taskerc
Active Member
Hi - the radio shack packaging says life of 3000 hours for the screw mount 6.3v version (rs code 272-1128). My interpretation of current rating is what it can use, not what it will use.
Rabco ST6, ST7, ST8 Owners unite! We need a club room!
- Thread starter Phuzzyday
- Start date
Hi - the radio shack packaging says life of 3000 hours for the screw mount 6.3v version (rs code 272-1128). My interpretation of current rating is what it can use, not what it will use.
The REVOX Linatrack appears a refinement of the original RABCO electric servo tracking system with a bi-directional light gate sensor instead of a simple single sensor switch and a unipivot cartridge carrier instead of the RABCO's gimbal arm. The Technics LTs are closer to the RABCO, with a gimbal arm and uni-directional light gate sensor. All cable driven LTs originated in the RABCO electric servo drive, the Pioneer LT was one exception with a linear magnetic motor drive. The RABCO skew-wheel mechanical drive as used on the ST6,7, & 8 appears original and not used anywhere else.
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Would like to join the Rabco rabble. 
I have an SL-8E mounted on a DC servo controlled belt drive Sony TTS-3000A. Pretty much had this setup since 1972 or '73. Started out with the original Sony PUA-237 arm, and when I could I sold it for the Rabco. Playin' it ever since with no regrets. Will try to get some pictures up later.
Jim
I have an SL-8E mounted on a DC servo controlled belt drive Sony TTS-3000A. Pretty much had this setup since 1972 or '73. Started out with the original Sony PUA-237 arm, and when I could I sold it for the Rabco. Playin' it ever since with no regrets. Will try to get some pictures up later.Jim
Phototone
Super Member
Not exactly true. The pre Harmon/Kardon Rabco ST-4 turntable used a variant of the skew-wheel mechanical drive that works quite well. I have 2 of these.
Just picked up my first ST7 and an initial question. The Rabco name plate on the arm. How does it properly attach? When I unpacked this unit the plate came off with the painter blue tape holding the arm in place for shipping. Does it just sit there? Seems that's the only way I can determine. Thanks, there will be more questions I can assure you.
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added 09/04
Another question. When the arm reaches the end of the lp it does not immediately shut down. Takes between 10-15 additional seconds. In the meantime the stylus is against the label. Is this normal behavior or should it be quicker? Thanks.
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added 09/04
Another question. When the arm reaches the end of the lp it does not immediately shut down. Takes between 10-15 additional seconds. In the meantime the stylus is against the label. Is this normal behavior or should it be quicker? Thanks.
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Phuzzyday
Never, EVER stop learning
Sorry!! If you are still around..... The plastic sides of the carriage hold it in like a snap system, however after it comes out, you may have to spread them apart a bit to get it back in, as it actually helps keep the correct shape of the assembly.
I have been away for.... ever.... if anyone knows of Techmoan on youtube, I sent him a note recommending this design for a video on his retro tech channel.
I have been away for.... ever.... if anyone knows of Techmoan on youtube, I sent him a note recommending this design for a video on his retro tech channel.
Are Rabco ST-4 owners allowed in this club? As @Phototone says, the Harman-Kardon linears got their design from the ST-4, possibly with input from the SL-8E arm. My ST-4 tracks to a basic degree, though I'm sure it needs some sort of work (particularly in regards to the tonearm lift, which doesn't work properly at the moment). Here are some pictures of my ST-4:
As @Phototone says, the Harman-Kardon linears got their design from the ST-4, possibly with input from the SL-8E arm. My ST-4 tracks to a basic degree, though I'm sure it needs some sort of work (particularly in regards to the tonearm lift, which doesn't work properly at the moment). Here are some pictures of my ST-4:
I should clarify. I've only done basic testing to my ST-4. Haven't had a chance to hook it to an amplifier yet, but have cued it up into the groove of a junker record, and what I heard from the stylus that came with it (condition currently unknown) as it tracked the groove sounded rather distorted. I've attempted to balance the arm, but wasn't able to get it to 'float' as I would've preferred.
