Thorens TD160 with Auto-Stop

[VintageStyle]

Back in 2009, I purchased a used Thorens TD160 turntable. It looks like any other TD160 but it has an auto-stop and auto-lift mechanism. I've attached some photos that show the components. An interruption of an optical beam triggers the operation. Does anyone recognize this assembly and know anything about it? It has recently failed and I would like to replace or repair it.

Thanks for taking a look.

 

[Montycat]

I've seen a TD-160 with a similar auto stop and lift mechanism before but it's rare. Normally the 145 is the one that you will see with that feature. Maybe a late version of the 160?

 

[VintageStyle]

The assembly doesn't look like a home audiophile add-on, but the mechanism doesn't resemble the one on a TD145 either. So, while it looks like it could have been a factory addition, it doesn't follow Thorens other implementations as I understand them. My serial number is 00891. Any idea if where that would fit in the timeline of the production history of the turntable?

 

[gadget73]

I dunno, something about that doesn't look like a factory install. The self-stick wire tie thing in the middle of the sub chassis, the wire nuts hanging in space, and what looks like clear Scotch tape just don't quite seem like OEM to me. It looks very well done, possibly a professionally made kit sold for the purpose?

The 145 also has some extra stuff going on around the speed selector. It had a slide to lift function built in that added another switch and some wiring down there, and I don't see that here. Looks like breaking the beam with that flag on the arm is the only thing that lifts it.

 

[VintageStyle]

If it were a kit, there must be other TD160's with this mod. Any of you out there? Do you know who produced it? Does a schematic exist?

 

[Montycat]

I dunno, something about that doesn't look like a factory install. The self-stick wire tie thing in the middle of the sub chassis, the wire nuts hanging in space, and what looks like clear Scotch tape just don't quite seem like OEM to me. It looks very well done, possibly a professionally made kit sold for the purpose?

The 145 also has some extra stuff going on around the speed selector. It had a slide to lift function built in that added another switch and some wiring down there, and I don't see that here. Looks like breaking the beam with that flag on the arm is the only thing that lifts it.

I don't recall or have pictures of the 160 that I owned that had the auto shutoff stuff but my recollection is that it did look a lot like this. A friend has it now but in fact he kind of should give it back to me as he has a Rega I gave him. Maybe I can compare it to the 145.