New C-200 owner

Radio Ron · Post by **Radio Ron** » Sat Sep 11, 2010 11:18 am

I've collected radios for 40 years, but this past week something came into my life. I got a call from a guy that had a Edison wind-up phonograph he wanted to give away.
Even though it doesn't really fit in my collection I couldn't turn down something free.
Here's a web page with photos of my new C-200 Adam
http://radioheaven.homestead.com/Edison_C-200.html
I'm going to need a few cabinet parts and some direction as to how to proceed.

recordo · Post by **recordo** » Mon Sep 13, 2010 5:18 pm

Ron, that's a spectacular collection of radios on your site! Congratulations. Hope you have fun with the Edison.

Regards, Glenn.

phonophan79 · Post by **phonophan79** » Mon Sep 13, 2010 6:40 pm

Welcome Ron -

I hope you have fun working on the Edison. I happen to love Edison phonographs specifically... and the "Adam" or C-200 is definitely a nice example.

There may be other places, but quick Google search shows you can buy a reproduction grill here:
http://www.grampstreasures.com/product_ ... d_disc.htm

How are the mechanics? Does it wind up and spin and all that? Have you played any diamond discs on it?

Radio Ron · Post by **Radio Ron** » Mon Sep 13, 2010 7:06 pm

Luckily the motor works fine.
It's the reproducer that I'm trying to get worked out now.
The linkage between the needle and the diaphragm is broken.
I'm going to try making my own, but it sure would be nice to have replacement eyelets to go on the end of the string.
I'm going to try using lacing cord, it's almost unbreakable and will not stretch at all.

QUESTION, how sharp is the needle supposed to be?

I worked about an hour this afternoon getting the lid parts glued back together. Trying to hold those 4 side pieces in place while I got glue on them and then clamping them together was a trick.
I bought a frame clamp at Harbor Freight today, a strap style. Ended up not using the 4 corner pieces, but had to get another ratchet strap out of the truck tool box to finally get it done.

Another question, How do I get the platter off of the motor spindle?

recordo · Post by **recordo** » Mon Sep 13, 2010 7:22 pm

Hi Ron,

On my C-250, the platter simply pulls right off. Sounds like yours is frozen a bit.

Good luck!

phonophan79 · Post by **phonophan79** » Mon Sep 13, 2010 9:08 pm

Radio Ron wrote:Luckily the motor works fine. It's the reproducer that I'm trying to get worked out now. The linkage between the needle and the diaphragm is broken. I'm going to try making my own, but it sure would be nice to have replacement eyelets to go on the end of the string. I'm going to try using lacing cord, it's almost unbreakable and will not stretch at all.

Other members of this forum would know better than me, but getting a diaphragm for your reproducer would be fairly inexpensive... probably worth your time. Connecting that string is worse than threading a needle.

Radio Ron wrote:QUESTION, how sharp is the needle supposed to be?

If you see the needle leaving any physical marks on the records (such as white / orange rings) or anything else, don't use it. Edison claimed his Diamond tipped needles didn't ever have to be changed... but now ca. 100 years later, some are more worn than others.

Radio Ron wrote:Another question, How do I get the platter off of the motor spindle?

The platter and the motor don't come apart. (until removed from the cabinet and then removed with screws. ...but you don't need to do that unless repairing the actual motor) If there is a wood frame around the platter remove that via its screws, then there should be two screws on each side. You can't pull out the platter until you separate it from the horn / tone arm. There is a lever you have to lift that looks brush-fan-clip with teeth. (sorry if that description doesn't help)

Valecnik · Post by **Valecnik** » Tue Sep 14, 2010 3:08 am

phonophan79 wrote:
Radio Ron wrote:Another question, How do I get the platter off of the motor spindle?
The platter and the motor don't come apart. (until removed from the cabinet and then removed with screws. ...but you don't need to do that unless repairing the actual motor) If there is a wood frame around the platter remove that via its screws, then there should be two screws on each side. You can't pull out the platter until you separate it from the horn / tone arm. There is a lever you have to lift that looks brush-fan-clip with teeth. (sorry if that description doesn't help)

I think by "Platter" he means the turntable, not the bedplate. The turntable should come off by just lifting it up. If not, it's stuck and you might have to work at it a bit.

Brad · Post by **Brad** » Tue Sep 14, 2010 8:04 am

Radio Ron wrote: QUESTION, how sharp is the needle supposed to be?

The diamond tip should be conical without any cracks or chips.

73's

Radio Ron · Post by **Radio Ron** » Tue Sep 14, 2010 5:46 pm

Hey guys, what are the chances of finding 4 of the
missing trim pieces for my C-200?

Hopefully someone will have a junker cabinet
that has the trim pieces and a grill.
I'd much rather find an original grill than
buy a reproduction.

Radio Ron · Post by **Radio Ron** » Wed Sep 15, 2010 8:09 pm

I gave it a shot today at trying to fix the linkage between
the needle and the diaphragm. I's sure it could be better, but it works.
I used lacing cord for the linkage. It's nylon I think, very strong
almost unbreakable, it would cut you skin before you could break it with
your hands.
I tied a small loop onto the needle then threaded the other end
trhu
the center of the diaphragm, folded it over and put a drop of hot glue
on it.

My problem now is how do I adjust the height of the tone arm?
If I let it all the way down it puts so much pressure on the record
that it stops it from turning.

New C-200 owner

New C-200 owner

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