Turntable binds up
Called Ion-Audio twice. They suggested new belt, then new platter. Neither solved problem. Platter rotates freely in counter clockwise direction but seems to catch on the sharp edge of the steel key in the brass keyway slot of the spindle when rotating clockwise.
Audio Players & Recorders - ION Audio - Vinyl Recording Turntable
Answers & Comments
Yes I agree with you to move the key or shorten it to eliminate the drag. I think that you should try to find the cause of the interference. I.E. is there a spacer missing, is there a set screw to hold the key down out of the way, that may have loosened? Ion-Audio isn't any help, or hasn't seen the problem before, or you just haven't been lucky enough to get the right person on the phone. Can you get a parts diagram from them?
Go for it, I don't think you can make it any worse, broke is broke, no where to go but better
Good Luck, Chuck
If the new belt, then new platter did not fix the problem, then the problem is the steel key, the part can be not well in place because of a missing part, this kind of mechanical problems are difficult to fix from distance.
DO change the belt of the unit with the same size. be sure that you will replace the part with the same spec. if this not compatible parts it will affect the performance of your unit.
Http://www.turntablebasics.com/advice.html
click the link for whole setup and system of turntable.
to repair your turntable manually and checking
click this another link
http://www.housatonicrr.com/DIY_Turntable.htm
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I also found that most of the binding in the mechanism came from slight distortion in base. I found that the hole in my layout was slightly distorting the base. I also put powdered graphite under the bridge. I smoothed some of the contact surfaces with 600 grit wet dry sandpaper.
I too, took it apart many times. I spent a lot of time working with the contact brushes to get them to keep enough tension on the contact ring. I trimmed and shaped the brushes so they would work. It was trial and error. I also found that most of the binding in the mechanism came from slight distortion in base. I found that the hole in my layout was slightly distorting the base. I also put powdered graphite under the bridge. I smoothed some of the contact surfaces with 600 grit wet dry sandpaper. I played around with different washers but I don't remember how that ended up.
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also You may have a broken solder someplace, broken wires...you'll have to do a series of continuity tests to determine where the power is dropping out from rail top to the bus wires.