Mikiphone Replacement Spring

[leels1]

Hi, does anyone know where I can get a replacement spring for a European Mikiphone? The one I have is very weak despite a full service on it and the records just slows once the soundbox is on.

I believe it’s 18mm high, but not sure of the thickness.

I’ve seen some clock springs on eBay that might do the trick but could be a bit short as they’re for a 45mm barrel and the Miki is 50mm.

Also there are varying thickness springs, seeing as I’ve put mine back and can’t measure, anyone know if a too thick one will cause problems? Assuming too thin and there won’t be enough power.

Thanks.

[Dave D]

The strength of a mainspring increases exponentially with the thickness. It is best if you take yours apart and measure the thickness properly.
Dave D

[leels1]

The strength of a mainspring increases exponentially with the thickness. It is best if you take yours apart and measure the thickness properly.
Dave D

Why not, I’ve already had it apart about 10 times, one more isn’t going to hurt

[leels1]

I’m assuming it’s a weak spring at least, it’s been apart, serviced, oiled, greased etc.

These camera phone types always seem “weak” and hard to see up properly.

Is there anything special with these I should be aware of?

[CarlosV]

I’m assuming it’s a weak spring at least, it’s been apart, serviced, oiled, greased etc.

These camera phone types always seem “weak” and hard to see up properly.

Is there anything special with these I should be aware of?

Mine has the same issue. It used to play a record until some years ago, but now it starts to slow down almost from the start. I did not try to replace springs, as its sound is horrible and I only play it to show to visitors as a curiosity anyway.

[leels1]

I’m assuming it’s a weak spring at least, it’s been apart, serviced, oiled, greased etc.

These camera phone types always seem “weak” and hard to see up properly.

Is there anything special with these I should be aware of?

Mine has the same issue. It used to play a record until some years ago, but now it starts to slow down almost from the start. I did not try to replace springs, as its sound is horrible and I only play it to show to visitors as a curiosity anyway.

I think all these types of machine have the same issue. The spring is so small, and it has to drive a relatively big force of the heavy soundbox on the record it wears out quickly.

They seem to have been fitted with clock springs that ordinarily power very little!

[leels1]

The strength of a mainspring increases exponentially with the thickness. It is best if you take yours apart and measure the thickness properly.
Dave D

Hi Dave, it’s 0.35mm thick, but springs I found are for a 40mm barrel and this is 50mm.

Would you go thicker to account for the shorter length, or stick as close to the original and hope it being shorter will make it though a full 10” record?