• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Pioneer PL-530 Direct Drive Motor Speed Issue

txc500

txc500

Member
Happy Friday!

I recently acquired a PL-530 from an estate sale, and it "almost" keeps a constant speed, (of course with a TT almost isn't good enough). There are no wild fluctuations, just very very slight and noticed on the strobe not staying perfectly still.

My question is, with the platter removed, is the motor supposed to turn at a constant, steady speed or in "pulses"?

I saw this on another Pioneer in the past, and I got 2 different answers:
- it is normal and the TT requires the platter to act as a flywheel to turn at a steady speed
and
- another tech said that the Pioneer DD motor is shot

Any thoughts?
 
Register to hide this ad
I've always understood that the motor can be damaged if you operate it without the platter, might not be a good thing to do. The motor will definitely need the flywheel action of the platter to keep turning at a steady speed and all you will get with it removed are pulses anyway. Slight speed changes and drifting during normal operation can often be caused by aging dried out electrolytic capacitors on the speed control servo board.
 
pl 530

I have owned several of these and with one I had serviced I was able to watch him go thru it and if you are having issues with your motor you proably need a full tune up after 45 yrs. Mine only cost me $110.00 to be fully tested and serviced. It is a good investment on a real good turntable. One of the best for the price.
 
I had this problem with my Hitachi HT-550.Annoying speed variations after it was played for an hour or so.Did a total recap and cleaned the variable resistors for the speed control,works great now.
Only about a dozen caps and six bucks in parts,an hour of my time. If you like you table it's worth the effort.
 
I agree with Don.
You are probably in need of a recap job.
The power reserve is probably running too low after all these years and it can't provide enough juice for a proper operation.
 
txc500 said:
Happy Friday!

I recently acquired a PL-530 from an estate sale, and it "almost" keeps a constant speed, (of course with a TT almost isn't good enough). There are no wild fluctuations, just very very slight and noticed on the strobe not staying perfectly still.

My question is, with the platter removed, is the motor supposed to turn at a constant, steady speed or in "pulses"?

I saw this on another Pioneer in the past, and I got 2 different answers:
- it is normal and the TT requires the platter to act as a flywheel to turn at a steady speed
and
- another tech said that the Pioneer DD motor is shot

Any thoughts?
Click to expand...

beatcomber:

Trying shooting some contact cleaner on the speed pots and working them back and forth.

Do the easy and simple thing first, try using DeOxit on the pots. :thmbsp:

http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=207005
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom