Those type of big bird clocks are very rare i actually saw one advertised on etsy a around 2016 but it was sold, but i should imagine its worth about $80 to a $100 dollars plus. Cool clock and fix anyway buddy :) www.etsy.com/uk/listing/225725739/big-bird-talking-alarm-clock-complete?show_sold_out_detail=1
My absolute favorite part was when you figured out how the sound worked, it is amazing. I never have seen one before. If you found the battery door I betcha if you put in on an auction you could get around 60 but without that door it is most likely 45 - I think I am not that far off with the pricing.
The biggest thing these challenges have taught me (across both channels) is that "take it apart and clean it" is basically the "turn it off and on again" of the mechanical world.
That was my first thought too. Although, if someone is looking to purchase a vintage item, they may be looking for original parts only. But still, an option to consider for bringing an old broken toy back to as close to original condition as possible.
If he needs, i can print and send it to him for free, ill consider postage as a donation to the channel. ^~^" Plus, battery covers are pretty standard. Im sure he can find a door thats the same size and he can paint it beige
8:47 literally always been my thought when fixing anything. If you fix it you feel accomplished, but if you dont it's ok, if anything you learn something.
Seems like the playback was still slowing down, even after the "tune" of the motor. While decreasing the friction in the motor definitely made a big difference, what is happening is almost certainly that old rubber belt slipping, causing the playback to slow down. It's a common issue on almost all old audio equipment that has belt driven mechanisms, and it's an easy fix, new bands can be found for almost nothing on ebay and other similar sites. At this point, you've probably already sold it on, but it's still useful knowledge for future reference. :) I love these friendly competitions, keep 'em coming! :)
Being 51 I totally understood how this worked from the start. It was great watching you deduce what everything was and how it worked. Judging where the alarm went off (7:30) I think you have the hands placed wrong. We use Novus 1/2/3 on pinball repair. You can also remove scratches from plastics by flame polishing.
Not all; but, on a lot of these old mechanical alarm bell clocks, if the alarm setting gets off from the hour hand, turning the clock or alarm set backwards will come up against the alarm stop; and thus set the alarm at the hour/minute hand position (even without an alarm pointer)... the requirement was when setting the alarm one should only turn it in in one direction, the correct direction was one which allows the alarm position to pop over the alarm and doesn't come up against the stop; now, while this will only *closely* set the alarm internally to the hour hand position and if one had pressed the alarm hand hour indicator onto the post wrong, it won't fix that and indicates the alarm hour wrong, even though because of using the alarm back stop, it is set right! lol So, if all works right, the alarm bell position hand pointer can be set the same way, by going in the wrong direction by setting the time first, like with the hour hand, until it hits the alarm stop and won't pass it, so that the alarm is now correctly set based on the time, even if the alarm pointer is not correctly set. Although I have said that not all old mechanical clocks will do that (a disclaimer); I don't recall any that it *wouldn't* work that way. Still best to put the alarm pointer in the correct position to knowing it's set right and getting the alarm hand in the right position. To ensure that happens, to get the alarm pointer set right. I reiterate: 1: set the *time* (hour/minutes hand) first for any top of the hour mark; 2: adjust the *alarm time* forward until it comes up against the *hour* back stop, this ensures that the *alarm* is 'internally' set to that *time* . (In one's mind, it's easy to picture that when the *alarm set* is up against the *hour stop*, while measuring time, moving forward, that is the exact position is where the *hour time* slips off the *alarm stop* for triggering.) 3: Then, to set the alarm pointer on the post, move the the *time hand* forward away from the *alarm set*, then; 4: Install the alarm pointer: Push the *alarm hand pointer* onto the *alarm shaft* at the *previously chosen hour* position to ensure it's set properly! I'm sure I could have, somehow, said that better; but, I duplicate the steps with different wording with hope of ensuring I instruct the person correctly.
It's amazing how cleaning can fix so much, I had a "fixed" nes, the guy said it'll still has 90s issues. I took it apart and cleaned better, now works great.
Totally agree with you that if the world spends a little bit more time repairing all the crap we throw out, there will be so much less trash around. Thumbs up man. I love the message you send out!
I love this more than I can say. The wear on the motor contacts indicate that this was quite heavily used. I love the idea of this being on some kid's bedside table for years, being used every day. How lovely that you've fixed it so it can go to a new home and be used all over again rather than being thrown in the trash.
Had one when I was little. I pried Big Bird and Little bird off and my Mom threw it away shortly after. I seem to recall Big Bird held a green key for winding the clock. Best of luck selling yours!
