The Amana set also had lighted controls. Was that the last set to have them?
SPEED QUEEN PREVIEWS THEIR NEW CONTROL PANELS FOR THEIR TOP LOAD WASHERS!!!
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launderess
Well-known member
Do they have to follow the govt. regs on ALL machines
If appliance manufacturers want federal R&D funds/tax credits and the all important use of the "Energy Star" label they do.
No law is stopping any white goods maker from producing washing machines that "guzzle" water and or energy, it is just that with free federal money why spend their own. Also consumers are becoming more and more programmed to seek out "Energy Star" rated appliances, not to mention various rebate schemes.
Don't know about elsewhere but households in NYC have been hit with water rate hikes yearly for the past several. Apartment dwellers including co-ops and condos are often somewhat sheltered because certain multi-family buildings do not have individual meters per unit, but all private homes here have had them by law for over a decade now. Worse still NYC recently switched all meters over to those electronic versions that transmit information via radio waves. Many here swear the things are inaccurate but the city is standing by them. One local homeowner in Staten Island got a water bill for several hundred dollars even though the house was empty that month because of renovations.
If appliance manufacturers want federal R&D funds/tax credits and the all important use of the "Energy Star" label they do.
No law is stopping any white goods maker from producing washing machines that "guzzle" water and or energy, it is just that with free federal money why spend their own. Also consumers are becoming more and more programmed to seek out "Energy Star" rated appliances, not to mention various rebate schemes.
Don't know about elsewhere but households in NYC have been hit with water rate hikes yearly for the past several. Apartment dwellers including co-ops and condos are often somewhat sheltered because certain multi-family buildings do not have individual meters per unit, but all private homes here have had them by law for over a decade now. Worse still NYC recently switched all meters over to those electronic versions that transmit information via radio waves. Many here swear the things are inaccurate but the city is standing by them. One local homeowner in Staten Island got a water bill for several hundred dollars even though the house was empty that month because of renovations.
pierreandreply4
Well-known member
sure electronic control panels are nice but the only trouble is if you pause the machine the electronic panel turns it self off and i can predict that alot will went a refurbish second hand set because newer model usaly comes with a raise in price depending on the components and i do not have a water meter but it do not mean that i agree and i remember seeing back in 1992 a dependable care maty with electronic controls a model like in this pic but the controls where electronic me in my eyes and book and do not say i am wrong could have engergy star washers but stick with the good old fashion timer dial that you pull to start and push to stop.
launderess
Well-known member
IIRC The Story Correctly
Fully electronic/motherboard controls are now cheaper to produce than mechanical or even electronic/mechanical versions so the latter are being used less and less. Since they aren't be used those who made them either went out of business or moved on to something else.
Fully electronic controls allow appliances to seem more upscale than perhaps they really are. Great for slapping onto what otherwise would have been a BOL or MOL appliance years ago and thus allowing higher price points.
Fully electronic/motherboard controls are now cheaper to produce than mechanical or even electronic/mechanical versions so the latter are being used less and less. Since they aren't be used those who made them either went out of business or moved on to something else.
Fully electronic controls allow appliances to seem more upscale than perhaps they really are. Great for slapping onto what otherwise would have been a BOL or MOL appliance years ago and thus allowing higher price points.
That Maytag pair looks just like my 1984 LA511 and LDE410 that still run perfect after 28 years. I guess being old school, I would prefer the regular mechanical controls if I was ever to buy a new Speed Queen, which would be my only choice in new machines. But hopefully I can keep these Maytags going for as long as I am still able to do laundry.
Love that electronic Amana set!!
@ combo, where are you getting your info from about SP warranty issues with timers? No one on FB, over 1000 likes, has mentioned that, and no one on this site, and I think we are the biggest SQ fans, has mentioned it either??? So where are you getting your facts from??
Mike
@ combo, where are you getting your info from about SP warranty issues with timers? No one on FB, over 1000 likes, has mentioned that, and no one on this site, and I think we are the biggest SQ fans, has mentioned it either??? So where are you getting your facts from??
Mike
Speed Queen Relibilty
I own a SQ dealer and we do warranty work, I also have a friend in Cleveland Ohio who does the same and he is disgusted with the quality of the TL washers Timers. SQ washers in general have far more problems in the first few years than WP or GE laundry. They are very much like MTs in the 1970s and 80s. This is both good and bad as both machines were well built, but both suffered from a lot of early failures being smaller companies. The inlet valves that SQ uses are not that all that great, we have had quite a few that did not shut off and caused floods.
