This document describes the BSR Model UA15SS, a 4-speed automatic record changer.
Function Description
The BSR Model UA15SS is designed to automatically play a stack of records. It features a mechanism that loads records from a spindle onto the turntable, positions the tone arm, plays the record, and then initiates a change cycle to drop the next record. The changer can handle up to six records of the same speed and groove type (Standard or Long Playing). It also supports manual operation for single records and includes an automatic shutoff feature.
Important Technical Specifications
Motor: The changer is driven by a 2-pole motor with a 4-step shaft. Power is transmitted to the turntable via an idler wheel (57) that presses against the inside rim of the turntable and one of the motor shaft steps.
Speeds: The speed control knob (65) allows selection of different speeds (e.g., 78 RPM, 45 RPM, etc.) by positioning the idler wheel (57) to engage different diameter steps on the motor shaft.
Record Sizes: The tone arm set down for 7-, 10-, and 12-inch records is determined by the position of the selector arm (30) and selector column (25).
Power Supply: The motor specifications vary by model, with options for 230V 50 cycles (90V Tap), 120V 60 cycles (25V Tap), 120V 60 cycles, 120V 50 cycles, 155V 50 cycles, and 90V 60 cycles.
Stylus: The stylus set-down position is adjustable via the Stylus Adjusting Screw (18) to ensure correct placement on a 12" record, typically 1/8" from the outside edge. Stylus pressure can be adjusted by repositioning the Tone Arm Balance Spring (8), with a recommended range of 5 to 10 grams depending on the cartridge type.
Cartridge: Various cartridge types are listed, including T.C. 8. M. (Brown), T.C. 8. H/1 (Orange), T.C. 8. H/2 (Black), T.C. 8. S/M (Off White), C.I.S. T. 3 (Off White), and C.I.S. T. 4 (Off White).
Needles: Corresponding stylus types are available for different record types (e.g., 78 rpm Green, L.P. Red, Stereo Yellow, Diamond Stereo Blue).
Usage Features
Loading Records:
- Raise the Control Arm (1) to its uppermost position and swing it counterclockwise over the Tone Arm (3).
- Place up to six records of the same speed and groove type on the Spindle (52).
- Ensure the first record is carefully located on the spindle ledge.
- Return the Control Arm to its center operating position and gently lower it onto the record stack.
Starting Playback:
- Release the Tone Arm Clip (34).
- Move the Starting Lever Knob (134) fully counterclockwise to the "REJ" position and hold until the turntable (38) starts revolving.
- Release the Starting Lever Knob.
Rejecting a Record:
To reject a record during playback, turn the Starting Lever Knob counterclockwise to "REJ" and release.
Stopping Playback:
Move the Starting Lever Knob to the "OFF" position. If stopped during a change cycle, allow the cycle to complete (manually rotate the turntable if necessary) before lifting the Control Arm.
Unloading Records:
- Raise the Control Arm to its uppermost position and swing it counterclockwise over the Tone Arm.
- Grasp the edge of the bottom record with both hands and gently lift the record stack off the Spindle (52).
- For 45 RPM records with large center holes, ensure the 45 RPM Spindle (132) is properly seated before playing.
Manual Operation (Single Record):
- Raise the Control Arm to its uppermost position and swing it counterclockwise over the tone arm.
- Place the record on the Turntable (38) and return the Control Arm to its operating position.
- Set the Speed Selector Knob (65) for the record's speed and the proper stylus on the Tone Arm.
- Move the Starting Lever Knob to "MAN/ON" and place the stylus on the record.
- The record will play, and the Tone Arm will return to the Tone Arm Rest (35) upon completion if the record has fast-finishing grooves. Otherwise, manually return the Tone Arm to rest and move the Starting Lever Knob to "OFF".
Note: Records without starting or fast-finishing grooves must be played manually.
Maintenance Features
Lubrication: The changer mechanism is factory-lubricated, but relubrication may be necessary after prolonged use.
- Medium Grease: Apply to Speed Change Raising Shoe (81), Idler Arm Pivot (82), Operating Surfaces of Operating Plate Assembly (130), and Gear teeth, bearing, and camtrack on Cam Gear Assembly (151).
- Light Oil: Apply to Tone Arm Hinge Pivot (2), Tone Arm Raising Spindle (118), Ballrace Assembly (54), and Idler Pulley (60) Spindle.
- Motor: Apply light household oil to upper and lower bearings.
- Important: Never apply oil or grease to the rubber tire of the Idler Pulley Assembly (57) or the inside rim of the Turntable (38). Do not use oil on the Magidisc Record Selector Assembly or other unspecified components.
Adjustments:
- Stylus Set-Down: Adjust the Stylus Adjusting Screw (18) to achieve a 1/8" set-down from the outside edge on a 12" record. This adjustment should ensure correct set-down for 7" and 10" records as well.
- Tone Arm Height: Adjust the Tone Arm Height Adjusting Screw (6). Counterclockwise rotation raises the arm, clockwise lowers it. With six average thickness records on the turntable, the stylus should clear the top record by 1/8". Ensure the tone arm clears records on the spindle ledge during the change cycle and the Tone Arm Rest (35).
- Stylus Pressure: Reposition the Tone Arm Balance Spring (8) in the Spring Anchor (7) to achieve the correct stylus pressure (5-10 grams).
- Idler Pulley Adjustment: Set the Speed Selector Lever knob to "45", remove the turntable, and ensure the Idler Pulley (57) engages the Motor Spindle. Adjust the Idler Pulley height using the screwdriver slot in the Idler Arm Pivot (82) until it is just below the second shoulder of the Motor Spindle.
Assembly Service Information:
- Standard Spindle Assembly: To remove, compress the Retaining Clip (74) and lift the Spindle (52). To replace, insert the Spindle (52) into the Turntable Bearing, aligning the projection with the slot, and press down until it snaps onto the Retaining Clip (74).
- Turntable Assembly: Remove C Washer (37) and gently lift off the Turntable Assembly (38). When replacing, ensure the starting lever knob is in the off position and push the Idler Pulley Assembly (57) inward to allow the turntable to drop into position without damage.
- Control Arm Assembly: Ensure the changer has completed its cycle and the Tone Arm (3) has returned to rest. Remove C Washer (133), Spacer (98), and Spring (97) from the bottom of the spindle. The Control Arm Assembly (1) can then be removed. When installing, reposition the control lever assembly (104) for clearance.
- Tone Arm Assembly: Unsolder Tone Arm Leads (46) from the Tone Arm Output Terminal Strip (93). Unscrew Tone Arm Spindle Nut (10). Remove Overload Spring (11), Tone Arm Adjuster (13), Tone Arm Overload Plate (14), and Tone Arm Adjuster Spring (15). The Tone Arm with Leads can then be separated from the hole in the diecasting.
- Operating Plate Assembly: Set the Starting Lever Knob (134) to "OFF" before removing or replacing the Operating Plate Assembly (130). It is held in place by C Washer (135), Screw (131), and Washer (136). Position the Toggle Assembly (128) as shown in Fig. 6. Note that removing the Operating Plate Assembly will cause the Tone Arm Raising Assembly (118, 119, 120) to drop out.
- Support Casting Assembly (102) and Selector Housing (23): These are held by two screws (103), one screw (91), and C washer (137).
- Selector Assembly: The selector housing cover (22) is held by screw (20). After removing the cover, the selector assembly can be lifted out. To properly seat the selector assembly during installation, the changer mechanism must be put through a complete cycle by hand-rotating the turntable while depressing the selector assembly.