Superclock in SL-1210

[Marco]

Lol, perhaps - that would certainly be interesting and no doubt entertaining!

I think we have to remain open minded to the possibility that current technology may have succeeded to produce a more advanced and sonically superior crystal to that which Panasonic originally used.

However, we must also acknowledge that the crystal Panasonic used would've been an integral part of the original circuit, and that a turntable is very much about the sum of its parts, rather than the influence of any individual component.

Marco.

[MartinT]

One thing's for sure: that crystal frequency seems to be unique to the SL-1210, I can't find one of that frequency from anywhere else. Would be interesting to take a dekko at Monarch's improvements. Maybe they have put it in a temperature controlled environment? Easy to put it in a small can with a resistor to create a constant temperature.

[Reid Malenfant]

If you want the best you need one with a built in oven I know that sounds nuts, but effectively the idea is to keep the crystal at a dead constant temperature & thus the accuracy will be maintained over various room & equipment temps.

It's not really an oven but effectively a small heater, probably a resistor & a temperature sensor designed to keep it at a set temp.

Not sure what's in these superclocks but I know they are more accurate than the common or garden quartz crystals in standard players, they maintain the accuracy as well from what I have read

E2A:- Should have read Martins post

[MartinT]

Failing any other avenue, I might try the 'oven' approach.

[Paul Hynes]

I will be ordering some crystals shortly for a new clock design that I have running in test. I will ask the manufacturer if he can produce a suitable crystal for the SL1200.

[MartinT]

Thanks, Paul! Meanwhile, I am in discussion with Mark at Audiocom with a view to whether a Superclock could be applied to the circuit.

[Wakefield Turntables]

Great idea with regards the Superclock. I always suspected the PCB and components could be bettered. I'm watching this thread with great interest.

[WOStantonCS100]

I will be ordering some crystals shortly for a new clock design that I have running in test. I will ask the manufacturer if he can produce a suitable crystal for the SL1200.

Yes, awesome! As well, thank you, sir! I look forward to the response.

Great idea with regards the Superclock. I always suspected the PCB and components could be bettered. I'm watching this thread with great interest.

+1

[sq225917]

Looking at something similar for the Hercules PS, new discrete regs and better XO's/local regs. Has to be worth a tinker, and I'll measure the results at the stylus for you all to see.

[ar-t]

If you are going to build an ovenized oscillator, you must use a crystal that is designed to work in an oven. They usually are not cheap.

"Cheap" crystals are usually in an HC-49/s holder. You could not pay me to use one of those. If you are going to get someone to make you a custom crystal, don't let them talk you into that holder. It will not be any better than what you already have. It very well could be worse.

Crystals are manufactured to be inexpensive, just like pretty much anything else. It is just a fact of life. But, getting someone to make a decent one is not fun. They are all geared to buying their parts from Asia, and their sole concern is price. Few companies make their own crystals, these days. So, when you approach someone about making a custom part, they usually are not interested. Their suppliers only want to make parts that are cheap and common. Trying to get someone to make a small handful, at an oddball frequency, is a pain.

We have been beating the bushes, for months, trying to get decent crystals. And at the usual frequencies, for digital audio.

Good luck!