History Incorrect chiming sequence.

[FrankL]

I am trying to get a clock I am working on to chime in the correct sequence.
It is a Westminster Chiming clock. Please see my analysis below and included photos, plus some videos from my DropBox where the issue can be heard.

I’ve tried taking out and rotating the start position of the strike pin barrel (which is actually a moulded plastic). But to no avail.

I’d totally confused! Thanks in advance for any of your wise and experienced advice.

Issue Analysis…
I've analysed chiming patterns and it just seems out of sync with the chiming breaks as is shown between the red lines below, instead of coming at the end of each shown line.
These numbers are the bars of the music, not to be confused with the chiming bars (Rods).

The numbers written under each note is the rod to be struck by the hammer.
In fact there are 5 chiming rods. Rod 5 seems only to be used with rods 3&4 for the hour chiming.

DropBox videos…
Here's a link to hear the 15,30,45 minute and hour chimes in my Dropbox:
Westminster Chime Clock

Photos…

 

[FrankL]

I can't see how to edit my post. But here is an updated diagram of the Westminster Chimes, which I hope is less confusing...

 

[John P]

Frank, here is how to set it up.
1 allow the 1/4 chime to run, minute hand at 15 min past.
2 Block fan with paper clip.
3 loosen screw on the chime drive wheel (top one on back of movement)
4 rotate plastic chime drum until you see 4 descending hammer strikes ( 1/4 chime )
5 tighten down that screw.
6 remove paper clip and move minute hand to 1/2 past the hour and you should have 8 hammer strikes.

You may need to make slight adjustments to make sure no hammer is left up after chime runs but that is it.

hope that helps
johnp

 

[FrankL]

Frank, here is how to set it up.
1 allow the 1/4 chime to run, minute hand at 15 min past.
2 Block fan with paper clip.
3 loosen screw on the chime drive wheel (top one on back of movement)
4 rotate plastic chime drum until you see 4 descending hammer strikes ( 1/4 chime )
5 tighten down that screw.
6 remove paper clip and move minute hand to 1/2 past the hour and you should have 8 hammer strikes.

You may need to make slight adjustments to make sure no hammer is left up after chime runs but that is it.

hope that helps
johnp

Many thanks John. Just a couple (4!) of questions, as I feel like a numpty on this!
Step 2. What fan? I don't see a fan.
Step 3. Not sure about the 'chime drive wheel'? Where is this?
Step 4. As in rods 1,2,3,4 being struck in turn?
Step 6. As in rods 3,1,2,4 then 3,2,1,3 being struck in turn?

Are any pictures and/or diagrams available please?

 

[John P]

The fan, also called governor, controls the speed of the train running. Chime and strike both have a fan. (top wheel}
Chime drive wheel (as stated) is on the back of the movement and has a screw to hold it in position.
You may be overthinking this simple procedure.

 

[FrankL]

The fan, also called governor, controls the speed of the train running. Chime and strike both have a fan. (top wheel}
Chime drive wheel (as stated) is on the back of the movement and has a screw to hold it in position.
You may be overthinking this simple procedure.

Indeed I will probably realise how simple it is - when I can do it! In the mean time, different names for different parts is confusing for me. The devil is in the detail me thinks.Please don’t think me ungrateful, as I truly am. On this diagram, have I identified the parts you are referring to correctly? TIA.

 

[Willie X]

"Ratio wheel". That is the proper name for what you loosen to adjust the chime sequence.. It may have 2 set screws.

Forget about the rod numbering ... This is a Hermle 340 series movement. The most common chimer ever made.

On the quarter the short rod is struck first, the next longest rod second, etc, etc. 1-2-3-4, straight across, that's it.

Re-read John's post #3.

Willie X

 

[shutterbug]

When you loosen the screw on the ratio wheel, it should stay in place as you turn the chime drive wheel. It might help to turn the ratio wheel instead. When you get it in place, tighten the screw and you should be good. Just be sure that the train does not move, just the back wheel(s).

 

[Willie X]

Another point (from the photo) your clock has some severe wear. It may not run at all, or maybe for just a short while.

So, now will be a good time to learn how to repair/overhall a 340 series Hermle clock, or seek out someone who can do this work for you, or seek out a source for a new movement.

Willie X

 

[FrankL]

Frank, here is how to set it up.
1 allow the 1/4 chime to run, minute hand at 15 min past.
2 Block fan with paper clip.
3 loosen screw on the chime drive wheel (top one on back of movement)
4 rotate plastic chime drum until you see 4 descending hammer strikes ( 1/4 chime )
5 tighten down that screw.
6 remove paper clip and move minute hand to 1/2 past the hour and you should have 8 hammer strikes.

You may need to make slight adjustments to make sure no hammer is left up after chime runs but that is it.

hope that helps
johnp

I’m sorry it has taken a while but I want to belatedly thank you John for your advice (& the advice of others too).
I followed the procedure you provided and the chiming sequence is now correct.
Thank you and best wishes.