Conventional timers are not used in many machines any longer and they have been cheapened over the last decade so I would expect them not to be as good as they once were. We have also seen these types of problems with ovens that still have mechanical controls for the ovens, the thermostats are very cheap and don't hold up well.
I own a SQ dealer and we do warranty work, I also have a friend in Cleveland Ohio who does the same and he is disgusted with the quality of the TL washers Timers. SQ washers in general have far more problems in the first few years than WP or GE laundry. They are very much like MTs in the 1970s and 80s. This is both good and bad as both machines were well built, but both suffered from a lot of early failures being smaller companies. The inlet valves that SQ uses are not that all that great, we have had quite a few that did not shut off and caused floods.
Conventional timers are not used in many machines any longer and they have been cheapened over the last decade so I would expect them not to be as good as they once were. We have also seen these types of problems with ovens that still have mechanical controls for the ovens, the thermostats are very cheap and don't hold up well.
Timers on SQ's.....
John,
I've actually heard something similar to what you've said from a timer reconditioner here in Australia.
He noticed a lot of Speed Queen timers were failing around the 6 year mark and said i would probably have the same issue with my SQ in due time.
He said it was something to do with the 'tolerances'? Does that sound familiar at all?
Cheers
Leon
John,
I've actually heard something similar to what you've said from a timer reconditioner here in Australia.
He noticed a lot of Speed Queen timers were failing around the 6 year mark and said i would probably have the same issue with my SQ in due time.
He said it was something to do with the 'tolerances'? Does that sound familiar at all?
Cheers
Leon
angus
Well-known member
Same thing happened with my SQ timer this year just at the six year mark. The repairman acknowledged that there were "some issues" with early SQ timers but it still cost me around $200 give or take a few $$ to replace it.
Still relatively satisfied with my SQ though and right now am struggling with a decision. I am turning a room that is now used infrequently as an office into a laundry room and am considering whether to switch to a stackable front load set to maximize space. Still in the beginning planning stages so still a little time, but what to do, what to do...
Still relatively satisfied with my SQ though and right now am struggling with a decision. I am turning a room that is now used infrequently as an office into a laundry room and am considering whether to switch to a stackable front load set to maximize space. Still in the beginning planning stages so still a little time, but what to do, what to do...
I don't normally fill out surveys, but I had to fill this one out!
I honestly hope we can give the engineers at Alliance some great ideas so that we can make a perfect machine even better, sans the electromechanical timer.
I wish Alliance would take a page from Breville and get design input into their products from online communities which are extremely passionate about their hobby.
Then I hope the engineers will say, "Wow, why didn't I think of that?"
Part of me has always wanted to build my own computer controlled washing machine. I could make all kinds of strange and bizarre cycles that make absolutely no sense whatsoever.
I honestly hope we can give the engineers at Alliance some great ideas so that we can make a perfect machine even better, sans the electromechanical timer.
I wish Alliance would take a page from Breville and get design input into their products from online communities which are extremely passionate about their hobby.
Then I hope the engineers will say, "Wow, why didn't I think of that?"
Part of me has always wanted to build my own computer controlled washing machine. I could make all kinds of strange and bizarre cycles that make absolutely no sense whatsoever.
mrb627
Well-known member
Touchscreen
Go one better and put a touchscreen on the front of it. Then let the user design his/her own cycles...
Malcolm
Go one better and put a touchscreen on the front of it. Then let the user design his/her own cycles...
Malcolm
let the user design his/her own cycles...
Personally, I do not believe the average U.s. consumer has the expertise, understanding, or even cares enough to have the ability to do that extensive enough of "programming" flexibility when doing laundry. Me, I am a picky sorter and would utilize it extensively. I'd like the same for a dishwasher and dryer too.
Personally, I do not believe the average U.s. consumer has the expertise, understanding, or even cares enough to have the ability to do that extensive enough of "programming" flexibility when doing laundry. Me, I am a picky sorter and would utilize it extensively. I'd like the same for a dishwasher and dryer too.
COmbo52
You sold me two machines that are going to flood my basement??
"The inlet valves that SQ uses are not that all that great, we have had quite a few that did not shut off and caused floods."
I want my money back. Tisk TIsk!
MY Horizon has been running 10 years+!
You sold me two machines that are going to flood my basement??
"The inlet valves that SQ uses are not that all that great, we have had quite a few that did not shut off and caused floods."
I want my money back. Tisk TIsk!
MY Horizon has been running 10 years+!
mikeske
Member
I am glad we found our Speed Queen AWN412 when we did. At least it is simple to work on and my wife likes the machine. she told me the other day you can her Speed Queen when they bury her...... My wife hates electronic controls on appliances as she has her own way she wants her cloths wash and not some "dumb a$$ engineer" figuring out how to save a few gallons of water.
