joz Posted March 26, 2017 Posted March 26, 2017 Well TT guys. I have had a Hitachi PS15 on hand for a while but not being use so finally decided to give it a spin.It looks like a lovely looking deck and I thought it could be a goer, but! Now the 33 speed seems to be playing fine but the 45 is slow. Now I know I should just wind up the speed on the TT but it doesn't seem to have any adjustments that I can see.I have also had a squizz at a user manual from Vinyl Engine and there is no mention of one?/ Grrrrr! Am I missing something?
joz Posted March 26, 2017 Author Posted March 26, 2017 Oh it has one of these and what is this thing???? oh and what's this thing?? Sent from a good looking phone owned by a handsome dude.
VanArn Posted March 26, 2017 Posted March 26, 2017 The turntable is a belt drive model using a stepped motor pulley to facilitate the choice of 33 1/3 or 45 rpm. The belt needs to slip from one pulley to the other by means of the lever operated fork. If the belt is worn it could be the cause or the adjustment is incorrect. Sometimes the motor mounts can be the problem. A careful clean and lubrication would not go astray. The mystery object is a pivot post for a cleaning arm similar to a 'DustBug'. 2
joz Posted March 26, 2017 Author Posted March 26, 2017 25 minutes ago, VanArn said: The turntable is a belt drive model using a stepped motor pulley to facilitate the choice of 33 1/3 or 45 rpm. The belt needs to slip from one pulley to the other by means of the lever operated fork. If the belt is worn it could be the cause or the adjustment is incorrect. Sometimes the motor mounts can be the problem. A careful clean and lubrication would not go astray. The mystery object is a pivot post for a cleaning arm similar to a 'DustBug'. Yep I'll try with a new belt. I was hoping that other thing was something to do with speed adjustment
Zaphod Beeblebrox Posted March 28, 2017 Posted March 28, 2017 (edited) That model uses a synchronous motor. As such, speed variations are minimal, in a correctly operating turntable. There are not usually any speed adjustments. There are several possible problems: * Belt is too tight or too loose. It needs to be just right. If you are unsure, always err on the loose side. If the bearings are OK, then a loose belt will work fine. * The main platter bearing requires lubricant. This is an easy one. Remove the belt and give the platter a spin. It should spin freely and for several tens of seconds. If it does not, you'll need to remove the base plate, locate and remove the screw on the bearing housing. Then remove the spindle and clean the old lubricant from the bearing assy. Replace with light machine oil. * The motor bearings are binding. A bit trickier. Remove the platter and belt. Grasp the capstan and spin the motor. It should spin freely and for a second or two. If not, then the motor will have to be stripped down. The bearings (sintered bronze) will need to be completely cleaned and the bearings re-lubricated. My quick and dirty method for testing the motor is to use a variable auto-transformer (aka: Variac™) and monitor the platter speed. The turntable should hold it's speed all the way down to around 100VAC. Much more than 120VAC and the motor bearings require a rebuild (as outlined above). It's not a difficult job, but you need to be careful to ensure the bearings are correctly aligned. I reckon I've done about a thousand of the buggers over the years. Sometimes, with turntables that have seen a lot of use, the bearings are badly worn (very rare). Then, you are big trouble, unless you can find a new motor. Edited March 28, 2017 by Zaphod Beeblebrox
EV Cali Posted March 29, 2017 Posted March 29, 2017 (edited) Hi joz If you lift the mat on the platter there is likely to be a hole in the platter that you will be able look through and see a pulley and arm like this one. When the arm is moved it moves the belt on to the larger part of the pulley and that increases the speed. If , as you say 33 is ok it is likely that the belt lacks the tension to move from one part of the spindle to the other and a new belt should cure this. Some times there is a grub screw in the pulley and it can be raised or lowered. If not this, time to do the other checks mentioned by Zap. Plus good to do the main platter bearing any way. Can't get rid of the bold?? Edited March 29, 2017 by EV Cali
