Technics Turntable help

[jack]

I have a technics automatic drive turntable...think it is sl 1300 ? it 's not in front of me right now...my questions is, after about the first third of a disc before going into the second third of a disc the speed will go haywire...like from 33 1/3 to over 80 rpm ( not 78 ) .....i am all thumbs at electronics so not sure what is causing this..it doesn't happen consistently...is it the belt ? is it the anti skating setting ? the tone arm setting ??

i don't think it is the individual discs, as after restarting and restarting several times this usually can be stopped and the disc will be play.

Any help or ideas out there ???? thanks

[Graham_Start]

I believe this is a known issue with some older Technics decks. You could probably get some good advice on who or where it could be repaired at the Vinyl Asylum: Vinyl Asylum

[ol'skinflint]

Originally Posted by jack

I have a technics automatic drive turntable...think it is sl 1300 ? it 's not in front of me right now...my questions is, after about the first third of a disc before going into the second third of a disc the speed will go haywire...like from 33 1/3 to over 80 rpm ( not 78 ) .....i am all thumbs at electronics so not sure what is causing this..it doesn't happen consistently...is it the belt ? is it the anti skating setting ? the tone arm setting ??

i don't think it is the individual discs, as after restarting and restarting several times this usually can be stopped and the disc will be play.

Any help or ideas out there ???? thanks

Jack: I seem to remember something like that happening the last time I used automatic drive turntables (which was about 20 years ago) and I also had the problem of the sound of the motor being audible when I'd play records. Those 2 problems caused me to switch to belt drive turntables. I buy mine from Musician's Friend magazine and they're very reasonable and sturdy with lots of neat features (strobe light, pitch control, etc)

[canadiantire]

If you are referring to the Technics SL-1300, this turntable has no belt.

It is directly driven by a motor (direct drive).

From your description, I am afraid your turntable is due for the 25 years/5 million rotation maintenance.


Question #1: is the problem showing at both speeds (i.e.: 33 & 45 rpm)?

If so, it is most likely the speed selector switch that is dirty.

If not, go to question #2

Question #2: when you rotate the speed controls at either speed, can you regain some control on the speed?

If so, it is most likely that at least one of the pitch potentiometers is dirty.

If not, there is a slight chance that the Phase Lock Loop circuit has gone bad. Technics had a reputation of building really reliable products so this is the last thing to look for.

In most cases, a dirty component will screw up the speed loop control circuit.

To fix this, just spray some contact cleaner either in the speed selector switch or the pitch adjustment potentiometer.

Doing the cleaning from the outside, through the openings (without dismantling the covers) may not be a reliable fix but it may be a good starting point for troubleshooting.

This is why I suggest in depth cleaning of the controls by opening the bottom cover.

It's not a novice job so unless you have technical skills, you may want to bring it to a techie.

Lastly, if you decide to plunge into the "full contact cleaning job", be sure that the cleaning fluid does not attack the plastic finish of the turnable.

Keep us posted.

Long life to these vinyl players!


- Marcus

[jack]

Hi All - thanks for the inputs...as i said, i am a dummy with electronics..the first give away should have been when i described the "automatic" turntable as with a belt.
So, here is the correct model number..SL - D202 , Technics direct drive automatic turntable.
canadatire - now with the model # is there a particular item from your list you think this may be? and yes, it does this same thing on 33 1/2 and 45..12" discs.
should i trash this and just invest in a new turntable ???
i am extremely attached to it as it has held up for at least 5 years for me..but i bought it for next to nothing used....

The D-series in opThe D-series in opposite have an electrical cue switch but the plate has a more 1210-like look.
The D-series also have pitch control which can be most likely adopted to a linear fader without difficultiesposite have an electrical cue switch but the plate has a more 1210-like look.
The D-series also have pitch control which can be most likely adopted to a linear fader without difficulties

[canadiantire]

Sorry for the long delay to reply. I was gone fishing (really!).

Even though the turntable you describe is from a different model, the same rule apply.

A good cleaning of the contacts should do the job.

For the SL-D202 there could also be an issue with the off/on switch (or the limit switch that detect the "end of course" of the tonearm) , which once again could be dirty.

By "dirty" I mean "contact oxydation" of the mechanical switches which inevitably occur over the time.

Again, there is not much to go bad in theses turtables.

Unless it's been hit by a lightning or a massive power surge, I think that it could be a good investment to have it looked at by a relative who would accept a case of beer in exchange .

In the event you decide to replace it with a used Technics of a similar model, the same issues will eventually arise - especially if the turntable is left unused for a while.

Good luck!


- Marcus

[canadiantire]

Jack,

From your last reply, I understand that you'll not going to plunge into repairing the SL-D202 yourself.

I made this picture from the cleanup & calibration that I've succesfully completed two weeks ago on my SL-D2: [attached picture below]

It gives a rough idea of where the components to be cleaned are located.

Yours should not be much different from this one.

And BTY, I forgot to mention that dirt inside the coarse speed adjustment controls can also affect the speed stability. These are two more devices to include in the cleaning process.

If you need more info, let me know.


- Marcus