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Turntable arm problem

L

Lauris

New Member
Hello, so I bought my first automatic turntable ant trying to get it to work, i have a problem that when I press the start button and arm gets to the vinyl, it tries to engage with the vinyl, but doesnt even touch it and get back to its resting position, but I figured a way to make it work, but ITS DEFINETLY not a good way to use it, so please give any suggestions what could be the problem.
I recorded a video how its failing to start and how I get it to play music -


by the way arm does that weird "BRRRR" sound everytime it gets to the playing or resting position, so I dont know is it normal.
 
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The arm drive mechanism is in need of service for sure. Cleaning and lubing hopefully. Other wise there might be worn or damaged parts causing the issue. Let's hope not. I know manual TT can be a big issue for us older folks making for increased chances of damage, but we don't have to worry about complex arm moving mechanisms being responsible for similar issues that you are having. That why I gave up on my Duals. I always had a Manual TT available for use if the Duals, Garrards or Miracords acted up.
 
Lauris said:
Hello, so I bought my first automatic turntable ant trying to get it to work, i have a problem that when I press the start button and arm gets to the vinyl, it tries to engage with the vinyl, but doesnt even touch it and get back to its resting position, but I figured a way to make it work, but ITS DEFINETLY not a good way to use it, so please give any suggestions what could be the problem.
I recorded a video how its failing to start and how I get it to play music -

by the way arm does that weird "BRRRR" sound everytime it gets to the playing or resting position, so I dont know is it normal.
Click to expand...

What brand/model is it? Operation varies between turntables and some have some "known issues" that might have a known fix.

In genera I'd start with the basics though and make sure you're counterweight is set properly. On my auto JVC, if the weight is off by enough the auto start will start to drop the tonearm and then shoot back up to the resting position.

The weight markings on the tone arm aren't always accurate, either. Figure out the appropriate weight range for your cartridge and start there, and maybe try 0.25g increments to see if there's any improvement in operation. I probably wouldn't add much more than gram total though (and even that's a lot IF the marked weights are reasonably accurate) without checking the tracking force with a scale to make sure you're not way outside the limits of the cartridge.
 
twiiii said:
The arm drive mechanism is in need of service for sure. Cleaning and lubing hopefully. Other wise there might be worn or damaged parts causing the issue. Let's hope not. I know manual TT can be a big issue for us older folks making for increased chances of damage, but we don't have to worry about complex arm moving mechanisms being responsible for similar issues that you are having. That why I gave up on my Duals. I always had a Manual TT available for use if the Duals, Garrards or Miracords acted up.
Click to expand...

Thanks, probably the best idea is to take this thing to a turntable service, than doing the repair by myself, because its my first one, and I really dont want to mess anything up.
 
seely said:
What brand/model is it? Operation varies between turntables and some have some "known issues" that might have a known fix.

In genera I'd start with the basics though and make sure you're counterweight is set properly. On my auto JVC, if the weight is off by enough the auto start will start to drop the tonearm and then shoot back up to the resting position.

The weight markings on the tone arm aren't always accurate, either. Figure out the appropriate weight range for your cartridge and start there, and maybe try 0.25g increments to see if there's any improvement in operation. I probably wouldn't add much more than gram total though (and even that's a lot IF the marked weights are reasonably accurate) without checking the tracking force with a scale to make sure you're not way outside the limits of the cartridge.
Click to expand...

Hi, its a Dual 1254 turntable, I tried adjusting the arm weight to make it float ant then gave it like 2 grams, but when I play music on this weight, sound is very glitchy and distorted, if I apply more weight then it sounds good.
 
Lauris said:
Hi, its a Dual 1254 turntable, I tried adjusting the arm weight to make it float ant then gave it like 2 grams, but when I play music on this weight, sound is very glitchy and distorted, if I apply more weight then it sounds good.
Click to expand...

I'm guessing either the weight, or the technique for setting the weight, is off. The distortion is probably from tracking "too light" if adding weight takes care of it. If you have access to a reasonably accurate scale that can read 0.5g or less (kitchen or postage scales usually can) that might eliminate some possibilities.

I had a 1219 with some auto feature issues 20+ years ago. I don't remember it enough to be useful but I do know I learned how to solder on that Dual
 
I'd go with Stratokasters suggestion too. Usually when auto acts up on Duals we scream "Check the Stuerpimpel!" But this doesn't look like a pimple problem.

Probably som part of the automechanism is stuck or in wrong position in the auto cycle, like the shutoff lever that commands the auto function to return the arm and stop playing.
Hopefully a reset can fix it. Otherwise it's time to get the hands dirty. Good Luck!
 
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