Crystal Cartridges I seek....

[Old1625]

I am seeking several of these that actually aren't crumbled all to pieces inside the way this gem is now, and actually deliver the nearly 5 volts that are advertised as toutput of these monsters.

I've actually disassembled a few of these, and the diagnosis is dismal as to the effects of age more than my butchery. I have been starting to eye with malace aforethought of raping piezo "snick" starters from gas grilles and such to see if there is enough element in them to mend these things. I strongly doubt it....

I'm given to understand that there is 1 facility that may be able to supply me with a reman part that may work in most of my apps. I also got an idea of the pricing of such mdse.

My dilemma: I have about 6 or 7 projects--including several that belong to customers of fortunately Job-like patience, and one of the pet projects is an old "46" Ash-Can juke I have here that I made work after a fashion with a later type ceramic cartridge and some diddling with a gain stage on the amp chassis...I'd like to restore it to original status if possible....

But I only have 2 kidneys to offer...

That's my sad story....

[Brad W.]

In case you haven't checked them already, this place claims to rebuild all types of crystal cartridges:

http://www.philcoradio.com/resource.htm#9

I have never done business with them.

[Ampico-kid]

Hi;
At this time Sylvain Vanier (Syl) is not taking on any new jobs. Probably your best bet would be West-Tech. I have not had any work done by them, but seems like you have little choice if you want to have one rebuilt. Too bad there isn't a source for the crystal element. Seem like it wouldn't be too difficult of a job to replace the old rubber dampers and install the new crystal element.

I've got a whole pile of old crystal cartridges with the crystal elements totally disintegrated, and no good source for replacements or parts to repair these units.

Good luck.
Bob.

[Reece]

Here's the procedure if you want to try it. BTW, there are still some high output cartridges out there that could be used for donors.

Reece

http://www3.sympatico.ca/belanger.er.../cartridge.htm

[Old1625]

Many thanks to all. Thanks, Reece, for the link to those instructions. I've toyed with the idea of cannibalising a later cartridge and doing just that. Maybe I will. And I'll post my results if I can get one working.

Glad I jumped on the AK bandwagon!

[Nakdoc]

Wow, thanks for that link!

[Reece]

Re: rebuilding cartridges, where they recommend using pieces of rubber band: you know when you use rubber bands to hold papers together etc. and then a couple of years later you take them out of the drawer and the band is all gummy and coming apart? I'm not sure what I would use instead of a rubber band, have not given it a lot of thought, but think I would try to find something similar but with longer life. Maybe pieces of some flat rubber drive belt as used on a player of some sort? The compliance of the rubber band is about right; maybe the drive belt would not have enough "give"? Maybe the whole thing is not a problem?

Reece

[Old1625]

Originally Posted by Reece

Re: rebuilding cartridges, where they recommend using pieces of rubber band: you know when you use rubber bands to hold papers together etc. and then a couple of years later you take them out of the drawer and the band is all gummy and coming apart? I'm not sure what I would use instead of a rubber band, have not given it a lot of thought, but think I would try to find something similar but with longer life. Maybe pieces of some flat rubber drive belt as used on a player of some sort? The compliance of the rubber band is about right; maybe the drive belt would not have enough "give"? Maybe the whole thing is not a problem?

Reece

Actually I'm glad you brought up the idea, as it makes perfect sense. The drive belt material is still susceptible of turning to snot over the years, but not nearly as quickly as a rubber band. I think the "give" would be sufficient.