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Hello all,
spotted this very nice looking Sonora phonograph and was confused by the strange mechanism that is on the motorboard.
On the right side is the speed control and on the left the brake, but the part in the middle is a mystery. It could be a semi-automatic brake mechanism, as it seems to connect to the brake, but I am not sure. I have not seen this phonograph in person - yet - but I am thinking about it, and would like to know what you all think and what are some things to look for in the brand itself.
Thanks in advance.
Gerald.

Some of the Sonoras had an indicator that gave the approximate number of record sides that could be played before additional winding was needed. I suspect that is the mystery mechanism.

Jerry Blais

I had one of those a long time ago and you push the arm all the way over and it counts how many revolutions the record makes while you are playing it. Then you write that down on the label and after that, you can set the needle to that number of revolutions, and the brake will then stop the motor. Under the turntable there is a pin that makes it all happen. They must not have offered that for very long though as they don't seem to turn up very often.

Jerry B. wrote:Some of the Sonoras had an indicator that gave the approximate number of record sides that could be played before additional winding was needed. I suspect that is the mystery mechanism.

Jerry Blais

Jerry Blais,
Thank you for your help. I greatly appreciate it!

EarlH wrote:I had one of those a long time ago and you push the arm all the way over and it counts how many revolutions the record makes while you are playing it. Then you write that down on the label and after that, you can set the needle to that number of revolutions, and the brake will then stop the motor. Under the turntable there is a pin that makes it all happen. They must not have offered that for very long though as they don't seem to turn up very often.

EarlH,
Thank you for your help! These different kind of mechanisms always seem to catch my eye, and this machine in general, is no different! I'm going to have to take a look at this one as soon as the weather gets better!

Thank you again. I greatly appreciate your help.

Gerald.