The Edison "Duncan Stop"...What's in a Name?

[phonogfp]

Another article has just been added to the Antique Phonograph Society website, and is formally announced on the TMF here:

http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... 15&t=19589

I've owned a "Duncan Stop" for over 37 years, but I didn't know much about it until I read this excellent article by TMF member Fran Pratt. Read it, and ask yourself if it's possible that Fran has been collecting for only ONE YEAR. I think we're seeing a significant new researcher/writer on the horizon.

Very nice work, Fran!

George P.

[barnettrp21122]

Yes, very nicely written and informative! Thanks for doing this!
Bob

[VintageTechnologies]

I finally had the opportunity after many years of collecting to experiment with a Duncan stop. A friend had bought a William & Mary upright model equipped with a Duncan stop, so we were most eager to try it. An early (original?) 1.5 volt dry cell battery was still present in the machine and was in remarkable condition. Needless to say, it produced no current!

We began experimenting with an equivalent 1.5 volt battery and discovered that a 6 volt lantern battery provided much more reliable operation. Having done everything we could to assure clean electrical contacts throughout the entire circuit, we concluded the Duncan stop was temperamental and fussy at best. There is no question the mechanical stop is a much more practical solution.

[Cody K]

Great job, Fran! And George, thanks for the heads-up!

[fran604g]

Another article has just been added to the Antique Phonograph Society website, and is formally announced on the TMF here:

http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... 15&t=19589

I've owned a "Duncan Stop" for over 37 years, but I didn't know much about it until I read this excellent article by TMF member Fran Pratt. Read it, and ask yourself if it's possible that Fran has been collecting for only ONE YEAR. I think we're seeing a significant new researcher/writer on the horizon.

Very nice work, Fran!

George P.

Thank you, George, for my inaugural introduction!

Without your patience, guidance and inspiration, I could never have achieved writing this article! I am sincerely grateful for all of your help.

Merry Christmas!

Fran

[fran604g]

Yes, very nicely written and informative! Thanks for doing this!
Bob

Great job, Fran! And George, thanks for the heads-up!

Thank you, both, for the kind words!

I hope you enjoy the article, and find it informative and valuable.

BEst,
Fran

[fran604g]

I finally had the opportunity after many years of collecting to experiment with a Duncan stop. A friend had bought a William & Mary upright model equipped with a Duncan stop, so we were most eager to try it. An early (original?) 1.5 volt dry cell battery was still present in the machine and was in remarkable condition. Needless to say, it produced no current!

We began experimenting with an equivalent 1.5 volt battery and discovered that a 6 volt lantern battery provided much more reliable operation. Having done everything we could to assure clean electrical contacts throughout the entire circuit, we concluded the Duncan stop was temperamental and fussy at best. There is no question the mechanical stop is a much more practical solution.

It is an electrical circuit that leaves something to be desired. The solenoid was wired to activate the circuit when the brake is released for play. Considering the path that the circuit takes, I can understand how easily it could be compromised through dirt and corrosion causing high resistance. That being said, it seems that many have "cracked the nut" with this device and had success with it functioning properly. One nice thing about having the EAS on a Phonograph is; if it fails, the Phonograph can still be operated normally, and the Safety Stop will prevent damage to the stylus.

On the other hand; the Safety Stop mechanism (properly adjusted), is infallible in my opinion.

I recently installed an electric automatic stop solenoid and lever assembly on my C-250, but I'm still looking for a decent EAS Reproducer (Type AA No.5) for it. If anyone can help me out, I'm looking to trade a nice Edison Model C reproducer with sidearm for one on Yankee Trader, here: http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... 9&t=19541.

Best,
Fran

[Tpapp54321]

Fran,
I think Steven Medved has a couple duncan stop reproducers as he traded one of my duncan stop reproducer for one with better plating. I think he mentioned having a couple. If you need his email send me a pm.
-Tom

[fran604g]

Fran,
I think Steven Medved has a couple duncan stop reproducers as he traded one of my duncan stop reproducer for one with better plating. I think he mentioned having a couple. If you need his email send me a pm.
-Tom

Thanks Tom, I have his email info, that's a great idea!

Fran