That curved slot on the back is typically used for adjusting the speed of the clock in case it is running fast or slow. You would use another clock or wristwatch to time the second hand and then adjust it with a small flat head screwdriver by pushing a metal tab inside to the left or right.
Some tips on the motor: The white plastic part of the motor is called the "end bell". You might notice that the end bell has two holes in it. Those holes are to allow an end bell "key" to be inserted in to the holes. The key is just two posts that you insert with the motor brushes loaded behind the posts of the key. You can make your own key just by unbending and shaping a large paperclip so that the two ends align with the holes in the end bell. That keeps the brush springs lifted away from the commutator during disassembly/assembly so that the brushes don't get misaligned or interfere with the armature as you remove/replace the end bell in the motor can. When the end bell/can assembly is back together, you simply remove the key which allows the spring brushes to spring back in to contact with the commutator in the correct position. I work on lots of slot car motors.
Great fix! Love that the second season is going old school and showing that there's more to our beloved things (old and new) than just a bunch of transistors, resistors, capacitors and a bin. Interesting how well long some of these items have lasted over the decades. Season 3 idea... old school tech, toys, things... upgraded with more efficient (?) modern day components? Could just see a new tech vs old tech scrap off between yourselves (possibly with a bit of Colin Furze thrown in for sparks)
That was a great fix!! I never would have imagined that the sound was from a record!! That's really ingenious! I'm very impressed the record was intact and not scratched up! Plus whatever they used for a needle was still working. AND the speaker was more like something from a gramophone that mechanically amplified the sound! Fantastic!
TronicsFix Makes me wonder what other devices operate in a similar fashion. Is that how the See and Say works? I always thought it sounded like a record.
Wow, great fix. I remember those little record players from my youth. They were in speaking dolls and stuff like that often with interchangable records too. Love the series guys, nice to see those old goodies come back to life.
Very good video thanks- Ive taken these apart from walking talking dolls and some old 70’s robots. Ive a large collection of these records. The rubber band doesnt go around the spindle like you assembled it though- the band is supposed to just stay around the turntable like a tire and the spindle touches off ourside of it. This is why its slowing towards the end of the message. Also most of my records have a different message on the otherside - eg birdsong in my 1970’s bag of laughs toy. Its clips off the turntable easily. Thanks for the video!
I really enjoyed this one Steve. I know all about those record players!!!!!! You will find out why next week :-) Great fix. Well done. Items like this might not make much money on resale but they certainly make a great video :-)
Ha, ha...I'm looking forward to next week! Yes, I think I'll likely lose money on this one, but we'll see. Your last fix made some really nice profit...I may be in trouble in this challenge!
loving this challenge guys! Following both channels now! Can't wait for the next videos from you both. You have inspired me to get busy with my hands and get fixing things!
@@Tronicsfix Don't worry Steve, I promise it is not over for you. Let's just say that I might not have got on so well with the record as well as you did :-)
Me "is that a little record player...OMG it is!". Very cool video, wish we could have seen the clock mechanism part a little clearer but totally understand filming in that area was probably a nightmare. Thanks for the great content.
I loved seeing this. It instantly reminded me of my childhood. In grade 1 I got one for Christmas. Mine was a Bugs Bunny edition. It said something like "Aaaaah, wake up Doc'." The clock on mine didn't work properly. My Mom said she was going to take it to Santa's workshop. I totally wanted to go to the workshop and I ran after her as she drove down the street crying. Ended up that Santa's boys couldn't fix it and I got a new bike instead.
I love that you fixed a $3 motor. I do the same thing on them. I fix them exactly the same way. did so on my Raggedy Ann and Andy talking clock. Took motor apart, took all the plaque off it and Marvel Mystery Oiled the shaft. and it works like new now.
Thanks for the video. I had an Oscar the Grouch version as a kid and happened to buy one a few years back. Sadly the seller told me the item was working 100% but, I have the same issue you highlighted which is no sound. I also have the added problem that Oscar doesn't pop out of his trash can, lol. You've given me good direction so thank you again for the video.
When I've got a clock and its alarm sounds before or after it should, what I do is to take the clock arms out, turn the screw that changes the hour in which the alarm must sound and when it clicks then I take the battery out and I put all of the clock hands at twelve o'clock. This way all gets perfect. About scratch removers, on the cheap way you can use tooth paste for small scratches or peanut paste for heavy ones.
You use them with a bit of water and you wash it later and you also can finish it using "Pronto"; a wax spray for furnitures. Always with a microfiber cloth. Peanut paste is only for heavy scratches; for example to polish your car's headlights.
