Orthophonic High Fidelity Speed Issue

Hello,

I have an RCA Orthophonic High Fidelity that I believe is a 1957. Model #SHF-8.

The problem I am having is that the turntable is not spinning strong enough to turn the record. Essentially, it is slipping. You can get it to spin just enough to know its working by moving the speed control to exactly the right position, but unless you are on 78 speed, it doesn't play.

I removed the turntable and found that the motor appears to be spinning strongly. As I move the speed control it is properly moving between the different speeds, but when engaged the wheel that spins the turntable seems to slip. Since this parts are made of rubber and plastic I assume it is common that they might wear out, so hoping someone here can give some ideas on resolving this issue.

See photos.


- midster

Clean the rubber parts with alcohol or rubber rejuvinator and the inside rim of the platter. Make sure the parts spin freely and oil them if necessary but use only one drop of light machine oil such as sewing machine oil and DO NOT get any on the rubber. I have a 1958 stereo version of this, a PD-24. The tone is quite nice.

Is there also a spring that keeps that idler wheel pressed against the inside of the platter? --BB

Bobby Basham
Tucson, Arizona

yes, there is a spring there. I suppose I could try to tighten that a bit as well. Not sure if there if the tension of that spring need to be measured exactly not to mess things up.

I know just enough to be "dangerous" about these things--but, IMHO, one should NEVER reduce or change the size of ANY spring. It ALWAYS "comes back to haunt you" if done. I would look at a "lubrication issue" or a worn (slick) rubber part problem. Those rubber parts can be "re-surfaced" by several companies--here in the US, I use Vintage Electronics. 601-264-4755 M-F 8-5 CST Ron Rich

midster wrote:yes, there is a spring there. I suppose I could try to tighten that a bit as well. Not sure if there if the tension of that spring need to be measured exactly not to mess things up.

Do NOT mess with the spring tension... doing that is nothing more than a quick & dirty fix as Ron stated.
The idler is slipping because of age/dirt.
Replacements are available online for such repairs.

Unfortunately someone had already adjusted the spring, so its already not calibrated properly. After looking closer I can tell the problem definitely appears to be slippage in the idler.

Aside from having the parts re-furbished. Anyone know where I can buy replacements?

BTW.. while I have found some places that will re-furbish the idler, I have had no success finding anything about refurbishing or replacing the capstan. I believe this is where most of the slip occurs because when I lightly touch the top of one of those wheels, it immediately stops.

Can not the company refurbishing idlers also refurbish "capstans"? Check with tape recorder forums. Somebody is restoring them and needs similar parts.

Did you try "Vintage" as above ? He (Ed) has done other things for me--no problem --
Ron Rich

One of your difficulties in locating a source, is that they are not generally referred to as "capstans", but as "turrets".

Brian McAllister wrote:One of your difficulties in locating a source, is that they are not generally referred to as "capstans", but as "turrets".

That's right. I completely forgot about that. Good on ya mate.

Brian McAllister wrote:One of your difficulties in locating a source, is that they are not generally referred to as "capstans", but as "turrets".

Yes, that definitely helps. Cheers

The turrets, (33/45/78 rpm) along with the idler wheel, are available at Gary Stork's Voice of Music website.
The turrets simply snap off.
Replacing with a new one, a drop of oil on the spindle it sits on is needed..... just a drop.

I am sure that the problem with the speed must have been resolved by now with all the advice and suggestions given!! That turntable is real good and you can’t hope to get anything close to its performance in the market ever again – so hold on to it as long as you can!!