The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hi all

Some friends of mine dropped over what looks like an electronic gramophone to me but I don't know anything about it, how to operate it?, do and how do I change needles? I presume it needs a speaker fir the wire with the two attachments? and anything other information please.
Ideally I ll get it operational again , even though I know nothing about electronic s.

Any and all help will be greatly appreciated,
Looking forward to your input.

Eamonn

This looks like a 1940s pre-LP era auto changer turntable for use with 78rpm records only, to be attached to an external amplifier or valve radio, typical of the era. The cartridge is prepared to take the typical 78rpm semi permanent needles or sapphire pointed needles.

Thanks for that , any idea how the auto charger , turntable , operation in general are supposed to work ?
I was playing around with it earlier and figured out the 12 inch records might be a better fit but no idea how really.
Any thoughts on changing the needle ?
Thanks again for that
Eamonn.

It looks to me like you’re missing a piece from the top of the spindle. This piece assists with the autochange function. The pictures below show a similar mechanism and the piece in question.

You’re autochange appears to have two pieces that the records rest on, one for 10 inch records and one for 12 inch records. The 10 inch piece must be turned up when playing 12 inch records.

The semi permanent needles are held in place by magnetism.

I was able to find a match for the changer -- HMV Collaro Type U48 78 rpm Turntable, Silent Stylus Type 1609

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/166929755267

OrthoFan wrote: Fri Nov 29, 2024 12:53 pm I was able to find a match for the changer -- HMV Collaro Type U48 78 rpm Turntable, Silent Stylus Type 1609

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/166929755267

Yes I took the pictures from that listing. Very useful for this thread.

Thanks for the information, very interesting, hopefully I can get it operating again.

Eamonn