Bell & Howell DCT - no audio on track 1

[Alan Paterson]

Hi folks,
I've got a wee problem with a Bell & Howell DCT twin track that I received today from a seller on EBay. When I turn the track switch to Track 1, the green LED above it does not light up and I get no audio, not even amp hum when I wind the volume all the way up. I have only heard faint sound like distant thunder.
By comparison, when I do the same with the switch in Track 2 position, the green LED lights up and I get amp hum as I would expect when winding the volume up.
As most Mono soundtrack films have the sound on Track 1, this is an issue.

Having read over previous suggestions on the Forum for sound issues on the DCT, I've tried winding the volume for Track 1 up and down several times rapidly with no film running. I have also tried pressing the record button rapidly in quick succession with Track 1 chosen. At no time has the green LED for Track 1 lit up.
After doing this I still have no volume on Track 1.

I've tried listening on the internal speaker as well as a Craven external speaker. No sound on Track 1, but plenty of hum on Track 2.
Has anyone experienced this or a similar problem on the DCT?
My feeling is that either Track 1 is not properly being selected by the switch or some component has packed up for amplification of Track 1.
Any help or advice gratefully received.
Many thanks
Alan

[Mike Newell]

Hi Alan

The lights are sort of on and there is hum. I remember a collector having identical problem years ago. After much investigation I think it was the sound head. Can’t remember if he fitted a replacement sound head or fiddled around and got it working. Alignment or gunge on it. They are pretty indestructible unless dropped from a very high height.

Identical to Sankyos but much less temperamental.

If no joy. If sold as working return to the eBay seller.

[Leon Norris]

Hi Alan, I had three of these machines. And never had a problem. I sold one and I have two now. Your problem could be the micro switch. It is ether the switch or needs cleaning. Because the amp is still working. These machines are made by Sankyo. So try that and see what happens. Good luck. Leon.

[Alan Paterson]

Thanks for your help, guys. I'll pursue both avenues. I went looking for a 5 pin DIN to 3.5mm stereo lead so I could test the unamplified output by plugging it into my Yamaha amp. If I get no sound, then it's not being picked up at the head. I have leads for every occasion except this one. EBay gets another sale. If I solve the problem, I'll post the solution on here. Many thanks Alan

PS- I cleaned the microswitch with contact cleaner yesterday. Still no joy.

[Leon Norris]

You might have to replace it. Because they do go bad. So far I never had a problem with mine. I have a total of 25 machines. In my collection.

[Alan Paterson]

Thanks Leon, I've sent the problematic projector off to have the problem investigated by a professional. I'll keep you updated on the outcome. Many thanks Alan

[Alan Paterson]

Here's the solution, folks. When you take the front panel off the projector (the one that covers the knobs and switches) you can see a couple of long levers that go from the track selector switch all the way across to near the record switch. The track 2 lever was doing what it should but the Track 1 lever wasn't. It had become misaligned and wasn't being helped by some old grease that had gone hard and sticky. Grease removed, lever repositioned to make contact with a cam. New grease applied (Molycote 33 medium silicone grease). New grease was also applied to the front worm gear as the old stuff was sticky. Two new belts fitted. The projector now runs smoothly. The Track 1 LED lights up and I'm happy. Yay!

[Mike Newell]

Well Done Alan. That Eureka moment. You will be well pleased with that model of projector. Easy maintenance, 150 watt ligh, great workhorse , kind on films and forgiving on sound reproduction and twerks that Elmo and Sankyo projectors always seem to find and amplify.