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
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 ?
BTW, FWIW, for you Certus /Verus drive guys. The lights in the belt drive indicate when the motor has come up to steady speed. A steady green light indicates a steady 33 1/3 RPM. The red light comes on at start up and then goes out when the green light comes on. The red light coming on in the middle indicates it has lost the steady 33 1/3 RPM.
Thus the oddity of both of them quickly flashing when the TT is not running.
I may remove the platter to check the  sensor under the platter which has a strobe on it. it may be as simple as a piece of dust on the sensor since I suspect it is an optical sensor which "sees" the strobe on the bottom of the platter.
Good News. Chris Brady returned my email last night. It was a quick response I might add, which is good for us Teres owners. He said that the lights flashing is normal and that they had  always done so but I just hadn't noticed. Duh. My bad. I had never noticed them before. So much for my observance skills.
He suggested that my battery might be weak and replacing it might be in order. I have done that already but haven't had time for listening very much yet. He offered assistance if I needed more help in troubleshooting.
Another feature of the battery supply which he told me about was a jumper to bypass the battery and run on AC. I haven't checked my manual for details as he suggested. But that is a very nice option IMO
More good news from Chris was his final statement, "We are still in business but have scaled back significantly."
FWIW, I was very appreciative that Chris replied so quickly. It is reassuring to have the help of the designer and builder  of such a sophisticated motor/controller setup .
Take heart Teres owners .Apparently we have not been left out on our own. That's good news