Technics 1210 mk2 pitch fader fix (and instructions on its removal)

[Bwaze]

I have used "jumper" from a PC motherboard - it fits almost perfectly and is removable.

I received my used SL1200 in pretty bad shape, and I did the mod before I had the chance to seriously listen to the deck so I had no "before and after" comparison. I don't expect this mod to do anything to the sound quality, but you never really know - member of the TimeStep forum JuanPabloCuervo measured the pitch stability of his Sl1200, and found out that Technics had a bit better pitch stability when the stylus illumination light was on. And he also found out that when he replaced the incandescent light of the SL1200 for the LED diodes of the later models, this "positive effect" was lost, so the pitch was worse with the LED on...

[Pete]

Nice. I wanted to bypass the pitch control, but have been too lazy to research how it should be done. Next time my platter is off to lube the bearing, I will probably do it.
Just one less variable to cause error in the pitch control circuit.

[Marco]

Hi Blaz,

I don't expect this mod to do anything to the sound quality, but you never really know - member of the TimeStep forum JuanPabloCuervo measured the pitch stability of his Sl1200, and found out that Technics had a bit better pitch stability when the stylus illumination light was on. And he also found out that when he replaced the incandescent light of the SL1200 for the LED diodes of the later models, this "positive effect" was lost, so the pitch was worse with the LED on...

Interesting... My thinking behind this is that I notice a discernable improvement (a clearing up of the sound and a removal of 'hash'/ noise), particularly through headphones, whenever I disable the red strobe light, which one can do when the strobe disabler mod has been fitted.

Therefore, perhaps the effect will be the same with the lights on the pitch control? I guess that one could disable the LEDs, but taking the whole pitch control out of the circuit, when it's never used, seems more thorough!

I will do this next time my T/T is near someone who possesses the necessary soldering skills.

Marco.

[Bwaze]

An off-topic question about the "SX-1200 KAB strobe disabler" - after inspecting schematic diagram of SL1200 wiring I noticed the only function it does is it breaks and connects one of the two wires to the strobe diodes. The whole "SX-1200" circuit is there just so you can operate this by pressing start/stop button for 5 seconds. So one could achieve the same function by installing the switch on one of the wires? The switch could even be hidden beneath the turntable - you only need to check the platter speed every now and then... And if you replace the platter so you don't have the strobe dots not even then...

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR SX-1200, SL-1200 Strobe Lamp Disabling Circuit.





SX-1200 KAB strobe disablers connects between the following wires: 12 - brown (one of the wires that go to strobe LEDs, for disconnecting the strobes), 4- orange (one of the wires to the start/stop button - for sensing the 5 seconds long press.

I'm not saying SX-1200 isn't wonderfully elegant solution, but it could be done much simpler if one does not need the convenient access to enabling / disabling the strobe.

[moodybuilder]

first of all remove the platter when you remove the pitch controller by the plug you solder or connect by watever means you like the 2 pins (when looking down from the arm side of plinth and counting from L to R number 2 & 3 together this will them stabilize the pitch

[moodybuilder]

please ask if you have any questions

[Wakefield Turntables]

Bloody hell is that all you do If i'd have known this i'd have done this long ago, this has been on my list of tweeks to do for ages. Cheers mate.

[moodybuilder]

no problems and its as easy as that if you do it and totally remove the pitch slider and fill the hole can you let me know any sonic differences you notice please

[Wakefield Turntables]

Sure thing. I honestly dont think there will be any sonic differences. I went through a phase of getting rid of as much crap from under my platter as possible of the PCB. I honestly cant say that I noticed much difference But when I do the mod if I spot something you'll be the 1st to know!

[MartinT]

Just noticed this, Phil - thanks! I can see from the circuit diagram that it just bypasses the pitch control assembly switch. However, I always leave mine in the centre detent (locked) position anyway - are you saying there is a sound quality improvement?