Pioneer PP-215a 60Hz --> 50Hz

[petervv]

hi guys,

I bought 2 Pioneer PP-215a's, both work but one is 50Hz, the other is 60Hz, the Netherlands is running on 50Hz so the 60Hz clock runs slow.
While googling I learned these clocks use a Copal motor with a 12 teeth gear on the motor.
The international version JT-215a has a mechanical lever to switch gears for 50 or 60Hz operation.
At this moment I'm not interested in building or buying a 100V/60Hz power supply because that is a lot of work or quite expensive.
Could anybody suggest me where I could look for a 50Hz motor, would you know of any (less collectable) brands/types of clocks that use the same motor?

thanks for your time, kind regards, Peter

[Guest]

Hi Peter,

The difference between the 50 and 60hz models is a simple gear difference at the factory. Of course, your unit there is 100 volts (for Japan only), so voltage is the issue, as well. The motors are actually quite common in many, many other flip clocks. Another member is also from the Netherlands and may be able to help you, locally, although he is now in the UK. He will have the most access to 220/240 volt motors.

[petervv]

hi guys,

Just want to inform you I successfully fixed my 60-50Hz problem.
I bought a very ugly alarm clock (made in china) that was reported to be not running.



From the controls on the left side I guessed/hoped that the flip clock mechanism would be identical to my PP-215



I was lucky, it's completely identical, except the motor has a 220V-50Hz label !
Even the Chinese used a Japanese mechanism to fabricate an alarm clock.
I cleaned and lubed the motor and now it's running fine.

To create some electrical safety (as the case is metal) I installed a 3 prong mains cable, and because I'm not using the timer function I completely disconnected the micro switches and the mains outlets which, being USA style, are only rated for 125V.



As a bonus this mechanism has the 24h representation that we Europeans are used to.

As you guess, I'm happy with the result.

kind regards, Peter

[flipoclock]

Good work! Are you sure the other clock was made in China? The clockwork + motor for sure were made in Japan...

If you want to sell the 110v motor, shoot me a message, I might be interested.

[petervv]

hi flipclock_nl,

The alarm clock is labelled 'made in china' and mechanism has a printing 'singapore copal':


About lubrication of the motor, all instructions show how to drop oil into the rear side of the motor but in my opinion it's much more efficient to remove the plastic cover of the gearbox, and then, with the motor gear pointing up, put a drop of oil directly on the bearing. This gets the oil exactly where you want it without getting oil everywhere. Letting the motor run in this position for some minutes will nicely distribute the oil down into the bearing.

kind regards, Peter

PS drop me a message if you're interested in the 100V/60Hz motor (and a complete Copal RP-160 200V/50Hz clock with a cracked case)

[flipoclock]

That's interesting info, I have never seen a vintage flipclock which said 'made in China'. I will send you a message regarding the motor.