Rewiring a Fidelity Research FR-64S

[Dave Cawley]

Thanks ! They would be good but I need something I can buy, those guys are in China and I can't find them in the Western world ?

 

[codyt]

I’ve used Boca in US before. They’d be a good source, though still across an ocean from you. https://www.bocabearings.com/

 

[Dave Cawley]

https://www.bocabearings.com/products/smr84c-y-af2-4599

ABEC 1 ??

 

[codyt]

Would be great to find something with higher ABEC rating, but I've not found anything quite yet.

 

[Dave Cawley]

Best I can get so far is ABEC 5 stainless and dirt cheap too !

 

[codyt]

I found a source in UK that might be worth looking at. https://www.wychbearings.co.uk/smr84_miniature_bearing_open.html

 

[Dave Cawley]

Thanks. They are similar to the ones I found but no ABEC rating ?

I would be quite happy to buy from the USA or Western Europe ?

What I find odd is that people talk about ABEC 7/9 and Si3n4 but they don't actually seem to be available ?

 

[romana]

I'm in the midst of rewiring an FR-54 and while the pillar and pivot assembly is somewhat different from the FR-64, save for the shorter length, the wand and headshell connector appear to be identical.

I removed the setscrew underneath and behind the headshell connector, but the connector doesn't want to pull out. Am I missing something or can anyone offer a suggestion?

Thanks!
Romy

 

[hirscwi]

The headshell connector is glued into the FR64fx and FR64S. Might be the same on the FR54. Try a hot air gun to gently heat the wand to soften the glue. Carefully.

 

[romana]

Thanks for the suggestion, but the heat gun trick didn't work. If FR used glue to secure the connector, it must be some type of epoxy. I also tried soaking the headshell end of the wand in acetone for 15 minutes, but also no luck. I may try some other solvents and am open to other ideas.

Romy

 

[hirscwi]

Interesting and disappointing. Maybe try heating it further? (and pull while it's still hot). To the extent possible, heat only the wand - this may allow differential expansion to help loosen. Heat will usually loosen epoxy. That's always worked for me on FR64 arms, so good luck.

 

[romana]

I followed those tips and appreciate your continued encouragement, but regrettably nothing seems to move or loosen the headshell connector. My latest thought is to drill out the piece that's inside the end of the wand and replicate this direct wire cartridge to preamp scheme:

https://www.analogmagik.com/fr-direct-wiring

I have all of the parts on hand as shown on that page and their approach looks like a better solution than just replacing the internal wire.. Less aggregation, too.

Cheers,
Romy

 

[hirscwi]

Sorry it's not working for you. Your approach seems sound to me.

 

[myleftear]

Sometimes/with some sticky materials, the use of cold can be more effective, it makes the glue brittle.

Are you sure there’s not a mechanical issue holding the part in place?

 

[Dave Cawley]

Mine can right off, try some nail varnish remover, then heat ?