Flooding SQ FL Washers
Jon you have three potential flooding washers and the one we didn't sell you is on the forth floor of your home, LOL.
Note; I have only seen the stuck inlet valves on FL washers and have not seen this problem on machines built in the last 2-3 years so hopefully the problem is past history.
Jon you have three potential flooding washers and the one we didn't sell you is on the forth floor of your home, LOL.
Note; I have only seen the stuck inlet valves on FL washers and have not seen this problem on machines built in the last 2-3 years so hopefully the problem is past history.
kenmoreguy89
Well-known member
This is terrible!
Why???? I wonder why the hell they need to change mechanics controls to electronic ones!
New standards? What?
It is maybe the start of the end of probably the last brand who use to produce washers as they should be!
That is just too sad and worrying!
I agree with mtn1584 for how concerns controls.
I don't like one of them! Miss alot of stuff and anyway mechanics controls are and always will be the best!
Write to speed queen!!!! NOW!!!!! let's avoid this!!!!!
Why???? I wonder why the hell they need to change mechanics controls to electronic ones!
New standards? What?
It is maybe the start of the end of probably the last brand who use to produce washers as they should be!
That is just too sad and worrying!
I agree with mtn1584 for how concerns controls.
I don't like one of them! Miss alot of stuff and anyway mechanics controls are and always will be the best!
Write to speed queen!!!! NOW!!!!! let's avoid this!!!!!
pierreandreply4
Well-known member
me i have a feeling that the demand for 1990 and earlyer washer models before the new water norm or energy star win other word word washers that are from the 1990 to 1950 refurbish second hand fix and resold in use appliance store or models that talented members can fix will be in very high demand and there are those that will complain about these and this also do not answer the question will this new speed queen washer be agitator base or have a wash plate in the bottom that is auto water level and what about those that needs an extra rinse option because from what i see it seems they eliminated the extra rinse option unless its automatic. and what about the price cost and will there be models with diffenrent cycles like hand wash or a prewash soack cycle ect.
launderess
Well-known member
Changing Mechanics/Controls
IMHO the rationale may be to remove or impede consumer options that could increase energy use. While it is rather simple on a mechanical timer controlled washer to reset for an extra rinse, fully electronics can be programmed to make it so fustrating if allowed at all.
IMHO the rationale may be to remove or impede consumer options that could increase energy use. While it is rather simple on a mechanical timer controlled washer to reset for an extra rinse, fully electronics can be programmed to make it so fustrating if allowed at all.
launderess
Well-known member
Older Washers
Demand may increase for them but then so would prices. As it tis there was a time even near mint units went for pennies, now everyone thinks they can fund their retirement on some beaten up appliance. Then there are the ever increasing numbers of scrappers some of whom are using more and more aggressive tactics to get at old appliances.
Demand may increase for them but then so would prices. As it tis there was a time even near mint units went for pennies, now everyone thinks they can fund their retirement on some beaten up appliance. Then there are the ever increasing numbers of scrappers some of whom are using more and more aggressive tactics to get at old appliances.
The rationale is simpler, Launderess
At the same level of functional complexity, electronic controls are cheaper than mechanical controls: this is the main reason why they are used.
For instance, it is not easy to handle an out of balance with a mechanical control, while and electronic control can manage it easily
At the same level of functional complexity, electronic controls are cheaper than mechanical controls: this is the main reason why they are used.
For instance, it is not easy to handle an out of balance with a mechanical control, while and electronic control can manage it easily
kenmoreguy89
Well-known member
Worse and worse.......
Well at this point I can just say that I would not be surprised if the used market will increase in next years......
If it is just a matter of reimbursement from the gov. for making crappy uneffective machines... well, they might go back to produce stuff as it should be, there is time for them to understand....let's see.
Many are already complaining......
Que sera,sera......
Well at this point I can just say that I would not be surprised if the used market will increase in next years......
If it is just a matter of reimbursement from the gov. for making crappy uneffective machines... well, they might go back to produce stuff as it should be, there is time for them to understand....let's see.
Many are already complaining......
Que sera,sera......
mayken4now
Well-known member
Speaking of Speed Queen, We are........................
looking to buy a new front load machine fairly soon, so we think. Did go to the local dealer here in Panama City to check out the price etc. $1550.00 for the washer and $639.00 for the dryer. Liked the simple control layout with the mechanical timer and twist selction for water temps. Was told that the topload machines would soon be changed and no longer be "managed" by the owner. I knew what he meant right away. We both Chuckled. I let him know that we have our A608 set purchased in 1978 and did not intend to let go. Got a wink and an "atta-boy"!
