Need help on issues with Technics SL-Q3 TT

[olly42]

Hi FM's,

Need your help on guidance on rectifying the issues faced with my newly accquired Technics TT thanks to FM Hemant who was kind enough to source this for me, and which I will use along with my Sonodyne TT till I get the SLK 200 MK II...

Issues

1. In automatic mode the tone arm is supposed to move to the lead in groove and decend slowly on the record and record starts playing...The issue I am facing is that the tone arm moves to the begining of the lead in groove and decends rather quickly more like a drop and when the record plays the tone arm moves backand front and gets of the record.
2. In manual mode when I place the tone arm over the lead in groove the record plays okay but as the song progresses the stylus gets stuck repeats same part of the music....

With my limited experience I didnt try much but I did try all that was mentioned in the manual however the issues persist

Calling all the experts to help me out ... thanks in advance

 

[Selvin]

Hi FM's,

Issues

1. In automatic mode the tone arm is supposed to move to the lead in groove and decend slowly on the record and record starts playing...The issue I am facing is that the tone arm moves to the begining of the lead in groove and decends rather quickly more like a drop and when the record plays the tone arm moves backand front and gets of the record.
2. In manual mode when I place the tone arm over the lead in groove the record plays okay but as the song progresses the stylus gets stuck repeats same part of the music....

With my limited experience I didnt try much but I did try all that was mentioned in the manual however the issues persist

Calling all the experts to help me out ... thanks in advance

Issue 2 looks like too high Antiskid setting. You may try with little reduce setting.

 

[olly42]

Thanks Selvin..tried all variations but I guesss it needs to be in sync with the wt on the tone arm and I was working on setting that right without any positive result

 

[Tanoj]

Which cart is mounted to the tt ?

how much weight did you set for the cart ?

Tanoj

 

[kuruvilajacob]

From your explanation on item 1, I think the tracking force is too low. That may be the reason for the arm to fall away from the lead groove after making it's descend. Regarding item 2, the anti -skate could be a possibility. I would suggest you use it manually after setting the correct tracking force and tracking weight. If your tracking force is 1.5 grams, you can keep 1.5 as anti-skate. If the problem still persists, there could be other issues I will address after you try these steps

 

[olly42]

Which cart is mounted to the tt ?

how much weight did you set for the cart ?

Tanoj

Tanoj set the weight at 2.5

 

[olly42]

From your explanation on item 1, I think the tracking force is too low. That may be the reason for the arm to fall away from the lead groove after making it's descend. Regarding item 2, the anti -skate could be a possibility. I would suggest you use it manually after setting the correct tracking force and tracking weight. If your tracking force is 1.5 grams, you can keep 1.5 as anti-skate. If the problem still persists, there could be other issues I will address after you try these steps

Thank You Jacob will try that out and revert on the findings

 

[olly42]

Well setting of 1.5 didnt work even with manual play the tone arm keeps coming back and foes not progress forward

 

[Record Player]

Hey Olly,

Just reiterating the setup checklist:

Tonearm Balance with correct VTF and Antiskate

Use the protractor for cartridge alignment

Is there an overhang option ?

We could also talk if you would like.

Cheers...

 

[olly42]

Hey Olly,

Just reiterating the setup checklist:

Tonearm Balance with correct VTF and Antiskate

Use the protractor for cartridge alignment

Is there an overhang option ?

We could also talk if you would like.

Cheers...

Hi RP WIl call you today evening.. thanks a Ton for the assistance

 

[kuruvilajacob]

What cartridge are you using? 2.5 grams is on the higher side for most cartridges. There could be either some damage to the tone arm bearings or it may need lubrication and it's vertical movements may be hampered . This can also cause the problems you have mentioned. Many used Turntables that I receive have similar problems. That's why I strongly recommend that used players should be fully services before playing. I have now realized that many of these players which are now being offered in various sites like OLX and Quicker were lying unused for decades before they are put up for sale. They are bound to develop complaints over a period of time due to lack of servicing and lubrication. This is only natural. Whenever I get a used player, I operate it only after it is fully serviced and I will advice the same to anyone buying used Turntables.

 

[sachu888]

Skipping or repeating issue could be from worn out stylus.

Regards,
Sachin

 

[jls001]

Skipping can also be because of inadequate tracking force and/or inadequate antiskate.

@olly42: please describe how you arrived at 2.5 gram tracking force. Is that the recommended weight for your cartridge? How did you achieve 2.5 grams? Please describe step-by-step so that we may understand if there is some mistake some where.

The issue could also be related to a problem in the auto lift-drop function. In that case it may need expert intervention.

 

[kuruvilajacob]

Skipping or repeating issue could be from worn out stylus.

Regards,
Sachin

I understand that the arms moves to forward and then gets stuck. So it may not be worn out stylus but there is some obstruction in the arm assembly. I agree with Joshua that such things are better to be handled by professionals.

 

[sachu888]

I understand that the arms moves to forward and then gets stuck. So it may not be worn out stylus but there is some obstruction in the arm assembly. I agree with Joshua that such things are better to be handled by professionals.

OP said tonearm gets stuck only in auto mode.

Regards,
Sachin

 

[kuruvilajacob]

OP said tonearm gets stuck only in auto mode.

Regards,
Sachin

Sachin,

It must be one of the mechanical plastic levers guiding the tone arm in auto mode. Anyway, it needs a sound technician's help I think. Without actually seeing the real problem, all we are stating is more guess work.

 

[olly42]

What cartridge are you using? 2.5 grams is on the higher side for most cartridges. There could be either some damage to the tone arm bearings or it may need lubrication and it's vertical movements may be hampered . This can also cause the problems you have mentioned. Many used Turntables that I receive have similar problems. That's why I strongly recommend that used players should be fully services before playing. I have now realized that many of these players which are now being offered in various sites like OLX and Quicker were lying unused for decades before they are put up for sale. They are bound to develop complaints over a period of time due to lack of servicing and lubrication. This is only natural. Whenever I get a used player, I operate it only after it is fully serviced and I will advice the same to anyone buying used Turntables.

Jacob the TT has Shure M44-7.. I am really not sure what is wrong or what is it that i am doing incorrectly but in both manual and automatic the tone arm comes back and forth.. Would you know any good technician in Bangalore?

 

[olly42]

OP said tonearm gets stuck only in auto mode.

Regards,
Sachin

My Bad Sachin it gets stuck in both modes

 

[olly42]

Skipping can also be because of inadequate tracking force and/or inadequate antiskate.

@olly42: please describe how you arrived at 2.5 gram tracking force. Is that the recommended weight for your cartridge? How did you achieve 2.5 grams? Please describe step-by-step so that we may understand if there is some mistake some where.

The issue could also be related to a problem in the auto lift-drop function. In that case it may need expert intervention.

Joshua I followed the instructions as mentioned in the operating manual which i downloaded from the net....I am sure there maybe something which i may be doing incorrectly...

In the adjustments section in the manual it is mentioned "In cae the stylus sets down outside of eht record rotate clockwise and in fig 26 it shows some adjustment on the tone arm will try that and see if that helps

 

[kuruvilajacob]

I don't know anyone who could service it in Bangalore. May be some of the Bangalore Forum members may be able to suggest someone there