Herschede problem

Posted: Tue Sep 30, 2008 4:39 am     Post subject: Herschede problem

Hi,

I have a Herschede with a 9-tubular bell clock mechanism. It worked fine, until I carefully moved it across town. After that, the pendulum would function properly for 20-40 minutes before it would start to wobble with a front/back twist motion, thereby distorting the natural pendulum swing, and ultimately leading to a stopped peundulum. I replaced the pendulum suspension spring and that did not stop the problem.

I noticed today, however, that the time train weight/cable system has not appeared to move at all, while the strike train and chime train weight/cable systems have been moving when I have advanced the time by hand. All quarter hour chimes and hour strikes work properly. Any idea why the time train has not moved and can that be the problem leading to my wobbling pendulum action which stops the clock?

Thanks for any help you can render.

Posted: Thu Oct 02, 2008 2:49 am     Post subject: Herschede update: Troubleshooting

Hi,
I have an update to report. I removed the pendulum off my clock this morning and let it run all day, which was about 14 hours. During that time, the cables unwound enough off their barrels to get rid of any crossed over portions, so all cables were aligned properly in their barel grooves (and yes, the time train works fine and has been moving). I then wound the cables and raised the weights up to their appropriate heights and again, the cables wound perfectly into their barrel grooves. I then reattached the pendulum and it stopped swininging after 30 to 40 minutes again.

So, as a simple observation, can I logically deduce that the problem lies within the pendulum because the mechanism worked all day long with it removed, but stopped shortly after replacing it? Any ideas or diagnosis would be appreciated.

Thanks a lot.

Posted: Thu Oct 02, 2008 1:26 pm     Post subject:

Couple of things to check for:

1.) Check to make certain the clock is level. Check the movement seat-board specifically (the portion the movement is mounted to). Place a level on the mounting surface and adjust the clock case until it is level side to side and front to back.

2.) Make certain your suspension spring is not broken. While you had said you replaced it already - this may not be an issue. If, however, even one of the metal suspension bands are broken, the pendulum will not continue to swing (as I just recently saw on a customer movement).

3.) Beat adjustment - The pendulum leader (which hangs from the suspension spring and which the pendulum is attached to) usually sits within an arm referred to as a crutch arm. With Klockit's Hermle movements, this arm must swing an equal distance from vertical center to left as it does when swinging from vertical center to right. This makes certain the movement is within beat (and keeps the pendulum swinging). An adjustment can be made to this arm so that it swings equally from center to left/right. Consult your movement manual for directions on beat adjustment.

These are three very general suggestions. Please note that I am no expert in mechanical movements - having only general knowledge at best. But I do think it is feasible that the move could have jostled the crutch arm and put your pendulum system slightly out of beat. Also make certain that clock is level in its new location...

Posted: Fri Oct 03, 2008 4:36 am     Post subject: Herschede Fixed

Thanks for your suggestions. Apparently the clock was out of beat. After adjusting the nut located near the top of the pendulum, I was able to get the pendulum beat fairly even and it has run all day without problems. I believe all is now well. thanks again.