Expert: Michael Radi - 1/25/2009

Question
QUESTION: I purchased a new suspension spring for my new Koma Dome clock and I cannot get the pendulum to keep swinging. Can you explain how the clock makes the spring turn.  I have two small cogs moving at the end of the minute hand at the back and a cam with one rubber end.  Does the suspension pin fit into the two cogs that makes the cam move.  This action does not keep the pendulum moving.  This is my first suspension clock and I frustrated that I cannot get the spring moving.  Regards Den.

ANSWER: Is this a battery operated clock?
It sure sounds like one. Can you send me a digital photo of the back of the clock where the cam is?
Who did you get the spring from?
Was it a complete unit with the blocks and fork on it?
Thanks, Michael


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Michael, thanks for your reply!
I have taken a pic of the back of the clock where the cam is and put it at http://img301.imageshack.us/my.php?image=suc32015mk7.jpg
The spring came from this purchase - http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260281781730&ssPageName=ADME:
It was only the suspension spring/s.
Hope this info helps!
Den

Answer
Thanks for the great photo and all the other information.
One thing strikes me as looking odd is that the top block is sideways from the way they usually sit. Is this the way the clock always was?
Also, it looks like the fork should be on the other side of the silver plate. It is on the left side. I can't see what is on the right side but I'm guessing that it is the rotating part that kicks the fork to kkep it going. Generally, as the penulum rotates counter clock wise as you look down on it. The fork will travel to the left and end up at the right side of that silver plate. Then a star wheel or other moving object will give it a push and the pendulum will change direction and rotate the other direction.
If you need more help, please give me a photo from another angle so I can see what is to the right of that plate.
Michael