Agreed, love this video series and have subbed both guys channels :) Born in 1974 myself so it's interesting to see what kind of (electronic) toys there were available back then. Didn't have any electronic toys myself in the 70's, except a TV game in the late 70's (Conic TV-game, a Pong clone, still have it, needs some fixing though) so for exmple the Speak & Spell in the last video was really interesting. I'm from Finland so most likely that thing wasn't even available here. Interesting way for the talking feature in this clock as well, a mini record player :)
I know I'm a couple of years too late, but this reminds me of the time I found a basic DVD player near the trash compactor in the complex I lived in. It had a broken power switch, so I took it apart and realized that the pole that the power switch assembly screwed into was broken off. I went to the hardware store to find a longer screw. I bought one, and screwed it in rethreading the pole, and bingo, it worked. Repairing alleged "junk" with easy fixes is fun.
I like how there's a little hole for you to put a tool through to hold the rubber band while you put the housing together, then you can pull the tool out to release it onto the motor shaft. They obviously thought about how to assemble it by hand.
That was fun to watch. I was going to say that you might be able to 3d print a battery cover, but obviously many viewers have pointed that out long ago.
I applaud you for keeping it totally original and getting that to work. Ultimately if it were really meant to be restored for long term replacing that ultra-cheap motor with something more robust would be a good fix. In any case good one.
Would love a before and after photo side by side after the cleaning process :) I really loved this video and how the sound works - I'm stunned that it's possible to repair that motor.
Back in the 80's cars had a very similar record player to say "Key is in the Ignition". Big Bird is also turned some, he's supposed to face forward. He's also missing the wind up key !!
I had a Batman and Robin version of this clock growing up! The motor definitely was an issue after a few years of use as they started to talk really slow then wouldn't talk at all. Wish I still had it so I could fix it now.
Very cool repair =D I used to have a "clone" action man type toy that had a similar minuture record player built in. It's amazing they used to embed miniture records like that into toys.
I would try and find a replacement battery door that fits that you can list in the sale. Even if it isn't original I think it would help it sell faster and for more.
I assume, that black bits of plastic is motor pulley, thats why is playing slowly than normal. You can see nurling on the motor shaft, it is done when its intended to mould plastic around it to get better mechanical bond. Nice job. 😊
Great video,I follow both you and Vince,both do great content.Vince may have the jump on ya in this one,he did awesome on the tin can alley game,but not over til its over.Good luck to both of you.
It slows down when the needle is reading the outer parts of the disk, because the momentum caused by the needle friction gets bigger the farther away from the center it is.
Haha! Nice job. I repair a lot of watches & clocks for a hobby.... I would say you did good! You may have omitted it for artistic or creative reasons, but the hands do need to be set in a position that synchronizes with the alarm. I'm assuming you did that.... For future reference, if you are taking apart a clock, 1st SET then hands to a "known" time... Some techs like all the hands straight up at 12... I personally like hour at 6, minute at 12, seconds at 12, just to avoid any complications with the "date" function of a watch... THEN remove the hands... When you go to replace the hands, everything should be the same. Some center posts have slight flat spots?? Especially in clocks. So that can help as well. I was yelling at the screen "It's a tiny record player!!!" but you got there on your own, so.... Good Job. Not sure you're ever going to get the playback speed, although I feel like your test battery was a little dead. The playback started off pretty good in each test, and slowed down the longer it played. Battery should definitely read 1.5 or over on a new battery, so, 1.4, most devices will start to die at that voltage.... Anyways, for the cleaning, you really could have used polish #1, couldn't you?? Or the stuff you used on the speak & spell, I was kind of impressed with that. The orange plastic definitely looked deeper orange, and healthier.... You might try Topcoat F11 also... Crazy expensive, but I seem to have fallen in love with the results.... There are other similar things though...
First time we heard the alarm sound, is more than plenty enough to scare the kids out of bed. lol, As you said, what an amazing piece of vintage toy/clock... Enjoying the content but still rooting for the UK side, I'm a little biased :D By the way, have you thought about linking to this video on your ebay listing ?
Ha, ha...I thought the same thing when I heard it. That would DEFINITELY wake me up in a hurry! My items have already sold by the time the video goes live.
Probably to late now, but with that battery door you should have been able to make one with thick cardboard and a "Plastic Dip" or "a couple coats of Vinyl paint", Now if a clip is needed I rummage around to see what might work, Paper clips are great for that, also Ice-Cream containers or a margarine top lip Hot glued to the card board before painting can also be a good choice for many battery clipped compartments..
Big Bird should be holding a large green plastic key that fits over the winder inside so it's not really complete for a collector which is a shame,otherwise a great video,really enjoyed this fix
You should ohm out the windings of the motor before applying power. There is potential to further damage the motor by applying power to a shorted motor. Only seen brushless dc motors that small was cool to see what I assume is a really small shaded pole.
I used to have a talking Action Man, UK equivalent to a US GI Joe. It had the same sort of mini record player in it except it had a pull cord that charged a clockwork motor instead of an electric one.
Where can u get a replacement motor. I got mine working but believe I may have messed up the two fine opposing internal copper wires when reassembling.
Beats is basically a small turntable used as a child, demolished, I open everything and swapped the records to another device haha knocked the text not more ;)) fun fix this one
Cool fix huh? This was a fun one for me. What was your favorite part?
I had one of these as a kid. 👍👍👍👍👍
Those type of big bird clocks are very rare i actually saw one advertised on etsy a around 2016 but it was sold, but i should imagine its worth about $80 to a $100 dollars plus.
Cool clock and fix anyway buddy :) www.etsy.com/uk/listing/225725739/big-bird-talking-alarm-clock-complete?show_sold_out_detail=1
My absolute favorite part was when you figured out how the sound worked, it is amazing. I never have seen one before. If you found the battery door I betcha if you put in on an auction you could get around 60 but without that door it is most likely 45 - I think I am not that far off with the pricing.
@@aelaan12 After binge watching Techmoan a while back I immediately recognized it haha.
When the ghost of Big Bird was summoned to harvest the souls of sleeping children.
The biggest thing these challenges have taught me (across both channels) is that "take it apart and clean it" is basically the "turn it off and on again" of the mechanical world.
Bless
Imagine waking up to this demonic voice when your battery gets low
3d print the battery cover
That's exactly what I was thinking pal...
There is a parametric part on thingiverse. I’d say 10 minute print tops. www.thingiverse.com/thing:2825623
That was my first thought too. Although, if someone is looking to purchase a vintage item, they may be looking for original parts only. But still, an option to consider for bringing an old broken toy back to as close to original condition as possible.
If he needs, i can print and send it to him for free, ill consider postage as a donation to the channel. ^~^"
Plus, battery covers are pretty standard. Im sure he can find a door thats the same size and he can paint it beige
The recording distorted like that was nightmare fuel! I would feel like I was In Freddy’s nightmare realm. Haha. Keep up the good work
I bet that would wake you up!
hi i'm big bird i'm gonna take your face.
I'm gonna sample that out of the video and make it my alarm clock sound!
8:47 literally always been my thought when fixing anything. If you fix it you feel accomplished, but if you dont it's ok, if anything you learn something.
I don't think that you synchronised the time fingers with the alarm, all fingers including the alarm finger should be set at twelve o'clock.
Yep...had to do that after I filmed the video! Nice catch!
It's like watching the old guy from Toy Story 2 that fixes Woody after he's damaged.
Ha, ha...totally forgot about that!
Totally similar to Woody's design with the pull string toys too. Was a little trippy for me 😂
Seems like the playback was still slowing down, even after the "tune" of the motor. While decreasing the friction in the motor definitely made a big difference, what is happening is almost certainly that old rubber belt slipping, causing the playback to slow down. It's a common issue on almost all old audio equipment that has belt driven mechanisms, and it's an easy fix, new bands can be found for almost nothing on ebay and other similar sites.
At this point, you've probably already sold it on, but it's still useful knowledge for future reference. :)
I love these friendly competitions, keep 'em coming! :)
Glad you're enjoying!
I was thinking the same thing, I repaired a 60's record player cabinet that had the same problem.
can't believe it basically had a record player inside. so cool.
Thats how they all worked.. even tiny tears..
Being 51 I totally understood how this worked from the start. It was great watching you deduce what everything was and how it worked. Judging where the alarm went off (7:30) I think you have the hands placed wrong. We use Novus 1/2/3 on pinball repair. You can also remove scratches from plastics by flame polishing.
I noticed that hands after I filmed too and fixed them before I shipped it off to the new owner. Thanks for the great comment!
