Question regarding VV-XVII (or others) Electrolas

[CharliePhono]

I am looking to purchase a VV-XVII with an Electrola motor. I have not yet seen the machine in person, but will tomorrow. Firstly, I have never owned a machine with this early motor. My question, though, is when the lid is raised, does the electric lamp come on automatically or is there a switch? I am thinking it has to be turned on manually. Also, are these motors pretty reliable and robust?

[barnettrp21122]

My VE-XVI lightbulb socket has a pull chain on-off switch. I've seen others with a turnkey switch, or no socket switch at all. The light will come on when the lid is raised if the socket switch is also in the on position.
My guess is that customers preferred having the choice of having the light on or off with the lid raised, hence the switch on the socket.
Regarding the motor, these universal motors are well-built and will run very quietly when serviced.
The motor armature will benefit with a good cleaning, and the brushes can be replaced if necessary.

If your machine isn't operational already when you inspect it, use some caution before applying any power.
These motors were designed for AC or DC operation, and a there's a diagram in the rear inside of the cabinet describing proper connections for either type. Presumably the motor's hooked up for modern AC current, but it's better to be sure of that. From under the motorboard check to see if the motor shaft and governor turns freely.
The turntable may be tightened to the motor shaft with a set screw, which can be loosened underneath the turntable with a long standard screwdriver. I didn't know this with my first one of these!
Please feel free to pm me for more advice if you need it.
Bob

[CharliePhono]

My VE-XVI lightbulb socket has a pull chain on-off switch. I've seen others with a turnkey switch, or no socket switch at all. The light will come on when the lid is raised if the socket switch is also in the on position.
My guess is that customers preferred having the choice of having the light on or off with the lid raised, hence the switch on the socket.
Bob

That's good to know. The pictures of the machine I've looked at show the entire lid support bracket escutcheon to be missing. I won't know until tomorrow, but wonder if perhaps it's lurking somewhere inside the cabinet. Still nervous about that motor, tho. First time for everything!

Thanks!

[barnettrp21122]

Here's a picture of my VE-XVI lid support. The little nub on the left side slides down past a switch underneath the motorboard to turn the light on and off.

Bob

[CharliePhono]

Thank you, Barnett, for the invaluable information and pictures. Your advice regarding the motor is very much appreciated as well. I will definitely shoot you a PM if I encounter gremlins in this machine's motor!