PL-570 auto-return problem...

[Brainwashed]

Well, I got a PL-570 to complete my Silver Era stereo setup. SX-1250 + HPM-200 + PL-570. All the function buttons work, and all everything seems alright, other than the fact that the auto-return doesn't work. I assume this turntable HAS autoreturn, as it has a repeat function. Ha ha. SO, i was wodnering if anyone knew how the auto-return feature on the PL-570 worked, so I could see if I just need to clean something, or get something replaced so it functions. Also, does anyone here on AK restore/repair turntables?

I thought perhaps the pioneer forum was better suited to this question, than the turntable/tape forum. Though, where the mods feel it should be is up to them.

Thanks in advance,

Brainwashed

 

[spaceman]

Congrats to ya, I just picked one up recently too. :thmbsp: I'm a total newbie to TTs, so no good advice, but the manuals sticky has some info on the PL-530, that MIGHT be helpful (they're pretty different, but at least in the same family). Mine has issues, so I'm gonna buy the SM sometime soon myself.

 

[onepixel]

My PL-570 had the same problem. I took a peek inside. There are a number of gears and levers that control the arm. Mine had "popped out." It was easy enough to correctly engage the mechanism. I was lucky.

Try doing an AK search, this topic was covered before on this TT. I don't remember all the details on the other possible solutions.

Good luck.

 

[clydeselsor]

Perhaps the former owner deactivated the function. Probably a lever on the tonearm spindle inside the plinth was removed. I have a PL-518 that drags the arm across the record before lifting it! It is a common problem with many of the mid to late 70's auto-return mechanisms found in most Japanese tables. Maybe that is why it was deactivated. Just a thought.

 

[hakaplan]

Well, it could be an easy or a tough fix. Inside, attached to the tonearm is a plate with a mesh, and this plate rotates along with the arm. When the tonearm gets close to the end of the record, the mesh interrupts an LED shining onto a photo transistor. At first it senses normal tonearm movement. Then, when the arm starts to move faster through the leadout grooves, the logic circuit, sensing that movement, triggers a relay which then sets the main cam into motion, which returns the arm. So you can see there are many things that can be causing the problem. You have to remove some mechanics to access the plate and sensors. Hopefully it's just a simple mechanical fix like Onepixel's.

I have one that works intermittently but haven't had the time to experiment more.

 

[the mick 7]

Mine was doing the same thing.Had to clean & lube the timing motor,clean hardened grease from the cam & cam gears,fresh lube.It's been working like new since.At the end of the record a relay triggers the timing motor to start the cam rotation to move the tone arm back to the rest.If everything is gummed up with 30 year old grease it will tend to cause problems.

 

[Brainwashed]

Well, I took a look at it, and can't see anything that's not engaging, it doesn't seem to even try to do anything. Is there a turntable tech here on AK that's somewhat close to Indiana, or even one that's here at all? Because I don't think me taking something apart that is partially functioning is such a good idea! Ha ha, I mean it works, I'd just be a lot happier if it worked all the way. And, if I have to send it to someone to get it done, it really doesn't bother me.

 

[spaceman]

Hmm, I got brave enough last night to open mine up, & while everything looks basically allright, I can see a few things to clean & lube. Is there a recommended grease to use? I also have a bad fuse, the 125v 100mA one, so I'll just order all 3 while I'm at it (300mA & 800mA), & re-capping doesn't look too tricky.

 

[onepixel]

Well, I took a look at it, and can't see anything that's not engaging, it doesn't seem to even try to do anything. Is there a turntable tech here on AK that's somewhat close to Indiana, or even one that's here at all? Because I don't think me taking something apart that is partially functioning is such a good idea! Ha ha, I mean it works, I'd just be a lot happier if it worked all the way. And, if I have to send it to someone to get it done, it really doesn't bother me.

Believe me when I poked around my PL-570's insides I new nothing about how TTs worked.

If you decided to try, you'll need to get it elevated with the bottom off so you can get undereath and see what going on while powered up. When the tonearm goes to the end the little arm that raises it should engage. In your case it's not so watch what it does. Try lifting that little arem from the bottom. Don't force anything. It may become evident to you on how it works. It's kinda like the knee bone is connected to the hip bone (bad analogy). It's should all be connected to work properly.

That's how I fixed mine. Posting a pic might help.