Not all; but, on a lot of these old mechanical alarm bell clocks, if the alarm setting gets off from the hour hand, turning the clock or alarm set backwards will come up against the alarm stop; and thus set the alarm at the hour/minute hand position (even without an alarm pointer)... the requirement was when setting the alarm one should only turn it in in one direction, the correct direction was one which allows the alarm position to pop over the alarm and doesn't come up against the stop; now, while this will only *closely* set the alarm internally to the hour hand position and if one had pressed the alarm hand hour indicator onto the post wrong, it won't fix that and indicates the alarm hour wrong, even though because of using the alarm back stop, it is set right! lol
So, if all works right, the alarm bell position hand pointer can be set the same way, by going in the wrong direction by setting the time first, like with the hour hand, until it hits the alarm stop and won't pass it, so that the alarm is now correctly set based on the time, even if the alarm pointer is not correctly set. Although I have said that not all old mechanical clocks will do that (a disclaimer); I don't recall any that it *wouldn't* work that way. Still best to put the alarm pointer in the correct position to knowing it's set right and getting the alarm hand in the right position.
To ensure that happens, to get the alarm pointer set right. I reiterate:
1: set the *time* (hour/minutes hand) first for any top of the hour mark;
2: adjust the *alarm time* forward until it comes up against the *hour* back stop, this ensures that the *alarm* is 'internally' set to that *time* .
(In one's mind, it's easy to picture that when the *alarm set* is up against the *hour stop*, while measuring time, moving forward, that is the exact position is where the *hour time* slips off the *alarm stop* for triggering.)
3: Then, to set the alarm pointer on the post, move the the *time hand* forward away from the *alarm set*, then;
4: Install the alarm pointer: Push the *alarm hand pointer* onto the *alarm shaft* at the *previously chosen hour* position to ensure it's set properly!
I'm sure I could have, somehow, said that better; but, I duplicate the steps with different wording with hope of ensuring I instruct the person correctly.
It's amazing how cleaning can fix so much, I had a "fixed" nes, the guy said it'll still has 90s issues. I took it apart and cleaned better, now works great.
Totally agree with you that if the world spends a little bit more time repairing all the crap we throw out, there will be so much less trash around. Thumbs up man. I love the message you send out!
I love this more than I can say. The wear on the motor contacts indicate that this was quite heavily used. I love the idea of this being on some kid's bedside table for years, being used every day. How lovely that you've fixed it so it can go to a new home and be used all over again rather than being thrown in the trash.
Had one when I was little. I pried Big Bird and Little bird off and my Mom threw it away shortly after. I seem to recall Big Bird held a green key for winding the clock. Best of luck selling yours!
i looked it up and there was definitely a green key
That curved slot on the back is typically used for adjusting the speed of the clock in case it is running fast or slow. You would use another clock or wristwatch to time the second hand and then adjust it with a small flat head screwdriver by pushing a metal tab inside to the left or right.
Some tips on the motor:
The white plastic part of the motor is called the "end bell".
You might notice that the end bell has two holes in it. Those holes are to allow an end bell "key" to be inserted in to the holes. The key is just two posts that you insert with the motor brushes loaded behind the posts of the key. You can make your own key just by unbending and shaping a large paperclip so that the two ends align with the holes in the end bell. That keeps the brush springs lifted away from the commutator during disassembly/assembly so that the brushes don't get misaligned or interfere with the armature as you remove/replace the end bell in the motor can. When the end bell/can assembly is back together, you simply remove the key which allows the spring brushes to spring back in to contact with the commutator in the correct position.
I work on lots of slot car motors.
Great fix! Love that the second season is going old school and showing that there's more to our beloved things (old and new) than just a bunch of transistors, resistors, capacitors and a bin. Interesting how well long some of these items have lasted over the decades. Season 3 idea... old school tech, toys, things... upgraded with more efficient (?) modern day components? Could just see a new tech vs old tech scrap off between yourselves (possibly with a bit of Colin Furze thrown in for sparks)
That would be a really fun series. It would take a lot of time though so we'd have to do some serious planning. Great idea
That was a great fix!! I never would have imagined that the sound was from a record!! That's really ingenious! I'm very impressed the record was intact and not scratched up! Plus whatever they used for a needle was still working. AND the speaker was more like something from a gramophone that mechanically amplified the sound! Fantastic!
Yes...I was fascinated by this one. I had no idea toys like this worked like that.
TronicsFix Makes me wonder what other devices operate in a similar fashion. Is that how the See and Say works? I always thought it sounded like a record.
Wow, great fix. I remember those little record players from my youth. They were in speaking dolls and stuff like that often with interchangable records too. Love the series guys, nice to see those old goodies come back to life.
Yes, I've learned about those from other commentors. Really cool toys. Glad you're enjoying the series.
Very good video thanks- Ive taken these apart from walking talking dolls and some old 70’s robots. Ive a large collection of these records.
The rubber band doesnt go around the spindle like you assembled it though- the band is supposed to just stay around the turntable like a tire and the spindle touches off ourside of it.
This is why its slowing towards the end of the message.
