A friend of mine has a 401 where the magnetic arm that is connected to the speed adjustment control
has lost a level of its magnetism, so when the setting is slap bang in the middle the 401 runs a bit slow.
He is trying to find out if any body has had the same problem and if so if they were able to solve it
other than an expensive power supply which is out of reach.
When he has asked this question on other forums it has drawn a blank he said its seems a bit like
" the elephant in the room".
Come on chaps I bet one of you can help.
I have already assured him this is the best place to find the answer.
Regards Nigel.
Posted on: 27 October 2015 by Richard Dane
Nigel,
I think you're talking about the eddy brake mechanism. So long as the eddy brake disc is clean and not warped then I wouldn't worry too much if the speed control is not absolutely bang on centre - it's quite normal to have it a few degrees one way or the other. On my own 401 I have dial it back a notch or two so the strobe platter doesn't run slightly fast - it's usually somewhere about 11 o'clock to 11:30 rather than at 12 o'clock.
Does it remain stable when set after running for around 20 minutes?
Posted on: 28 October 2015 by Nigel Chaplin
Hi Richard.
Once you have set the speed control on the 401 yes it does remain stable its just that to get it bang on say 33 it is more like 11.00 rather than 12.00.Like you say.
On his 301 its even worse with the speed control right over to the left its still a little slow.
This is why he was wondering if you can get the eddy brake re magnetised of replaced.
I will tell him what Tony has suggested .It is certainly worth a look.
Thank you both very much
Posted on: 28 October 2015 by Richard Dane
Nigel, you can remove the eddy brake - indeed, this is recommended if you run one of these decks with an off board PSU. But if the 301 deck is running slow even with the eddy brake minimised then it indicates a problem elsewhere and doubtless would need a full service. I'd recommend a thorough service - strip down of the motor and a re-lube. I'd also properly clean and re-lube the main bearing, and check for any wear. Also check and clean the idler and the idler tyre (replace if needed). Not really a job for the amateur unless you know what you're doing or you're methodical and fairly brave. Also be careful of the linkages - they're cadmium plated, so poisonous.
I'd give someone like Terry O'Sullivan a ring - he runs Loricraft and he knows his way around these decks better than anyone. He should be able to give you some more pointers here.
