Hi Folks,
I have a Pioneer PL-7 direct drive turntable that I bought new in the 1980s. I noticed during the early 00's that it was slowing down, even though the quartz lock light remains lit when it's at speed.
Photo:
I did some searching online and found that this is not an unusual problem with this model. Cleaning the contacts in a couple of switches usually clears it up. The problem is that in the process I've boogered up the tonearm return mechanism, and now the arm lifts up and returns whenever it is moved over a record.
I knew this was going to be a challenge from the start, the technical service manual for this model is available for download. Just getting the top cover off takes ~8 steps to complete, and there are several connection points (mechanical and electrical) that have to be installed or aligned when the top and bottom meet. I've been through the process five or six times in the last couple of years, but the problem remains.
Regarding the tonearm auto-return adjustment, I've tried moving it a little at a time through its entire range in both directions, then testing the result. It has no effect. I did not suspect it at first because I did not think I had disturbed its setting when I first opened up the unit, but tried adjusting it after discovering the problem to see if it might help.
I have a backup turntable, but it's a marginal belt driven manual model that's harder on my records. I'd like to get the PL-7 working again if possible. I've even considered disconnecting the tonearm return mechanism, but I'd rather get it back to normal if I can.
If anyone has any ideas please let me know. If you know of anyone who can repair it, I'll be considering that as well. But with used models selling for around $130 online it might be hard to find a place that would fix it for less.
Thanks,
Scott C. in Cary, NC USA
I have a Pioneer PL-7 direct drive turntable that I bought new in the 1980s. I noticed during the early 00's that it was slowing down, even though the quartz lock light remains lit when it's at speed.
Photo:
I did some searching online and found that this is not an unusual problem with this model. Cleaning the contacts in a couple of switches usually clears it up. The problem is that in the process I've boogered up the tonearm return mechanism, and now the arm lifts up and returns whenever it is moved over a record.
I knew this was going to be a challenge from the start, the technical service manual for this model is available for download. Just getting the top cover off takes ~8 steps to complete, and there are several connection points (mechanical and electrical) that have to be installed or aligned when the top and bottom meet. I've been through the process five or six times in the last couple of years, but the problem remains.
Regarding the tonearm auto-return adjustment, I've tried moving it a little at a time through its entire range in both directions, then testing the result. It has no effect. I did not suspect it at first because I did not think I had disturbed its setting when I first opened up the unit, but tried adjusting it after discovering the problem to see if it might help.
I have a backup turntable, but it's a marginal belt driven manual model that's harder on my records. I'd like to get the PL-7 working again if possible. I've even considered disconnecting the tonearm return mechanism, but I'd rather get it back to normal if I can.
If anyone has any ideas please let me know. If you know of anyone who can repair it, I'll be considering that as well. But with used models selling for around $130 online it might be hard to find a place that would fix it for less.
Thanks,
Scott C. in Cary, NC USA