Also most of my records have a different message on the otherside - eg birdsong in my 1970’s bag of laughs toy. Its clips off the turntable easily.
Thanks for the video!
AHHHHH...that makes total sense! No idea why I didn't think of that. Thanks for letting me know!
You’re knowledge level of electronics is soo intriguing. I love these. Please keep it up.
Correct working ?
Alarm Time set: 7:30
Clock shows 11:50
Had to fix that problem after the video was finished. Good catch though!
I really enjoyed this one Steve. I know all about those record players!!!!!! You will find out why next week :-) Great fix. Well done. Items like this might not make much money on resale but they certainly make a great video :-)
Ha, ha...I'm looking forward to next week! Yes, I think I'll likely lose money on this one, but we'll see. Your last fix made some really nice profit...I may be in trouble in this challenge!
loving this challenge guys! Following both channels now! Can't wait for the next videos from you both. You have inspired me to get busy with my hands and get fixing things!
@@Tronicsfix Don't worry Steve, I promise it is not over for you. Let's just say that I might not have got on so well with the record as well as you did :-)
Thanks Sam H, well that is the main thing. Fixing things can be fun even on cheaper items :-)
@Sam H That's why I make videos!
Fin amazing. I love to learn from your repetitive experiences with consoles but these types of videos prove your genius
Me "is that a little record player...OMG it is!". Very cool video, wish we could have seen the clock mechanism part a little clearer but totally understand filming in that area was probably a nightmare. Thanks for the great content.
Glad you enjoyed. Yes, I wasn't about to take that clock mechanism apart!
I loved seeing this. It instantly reminded me of my childhood. In grade 1 I got one for Christmas. Mine was a Bugs Bunny edition. It said something like "Aaaaah, wake up Doc'." The clock on mine didn't work properly. My Mom said she was going to take it to Santa's workshop. I totally wanted to go to the workshop and I ran after her as she drove down the street crying. Ended up that Santa's boys couldn't fix it and I got a new bike instead.
Great story! I guess a new bike may have made it worth it! Too bad they didn't have UA-cam back then.
i gotta say i love these vids. ive always loved taking stuff apart and putting it together. absolutely love your vids. keepo it up
I love that you fixed a $3 motor. I do the same thing on them. I fix them exactly the same way. did so on my Raggedy Ann and Andy talking clock. Took motor apart, took all the plaque off it and Marvel Mystery Oiled the shaft. and it works like new now.
You can see the battery pull tab on the listing
Thanks for the video. I had an Oscar the Grouch version as a kid and happened to buy one a few years back. Sadly the seller told me the item was working 100% but, I have the same issue you highlighted which is no sound. I also have the added problem that Oscar doesn't pop out of his trash can, lol. You've given me good direction so thank you again for the video.
I subscribed yesterday as I watched you fix the xbox one consoles, but THIS video has made me an addict! Great content! Keep up the great work my man!
Finally found this video being newer to your channel. This was a cool fix and to see that record player in the inside was pretty freaking cool.
This one is pretty cool. I'm glad you and Vince decided to go for round two, I've really been enjoying this series.
So glad you're enjoying it. I'm having a lot of fun with this series.
When I've got a clock and its alarm sounds before or after it should, what I do is to take the clock arms out, turn the screw that changes the hour in which the alarm must sound and when it clicks then I take the battery out and I put all of the clock hands at twelve o'clock. This way all gets perfect. About scratch removers, on the cheap way you can use tooth paste for small scratches or peanut paste for heavy ones.
But then it could put a stain on it
You use them with a bit of water and you wash it later and you also can finish it using "Pronto"; a wax spray for furnitures. Always with a microfiber cloth. Peanut paste is only for heavy scratches; for example to polish your car's headlights.
Really enjoying your repair challenge videos, especially now you're doing pre-80s gear.
Glad you're enjoying them!
Agreed, love this video series and have subbed both guys channels :)
Born in 1974 myself so it's interesting to see what kind of (electronic) toys there were available back then. Didn't have any electronic toys myself in the 70's, except a TV game in the late 70's (Conic TV-game, a Pong clone, still have it, needs some fixing though) so for exmple the Speak & Spell in the last video was really interesting. I'm from Finland so most likely that thing wasn't even available here.
Interesting way for the talking feature in this clock as well, a mini record player :)
I know I'm a couple of years too late, but this reminds me of the time I found a basic DVD player near the trash compactor in the complex I lived in. It had a broken power switch, so I took it apart and realized that the pole that the power switch assembly screwed into was broken off. I went to the hardware store to find a longer screw. I bought one, and screwed it in rethreading the pole, and bingo, it worked. Repairing alleged "junk" with easy fixes is fun.
love these UK v USA Amateure v Pro videos. Keeps em coming! - all the best from Bradford UK.
