Technics SL-D3 - Tonearm goes too far??

[Teej]

I inherited my Dad's old Technics SL-D3 fully automatic, and it's been running like a champ for a few weeks now; but I suddenly have a mechanical problem I don't know how to fix.

The other night I hit the "Start-Stop" button. Usually this prompts the platter to spin and the tonearm to lift and cue itself over to the correct position (as indicated by the record size switch which is pretty much always at 12") and lower onto the record. Like I said - this has been functioning perfectly in the weeks since I got it.

The other night and every night since then, when I push the start button everything happens as normal, but after the tonearm cues itself over to the correct position, it appears to snap itself about two inches further (roughly around the correct position for a 10" record), then lower onto the record. As 95% of the records I play are 12", it now always starts almost in the middle of the record side. This is despite the fact that the record size switch is in the correct 12" position.

I can still manually cue the tonearm up, move it to the correct position, then lower it myself manually - I already do it this way on my Technics SL-Q202 and I don't mind. It still plays like a champ and sounds great. But the "Start-Stop" was so cool and easy, and I miss it working correctly.

I am not mechanically inclined, but if someone knows a fix for this that wouldn't involve me destroying this beautiful table, I'd like to give it a whirl.

Thank you!

 

[Markoneswift]

I would suggest grabbing the service manual from vinylengine if you don't have it. Often there are trouble shooting steps for things like arm set down (lead in) adjustment.

 

[Montycat]

This thread addresses that a bit. I think I have had a similar problem and I believe some cleaning and lubing did fix it. The index wire referred to might be the issue.

http://audiokarma.org/forums/index....ics-sl-d3-calling-experienced-members.790044/

 

[Markoneswift]

Bottom left side of the service manual, page 6 - Adustment for automatic start position. It's just a case of removing a rubber cap and rotating a screw. Of course, if something more severe has occurred, then the adjustment may not be enough to bring it back to where it should be. The SL-D3 uses a fairly tricky set of 'piano wires' to activate various auto functions so it could be that lubrication of those parts and the wire guides is needed. My Akai AP-Q41 is fully automatic but the arm has its own motor so everything is electronically controlled - no need for wires and levers

 

[gadget73]

Does this use an optical sensor for record size selection? I had an SL-D5 (I think thats what it was anyway) that had windows through the mat and it relied on light reflection for record sizing. If the mat was out of position it would pick the wrong size.

 

[Markoneswift]

Does this use an optical sensor for record size selection? I had an SL-D5 (I think thats what it was anyway) that had windows through the mat and it relied on light reflection for record sizing. If the mat was out of position it would pick the wrong size.

Nope - manual selector switch on these mate. I had an SL-QL1 which was auto, as was the SL-10. My Akai is automatic selection too - it has a light tower which beams through holes in the mat and the light goes through a prism system under the platter to a sensor.

 

[gadget73]

if its a manual selector switch, maybe the switch is just dirty then.

 

[Markoneswift]

if its a manual selector switch, maybe the switch is just dirty then.

Doubtful my friend - it's a manual switch, as in it acts on a mechanism rather than an electrical contact. The size switch moves item 26 (cord, record size) on the schematic, which in turns acts upon 88 (index, plate). Could well be the indexing plate is gummed up and needs a bit of lube, likewise the cord that pulls it (and / or the spring that returns the index plate the other way).

 

[Teej]

Doubtful my friend - it's a manual switch, as in it acts on a mechanism rather than an electrical contact. The size switch moves item 26 (cord, record size) on the schematic, which in turns acts upon 88 (index, plate). Could well be the indexing plate is gummed up and needs a bit of lube, likewise the cord that pulls it (and / or the spring that returns the index plate the other way).

I'm nervous to crack her open, and when I eventually do I'm hopeful it will be something easy like this. I should probably get in there and clean this thing real good anyway. When I eventually do I'll def. post here to let you all know what the problem was..if I can spot it.

 

[Markoneswift]

I'm nervous to crack her open, and when I eventually do I'm hopeful it will be something easy like this. I should probably get in there and clean this thing real good anyway. When I eventually do I'll def. post here to let you all know what the problem was..if I can spot it.

There's not much to be scared about in there. Removing the base is easy and then concentrate on looking for obvious signs of sticky, glue-like grease. This can be removed with isopropyl alcohol and then refreshed. That will be a good start.