--Steve
looking to buy a new front load machine fairly soon, so we think. Did go to the local dealer here in Panama City to check out the price etc. $1550.00 for the washer and $639.00 for the dryer. Liked the simple control layout with the mechanical timer and twist selction for water temps. Was told that the topload machines would soon be changed and no longer be "managed" by the owner. I knew what he meant right away. We both Chuckled. I let him know that we have our A608 set purchased in 1978 and did not intend to let go. Got a wink and an "atta-boy"!
--Steve
SQ FL Washers
Do not have mechanical controls, they are and always have been fully electronically controlled.
Do not have mechanical controls, they are and always have been fully electronically controlled.
THanks for the support John! I'll have my mop ready now!
The controls on my SQ FL's are very flexible I find. You can do just about anything if you select it activate it then return to OFF and then to the new position. I can get a cold fill on wash (NEVER HAPPEN IN MY HOUSE!)
I can rinse/ spin. Soak in water etc.
I can do a cold fill, then switch to heat boost for a long wash period with enzymes.
The SQ Is a very simple design for controls.
The controls on my SQ FL's are very flexible I find. You can do just about anything if you select it activate it then return to OFF and then to the new position. I can get a cold fill on wash (NEVER HAPPEN IN MY HOUSE!)
I can rinse/ spin. Soak in water etc.
I can do a cold fill, then switch to heat boost for a long wash period with enzymes.
The SQ Is a very simple design for controls.
mayken4now
Well-known member
John - combo52 NOT to insult your intelegence
but in my expereince, when you have the "turn" a knob, dial, switch etc. it is a moving part, therefore mechanical, not activated by touch. I was referring to model AFN50R. Take a look, I am sure you will agree. --Steve
http://www.speedqueen.com/home/en-us/products/product.aspx?id=348
but in my expereince, when you have the "turn" a knob, dial, switch etc. it is a moving part, therefore mechanical, not activated by touch. I was referring to model AFN50R. Take a look, I am sure you will agree. --Steve
http://www.speedqueen.com/home/en-us/products/product.aspx?id=348
SQ FL Washer Controls
Yes Steven the SQ FL washers have a mechanical switches that you control with your hands to set, as do 95% of all the touch control panels on appliances today. The first picture in this thread technically is a mechanical control panel linked to a circuit board covered with all kinds of electronic components, just like the current SQ FL washers, Thanks for giving me a chance to explain this better, John.
Yes Steven the SQ FL washers have a mechanical switches that you control with your hands to set, as do 95% of all the touch control panels on appliances today. The first picture in this thread technically is a mechanical control panel linked to a circuit board covered with all kinds of electronic components, just like the current SQ FL washers, Thanks for giving me a chance to explain this better, John.
mayken4now
Well-known member
I see your point
Now that I take another look. Sometimes it just gets to be confusing with terms and their meanings.
Now that I take another look. Sometimes it just gets to be confusing with terms and their meanings.
vintagekitchen
Well-known member
- Joined
- Aug 28, 2011
- Messages
- 706
Electronic controls
I am not a fan of electronic controls on appliances. When my grandmother decided to redo her kitchen, she got a Whirlpool Cabrio set with electronic controls, and a Maytag dishwasher with electronic controls. I have used them, and the options are more limited tha with my mechanical control appliances, and it is more difficult to tell whats going on with them. Not to mention the washer, though a top loader, still locks the lid, so no adding a forgotten item without re-starting the entire thing. Lastly, as mentioned earlier in the thread, one has to memorize what various cycles and settings do, rather than being able to customize your settings with the mechanical controls.
I prefer the control one has over everything with good mechanical controls. As far as I can see, the only reason electronic controls are being used is they are cheaper to preduce, and make for faster assembly in the factory. Yet the electronic control machines tend to be more expensive for consumers.
I am not a fan of electronic controls on appliances. When my grandmother decided to redo her kitchen, she got a Whirlpool Cabrio set with electronic controls, and a Maytag dishwasher with electronic controls. I have used them, and the options are more limited tha with my mechanical control appliances, and it is more difficult to tell whats going on with them. Not to mention the washer, though a top loader, still locks the lid, so no adding a forgotten item without re-starting the entire thing. Lastly, as mentioned earlier in the thread, one has to memorize what various cycles and settings do, rather than being able to customize your settings with the mechanical controls.
I prefer the control one has over everything with good mechanical controls. As far as I can see, the only reason electronic controls are being used is they are cheaper to preduce, and make for faster assembly in the factory. Yet the electronic control machines tend to be more expensive for consumers.