Grumpy Posted March 29, 2017 Posted March 29, 2017 l was going to say belt also - as usual im late again. l have one of those spindle thingies and never new what it was for either 1
joz Posted March 29, 2017 Author Posted March 29, 2017 @Zaphod Beeblebrox @EV Cali Thanks guys I will try all your suggestions starting with a quick check and lube. Then onto a new belt. The tt looks good and I'd like to get it up to speed(pun) 1
Zaphod Beeblebrox Posted March 29, 2017 Posted March 29, 2017 (edited) @EV Cali Has reminded me of one more thing. Check the position of the belt on the capstan at 33 and 45 RPM. It's a bit tricky, but it is likely that the rubber motor mounts have failed, thus dropping the height of the capstan. This may prevent the correct speed from being engaged. The motor mounts should be easy enough to locate, as they are just standard rubber grommets. There will be three or four required. I have plenty here, if you need them. As a stop-gap, you can lower the capstan. There will be a grub-screw on the base of the capstan, which will allow adjustment. A grommet replacement is a better option of course. Edited March 29, 2017 by Zaphod Beeblebrox 2
joz Posted March 29, 2017 Author Posted March 29, 2017 Ok now I have a few things to try. Ill see how I go and hopefully won't make things worse, I tend to do that. 1
joz Posted April 1, 2017 Author Posted April 1, 2017 Ok now I have a few things to try. Ill see how I go and hopefully won't make things worse, I tend to do that. Ok finally got to have a Squizz .The platter spins for ages even without the big Wheel of Fortune effort so all good here.There's a pic with the belt set on 45.Also if I gently pull on the spindle that drives the belt it is bit lose in the up and down motion. Should it be like this?Ok how do I access any other areas that I may need to get too?Do I flip it over and start unscrewing underneath?Will await further instructions.Sent from a good looking phone owned by a handsome dude.
Zaphod Beeblebrox Posted April 1, 2017 Posted April 1, 2017 Just now, joz said: Ok finally got to have a Squizz . The platter spins for ages even without the big Wheel of Fortune effort so all good here. Good stuff. NO worries with the main bearings. Just now, joz said: There's a pic with the belt set on 45. Looks like the motor mounts have failed. Replace them, or pad them with some washers to bring the capstan up a little. Or loosen the grub screw at the base of the capstan and raise it up a few mm. Replacing the motor mounts is the best way out. Cost is minimal. Measure the mounting rubbers and let me know. I should have some to fit. Just now, joz said: Also if I gently pull on the spindle that drives the belt it is bit lose in the up and down motion. Should it be like this? Yes. Quite normal. Be worried if the motor rattles around though. Does the capstan spin freely? Just now, joz said: Ok how do I access any other areas that I may need to get too? Do I flip it over and start unscrewing underneath? Yep. Check the motor mounts. You will need to remove the base plate. Just now, joz said: Will await further instructions. Sent from a good looking phone owned by a handsome dude. Hmmm.
joz Posted April 1, 2017 Author Posted April 1, 2017 Hmmm, nothing ok ok hopefully I can get to the underneath of this this tonight, if not tomorrow . The motor seems to spin freely, fingers crossed. looks like it's tomorrow, seems we're going out soon,
Grumpy Posted April 1, 2017 Posted April 1, 2017 Easy job to take the bottom panel off and acsess more workings joz , be carefull of the auto return gizmo - l touched it and now it doesnt work properly 1
EV Cali Posted April 1, 2017 Posted April 1, 2017 In the first picture it looks like the two tangs that guide the belt up or down the pulley are bent downwards. Normally they would be straight / horizontal. Perhaps some one has tried adjusting them in the past. 1
joz Posted April 1, 2017 Author Posted April 1, 2017 Ok the bottom of the tt has been removed and the motor is out to get some pics. Umm, now what? I will try few washers toraie the motor a tad and see wghat happens? Zaph I have no idea about a grub screw that you mention? Sent from a good looking phone owned by a handsome dude.
