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How do I troubleshoot a Walthers 130' turntable?

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  • Member since
    July 2009
  • From: lavale, md
  • 4,678 posts
Posted by gregc on Sunday, March 12, 2023 9:11 AM

Since the control box has been apparently ruled out as the problem, the circuitry on the underside of the turntable becomes the primary suspect.

not sure how you can rule out the emitter (LED), detector, connections 

isn't the detector in the bridge, along with the connections between it and the control circuit?

greg - Philadelphia & Reading / Reading

  • Member since
    September 2004
  • From: Dearborn Station
  • 24,281 posts
Posted by richhotrain on Sunday, March 12, 2023 10:15 AM

gregc
 
Since the control box has been apparently ruled out as the problem, the circuitry on the underside of the turntable becomes the primary suspect. 

not sure how you can rule out the emitter (LED), detector, connections  

isn't the detector in the bridge, along with the connections between it and the control circuit? 

I don't mean to rule out the emitter or detector connections.

I'm just suggesting that the signal is either not being sent or the circuitry on the underside of the turntable is not communicatting the signal to the bridge. For whatever the reason, the turntable is fully rotating 360 degrees without sensing the zero point (home position) and stopping.

Rich

 
 

Alton Junction

  • Member since
    July 2009
  • From: lavale, md
  • 4,678 posts
Posted by gregc on Sunday, March 12, 2023 10:49 AM

my understanding is the bridge can easily be removed and inspected.   has it been inspected?

there's a comment in the instructions about adjusting the wipers.  some of the wipers may be for the detector/emitter in the bridge

Be gentle when cleaning the wipers and avoid pushing them down. They should always be slightly raised in a flat row.

If adjustment is needed, gently lift the wiper/s upward until it aligns with the others.

if the other TT bridge is the same model, can it be swapped?

greg - Philadelphia & Reading / Reading

  • Member since
    April 2002
  • From: Frankfort, Indiana
  • 424 posts
Posted by Morpar on Sunday, March 12, 2023 11:59 AM

There isn't a second turntable bridge I just have a second controller to operate the turntable. I don't want to dig too deeply into the bridge in case Walthers wants me to send it back for replacement at this point. I looked at taking the motor cover off when I was cleaning and lubing the other day and the slotted wheel for the pulse generator is right over one of the cover screws. I know from experience in the industrial sector getting those out of alignment is a huge pain, but if I break it now it would be on my dime! I will wait a little more until I hear back from Walthers. I agree, the signal is basically getting lost somewhere since I am sending a request for a signal when trying to find home position and never getting it, just not sure where!

Good Luck, Morpar

  • Member since
    July 2009
  • From: lavale, md
  • 4,678 posts
Posted by gregc on Sunday, March 12, 2023 12:03 PM

Morpar
I don't want to dig too deeply into the bridge in case Walthers wants me to send it back for replacement at this point.

the bridge is meant to come off

greg - Philadelphia & Reading / Reading

  • Member since
    September 2004
  • From: Dearborn Station
  • 24,281 posts
Posted by richhotrain on Sunday, March 12, 2023 12:55 PM

The bridge simply lifts up and straight out of the center pivot hole in the turntable.

Rich

Alton Junction

  • Member since
    April 2002
  • From: Frankfort, Indiana
  • 424 posts
Posted by Morpar on Friday, March 31, 2023 6:10 PM

So as an update to this issue I got a voicemail from one of the tech support guys at Walthers this morning (why my phone didn't ring I have no clue) and he suggested checking for the anything blocking either the infrared emitter on the bridge or the receiver on the pit wall. I went ahead and took the bridge out of the box and looked at both for the however many-eth time and found nothing blocking either. However, for some reason I poked my finger on to the black and white wires sending power to the IR emitter and the black wire came loose! I didn't tear in any further (warranty concerns) to see if there is a connector or a bad solder joint, but no matter what I think the main issue has been found. I sent an email to the tech support guy explaining the problem and asking how to proceed. 

Good Luck, Morpar

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