Glad you're enjoying them! I'm having fun as well!
without their key and original packaging, can sell for between $40 - $60.
Have you checked if the plastic record had a B-side; would be awesome to find a hidden track :)
I like how there's a little hole for you to put a tool through to hold the rubber band while you put the housing together, then you can pull the tool out to release it onto the motor shaft. They obviously thought about how to assemble it by hand.
I had one of these in the early 90s I also had the matching big bird lamp! Dude you’re bringing back recessed memories!
That's actually super cool! The voice clip of big bird is played on a tiny little vinyl record. I just think that's something of it's time.
That was fun to watch. I was going to say that you might be able to 3d print a battery cover, but obviously many viewers have pointed that out long ago.
I applaud you for keeping it totally original and getting that to work. Ultimately if it were really meant to be restored for long term replacing that ultra-cheap motor with something more robust would be a good fix. In any case good one.
If it was a restoration video and I was rebuilding it I probably would have. Since I was in a time crunch I couldn't really do that.
That first play of the record was the stuff of nightmares, I wouldn't be able to go back to sleep lol.
"Hey Google. . .
Tell Big Bird to wake me up tomorrow at 6:30AM"
Now that's a good idea! Need to make one of these a smart, connected alarm clock!
It's "ok google"
@@nathanmead140 you can say "hey Google" as well
Dear God, no! I have enough time wasted messing with Cortana and Siri........
Would love a before and after photo side by side after the cleaning process :) I really loved this video and how the sound works - I'm stunned that it's possible to repair that motor.
Great fix - looked very satisfying - shame con merchant wouldn't admit it had the battery cover missing !!!
Back in the 80's cars had a very similar record player to say "Key is in the Ignition". Big Bird is also turned some, he's supposed to face forward. He's also missing the wind up key !!
I had a Batman and Robin version of this clock growing up! The motor definitely was an issue after a few years of use as they started to talk really slow then wouldn't talk at all. Wish I still had it so I could fix it now.
Very cool repair =D I used to have a "clone" action man type toy that had a similar minuture record player built in. It's amazing they used to embed miniture records like that into toys.
Ya, really cool. I never had anything like this so had no idea they worked like that. I want to buy more old talking toys now!
Fun fix. I kind of liked the sound of Big Bird on ludes waking me up.
So far it’s definitely my fav... that’s just crazy a mini record player!
I would try and find a replacement battery door that fits that you can list in the sale. Even if it isn't original I think it would help it sell faster and for more.
It probably would but I had to get it up and sold quickly so I had to sell it with the door.
Like always you're perfect. Well done dear Steve.
I like your videos, but i think these pre 80's videos are so far my favorite.
Not in a million years would I have thought there was a tiny record player in there...
Ya, I had no idea either!
It was the 70's, what else could it have been.
During the fixing: Neat!
When it plays: Holy heck! Express ship it!!!
I assume, that black bits of plastic is motor pulley, thats why is playing slowly than normal. You can see nurling on the motor shaft, it is done when its intended to mould plastic around it to get better mechanical bond. Nice job. 😊
Man, that particular motor was used in so many different pieces of electronics. Extremely common.
Also, the voice from that box is terrifying.
Great video,I follow both you and Vince,both do great content.Vince may have the jump on ya in this one,he did awesome on the tin can alley game,but not over til its over.Good luck to both of you.
Yes, he made a really good profit on that but we'll see. It's definitely not over.
Both items you've worked on in this challenge so far I had as a kid. Kinda freaky coincidence.
Cool! That must be fun seeing them again!
whoa that record player as a sound source is soooooo cool, i love this
WD-40 Electrical spray works wonders. I spray it on all my electronic fixes. works amazing.
It slows down when the needle is reading the outer parts of the disk, because the momentum caused by the needle friction gets bigger the farther away from the center it is.
I used to have one when I was a kid brought back memories. Love your vids
Cool! Glad you enjoyed watching!
That was an awesome entertaining fix! More videos with vintage stuff to fix please Steave!
Love your work on things, it's so satisfying to watch. Keep on fixing!
The small partial circle on the back of the clock is to adjust how fast the clock runs.
More of these vids please :D
Was really cool to see how they fit a tiny record in there!
I think that round thing is like a vinyl record to play the sound, hey you got it.
Haha! Nice job.
