Another Trommelmops assist

[Superduper]

Over the years, I have had many projects that have hit the skids because some issues couldn't be resolved due to inability to source replacement parts. Because I have found new member Trommelmops to be so resourceful and skilled in fabricating replacement parts that would no longer otherwise be available, I took this opportunity to try to get some of my dormant projects finally completed.

#1. This hifi receiver was added to my collection over 20 years ago. I paid around $1,000 for it and 20 years ago, that was a lot of money. Today, it is still a lot of money. I see examples offered for sale ranging from $1600 for parts units up to $10,000. I think there is one on eBay right now for over $8.000. Anyhow, mine had a problem. When I got it, it did not have any scope knobs. I figured, no problem, how hard can it be to get a replacement set of knobs, right? Wrong! These knobs are very small, about the size of a typical push button switch. The shaft is also smaller than the usual potentiometer shafts. I ended up getting a replacement set of knobs that were the smallest I could find and was secured by set screws. But still, they looked funny and out of place, like putting a grapefruit where a lemon was expected. It's this guy here:



I would take it out and show you a picture of it except that I no longer am able to safely lift things that heavy anymore without assistance. I think it's about 70 pounds or so and a bit awkward because of it's placement in the carton with the huge flaps. Anyhow, here's photos of what the knobs should look like, for the scope.



It's really a beautiful receiver -- here's another example.... not mine (easier to find photos on internet than to snap your own).



Anyhow, I asked Trommelmops what he thought. My hope was to just get a new set of knobs made up that were approximately the same diameter as the originals. They didn't need to be identical, just functional. He helped me out and here is what he came up with.

New pack arrived monday:


Original style knob:


Trommelmops new knob:


I want to say that while he didn't need to do that, he made the effort to try to duplicate the fluted edges as best he could. Also, he didn't have the proper tool to hold the knobs that small in order to apply the brush finish that was present on the original knob ends. So he made or purchased what he didn't have in order to help me make these knobs as closely resembling the originals as possible. I can't say enough about this. 20 years + I've been searching to no avail. I'm glad not only that Trommelmops is a member here and has some skills and cool tools & equipment but also his willingness to do these things.

 

[Lasonic TRC-920]

First of all, that Marantz

Second....Trommelmops is a game changer

Congratulations on getting that beauty sorted out. I hope someone can help you get it lifted out of that box and into a place you can use it.

 

[Superduper]

#2

The next project which has been a huge pain in the butt is the Grundig Party Center 2000. An absolutely gorgeous boombox that looks like a hifi home stereo receiver. You can read about this model on my wikiboombox page:

http://www.wikiboombox.com/Grundig%20Party%20Center%202000

Anyhow, this unit has a great tape deck. About as advanced as they come. I'm not sure if it has 2 or 3 motors because one of the "motors" looks different than the others which are obviously motors. However, the capstan and reel motors are driven independently. The reels are direct gear drive. The capstan is belt driven which is desirable to minimize wow & flutter. Also, the mechanism is very simple mechanically speaking relying on electronic rather than on mechanical for operation. You might even compare it to old school engines with points, condenser, carbureters as opposed to new direct fuel injected with no points, or rotor and cap, and all computer controlled. One thing I think we can all agree on is that modern cars are 20 times more reliable than the old mechanically calibrated stuff.

So what's the problem? There are 2 gears that are made from some form of soft resin material. These gears allows the decks to operate almost silently. Looks and feels like gummy bears now. One of the critical gears, fail in almost every example. Reli and I have been trying to find a solution to fix ours for many many years. He has been looking for a good example with true working decks. They are as rare as hens teeth. So that is the problem. Aside from these failure prone gears, these are fantastic decks.