joz Posted April 2, 2017 Author Posted April 2, 2017 YaY! We have SUKA-SESS!! ( in my best Italian accent) I have lifted the motor via some spacers a coupla mill, speed is what it should be. Now spinning a 45 of Relax! yep Frankie Goes to Hollywood.Sounding great. BUT!! Another issue I'm not sure but being an auto deck it seems that during it's auto stage of both placing the cart onto the record and during the auto return period it's putting a crunchy crackling through the speakers? Now what could this be and how do I rid myself of this annoying noise? Help i think I need somebody! 2
Zaphod Beeblebrox Posted April 2, 2017 Posted April 2, 2017 1 hour ago, joz said: YaY! We have SUKA-SESS!! ( in my best Italian accent) I have lifted the motor via some spacers a coupla mill, speed is what it should be. Now spinning a 45 of Relax! yep Frankie Goes to Hollywood.Sounding great. BUT!! Another issue I'm not sure but being an auto deck it seems that during it's auto stage of both placing the cart onto the record and during the auto return period it's putting a crunchy crackling through the speakers? Now what could this be and how do I rid myself of this annoying noise? Help i think I need somebody! Oh-oh. This is where it gets slightly tricky. I can't be certain, but I suspect your TT may have a separate motor for the auto return? If that is the case, then it is probable the switch suppression cap/s require replacement. BE CAREFUL! This is 240VAC stuff. You MUST use X2 rated capacitors for such a job and ensure everything is fine and dandy. One mistake could be lethal, or at best damaging to your equipment.
joz Posted April 2, 2017 Author Posted April 2, 2017 28 minutes ago, Zaphod Beeblebrox said: Oh-oh. This is where it gets slightly tricky. I can't be certain, but I suspect your TT may have a separate motor for the auto return? If that is the case, then it is probable the switch suppression cap/s require replacement. BE CAREFUL! This is 240VAC stuff. You MUST use X2 rated capacitors for such a job and ensure everything is fine and dandy. One mistake could be lethal, or at best damaging to your equipment. Ok now where do I go to from here?
Zaphod Beeblebrox Posted April 2, 2017 Posted April 2, 2017 (edited) 20 minutes ago, joz said: Ok now where do I go to from here? See if you can see a second motor under the turntable somewhere. It would likely be near the tone arm. Edited April 2, 2017 by Zaphod Beeblebrox Brain fart 1
joz Posted April 2, 2017 Author Posted April 2, 2017 4 hours ago, Zaphod Beeblebrox said: See if you can see a second motor under the turntable somewhere. It would likely be near the tone arm. Thanks Zaph, I pulled it apart again to take some pics. While in there I had a gentle push and pull of the wires in the area. Anyhooo! It seems that it not only is running at correct speed from the earlier adjustments but now all is as quiet as I thought it should be while in auto mode. YaY! 1
Martykt Posted April 2, 2017 Posted April 2, 2017 Welcome to the black plasticy side @joz !!! Never thought it would happen....... Great work getting the speed issues sorted. If you get any trouble that requires hands on expertise don't forget local here in Melbourne is @lovetube !!
joz Posted April 3, 2017 Author Posted April 3, 2017 Have always had a TT around but never play it often.This one was sitting there waiting for a bit of attention so I thought I'd get her going again. I think my other one sounds better but this could do with a proper setup and probably a new stylus. I happen to have a couple that I've accumulated and want to get operational again if possible. My default is still to digital. 1
Martykt Posted April 3, 2017 Posted April 3, 2017 39 minutes ago, joz said: Have always had a TT around but never play it often.This one was sitting there waiting for a bit of attention so I thought I'd get her going again. I think my other one sounds better but this could do with a proper setup and probably a new stylus. I happen to have a couple that I've accumulated and want to get operational again if possible. My default is still to digital. I swear I saw some cobwebs on that poor turntable..... But hey nothing wrong with mostly using digital as it works for you, what's more to say really. Moving back to the vinyl for a second..... How are you finding the phono stage in the new preamp?
Grumpy Posted April 3, 2017 Posted April 3, 2017 1 hour ago, joz said: Have always had a TT around but never play it often.This one was sitting there waiting for a bit of attention so I thought I'd get her going again. I think my other one sounds better but this could do with a proper setup and probably a new stylus. I happen to have a couple that I've accumulated and want to get operational again if possible. My default is still to digital. The YAM PF800 ?
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