RCA Victor model 9JY
- TC Chris
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Re: RCA Victor model 9JY
The only electric device in the little changer is the motor, right? We deal with motorized devices all the time without getting unduly nervous about shock--fans, vacuum cleaners, etc. I would not worry unless your motor windings look burned or damaged. My little RCA suitcase portable, the RCA version of your Truetone, is in a steel case with a no-transformer chassis and a drive motor. OK, I would not operate it while in a swimming pool or wet basement, but sofar I've avoided death.
Chris Campbell
Chris Campbell
- electra225
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Re: RCA Victor model 9JY
The motor has a winding which might be considered to have the same effect as a power transformer as far as line isolation is concerned. What I wondered about is if you connect this changer to a radio with a hot chassis. What is there to prevent hum or a shock hazard in that case?
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- TC Chris
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Re: RCA Victor model 9JY
I've got one, can't recall the model no., that had been added to a ca. 1942 radio/78 rpm phono combo (cable soldered in). The radio chassis was non-transformer AA5 or 6. It was an indoors device to be sure. It never gave a tingle. Still have the chassis and the changers; the casework dissolved when the hot-water heating boiler's air tank filled with water and the pressure relief leaked.
Chris Campbell
Chris Campbell
- electra225
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Re: RCA Victor model 9JY
I received the parts for this changer in yesterday's post. I made a little progress today. I got the motor mounts and motor in, got the drive tire on and finally got it so it would turn. There is a logical order for the washers on the shaft. I noticed when I took the changer apart that the nut on the end of the shaft wasn't very tight. There is a reason for that. I made some progress on installing the cartridge. This stage will take me the longest. My fingers don't work with fine wiring very well anymore. I think I'll get it. Next step is going to ACE hardware to get the screws for the star wheel.
New motor mounts.... The drive tire installed..... The cartridge in its new home..... Somebody mentioned that I had a neat bench. Lest I ruin my reputation....
New motor mounts.... The drive tire installed..... The cartridge in its new home..... Somebody mentioned that I had a neat bench. Lest I ruin my reputation....
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- electra225
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Re: RCA Victor model 9JY
I have run into a stump.
Something isn't right with the assembly of the drive tire. I have to be missing a washer. First thing, there was no lock washer under the nut. Second thing, when I tighten the nut tightly, the drive tire won't move. It looks to me like there should be a small washer under the shaft to hold the drive tire up off the base. I thought at first maybe the drive tire was too thick, but I don't see that now. The nut wasn't completely tight when I took it apart. I made a note of that. It didn't appear that anything had been done to this changer since it left the factory in 1949. It works fine like it is, but I fear the nut will fall off eventually. I want to get it right the first time. That silly exploded view in the service literature shows me nothing helpful.
The cartridge Gary sent me is a Pfanstiehl P-188, which is the Chuo Denshi knock-off. I watched a Chris Cuff video where he shows a different way of mounting the cartridge, other than what is sent in the directions. Instead of taking the old cartridge apart, then gluing the new cartridge into half the shell of the old cartridge, I used the needle guard to hold down the new cartridge, resting on a bed of extruded foam. I glued the cartridge in the Imperial cartridge I did recently, but I'm not a fan of using glued-in cartridges. If this method doesn't work, I can always go back to the recommended method. This cartridge has a plastic needle, good enough for testing. The instructions gives the metal equivalent, available from Gary. I'll probably get one if this thing works out okay.

