Servicing a SL1210

[keiron99]

I purchased a 1210 with SME Series III arm & Paul Hynes SR3-21 power supply on these forums yesterday (thread here (SME Series III & Paul Hynes SR3-21 power supply))

I will be interested to see how it compares to my surprisingly capable Systemdedk II (the "biscuit tin") with Linn LVX. For the time being I will likely be using my Ortofon MC10 Super cartridge from that table on the tecchie.

Anyway, I am sure it has been well cared for, but I'm thinking of getting it serviced by an expert. I'm in Stockport, and I see there is a company called Technique Repairs (http://www.techniquerepairs.co.uk/index.html)only 15 minutes from me in Manchester. They charge £55
( I guess that is plus VAT) to do the following:

CLEANING: PCB’s - Switches - Pitch Control - Motor Stator and Platter - Exterior Housing and Lid
LUBRICATION: Platter Bearing - Switches - Pitch Control - Tone Arm Assembly - Motor Stator and Platter - Lid Hinges
CALIBRATION: Tone Arm - Pitch Zero Point - Pitch Scale - Anti Skate and Tracking

I guess since I have a non standard tonearm then some of that is irrelevant.

Is this something worth getting done or is it a DIY job? (I cannot find a guide to servicing here).

[Stratmangler]

The entire service schedule looks to be aimed at decks which work for a living - DJs can be pretty rough in the way they handle equipment, and the decks get all sorts of crap/sweat/drinks in them.
I'd save your money and put it towards some Isonoe feet.

[keiron99]

The entire service schedule looks to be aimed at decks which work for a living - DJs can be pretty rough in the way they handle equipment, and the decks get all sorts of crap/sweat/drinks in them.

I guess there is a possibility that at some point in its life the one I am buying may have been used for just such a purpose.

[Stratmangler]

Dave says it runs just fine and there are no electrical or mechanical issues.
Of course, if you want to spend the money it's up to you.

The first almost free tweak you can do is to disable the pitch control, so that's one part of the service schedule out of the way.

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k26/Bwaze/Removepitchslider.jpg

Just needs a Molex connector.

[keiron99]

Thanks Stratmangler.

Dave has reassured me there is no need for servicing.

Your tip to bypass the pitch control is welcome. Could you advise what type of molex connector is required?

I would also like to (if possible) remove/bypass the power. The model I am acquiring has the external Paul Hynes PSU and I assume the knob can be bypassed and removed. Are there any instructions for that? Obviously this would mean there is 24/7 power - I assume this is OK?

The reason for wishing to do this is because I'd like a cleaner look for the turntable. In fact I'd like to veneer the plinth in the way that Qwin has so spectacularly done.

My current turntable is a Systemdek II (with Linn LVX) and I love the biscuit tin design. It takes pride of place in my room. So, assuming the Technics has it beaten in the sound stakes (only a few days until I find out!) then I'll be wanting to have something that looks as cool as the Systemdek it's replacing and in stock form, I have to say the Technics doesn't quite do it for me in that regard.

[Stratmangler]

The Molex link I used came off an old computer motherboard - they're frequently used for the CMOS battery.

In stock form the deck's transformer and PSU is on 24/7, and the On/Off switch is for low level DC.
Without knowing how the PH PSU has been fitted it's difficult to say what's best to do.
When I removed the PSU for my deck I put the PSU into an external box and fitted a switchable mains input to the box, so my PSU is off when I turn the power to the box off.

There's an old thread in the Techiepedia about pimping up a Techie - the thread was started by a member named Hamish Gill.
Do a search and you'll find it.

[Qwin]

Stratmangler
"In stock form the deck's transformer and PSU is on 24/7, and the On/Off switch is for low level DC".

I don't think that is correct, the On/Off switch is pre transformer and switching mains AC, the transformers reduced AC voltage then goes to the rectifier downstream on the main PCB where it is converted to DC. I haven't got a schematic to hand and just had a quick look at the PCB but that seems to me to be what is happening.

[Stratmangler]

Stratmangler
"In stock form the deck's transformer and PSU is on 24/7, and the On/Off switch is for low level DC".

I don't think that is correct, the On/Off switch is pre transformer and switching mains AC, the transformers reduced AC voltage then goes to the rectifier downstream on the main PCB where it is converted to DC. I haven't got a schematic to hand and just had a quick look at the PCB but that seems to me to be what is happening.

Looking at this (http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?8118-How-to-Connect-an-External-Dc-Supply-to-the-SL-1200-1210&p=159778#post159778) diagram you're correct.
I must admit I'm surprised that the wires to and from the switch are so puny - I just looked at them and thought DC.

[Qwin]

I thought the same Chris when I first took one appart, didn't think that tiny micro switch with its light action was for mains, but they have stood the test of time and are well up to the job. ;)

[Tolstoi]

I used a headshell cable to join the two pins. Works fine.