aeolian-vocalion automatic brake problem

[phonogal]

I'm trying to fix the automatic brake on this model K machine. I can get it to semi work but still not quite right. Could someone with an Aeolian with working automatic brake please post a picture so I can see what I have that's out of place. Thanks for your help, Jan.

[hillndalefan]

Without seeing the machine, it's hard to give a positive reply, but I can tell you
that the brake is an unusual one in that it contacts the outside of the turntable instead of the inside of the rim. There is a linkage from the tone-arm that operates it. If you have the rod with a round target on it in the 8 o'Clock position of the turntable, it's the type of brake I am talking about. The tone arm has to be pulled all the way to the left to clear the brake. You then set the needle near the last groove of the record--before the last groove, then push down on that target, when you should hear a 'thunk' sound, which indicates the brake is set. To start and run the machine, you pull the tone arm all the way to the right, and that unlocks the brake so the turntable will start. If all is in adjustment, it will play and set the brake at the point you set. Since there is no start-stop lever on an Aeolian-Vocalion, this can be confusing. Thank goodness mine came with the original operating manual. I hope this helps.

[alang]

Here is a link to an original instruction manual:
http://www.nipperhead.com/old/aeolian.htm
Unfortunately also no clear picture of the brake.
Andreas

[phonogal]

I have the brake working but I still think something is not quite right with it. Thanks for the information and the link to the manual. After reading the manual, I found that the reproducer could be turned to play Pathé records (which I only have 1 but had never listened to it). I've had this machine for at least 20 years and never knew the reproducer swiveled. Of course I had to take it apart and fix it as it was really stiff. Thanks again, Jan.
P.S. This particular machine has an electric motor that winds the spring. Not the kind that is on the outside but inside. I just thought it was strange that when you unplug it, it still plays. Then I figured out that it was still a spring run phonograph not the newer electric type. DUH!!!!