Something isn't right with the assembly of the drive tire. I have to be missing a washer. First thing, there was no lock washer under the nut. Second thing, when I tighten the nut tightly, the drive tire won't move. It looks to me like there should be a small washer under the shaft to hold the drive tire up off the base. I thought at first maybe the drive tire was too thick, but I don't see that now. The nut wasn't completely tight when I took it apart. I made a note of that. It didn't appear that anything had been done to this changer since it left the factory in 1949. It works fine like it is, but I fear the nut will fall off eventually. I want to get it right the first time. That silly exploded view in the service literature shows me nothing helpful.
The cartridge Gary sent me is a Pfanstiehl P-188, which is the Chuo Denshi knock-off. I watched a Chris Cuff video where he shows a different way of mounting the cartridge, other than what is sent in the directions. Instead of taking the old cartridge apart, then gluing the new cartridge into half the shell of the old cartridge, I used the needle guard to hold down the new cartridge, resting on a bed of extruded foam. I glued the cartridge in the Imperial cartridge I did recently, but I'm not a fan of using glued-in cartridges. If this method doesn't work, I can always go back to the recommended method. This cartridge has a plastic needle, good enough for testing. The instructions gives the metal equivalent, available from Gary. I'll probably get one if this thing works out okay.
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- electra225
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Re: RCA Victor model 9JY
Some dummy put the metal washer and the fiber washer at the lower end of the drive tire shaft on backwards. I had the metal washer against the drive tire, which jammed it up when I tightened the nut. I have that where it works well now, it has plenty of power.
I am having trouble adjusting the tone arm. It sets down to quickly and it picks up too quickly. It misses the edge of the record setting down, and it picks the tone arm up before the record has played. I knew I would have to make adjustments, since the cartridge is in a different spot than the original one was. I am not sure I have the lever on the end of the tone arm shaft in the correct position. I have moved it both ways, but I still can't get it right. I think I'll Google this thing and see if there is a set down adjustment. I need to get this adjustment made before I can connect the cartridge wires.
I am having trouble adjusting the tone arm. It sets down to quickly and it picks up too quickly. It misses the edge of the record setting down, and it picks the tone arm up before the record has played. I knew I would have to make adjustments, since the cartridge is in a different spot than the original one was. I am not sure I have the lever on the end of the tone arm shaft in the correct position. I have moved it both ways, but I still can't get it right. I think I'll Google this thing and see if there is a set down adjustment. I need to get this adjustment made before I can connect the cartridge wires.
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- electra225
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Re: RCA Victor model 9JY
I got the setdown/pickup set properly. There is a bit of a procedure to do it, but it's not bad, kinda fun, really. The main thing I learned was knowing when the changer is "in cycle". You can't put it together right if it is. The tone arm must be at rest. I used a piece of 3X5 card, drew a line 1 9/32 inches out from the spindle. I put the needle guard on the needle, placed the tone arm with the needle on that line. I taped the card down to the platter, then taped the tone arm down to the platter, both horizontally and vertically. I taped the platter so it wouldn't move. I loosened the lever so it would move without moving the tone arm. Holding the tone arm from moving with one hand, I moved the lever so it would just touch the cycle lever. Then tightened down the bolt holding the lever to the tone arm. This sounds confusing, but it works really slick. The directions in the service documents are vague and ambiguous. I found a video on YouTube that makes more sense. The tone are sets down and picks up okay now. Next up is to connect the cartridge wires. Then I need to go to the hardware store and get screws for the star wheel.
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- electra225
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Re: RCA Victor model 9JY
It plays records!
I don't have the star wheel on yet, so I have to drop the records manually. It sounds pretty good, plastic needle or not. I'm using the 1R81 for an amp. There is no hum, nothing nasty in the audio. When I started, the tone arm weight was 19.6 grams. The original cartridge weighs a tad over 6 grams. I took a stack of washers out of the tone arm. It still weighs 11.2 grams. That much weight will mash the needle down to where the cartridge drags on the record and it won't turn. I have a huge stack of washers on the rear of the tone arm to get it down to a little under 5 grams. The spec on the cartridge is 3.5 to 5 grams. RCA wants the changer to cycle at 5 grams. I need to figure out how to make the tone arm way lighter than it is. Back to Mr. Google......
This is the cutest little changer I ever saw. Very psyched to have it going, thrilled to have it at all. The coolest thing changing records you can imagine. I've wanted one of these for a long time. I have pictures I'll post.




I don't have the star wheel on yet, so I have to drop the records manually. It sounds pretty good, plastic needle or not. I'm using the 1R81 for an amp. There is no hum, nothing nasty in the audio. When I started, the tone arm weight was 19.6 grams. The original cartridge weighs a tad over 6 grams. I took a stack of washers out of the tone arm. It still weighs 11.2 grams. That much weight will mash the needle down to where the cartridge drags on the record and it won't turn. I have a huge stack of washers on the rear of the tone arm to get it down to a little under 5 grams. The spec on the cartridge is 3.5 to 5 grams. RCA wants the changer to cycle at 5 grams. I need to figure out how to make the tone arm way lighter than it is. Back to Mr. Google......


