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Sota Eclipse packages for VPI tables.

My VPI PLC died a few months back. I’ve since upgraded the motor to the 300 RPM motor, but have been looking to replace the PLC. Even used, the SDS and ADS are quite pricy and the reviews are mixed at best, especially with the ADS.

I ran across the Sota offering, which includes a DC motor and speed controller. It costs roughly the same as a used SDS. There’s also an optional tachometer .

Has anyone done this upgrade to a VPI or other non Sota tables? How did it work out for you?

Thanks for your consideration.
vinylzone
dinov's avatar
dinov
857 posts
 
I use Walker Audio’s. I  highly recommend his unit. I have a Vpi scout II with the upgraded 300 rpm motor. It works flawlessly, and t the flick of a switch you can go fro 33 to 45. No motor hum, no heat.  Wonderful unit. 
vinylzone OP
288 posts
 
Walker Audio?  No thanks.
lewm
13,550 posts
 
The Walker is akin to the Eagle without the RR, except the Eagle has more power by far. And I suppose there are other differences in favor of the Eagle. I used a Walker for years before the Eagle, and it definitely is beneficial. You need to be sure it can deliver the Watts that the particular motor requires.
melm
1,085 posts
 
The Walker is ridiculously expensive for what it is.

The Eclipse package, which includes a better than VPI motor will perform even better than the Eagle with the VPI motor.  You can begin with just the motor and control.  But for the full effect you will want to add the RoadRunner which not only reassures you about platter speed, but will control the motor to keep the speed absolutely stable.
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
Lewm is quite correct. Forget the Walker. I would not buy a shoe lace from them. Get the full package. The Road Runner will make sure the platter continues to spin at the selected speed regardless of whatever drag is placed on the motor. Mass will save you from abrupt speed changes but not slow ones. The Road Runner looks at each single revolution and not a small segment of a revolution and adjusts the speed gently making sure each revolution occurs within the exact time selected.
It is a much different approach than most negative feedback systems use, looking at a larger interval. It is difficult to hear slow changes relative to fast changes which are more obvious. As an example let's say you use a sweep arm during play. When you put the sweep arm down on the record you subject it to more drag and over a few seconds slow the platter down. The road runner detects this and slowly adds more torque until the speed gets back up to 331/3 rpm and holds it there. The correction is so gentle you can't hear it and you can rest assured knowing that regardless of what you do the platter will spin at exactly 331/3 rpm.
I think this should make a great improvement on your turntable. The next thing you might want to consider is an isolation platform you can put it on.
The best is the MinusK but it is expensive. There are others on the market. I think Townsend makes one that is less expensive. You could make your own with a little cleverness. Even better you can attach a dust cover to it. 
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