zenith stereos of about the same time frame. I would love to restore this set. I'll see if I can get a line on a schematic...could you possibly get some detailed photos of the underside of the arm?

[Tom Bavis]

The 45 player is in Sams 328-9 - I might have it - I'll look.

The GE console is in #620-9, which I probably DON'T have (too recent...)

Many libraries carry these, or can get copies.

[holmesuser01]

TD, YOU ARE LOOKING AT MY STEREO!!!! Same set up!!! I have a digi cam, and dont know how to use it really good, yet. Mine is totally original. Someone has buggered the turntable cover somewhat, and the record runs like it is warped. I need to get the turntable off of it. I cant see an E clip on the spindle. Never had a VM turntable before. BSR, and Collaro's are the ones I've played with. As for the condition of the GE, even all the lights work!

I sure dont have that Sams either, Tom, too new for me too, plus, I never did audio back when I had my shop. All thats wrong, I think, is caps. The amp comes up clear when I install cold 6U8's then fades to a distorted noise. Having no tube checker, right now, that will test these 7355's is a slight problem, but I think the ones I have are probably OK. All of the tubes are original, except one of the 6U8's which someone replaced with an RCA 6GH8... Not my choice at all.

Thanks for all the info on the little RCA, too, Jukin Jay! I've seen these things since I was a little fart, and have never owned one. Mine has the zig-zag tone arm, and the slide button on the left side of the deck. Once it starts running, I have over 3000 45's in the collection--have always hoped to run across a juke box one day.....

BTW, I need a total of 9 grommets for turntable motors. 3 for the RCA, 3 for an old Collaro, and 3 for an old GE Mustang II el-cheap-o portable stereo. I've seen them, but cant remember where. Brain-farts are rough!

[holmesuser01]

Here are some bad webcam images. Sorry, as its the best I can do. Had to pull the turntable, and all.... If you could see what a wreck the storage room is...

[David Roper]

Thanks Holmes! I appreciate the effort and it definitely helps...because details get fuzzy after 25 years! I see your TT has the same knobs as the one I have now...but I swear the original TT had knobs like these:
However, the "wave" shaped 10" record-feeler-thingy looks very familiar--I think that's what my original had versus the more usual "flag" shape. I won't sweat that detail, nor will I worry so much about the beige rubber instead of grey on the platter. No, my headaches begin with finding 1/4" vac hose . . . .

[Chad Hauris]

You might try your local auto parts store for the hose...it is probably similar to one of the sizes of vacuum hoses on older cars.

[Celt]

Yup. Auto parts stores have all sizes of rubber vac lines and will cut them to whatever length you need. Had to replace all the AC control vac lines in my S-10 a few years ago. Got off cheap by doing it myself.

[holmesuser01]

That vac hose seems to be alot like the wire wrap that they use under the hood of various GM and Ford cars. BUT the tubing is very flexable and contributes very little to the weight of the tone arm

BTW: I'm Bruce to all of you.

Holmes is a brand of 35mm portable movie projector built during WWII up thru the 1960's. I have several Holmes projectors, so, I am a Holmesuser.

[holmesuser01]

Im still looking for the power amp schematic for the GE!

The RCA has new caps in the amp, and is now working. The turntable has a new cam, and idler wheel and motor grommets. The stylus cartridge is now an Astatic plug-in job that should do the job nicely.

As for the tubes, the 12AV6 was shorted. The 50C5 is fine, along with the 35W4. Found a NOS 12AV6 in a box of tubes that has not been opened in my basement in at least 25 years. Glad I saved the box, now. However, my other half.... you know.