The Edison phonograph monthly (Jan-Dec 1909)

Edison Phonograph Monthly, April, 1909 15 Mechanical Department We have made a beginning here of a department for answering questions ask$d by the trade concerning the mechanical features of the business. We believe that this department will be a valuable one to Jobbers and Dealers, and we hope that they will freely ask questions that may be answered in the department. We would especially like to reply to questions on subjects of interest to the trade generally. The coupon on page 24 may be used for asking questions, or Dealers ma. ask questions by postal cards or by letter. Thomas Riddell, Brooklyn, N. Y— What is the cause of and best way to cure a quivering governor? This applies especially to new style Triumph Phonographs. [This condition is known as a drunken governor, and it can be remedied in the following manner: First, allow the machine to run down completely, until the main spring is entirely unwound. Then remove the governor and shaft from the machine, and loosen the screws that hold the springs to the collar and press the balls of the governor down flat on the shaft, and reset the screws tightly. After tightening these screws, press the ends of the governor on its shaft, together, so as to bow out the springs, until they assume a slightly convex appearance, after which re-assemble to the machine, wind it fully, and test it with a Record on which the trembling was most noticeable.] King & Gager, Savannah, Mo. — What makes the springs jump as though giving way and catching again, and what is the remedy? We have tried oil and graphite, and in one case a new spring. [This condition is known as a chugging main spring, and is caused by the leaves or coils of the main spring becoming gummed and sticking together by the excessive use of oil. The remedy is to' allow the motor to run until the spring is half unwound, then remove the Phonograph from the cabinet, and thoroughly wash out the spring with benzine, after which apply powdered graphite between the leaves or coils of the main spring, and a little Phonograph oil. Then replace the Phonograph in its cabinet, wind it fully, and allow the motor to run down two or three times, after which treatment the motor will operate smoothly, and the chugging will cease.] Leopold J. Schreiber, Plymouth, Mass. — I find that the Standard Records play louder and better with the Model H Reproducer. Do you think it will hurt the Standard Records or the Model H Reproducer? [It is true that a Model H Reproducer can be used on Standard Records with possibly better results than a Model C Reproducer. It is not, however, wise to use the Model H Reproducer on Standard Records. The reproducing point of the Model H is much smaller than in the Model C, and Standard Records are not made to withstand the possible wear of the smaller point. Standard Records are made of a different composition than Amberol Records, and a smaller point is more apt to cut the former. We would advise you and all other Dealers not to encourage the use of Model H Reproducers on Standard Records.] C. D. Bonfoy, Clayville, N. Y — Why are some Model C Reproducers louder and much plainer speaking than others? Is there any way to make them uniform? [All of our Reproducers are tested by a standard and are uniform in tone or as nearly so as it is possible to make them. It occasionally happens that the rubber gaskets between which the diaphragm is placed will shrink and become hard, and when this happens the tone of the reproducer becomes impaired. It can be improved by tightening the clamping ring a little, which takes up any play there may be between the diaphragm and the gaskets and eliminates any tendency of the Reproducer to blast or rattle. Care should be taken, however, not to tighten the clamping ring too much, for if it is screwed up as tight as it will go the volume of tone will be reduced. It should be tightened just enough to take out any blast that may be apparent in the Reproducer.] W. E. Fuller, Williamsburg, la.— What shall we do with the old main shafts and mandrels? How and when shall we turn them in? [When the price of the attachment for playing the Amberol Record was fixed, the value of the old main shaft and mandrel was taken into consideration, and the price was based on the exchange of these parts for the new attachment. Dealers who have accumulated a quantity of these old main shafts and mandrels should return them to their Jobber, who will return them to us. The main shaft and mandrels are of no value to the user or the Dealer, but are of some value to us, and all of our attachments are sold with the understanding that the old main shaft and mandrel should be returned to us.]