Anyhow, I thought it would be worth asking Trommelmops what he thought. He spent the time to make up a CAD drawing based only on my photos and measurements, called in a few favors from his wide network of friends and made me a set of gears. I also didn't make it easy for him. After I got the gears, I discovered there were more features to the gears that I overlooked because I tried to get them made without actually removing the gear first to ensure every measurement was right. This was due to fear of further damaging the gear due to how fragile it was. So he had to make the gears... twice. Anyhow, he is a life saver. 5 or 6 years of our life trying to find a solution, and Trommelmops solved it. They are hard plastic unlike the originals so they might make more noise than original but I didn't hear anything objectionable with the new gears. But much more important that they be 100% functional rather than silent but not working.

Orig gear is the amber colored one:


The problem is that the teeth break off and then the mechanism jams.

Here is Trommelmops new gear:


Installed and tested. It works!


I owe this man a debt of gratitude. He has helped me out a lot. Thanks Trommelmops.

First of all, that Marantz

Second....Trommelmops is a game changer

Congratulations on getting that beauty sorted out. I hope someone can help you get it lifted out of that box and into a place you can use it.

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Chris, my life has changed so much in the past few years, that it's a constantly changing adjustment for me. I actually have about 10 monster receivers and the heaviest is the Pioneer SX-1980. That one is far more stunning and gorgeous than anything I know but it also weighs 90 pounds before boxing. I'm unable to lift anything more than about 40 pounds or so and I struggle with even that. So before I get to the point where I can't even box them anymore, I'm probably going to sell off most of my home audio gear collection. It's someone else's turn to be the steward and enjoy them.

BTW, on an unrelated topic.... I recently viewed a youtube video of Disturb doing a cover for The Sounds of Silence. I thought I saw you in it

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9Dg-g7t2l4

 

[blu_fuz]

Just takes a few skilled members to really help out the entire crew. Good work. Puts new fire under our asses too!

 

[MyOhMy]

This is one of those posts that is a joy to read - but it's so much more than that. I can't put my finger on exactly what it is but I can say this: Keeping a cherished item for 20 years whilst fruitlessly trying to source parts is, indeed, dedication to a cause and to actually achieve your goal after so long must be both satisfying and rewarding. Trommelmops has, once again, shown to be resourceful, skilled and more than willing to do what some (me! ) would think to be nigh on impossible.



On a side note, the orange coloured 'gummy bear' cog got me thinking about the world-wide shortage of the orange cogs used in Philips BB decks that have become brittle and shattered over the years and are now almost impossible to find in a good condition, so there may be a commercial opportunity in this area?

 

[skippy1969]

Unbelievable skill! AWESOME!

 

[Radio-Active]

Legendary!

 

[Lasonic TRC-920]

This is one of those posts that is a joy to read - but it's so much more than that. I can't put my finger on exactly what it is but I can say this: Keeping a cherished item for 20 years whilst fruitlessly trying to source parts is, indeed, dedication to a cause and to actually achieve your goal after so long must be both satisfying and rewarding. Trommelmops has, once again, shown to be resourceful, skilled and more than willing to do what some (me! ) would think to be nigh on impossible.



On a side note, the orange coloured 'gummy bear' cog got me thinking about the world-wide shortage of the orange cogs used in Philips BB decks that have become brittle and shattered over the years and are now almost impossible to find in a good condition, so there may be a commercial opportunity in this area?

Got me thinking about the Magnavox D 8443. Legendary for the broken gear in the deck

 

[Mystic Traveller]

Just awesome!! Trommelmops!!

 

[caution]

Another great job Trommelmops!

 

[Trommelmops]

From now on you can call me "Goldfinger"

No no.....my name is unique and this is perfect but not perfect are the results. They convincing me not to 100%.

It has to be 110% and not only 90%....this is definetly not enough for me. I will help Norm with an add and i will make the design as a 100% copy.

Now where i have better pictures i will make his matter of the heart come true.

Takes time but it will show that its possible. My ego told me this. I make not only half things not with me......

You can definetly expect it. Need time but this is promised!

 

[mellymelsr]

Wow! Every time I see Trommelmops work I am blown away! You are truly a great asset to this forum sir. Love your work.

 

[ford93]

Classic receivers are just bad ass!

Great to hear your Grundig has been brought back from the dead!

Keep it going Trommelmops!!

 

[baddboybill]

Awesome!!!