This is the cutest little changer I ever saw. Very psyched to have it going, thrilled to have it at all. The coolest thing changing records you can imagine. I've wanted one of these for a long time. I have pictures I'll post.
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- electra225
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Re: RCA Victor model 9JY
I found the issue with the tone arm weight. The spring came off its perch, and I didn't notice it. I have to do my setdown adjustment again. Something must has slipped. I think the trip lever is the issue. I'll redo the settings and move on. I have the tone arm weight down to 3.4 grams which is about a gram or so too light. If I had all new records, it would be fine. My old wornout records may start skipping with the tone arm that light. I'm making progress. I've read where it may take several attempt to get the adjustments all right. That has sure been my experience.
If you get a chance to tinker with one of these little changers, do it. They will make you appreciate the VM's and Collaros. The little RCA changers are just so CUTE......

If you get a chance to tinker with one of these little changers, do it. They will make you appreciate the VM's and Collaros. The little RCA changers are just so CUTE......





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- electra225
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Re: RCA Victor model 9JY
They are really CUTE, but can be a challenge to get adjusted.....
I read someplace that every thing you do to one of these changers may change the set down point for the tone arm. That is true. I also read that it might take several tries to get the set down right, then keep it right. True also. I found the spring that adjusts tone arm weight. Moving that changed the set down. I read where these changers won't play "extended play" records. Partially true. The set down and the pickup points are related. You can't change one without changing the other. The tone arm picks up before the extended play record is completely played. There is a fine adjustment in a hole in the bakelite cabinet up by the cartridge. I don't see that it does much. You have to set the set down from the bottom, which involves removing the bakelite bottom each time. I have read where it is good practice to leave the bakelite bottom cover off until you have played several stacks of records and have the settings right and that they are staying put. Good advice. The model sticker on the bottom is pristine. I think I'll preserve it by covering it with clear shipping tape. You very seldom see one in that nice of condition.

I read someplace that every thing you do to one of these changers may change the set down point for the tone arm. That is true. I also read that it might take several tries to get the set down right, then keep it right. True also. I found the spring that adjusts tone arm weight. Moving that changed the set down. I read where these changers won't play "extended play" records. Partially true. The set down and the pickup points are related. You can't change one without changing the other. The tone arm picks up before the extended play record is completely played. There is a fine adjustment in a hole in the bakelite cabinet up by the cartridge. I don't see that it does much. You have to set the set down from the bottom, which involves removing the bakelite bottom each time. I have read where it is good practice to leave the bakelite bottom cover off until you have played several stacks of records and have the settings right and that they are staying put. Good advice. The model sticker on the bottom is pristine. I think I'll preserve it by covering it with clear shipping tape. You very seldom see one in that nice of condition.
A good leader is someone who can tell you where to go, and make you look forward to the trip.
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- electra225
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Re: RCA Victor model 9JY
It's done! I put the bottom cover on, then gave it a good test drive. I played a stack of rock and roll records, then I played a stack of country records. Probably close to 100 records, on both sides. This is an amazing little changer. Like I said before, if you get a chance to buy one of these, don't pass it up. It is amazing how fast it changes records. I have the tone arm pressure at about 8 grams. It seems to work best there. Too light, the records skip. If you have new records, or good condition records, and a diamond needle, lighter pressure would be fine. I limit the stack to six records. That gives as much play time as an LP. This cartridge rides so low that more records than that the tone arm could drag on the edge of the top record. No need to push it. This thing is a year older than I am....
The absolute secret to one of these changers is the setting of the trip lever. It may take several attempts to get it right. You want to set the "fine tuning" adjustment to it's neutral position, then CAREFULLY adjust the trip lever. If it is even a gnat hair off, the changer will do funny things. I tinkered with the fine tuning adjustment until I got the changer where it would play extended play records all the way thru, at least all the ones I have will play all the way through. It will drop and play stereo 45's with no problem. You have to get the set screws on the star gear very tight. There is a cycling lever that comes in contact with the star wheel, holding it while the changer cycles. This holds the shelf still and holds the stack up so it doesn't drop on the tone arm. If the star wheel is off by even a gnat hair, all H-E-Double Hockey Sticks will break loose.
Typically, RCA factory documentation is the berries when working with RCA equipment. Not so with the documentation for these little changers. It kept talking about the "sapphire". What they mean is the needle. Why not say needle? Then they tell you to set the "sapphire" at 1 3/8 inches from the spindle. That setting did not work for me. I found an article from years ago, 2008, on ARF that gave the measurement of 1 9/32" from the spindle to center of the needle when the original lanolin cartridge was being replaced with a modern stereo cartridge. This setting did the trick. Another secret I learned is to use Frog tape when you tape things down to make settings. Frog tape will not pull paint, nor will it leave residue on the bakelite. The green tape you see in these pictures is Frog tape. I put a piece in the path of the "sapphire" so, if something glitched, it wouldn't put a mark on the bakelite. When I need something from Gary, I will order a steel diamond needle for this little changer. The plastic sapphire needle in there now sounds good, but I'd feel better with a diamond needle in it. There is no "last record" shut off. It will play the last record forever, or until you lift the tone arm and shut off the power to the changer.
.



