The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Can a member tell me how the Jones Motrola works. For example....does it keep the springs wound full at all time?. I see in pics there is a red button on the top....are you to press that button to wind up the motor again?. If so, how does it know when to stop??. I keep thinking it could break a spring easily if that's the case. Last, from what I understand the unit should come with different attachments. Any info would be appreciated.

With my Motrola I push the top button, and it winds until the springs reach a near-completely wound tension. The button then clicks itself off. Contrary to what I expected, It doesn't automatically turn itself on when the spring tension is low.
Hope this helps.
Bob

Well, it needed a good cleaning and power cord. Now, it's ready to use. I'm not sure I will risk it on a spring. From what I can see the black button stays down (on) until a certain tension is reached and only then is the button popped up (off). I find it interesting how the mounting bracket has "VICTOR" stamped into it....???.

gramophone78 wrote:I find it interesting how the mounting bracket has "VICTOR" stamped into it....???

Perhaps to denote that that particular bracket was for Victor machines? It's advertised that it will wind any make, so maybe it was available with other brackets stamped with Columbia, etc?

Sidenote: Is anyone actually embarrassed by winding their phonograph?

Interesting Advertisement. The image of the couple listening to their Victrola is an obvious rip-off of Victor ads of the era.

These directions should answer any questions about using the Jones Motrola. I've included a direct mailer ad - note that these devices weren't cheap. Finally, note the little tag marked, "IMPROVED MODEL MOTROLA." Evidently, earlier models required the user to manually shut it off when the mainsprings were wound.

Hope this helps - -

George P.

barnettrp21122 wrote:Contrary to what I expected, It doesn't automatically turn itself on when the spring tension is low.

Interesting how the ad states "The Motrola starts winding automatically when the phonograph requires it - and never forgets."

However, the instructions state "After pushing down the button on top, should wind your phonograph and automatically stop ... The button should then be pressed at the finish of each record."

Were different models available, or is this a case of false advertising?

Well, I decided to test mine out "before" installing on my Vic 17. Using a tool, I held the shaft very,very hard and the motor did not stop. I tried it again and this time I held it even harder....it finally popped the button and turned off......Not sure I will use this. Maybe, just another display item. BTW, and not to start a BIG Sonora "art case" discussion here but, this Motrola was on a "Italian Renaissance" Sonora model. Unfortunately, the machine was just the case and the loose motor. No motor board, tone arm, etc.....They offered me the whole thing for next to nothing and I passed. They told me it will end up on the curve in a few days. Nice case and very nice fancy grill. Shame so much was missing.... .

The operation of a Motrola is interesting. The motor turns a worm gear which rotates a large fiber gear, which turns the winding shaft. When complete tension is attained the winging gear stops, and the motor shaft continues spinning and feeds itself UPWARD to push the ON button UP, thus opening the circuit and stopping motor operation. The ON button itself is an odd device, held in place by a donut-shaped tension spring which keeps the button UP or DOWN. Ingenious design, and very reliable. When you push the button DOWN, it activates the motor, and the waltz goes on!

On a Motrola, it is very important to oil the bottom of the motor shaft (unscrew oil cup and lubricate shaft directly, and maybe put a drop or two into the oil cup). Also, remove all 3 screws from name plate. Remove plate to expose main winding gear. Remove winding gear and apply some grease to the gear teeth, and to the support shaft. Put a drop of oil on the top and bottom of the worm gear too, as there must be bearing surfaces there which support the motor shaft. After re-assembly, remove the 2 screws on top of the unit, which house the power switch. See that the end of the drive shaft has a microscopic dab of grease on it, just to reduce operating friction.

Re-assemble, grab your favourite Frank Crumit record, and drive your neighbors crazy.



-Wyatt

Thanks Wyatt. That is what I did do. Since I had to replace the power cord and had it all apart. Fresh oil & grease, etc..... Interesting note....in the brass bottom cap, there is a thick felt washer. That has been cleaned and re-oiled. The unit runs very well and smooth.