rek-o-kut b12H speed adjustment

[Peter P]

hi guys, i am restoring a rek-o-kut b12h and i have a quick question. i just replaced the idler wheel and the speed is off on both 33 and 45. i can't find manual for instructions on how to adjust the speed. can some please help?

as always, really appreciate the help. thank you very much.

 

[adnick]

Do you have the wrench set? Get the manual from Vinyl Engine the B12gH adjusts in the same manner… loosen the nut underneath the speed selection switch just enough to slide it back and forth, it’s called a “fine speed adjustment”speed is controlled by the motor…..

This process is explained in detail in the manual,

Andy

 

[setup1]

hi guys, i am restoring a rek-o-kut b12h and i have a quick question. i just replaced the idler wheel and the speed is off on both 33 and 45. i can't find manual for instructions on how to adjust the speed. can some please help?

as always, really appreciate the help. thank you very much.

Remove the speed control knob. Loosen the nut with the spanner that is found under the platter of a B12, G and GH if it hasn't been lost. As you move towards the right (2), there's greater tension between the idler wheel and motor pulley (slower) and less tension if moved towards the left (1). Adjust until you get the speed right. More ROK tips + ROK Tips redux.

 

[Peter P]

Remove the speed control knob. Loosen the nut with the spanner that is found under the platter of a B12, G and GH if it hasn't been lost. As you move towards the right (2), there's greater tension between the idler wheel and motor pulley (slower) and less tension if moved towards the left (1). Adjust until you get the speed right. More ROK tips + ROK Tips redux.

thank you. really appreciate the help.

 

[Peter P]

Do you have the wrench set? Get the manual from Vinyl Engine the B12gH adjusts in the same manner… loosen the nut underneath the speed selection switch just enough to slide it back and forth, it’s called a “fine speed adjustment”speed is controlled by the motor…..

This process is explained in detail in the manual,

Andy

thank you so much. really appreciate the help.

 

[Peter P]

Remove the speed control knob. Loosen the nut with the spanner that is found under the platter of a B12, G and GH if it hasn't been lost. As you move towards the right (2), there's greater tension between the idler wheel and motor pulley (slower) and less tension if moved towards the left (1). Adjust until you get the speed right. More ROK tips + ROK Tips redux.

hi, i have another question if i may. i have already removed the allen screw but the knob won't come off. it is loosely turning but it still won't come off. any ideas or trick on how to remove the knob? i am worried i might break it.

thank you.

 

[adnick]

Try 2 spoons, one on each side, they provide their own lever


VR
Andy

 

[Peter P]

Try 2 spoons, one on each side, they provide their own lever


VR
Andy

hi Andy, yes that works, i was able to get it off and was able to adjust the speed. thank you..

the speed is already great now the vibration increased. i replaced the idler which i think because it is new didn't really weld with driver pretty well. hope over time the vibration will lessen. is there any trick i could do the minimize the vibration?

thank you for the help.

 

[setup1]

hi Andy, yes that works, i was able to get it off and was able to adjust the speed. thank you..

the speed is already great now the vibration increased. i replaced the idler which i think because it is new didn't really weld with driver pretty well. hope over time the vibration will lessen. is there any trick i could do the minimize the vibration?

thank you for the help.

Too much tension/pressure between capstan and idler wheel will increase vibration. With the motor and idler wheel sufficiently warmed up, I back off the idler wheel just up to the point I get a steady 33.3 rpm reading on a strobe or whatever device/app you’re using.

 

[adnick]

Follow th advice @setup1 offered….other than that here’s a few things:

Have you oiled the motor?

Do you have oil covering the ball bearing ?

Make sure the washers are in the correct place/order

VR
Andy

 

[Peter P]

Too much tension/pressure between capstan and idler wheel will increase vibration. With the motor and idler wheel sufficiently warmed up, I back off the idler wheel just up to the point I get a steady 33.3 rpm reading on a strobe or whatever device/app you’re using.

hi thank you for the tips. the problem is to get to a steady 33 rpm reading i also get the vibration increasing. if i relieve the tension the vibration is less but the speed is also too slow. this is actually a replacement idler wheel from that Abe recommended by another gentleman in this board. i guess i will just have to get the idler wheel kind of settle so i just keep on running the player.

another question, this turntable came with a pickering np/ac cartridge which i think needs to be replaced. any idea where i can get them?

thank you for the help.

 

[Peter P]

Follow th advice @setup1 offered….other than that here’s a few things:

Have you oiled the motor?

Do you have oil covering the ball bearing ?

Make sure the washers are in the correct place/order

VR
Andy

hi Andy, yes i've oiled the motor and spindle well also have enough oil covering the ball bearing. right now i am just running the player hoping the replacement idler will eventually wear off a bit and running smoother.

thank you for the help.. i got a question about the pickering cartridge above.. if you have any idea that would be a great help.

thank you.

 

[adnick]

Take the platter off so you can see where the idler is engaging the capstan for each speed, the idler should line up perfectly with capstan speed selection. If’s it’s off it will vibrate…..

VR
Andy

 

[adnick]

hi Andy, yes i've oiled the motor and spindle well also have enough oil covering the ball bearing. right now i am just running the player hoping the replacement idler will eventually wear off a bit and running smoother.

thank you for the help.. i got a question about the pickering cartridge above.. if you have any idea that would be a great help.

thank you.

Something other than common knowledge about the Pickering?

Pickering NP/AC Phono Cartridge Specifications
- Stylus type: 0.7 mil spherical
- Tracking force: 3 - 7 g
- Frequency response: 20Hz-15kHz
- Output voltage: 10mV
- Weight: 5.5 g
- DC resistance: 535 ohms nominal
- Channel separation @ 1kHz: 20dB
- Inductance: 400 mH nominal

 

[setup1]

hi thank you for the tips. the problem is to get to a steady 33 rpm reading i also get the vibration increasing. if i relieve the tension the vibration is less but the speed is also too slow. this is actually a replacement idler wheel from that Abe recommended by another gentleman in this board. i guess i will just have to get the idler wheel kind of settle so i just keep on running the player.

another question, this turntable came with a pickering np/ac cartridge which i think needs to be replaced. any idea where i can get them?

thank you for the help.


View attachment 2417591

@adnick has given wise tips on idler adjustment, I have nothing more to add.

That Pickering NP/AC (Plainview, NY era ) is a perfect match for the high mass Rek O Kut tonearm. If the stylus is in good shape, I suggest listening to it before considering a replacement. You can get a replacement stylus from Gary at Voice of Music.

AFAIK, the NP/AC body is the same as my favorite Pickering V-15. They just used a longer magnet on the NP/AC stylus to get 10mV(!) output to compete with the Shure 44-7.

EDIT: I just noticed that your NP/AC stylus has the same color as the DAT2 stylus on my Pickering V-15.

 

[Boise214]

Can someone tell me the kind of oil, and amount to put in the well?

 

[adnick]

Can someone tell me the kind of oil, and amount to put in the well?

ISO 46 turbine oil, 20 wt compressor oil, or the Blue label 3 in 1 motor oil….enough to cover the ball bearing in the bottom


Andy