I repair a lot of watches & clocks for a hobby.... I would say you did good! You may have omitted it for artistic or creative reasons, but the hands do need to be set in a position that synchronizes with the alarm. I'm assuming you did that....
For future reference, if you are taking apart a clock, 1st SET then hands to a "known" time... Some techs like all the hands straight up at 12... I personally like hour at 6, minute at 12, seconds at 12, just to avoid any complications with the "date" function of a watch... THEN remove the hands... When you go to replace the hands, everything should be the same. Some center posts have slight flat spots?? Especially in clocks. So that can help as well.
I was yelling at the screen "It's a tiny record player!!!" but you got there on your own, so.... Good Job. Not sure you're ever going to get the playback speed, although I feel like your test battery was a little dead. The playback started off pretty good in each test, and slowed down the longer it played. Battery should definitely read 1.5 or over on a new battery, so, 1.4, most devices will start to die at that voltage....
Anyways, for the cleaning, you really could have used polish #1, couldn't you?? Or the stuff you used on the speak & spell, I was kind of impressed with that. The orange plastic definitely looked deeper orange, and healthier....
You might try Topcoat F11 also... Crazy expensive, but I seem to have fallen in love with the results.... There are other similar things though...
First time we heard the alarm sound, is more than plenty enough to scare the kids out of bed. lol, As you said, what an amazing piece of vintage toy/clock... Enjoying the content but still rooting for the UK side, I'm a little biased :D
By the way, have you thought about linking to this video on your ebay listing ?
Ha, ha...I thought the same thing when I heard it. That would DEFINITELY wake me up in a hurry! My items have already sold by the time the video goes live.
I like the time lapse with clock. It would be neat to have a clock there all the time.
One thing i learned from you and Vince IPA to the rescue 90 percent it fixes the problem.
IPA works wonders for so many things.
Probably to late now, but with that battery door you should have been able to make one with thick cardboard and a "Plastic Dip" or "a couple coats of Vinyl paint", Now if a clip is needed I rummage around to see what might work, Paper clips are great for that, also Ice-Cream containers or a margarine top lip Hot glued to the card board before painting can also be a good choice for many battery clipped compartments..
What is the blue squared bottle that you are putting the q tip on?
Nice restoration and fix! Awesome video. 🙂
Glad you enjoyed it. This was a fun one.
I just wanna know what football game you were watching on your mobile from about 4 to 4:30
Those little talk boxes were in many toys... The "laughing" one was famous for use in dolls. Basically a mini gramaphone.
Big Bird should be holding a large green plastic key that fits over the winder inside so it's not really complete for a collector which is a shame,otherwise a great video,really enjoyed this fix
You should ohm out the windings of the motor before applying power. There is potential to further damage the motor by applying power to a shorted motor. Only seen brushless dc motors that small was cool to see what I assume is a really small shaded pole.
Even when you didn't make as much money like on the other things this was the most interesting one of them all!
The moment I saw that black disk I knew it was a mini record. It's a fascinating device indeed
You should find a big Bird radio... The one where he sits on his nest... I have one without the radio underneath and one with the radio....
Was the little alarm lever missing? It should be where the curved slot is on the back of the clock. Thats how you set your alarm.
I used to have a talking Action Man, UK equivalent to a US GI Joe. It had the same sort of mini record player in it except it had a pull cord that charged a clockwork motor instead of an electric one.
That's awesome! This old stuff is so cool. I might have to try and find one of those to check out!
long time ago yes and it was cool.
Great job! I had a "Bag Of Laughs" that had the same talking part. I think the record in it was 2-sided too.
You need a reset the hour and minute hands the alarm hand is pointing at about 7:30 and it's showing its about 11:51 ish
But dude thats still an awesome fix
I love your attitude. I cut my nails the same way, down to the stubs. Love your channel. Just subbed.
Nice fix Steve and very cool clock gotta love big 🐦
Dang! That record was creepy sh*t hahahahahahah. Love your videos man been binge watching since yesterday. Got myself subscribed also
Ya, it was weird! Glad you're enjoying them!
I had once something like that, but just the sound generator part. nice.
This seems like something techmoan would review.
Where can u get a replacement motor. I got mine working but believe I may have messed up the two fine opposing internal copper wires when reassembling.
Wonder if a 3-d printer would help solve battery cover issues if you do this on a regular basis.
On the back of the clock their is a c shape with a piece of metal sticking through, you use this to adjust the speed of the clock
Beats is basically a small turntable used as a child, demolished, I open everything and swapped the records to another device haha knocked the text not more ;)) fun fix this one
Holy crap, I haven't heard the Big Bird alarm in sooo many years!