Andrew732683
New Member
I was just wondering if this idea was technically possible and if there was anyone who would have an interest in making one of these,
What I envision is a modern accessory that would be universally compatible with any “fully automatic” turntable which adds drop spindle functionality specifically for large hole 7” records.
The real reason we didn’t see this functionality anymore seems to be due to the complicated mechanical linkage between the turntable’s mechanism and the drop spindle.
Here’s how I see my new design working.
There would be two components, a base station and the drop spindle. The base station would connect to the turntable or receiver using either Bluetooth, USB digital output or RCA plug adapter. Its processor would detect the silence at the end of the record and use an IR blaster or RF system to send a command to the separate 45RPM spindle. This spindle which could operate either on a Lithium Ion or coin / button cell battery would automatically switch on when it the turntable’s spindle forces a small circuit closed. When the base station sends the command, a small solenoid would trigger the controlled drop of a record from the top of the stack. An actuator on the base station would then activate the turntable’s start button and the arm would return to the edge of the platter then swing back over and drop on the next record. To address the lack of a VTA adjustment the device should only be used with a conical stylus (best for styrene singles anyway) and could be used with an optional slim mat with sunken center area which would allow most turntables to comfortably stack 5 to 6 records.
If someone has any better ideas or forgot a technical detail or there’s still a part of this design that is not perfected feel free to let me know. I’m not sure if this has anymore true market potential but I’ve seen plenty of forum posts filled with nostalgia about those old changers and I would love to see something like this be available for order,
What I envision is a modern accessory that would be universally compatible with any “fully automatic” turntable which adds drop spindle functionality specifically for large hole 7” records.
The real reason we didn’t see this functionality anymore seems to be due to the complicated mechanical linkage between the turntable’s mechanism and the drop spindle.
Here’s how I see my new design working.
There would be two components, a base station and the drop spindle. The base station would connect to the turntable or receiver using either Bluetooth, USB digital output or RCA plug adapter. Its processor would detect the silence at the end of the record and use an IR blaster or RF system to send a command to the separate 45RPM spindle. This spindle which could operate either on a Lithium Ion or coin / button cell battery would automatically switch on when it the turntable’s spindle forces a small circuit closed. When the base station sends the command, a small solenoid would trigger the controlled drop of a record from the top of the stack. An actuator on the base station would then activate the turntable’s start button and the arm would return to the edge of the platter then swing back over and drop on the next record. To address the lack of a VTA adjustment the device should only be used with a conical stylus (best for styrene singles anyway) and could be used with an optional slim mat with sunken center area which would allow most turntables to comfortably stack 5 to 6 records.
If someone has any better ideas or forgot a technical detail or there’s still a part of this design that is not perfected feel free to let me know. I’m not sure if this has anymore true market potential but I’ve seen plenty of forum posts filled with nostalgia about those old changers and I would love to see something like this be available for order,
