  We present a detailed lightcurve analysis for a sample of bright semiregular
variables based on long-term (70--90 years) visual magnitude estimates carried
out by amateur astronomers. Fundamental changes of the physical state
(amplitude and/or frequency modulations, mode change and switching) are studied
with the conventional Fourier- and wavelet analysis.
  The light curve of the carbon Mira Y Per showing a gradual amplitude decrease
has been re-analysed after collecting and adding current data to earlier ones.
The time scales of the sudden change and convection are compared and their
similar order of magnitude is interpreted to be a possible hint for strong
coupling between pulsation and convection. The periods of the biperiodic
low-amplitude light curve and their ratios suggest a pulsation in the first and
third overtone modes. An alternative explanation of the observed behaviour
could be a period halving due to the presence of weak chaos.
  Beside two examples of repetitive mode changes (AF Cyg and W Cyg) we report
three stars with significant amplitude modulations (RY Leo, RX UMa and RY UMa).
A simple geometric model of a rotationally induced amplitude modulation in RY
UMa is outlined assuming low-order nonradial oscillation, while the observed
behaviour of RX UMa and RY Leo is explained as a beating of two closely
separated modes of pulsation. This phenomenon is detected unambiguously in V
CVn, too. The period ratios found in these stars (1.03-1.10) suggest either
high-order overtone or radial+non-radial oscillation.
