Isolation Transformer for Thorens TD 124

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#22
Thanks kevinkr for confirming that. To anyone not clear on their motor type, some of the posts regarding speed control/regulation could be very confusing/misleading.
Perhaps you could point to your project or to a suitable power station (I tried googling but all I got was car flat-battery starters).

Could one boost voltage with a transformer (any mains to low voltage transformer can be used as an auto-transformer to boost/drop the voltage) so lowest mains input = sufficient output.
Then sense voltage with an Arduino & use this to move a pot in series with motor using a modellers servo to regulate for a constant motor supply voltage. Or even fixed resistances & relays in place of pot & servo. Or if the mains voltage drop is predictable and slow, just adjust by hand. Add a display to show motor supply voltage.
Volvic - how much does mains drop? What is range high to low?
 
#23
russc - I don;t know how much the mains drops, haven't tested during the evenings, will do it at some point but I might as well post it now. Got a Viz/RCA WP-28 isolation transformer a few nights ago and put it to test the turntable. This model has no voltage adjustment knob just a straight isolation transformer and the interesting thing is that with the table fully warmed up and plugged into the isolation transformer the speed held constant at 33.6 with a 5mm Thorens mat and the heavy Thorens isolator, it did not deviate one bit. Unplugged from the isolation transformer it dipped to 33.4 +/- .1 that was the extent of the deviation, not much negligible. Unless the voltage dips in the evenings in my apartment are massive I don't think the voltage dip in the evenings will be enough to effect the pitch of the music being played (at least not to my ears). But I am a perfectionist and like to sleep easy. Next is a VIZ/RCA isolation transformer with a voltage adjustment and will be interesting to see what that does but in the end KEVINKR is correct; a PS Audio voltage re generator is the best bet for proper speed and for keeping any hash or garbage from coming into the workings and that is what I will be looking for on the second hand market. In the meantime just having loads of fun.
 
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#24
I also got another isolation transformer WP-25A a few days ago and set it to run at 110 volts? The table keeps steady speed and it appears the motor is also a little cooler. I know KevinKr says that an isolation transformer won't work as it will not provide a clean sinewave (?) so now my question is would this work instead ?

http://www.amazon.com/APC-LE600-Automatic-Voltage-Regulator/dp/B00009RA5Z/ref=cm_rdp_product

Or in the end do I have to splurge for Hanze hi-fi's power supply or the PS Audio voltage regenerator (gosh they are expensive).
 
#31
OK. Thanks again.
Found this. Thorens TD 124 / TD124 Mk2 and TD-224 Legendary Vintage Turntables The specifications just near the top of the webpage says speed variation is approximately 0.9 % at +/- 20V voltage fluctuation. I guess in some thread it was mentioned to use mp3 player and amplifier to give clean supply to AC turntable motor. Just curious. What power and distortion level would be appropriate for such turntables 301/401/124s ? How much load will the amplifier see with such motor ? Would it be safe ?
 
#33
russc said:
Volvic - you asked if APC Line-R 600VA was suitable - NO. Manual states -
Appliances not suitable for use with the Line-R are items such as refrigerators, freezers, power tools, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, blenders, or any device that employs an AC motor for operation.

http://www.apcmedia.com/salestools/ASTE-6Z7V32/ASTE-6Z7V32_R3_EN.pdf?sdirect=true
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thanks so much russc, I chuckled when I read your response as someone in the reviews of the product on Amazon goes into great detail about how great this product is for tube gear and even those who have a TD124 with an AC motor will benefit from its clean sine wave and consistent output voltage. I now know why Amazon is pursuing organizations and people who are leaving misleading info. In the end kevinkr's suggestion of finding a PS audio regenerator is the way to go, no need to beat a dead horse.


Still haven't finished reading the Thorens restoration thread but will continue and ask the group which SME arm I should get for my TD124. Thank you all.
 
#35
kevinkr said:
On the arm thing i would recommend Thomas Schick's 12 inch arm over vintage SME arms. The 3012 is a nice arm but trendy now and expensive, perhaps more so than justified by its performance.
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Thanks Kevinkr, totally agree but going towards 9 inch or 9.5 inch arm so either M2-9r of SME IV. I am in love with the SME. I think I will ask my question and concerns about which arm on the Thorens restoration page, keep this particular thread clean.
 
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