The absolute secret to one of these changers is the setting of the trip lever. It may take several attempts to get it right. You want to set the "fine tuning" adjustment to it's neutral position, then CAREFULLY adjust the trip lever. If it is even a gnat hair off, the changer will do funny things. I tinkered with the fine tuning adjustment until I got the changer where it would play extended play records all the way thru, at least all the ones I have will play all the way through. It will drop and play stereo 45's with no problem. You have to get the set screws on the star gear very tight. There is a cycling lever that comes in contact with the star wheel, holding it while the changer cycles. This holds the shelf still and holds the stack up so it doesn't drop on the tone arm. If the star wheel is off by even a gnat hair, all H-E-Double Hockey Sticks will break loose.
Typically, RCA factory documentation is the berries when working with RCA equipment. Not so with the documentation for these little changers. It kept talking about the "sapphire". What they mean is the needle. Why not say needle? Then they tell you to set the "sapphire" at 1 3/8 inches from the spindle. That setting did not work for me. I found an article from years ago, 2008, on ARF that gave the measurement of 1 9/32" from the spindle to center of the needle when the original lanolin cartridge was being replaced with a modern stereo cartridge. This setting did the trick. Another secret I learned is to use Frog tape when you tape things down to make settings. Frog tape will not pull paint, nor will it leave residue on the bakelite. The green tape you see in these pictures is Frog tape. I put a piece in the path of the "sapphire" so, if something glitched, it wouldn't put a mark on the bakelite. When I need something from Gary, I will order a steel diamond needle for this little changer. The plastic sapphire needle in there now sounds good, but I'd feel better with a diamond needle in it. There is no "last record" shut off. It will play the last record forever, or until you lift the tone arm and shut off the power to the changer.
.
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- William
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Re: RCA Victor model 9JY
Nice job, Greg, I will ship mine right out to you.
Bill


Bill
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Re: RCA Victor model 9JY
Put it in a box. You know my address. I'd be thrilled to dig into it. Plan on spending $70 on parts and shipping in the old drive tire. Worth every cent! They are amazing to set and watch them run.

Mounting the cartridge on foam keeps the tone arm from bouncing when it touches the record. When ARF was in its infancy, the Phono Board was one of the more active on the forum. We would post 300 posts a week on that board alone. There were several active members, some of which had factory training and expertise. I remembered a topic we had then about these little changers. The old cartridges were dying then so folks were coming up with methods to retrofit them. The instructions Gary sends with the kit I ordered says to take the old cartridge apart, then glue the new cartridge to that part and install it in the tone arm. That gives a solid connection from the cartridge to the record. The foam gives it a little room to move when the needle lands on the record.





Mounting the cartridge on foam keeps the tone arm from bouncing when it touches the record. When ARF was in its infancy, the Phono Board was one of the more active on the forum. We would post 300 posts a week on that board alone. There were several active members, some of which had factory training and expertise. I remembered a topic we had then about these little changers. The old cartridges were dying then so folks were coming up with methods to retrofit them. The instructions Gary sends with the kit I ordered says to take the old cartridge apart, then glue the new cartridge to that part and install it in the tone arm. That gives a solid connection from the cartridge to the record. The foam gives it a little room to move when the needle lands on the record.
A good leader is someone who can tell you where to go, and make you look forward to the trip.
Never allow someone who has done nothing to advise you on anything.
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