HMV 102 plays one side only (25 winds).

[mikeverrechia]

Hi,
I have rebuilt my HMV 102, but still need to decide whether to fit new catches and handle, or not.
I repaired the original spring and lost a couple of inches (50mm) due to this. It was broken at its outer end. The repaired spring measured 13 feet 4 inches long (4.06m). I believe this may be slightly shorter than the standard spring???.....Not sure and it's a horrendous thing to measure, especially when covered in grease.
I've cleaned a 78 record, given the machine 25 winds and it plays one side fine. It soon runs out of steam playing a second side. Is this acceptable please? Or should it manage two sides?
Also, I'm a bit wary about how many winds to give it. Could anyone please tell me?
I would be very grateful for any advice.......Mike

[OrthoFan]

I remember that the HMV 102 I used to own, a very early model, would play a single side after about 20-25 turns of the crank, but I had to wind it more to play a second 10" record completely through. I remember that about 40 turns of the crank was a full winding, but it may have been more.

My HMV 101, which was recently overhauled, will play about two records on a full winding, which is about 47 turns of the crank before it stops. It is fitted with the #59 motor which has a 14-foot spring. By the way, I initially asked the person who cleaned and re-greased the motor about the number of turns I should give the crank, and his response was: "Why do you count the turns? You should wind it until it stops! You can't over-wind it!" I've done this cautiously and slowly, and it seems to be okay.

OrthoFan

[Steve]

Hi,
I have rebuilt my HMV 102, but still need to decide whether to fit new catches and handle, or not.
I repaired the original spring and lost a couple of inches (50mm) due to this. It was broken at its outer end. The repaired spring measured 13 feet 4 inches long (4.06m). I believe this may be slightly shorter than the standard spring???.....Not sure and it's a horrendous thing to measure, especially when covered in grease.
I've cleaned a 78 record, given the machine 25 winds and it plays one side fine. It soon runs out of steam playing a second side. Is this acceptable please? Or should it manage two sides?
Also, I'm a bit wary about how many winds to give it. Could anyone please tell me?
I would be very grateful for any advice.......Mike

You certainly don't need to count! Just as Orthofan has said already, wind it up FULLY until you start to feel some resistance but go slower at this point until you feel the resistance getting stronger, but obviously don't force it with any strength, just gently slow down the winding speed until you come to a natural stop. After a few goes, you'll get the hang of it and feel more comfortable, knowing exactly when to pull back.

[JerryVan]

There is no "right" number of cranks for a given machine. Each one is unique in that the spring/s in one example may be weaker/stronger than that of the next. Other factors play in as well. Wind it as much as you need to in order to do what you want. However, consider that it's old and that it has already broken once, (hence, your repair), so really, if it were mine, I'd be happy with playing a complete side in one winding. Then, give it a few more twists before you begin the second side.

[mikeverrechia]

Many thanks to all. I feel more confident in winding and performance expectations now.

Your replies are much appreciated.

Best wishes.....Mike

[AmberolaAndy]

I own a very early one myself and yes it does take about 20-25 winds for me too.