The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hello all,

I recently found a VE-130 on facebook marketplace locally, it is in good shape retaining its original finish and excellent gold plating. Here is a walk around video of it (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Vc3zVAyn1I), as you have probably surmised, it has a universal electric motor (I believe its the same one as seen in the VE-XVI and other early VE models). The motor seems to be in very good shape with the brushes in very good nick. it spins relatively freely. It is missing the cord but to test it out, I used the cord off of my VE-8-35x, the light works, but the motor does not do anything when turned on, contacts have been cleaned, etc. I decided to open the back of the machine and take a look at the resistors, there are three. From my understanding, one is for the motor, one is for DC power (to the motor), and the final one is for the lamp. Upon inspection, the one for the lamp is in good condition (hence it working) but the one for the motor is frayed and severely damaged. At that point I was desperately hoping that replacements were available. a quick search on google led me to this, https://www.amazon.com/uxcell-Watts-Pow ... B009PINVHC. It seems to be very similar to an original, which is rated for 150 Ohms, I'm not sure about the wattage/voltage, etc. I know very little about early electrics and circuitry, but to me this seems like it may work? I just don't know how I would connect it up to it. Does anyone have any insight? I will be at the wayne show next week and would be happy to talk then as well!
Thanks a lot! really hoping to be able to complete such a beauty!!

Ben,

I posted the Victor Service bulletin for the universal motor in the Archives. You can see it here.

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=53478

Best Wishes,
Mark

Post a picture of the resistors. Sometimes those resistors look bad but are okay. Getting the resistance correct for a replacement is only half of the issue, You also need to get one of the proper wattage so that it doesn't overheat with the load of running the motor. Maybe do a search for a "variac". I used one until I got some resistors for mine.

Thanks all, The resistor is defintely bad, it it completely frayed and the wire is sticking out of it! the ceramic is all worn away. it practically crumbled when I removed it. I will attempt to post some pictures later today, I also recorded a quick video showcasing the resistors.

Thanks,