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Time-O-Matic Chaser light control box repair

posted by butternut73 on April 1, 2008 at 7:55am

Hey there,

Does anyone have any contact names for parts to repair a Time-O-Matic Model #2 chaser light controller? This is a mechanical unit from the late 1940’s and the silver soldiered contacts need to be rebuilt/replaced. All they are is a brass bolt with extra fine threads with a glob of silver on the head of the bolt. 

I might try a jeweler, but thought I’d try here first.

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YOUR COMMENTS

 
Have you contacted the manufacturer?

Time-O-Matic (Watchfire Signs)
1015 Maple Street
Danville, Ill. 61832-0850
Phone: 1-800-637-2645 or (217) 442-0611
www.timeomatic.com (redirects to watchfiresigns.com)


Model two was made in two version: 3 circuit (model 2-6133 or 16378) and 4 circuit (model 2-6144 or 16379).

The parts you are looking for are:
# 4240 Movable M2 contact & lead assembly (the moving contact)

# 54047 Stationary M2 contact stud assembly (the fixed contact)

Other parts are:
# 26507 Universal replacement coil kit, 115 volt 50/60 hz (contains only one coil in the kit)

# 54099 Model 2 torsion spring

# 5096 Nylon block for 2-6133 & 2-6144

# 2410 M2 Ball bearing & eccentric assy for 2-6133 & 2-6144

# 2430 M2 Shaft & ball bearing assembly
posted by Ken Layton on Apr 1, 2008 at 9:59am
Hey Ken

Thanks for that. I just tried calling them, but was told that there is another company 'in town' that services their older products and may have the parts. I'll give them a try in the morning. Do you think they would have a service manual too?
posted by butternut73 on Apr 1, 2008 at 10:13pm
If you are looking for a alternative solution for the chaser controls, please email me. Our theatre controls were completely gone, but I found a unit that will work well and can be changed at any time. Email me at norskinelson@hotmail.com
posted by Glenn Nelson on Apr 2, 2008 at 12:41pm
No luck with either place, Ken. I'm back to square one. You're right...I need the studs and the contacts with leads. Hmmmmmmm...

Any other ideas? I am grandfathered for the lights on my building and the moment I upgrade, I've been told I have to not have them flashing since they are not allowed under the bylaw.

Glenn...I will email you too.

mike meadowvale@shaw.ca
posted by butternut73 on Apr 2, 2008 at 10:09pm
You could buy a new replacement chaser from a competitor company like FMS Corporation (www.fmsneon.com) and their model 33 chasers/flashers. Maybe the contacts from their chasers will work in yours?
posted by Ken Layton on Apr 3, 2008 at 8:36am
Also try Signatrol (no website, Signatrol.com now goes to some company in England making data loggers) at 714 Garfield Park, Danville, Illinois 61832 phone: (217) 446-1160, Fax: (217) 446-1166

They make the model 20 and 30 high speed border chasers. Again you might be able to use parts from their model to fix yours or simply purchase a new chaser. Most sign ordinances will allow you to repair the chase function by installing replacement parts (like a new chaser altogether, hint hint). It's hidden inside the sign anyway.
posted by Ken Layton on Apr 3, 2008 at 8:50am
butternut73: there's an old company in Glendale WI formerly called LEE ENGINEERING but now known as EM INSTRUMENTS, phone 414/247-1127, who in the past have repaired similar parts for me. Give them a call and describe the individual part repair work you require, and they'll probably be able to give them a new lease on life. Good luck.
posted by G. Feret on Apr 3, 2008 at 9:09am
I spoke to the 'sign police' late last week and I HAVE to repair the existing unit. Otherwise I lose my grandfathered rights to having non-conforming lights and I would have to fall under the current zoning regulations. So...back to square one. Ken, you're right about the parts I need. Now all I have to do is find someone who stocks them. Thanks again.
posted by butternut73 on Apr 6, 2008 at 6:59am
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