Introduction
Hermle movements, especially the 340‑020 series, require precise alignment of the chime and strike trains to ensure correct quarter chimes and hour strike. Proper setup involves positioning the Hermle wheel components, aligning the hour wheel and snail, and setting the rack and gathering pallet correctly. This guide explains the essential steps for setting up Hermle chime and strike trains.
Chime Train Setup
Identify the warning wheel
The chime 5th wheel is the warning wheel. It rotates clockwise during operation and contains the warning pin.
Position the warning pin
Rotate the warning wheel until the warning pin aligns with the fly. This provides the correct 90° rotation during warning.
Install the stop cam
Hold the warning wheel in position and install the stop cam on the arbor below it. The stop cam must stop the train with the warning pin near the fly pinion.
Install the chime lock plate
With the train in the stop position, install the lock plate so it has just completed the 1/4 or 3/4 chime sequence. The lever pin should rest in the notch on the flat area of the cam.
Install the chime idler wheel
Slip the idler wheel onto the rear of the 3rd wheel arbor and engage it with the rear gearing. Rotate it counterclockwise to lift the hammers and verify the correct hammer sequence.
Chime Train Adjustment
Verify hammer sequence
The hammers must drop in proper order, starting with the hammer closest to the front plate and ending with the next‑to‑last hammer.
Set the idler wheel position
Tighten the idler wheel at the moment the last hammer drops.
Correct warning or hang‑ups
If a hammer lifts during warning or hangs at the end of the sequence, twist the idler wheel slightly to correct alignment.
Check the self‑synching lever
The Hermle chime train includes a self‑synching lever that arrests the train after the 3/4 chime. Ensure the release lever lifts high enough at the hour to release the train.
Strike Train Setup
Position the center shaft
Rotate the center shaft clockwise until the release lever drops off the tallest lobe of the release cam. This marks the hour release position.
Install the minute wheel and hour pipe
Install both components while holding the center shaft in position if the anchor is not installed.
Set the snail position
Pull the hour pipe forward to disengage the hour wheel. Rotate the snail until the rack tail rests in the middle of the 12‑step. Reengage the hour wheel and secure the minute wheel with its washer and E‑clip.
Drop the rack onto the snail
Ensure the rack drops cleanly onto the 12‑step. Lift the rack hook if needed to allow the rack to fall.
Position the strike star wheel
Rotate the strike train until the star wheel lifts and drops the hammer. Arrest the train just as the hammer falls.
Installing the Gathering Pallet
Set the stop position
With the rack lifted to the stop position, allow the strike train to run until the stop pin engages the stop lever.
Install the gathering pallet
Lift the stop lever and install the gathering pallet so the lift pin on the rack hook lever sits in the middle of the indentation on the pallet lobe.
Support the rear bushing
If a bushing has been installed on the rear of the 4th wheel, support it while driving the gathering pallet onto the arbor.
Test the strike sequence
Run multiple strike cycles to confirm proper rack gathering, hammer lift, and stopping behavior.
Troubleshooting Flowcharts
If the chime sequence is incorrect
Check idler wheel → Check hammer sequence → Check lock plate → Check warning pin alignment
If the strike count is wrong
Check rack drop → Check snail position → Check gathering pallet alignment
If the chime will not release at the hour
Check self‑synching lever → Check release lever height → Check stop cam position
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Misaligning the warning pin
Incorrect warning pin position causes early or late chime release.
Incorrect snail alignment
Improper snail position causes wrong hour strike.
Improper rack hook engagement
Rack must drop cleanly and be held securely between lifts.
Driving the gathering pallet without support
This can dislodge a rear bushing on the 4th wheel.
Ignoring hammer sequence
Hermle chime trains require precise hammer order for correct melody.
Checklist for Final Verification
• Warning pin aligned with fly
• Stop cam tight and correctly positioned
• Lock plate aligned with 1/4 or 3/4 sequence
• Idler wheel set at last hammer drop
• Snail aligned with rack tail at 12
• Gathering pallet centered on lift pin
• Rack gathers smoothly and stops correctly
FAQs
Why does my Hermle chime out of order?
The idler wheel or lock plate is misaligned.
Why does the strike count incorrectly?
The snail or rack position is incorrect.
Why won’t the chime release at the hour?
The self‑synching lever is not lifting high enough.
Why does the rack not gather properly?
The gathering pallet is not centered on its lift pin.
Why does the chime stop early?
The stop cam or warning pin is out of position.
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