When I cued the arm into the lead-out groove, the arm skewed dramatically towards the label until the stylus sat in the lockgroove. If I picked up the arm and increased the angle, the cueing bar lifted the arm, so that part of the circuitry seems to be working, but something seems to be up with the alignment of the optical sensor or perhaps something else. I have yet to examine the optical sensor, or find any information with regards to adjusting it (or anything else on this turntable, for that matter, as 'service information' about it beyond the original owner's manual seems to be rather scarce).
To the best of my knowledge, Harman-Kardon outright bought Rabco, but kept using the name on the linear-tracking turntables which followed. I also believe that Harman-Kardon continued to sell the ST-4 for some time after buying Rabco, though I'm not sure if that was before or after the sticker was added to the front right corner of the plinth.
-Adam
Anyone mind if I jump in 5 years after the last post?
Here's my story...
I saw an ad selling records on Craigslist for cheap, so I picked up about 35 albums for around $15 or so. Now the thing is, I didn't have a turntable. I have a cheap Sherwood receiver, and pretty decent (to me) pair of Advent Heritage speakers (as well as an older pair of Bose 201 speakers because they were only $25).
So at any rate, I put an ad on Craigslist in the Wanted section looking for a cheap (or free) turntable just so I could listen to the records:
"Hey! I'm posting this hoping someone will be able to help me. I received a bunch of records, but have no way of playing them. Just looking for a cheap/free turntable to hook up to my receiver. Thank you!"
So a gentleman responded and said he had an older linear tracking type turntable that I could have for free! As luck would have it, he gifted me a Harman/Kardon ST8 - complete with a Shure V15 Type IV cartridge!
I knew that H/K was a decent quality brand, but had no idea what I had just received. After a little research, I couldn't believe what he had given me! I'm incredibly ecstatic (and grateful) with this new (to me) piece of equipment. Also, he included two NOS ST7/8/etc. clear dust covers.
Now I'm gonna have to upgrade my receiver...
Here's my story...
I saw an ad selling records on Craigslist for cheap, so I picked up about 35 albums for around $15 or so. Now the thing is, I didn't have a turntable. I have a cheap Sherwood receiver, and pretty decent (to me) pair of Advent Heritage speakers (as well as an older pair of Bose 201 speakers because they were only $25).
So at any rate, I put an ad on Craigslist in the Wanted section looking for a cheap (or free) turntable just so I could listen to the records:
"Hey! I'm posting this hoping someone will be able to help me. I received a bunch of records, but have no way of playing them. Just looking for a cheap/free turntable to hook up to my receiver. Thank you!"
So a gentleman responded and said he had an older linear tracking type turntable that I could have for free! As luck would have it, he gifted me a Harman/Kardon ST8 - complete with a Shure V15 Type IV cartridge!
I knew that H/K was a decent quality brand, but had no idea what I had just received. After a little research, I couldn't believe what he had given me! I'm incredibly ecstatic (and grateful) with this new (to me) piece of equipment. Also, he included two NOS ST7/8/etc. clear dust covers.
Now I'm gonna have to upgrade my receiver...
Very nice!Anyone mind if I jump in 5 years after the last post?
Here's my story...
I saw an ad selling records on Craigslist for cheap, so I picked up about 35 albums for around $15 or so. Now the thing is, I didn't have a turntable. I have a cheap Sherwood receiver, and pretty decent (to me) pair of Advent Heritage speakers (as well as an older pair of Bose 201 speakers because they were only $25).
So at any rate, I put an ad on Craigslist in the Wanted section looking for a cheap (or free) turntable just so I could listen to the records:
"Hey! I'm posting this hoping someone will be able to help me. I received a bunch of records, but have no way of playing them. Just looking for a cheap/free turntable to hook up to my receiver. Thank you!"
So a gentleman responded and said he had an older linear tracking type turntable that I could have for free! As luck would have it, he gifted me a Harman/Kardon ST8 - complete with a Shure V15 Type IV cartridge!
I knew that H/K was a decent quality brand, but had no idea what I had just received. After a little research, I couldn't believe what he had given me! I'm incredibly ecstatic (and grateful) with this new (to me) piece of equipment. Also, he included two NOS ST7/8/etc. clear dust covers.
Now I'm gonna have to upgrade my receiver...
