Need Help with Motor/Battery for Teres 340


First , I haven’t been around for awhile due to health problems which caused my system to sit idle for a couple years. I’d turn on the TT every now and then but chronic headaches had me sidelined. I’ve been listening again for nearly a month. I noticed a drop in speed during playback of my TT. This was sporadic but bothersome. The problem was described in the Teres manual as one of a mechanical nature. Grit in the bearing was the probable diagnosis. However it also indicated to check the battery. It is a battery drive TT.

So, I checked the charger and it is putting out the 13.75v as necessary. Checked the battery with the charger off. It did not drop below 12v. The lowest reading was 12.86 with motor running. So, it sounds like battery is fine. Must be grit in the bearing. However, the platter spins very smoothly and for a long time. Sure, this is not definitive.

I figured I’d deal with the problem in a few days. However yesterday (the day after I had removed & replaced the lead from the battery to check the voltage) I noticed an anomaly I hadn’t noticed before. The red and green light on the motor flash on and off very quickly. This happens in a pattern with a count of 10-11 seconds. I’ve just counted the time intervals rather than use any instrument for counting. . And it is consistent every 10-11 seconds. The flash is very quick or brief.  It is consistent.

I didn’t see this flashing take place before nor while I was checking the battery voltage. I’m usually pretty aware of what is taking place around me (though its possible I had not noticed it before). The manual says the battery life is 3-5 yrs. I suspect I am pushing that. I just made a new belt for it (DIY holographic Mylar). It’s a little shorter than previous belt but I can’t imagine this causing a slippage problem causing the slow down in music while playing. Besides, these lights are flashing without the motor running or the platter spinning. I haven’t had opportunity to play any vinyl since this new flashing light  phenom. But even if it plays fine now, the flashing indicates some kind of problem which needs to be addressed IMO.

I’ll deal with the replacement of the oil in the bearing if necessary. But my problem now with the flashing lights is one of an electronic nature. Even though the battery checks out with the meter, its still old. The TT sat which also causes problems. So I think the problem is with the battery rather than the motor or sensor. So I think installing a new battery is the 1st thing to do.

Unfortunately Teres is out of business and afaik does not offer tech service.....at least there is no mention on the website. I haven’t tried to contact Chris Brady. If anyone knows whether he still offers service, etc, I’d appreciate that info. So I feel a little vulnerable here. I know there are some posters here who are knowledgeable of the Teres TT and may be able to help me out. Doug Deacon comes to mind. And maybe Chris Brady is listening too. Any info would be much appreciated
Thanks
art
128x128artemus_5
@artemus_5 as I'm sure you know there are many others on Audiogon that still use the Teres TT etc, that might be able to assist you.
I do own the 340 however I mine came with the Verus Rim Drive.
Please let us know what you find out regarding the issue.
Lak. I will do my best to keep the info I get available. I haven't done much yet since it was Memorial day weekend and I awoke yesterday with a sore throat etc. The pharmacist suspects allergies. So I didn't get the Dayquill which I went after. 
Anyway, I will keep the thread informed of my findings. Batteries are pretty cheap and this one is close to its life expectancy. So I will probably go that route along with trying to contact Doug, Lew and Chris Brady. I also thought about Tom from Gablier. I suspect they may use a similar style motor. & controller.  But I'm not sure
OK. So I tried a new battery. The lights on the motor still flicker just as they did previously. I was really hoping this would be the fix. I've been fighting a sinus infection with headaches so I have only played one record. I didn't hear any slowdowns in that record. But the red light did flash 12 times as it previously had done somewhere into the 1st track.
FWIW, I did check the wiring inside the controller/battery box for loose or broken connections and found nothing
I haven't tried contacting Chris Brady or Doug, et al yet. This is my next step. I may also try pulling the platter and replacing the oil in the bearing since this was my initial impression before seeing the light show. My manual says to use 30 weight oil. But I believe there may haven been an update on the oil to be used in the battery.
Does anyone know what the proper bearing oil for the Teres 340 is? Was there an update on this?
I have a 255 and use transmission fluid in the bearing. I have been able to reach Chris in the last few years. It takes a few weeks sometimes, but if I'm persistent it pays off.

My problem was the bearing had worn down so that the ball was riding against the brass on the thrust pad--around the edge of the teflon insert. This happened twice and the second time Chris built me a new thrust pad with teflon recessed above the level of the brass. 

I'm using a Verus, so no idea what the lights on the motor mean.
Thanks for your input Maxson. I thought there was a change to transmission fluid but wasn't sure. Did you reach Chris at Chris@Teresaudio.com ?