Weird Leslie behavior (B3/122)

[SylvStuart]

So a local church has asked me to do some work on a B3/122 rig and I'be never encountered a switching scheme like I see n this one. Basically the two
position half moon switch switches from slow to fast and runs at fast for about 10 seconds and then stops completely. Switching back to “on” re-activates slow and rotation stays at slow until switched to fast (“off”) and the stop cycle starts again after the 10 seconds of fast.
That, and I notice that both upper and lower rotors spin in the same direction.
(On the back panel the 147 label has been crossed out and 122 has been written over it with a felt pen)

Very strange piece of work by somebody. Anyone here ever encounter this type
of thing?

[tiredoldgeezer]

Leslies with amps changed out? Oh Nooooooo... never! <nyuk, nyuk>
That's the only difference. Someone unplugged the 147 amp and slid it out and slid in a 122. 80% the same, but it's compatible with a B3 instead of a line level signal. No harm, no foul, really.
Good techs will chime in, but i'd look at the relay, natch. Because it's often more than one thing, it could also be the switch.
Does it just slow down? Like the motor has too much load? Or does it slow quickly like being switched off?
Either way, notta big thing.

[Jaim]

Motors stop? Is there a EIS/Trek II Solid state relay installed? If the switching tube is missing - then yes.

If No - Connect the motors to an extension cord to test each set slow and fast. It is possible the mechanical relay contacts are pitted or the relay is hanging.

Jim

[SylvStuart]

Thanks!

First thing I thought was a tube problem but their all there and seem to be fine. Everything looks stock and untouched for years so I'll be opening t

[SylvStuart]

(Oops) ...opening the cabinet up to see what might be going on inside and do the routine maintenance.

Philosophically though, it's a three speed Leslie with a two speed switch, with fast running only for a few seconds (I'll time it next time).
Operationally most people don't run on fast for very long anyways.
Switching routine goes like this:
Default is slow (chorale), switch to fast for effect then it “auto switches” to stop, player resets on the half moon to slow...repeat.
Note: there's no way to switch directly from stop to fast, but you do get three speeds.
Deliberate?

[muckelroy]

What's there to deliberate? Is this a 122 or 122a? Is a factory brake add-on installed? Is there an aftermarket solid state relay installed?

The fact that the rotors spin in the same direction indicates either a 122a with one of the
motor wires reversed (harmless) or it's a early single speed Leslie with an aftermarket speed controller. No one can help you without details of what is installed here.

[David Anderson]

I know that this advice is often not well-received, but I feel like I should post it anyway. I started to and then deleted it once.

Doing DIY on your own gear is much different from working on other people's gear, especially for a church. If you are going to do this kind of work for others, you should have comprehensive knowledge, before your walk in the door, of how 122 and 147 motor switching works, what the common problems are, and how to diagnose and fix them. You should be able to pop the backs off the organ and Leslie in a few minutes and determine what kind of Leslie kit has been installed and whether or not there are any weird modifications. If there are, you should be prepared to offer them options in terms of returning the whole system to safe and reliable operating condition.

It might seem like I'm being mean in saying this, but I'm not. You take on responsibilities working on other people's gear that are different from your responsibilities for working on your own. If you are over your head, even if your intentions are the best in the world and you're just trying to help someone out, you can quickly get into trouble.

[SylvStuart]

All good medicine and very well received. I've been diddling with Hammond's and Leslie's for a few decades now and only try to help where I can, mostly for folks that can't afford a professional tech. Sometime this week I will open the Leslie completely and see what's going on inside.
Many thanks for the advice.