Edison Repeater Installation Instructions

[KCW]

Hi everyone,

Trying to install a repeater on an Edison Home B - kind of tricky! Are there any instructions out there that offer advice? Thanks for any advice! This has been a goal of mine for years!

KCW

[KCW]

Any advice on this? One of my areas of concern is drilling two holes into the bed plate. I’m not quite sure how to do this and also am not sure how to mount the repeater to the bedplate. I guess I could use bolts, hex nuts and washers, and I cannot imagine I’d tap the holes I drilled into the bed plate (plate too thin). Surely someone out there has dealt with this before. Any help is appreciated greatly!

[FellowCollector]

The model D repeater was introduced sometime in October 1904 if memory serves me and I believe there was a pretty decent article in the Edison Phonograph Monthly around that time period that provided information on installing it and adjusting it. If you can access the issue around that time period (online or printed format) it might be useful to you. The holes for the repeater need to be drilled in the casting very accurately as you might expect and then tapped. There's a bit of wiggle room available in the repeater casting screw holes to adjust its position so that the gears mesh perfectly but the holes in the casting MUST be drilled very close to specs provided. Also, if you can find an Edison Home with a working model D repeater installed and that can be temporarily removed so you can copy the position of the holes you can do that to more precisely drill and tap yours. Good luck.

Doug

[Shawn]

Hey KWC.

The holes are in fact drilled and threaded. The threads are for a 8-32 round head machine screw. On earlier D-repeater models, the right side screw hole (the one closer to the mandrel) is not inset. This requires the screw head to be filed down to clear the rotating return feed screw. On later D-repeater models the casting has an inset on the right side screw hole, negating the need to file the screw head.

These repeaters were installed in the factory, where a slot was cut into the left side of the straight edge for a leather insert. This cushioned the carriage as it is dropped back down onto the record.

They were also installed at a dealer, as an aftermarket accessory, or an upgrade to an existing machine. In dealer installed versions, there is no leather insert.

They were never intended to be sold and installed by an owner. To properly place the screw holes, drill and tap them appropriately so there is smooth operation requires machining skills and machines. The hole placement varies by the model of machine (A, B, etc.) as well as the presence or absence of 2/4 changer. Its not a straightforward "place holes here."

It is not a task that I would take on without the appropriate skill and tools. Of course those skills and tools exist today. Its just connecting with the right person.

Shawn

[KCW]

Thanks for the replies! It’s turning out to be a tougher process than I expected, but well worth it. I’m learning a lot too! Whoever came up with this device was very clever! The way it works is really really amusing and I’m really enjoying the process.

If anyone has a copy of those instructions I’d be most grateful to have them. Alternatively, I would love to be able to purchase an original copy, but don’t know where to start. Is there a digital version of the entire collection? I’d be interested in that in general.

Thanks!

KCW

[Shawn]

Here you go!

https://archive.org/stream/edisonphonog ... ch/model+D

They are easily accessible online.

Of course, these are the instructions/ placement for a Model A, without a 2/4 minute attachment.

Shawn

[phonogfp]

Shawn beat me to it with the pages from the October 1904 Edison Phonograph Monthly!

But here is the US Patent issued to Edward Aiken for the repeater, which may or may not be of use (click any image twice to enlarge it):

George P.

[outune]

Just looked on my shelves. I have a "B" bedplate that originally had a repeater attached-- see pics. Perhaps the pics will help a bit to locate the correct positioning of the holes-- or... It's an 'extra' part. Gold striping is so-so...maybe about 60%.. It hasn't been cleaned up.

Brad Abell

[KCW]

Thanks everyone! As soon as I get my two minute pulley I’m going to try to install it. I thought I’d post a picture of the Edison phonograph monthly directions in case someone in he future is looking for them here. I love this little repeater!