2. cables
  3. 192322-196045

Replacement power cabling for old Garrard 301 turntable

This is a different application from most power cable installations!  I want to minimise the transmission of mechanical vibration by using more flexible cabling.

Dating from the 1950s, the Garrard 301 contains no electronics.  It has a large motor which is suspended by six springs from the chassis.  The motor spins at almost 2,000 rpm and is hardwired via a switch mounted on the chassis.  A light spring is installed to isolate the middle of the cable run from the chassis.

The wiring forms a potential vibration path linking the motor to the chassis, and the chassis to the surroundings.  There is a ground wire to the motor.  The original wiring is quite old and stiff, like me.

I have read that the motor is a shaded-pole synchronous AC induction motor, and it needs a very modest 15 Watts.

I think I should be looking for a very flexible, lightweight 3-core multi-strand cable, maybe something like steam irons use.  What are your thoughts?

128x128richardbrand
richardbrand's avatar
richardbrand OP
165 posts
 

@noromance 

Thanks.  Yes, the wiring is currently hard wired to an IEC socket on the plinth.  From there a conventional cable goes to the mains.  I guess that is equivalent to a makeoff block?

To make it easier to separate the motor board and plinth, I have added a 3-pin automotive connector.

glennewdick's avatar
glennewdick
1,687 posts
 

go to the hardware store or local electrics store and buy a wire and plug thats flexable and sufficent sized and put it on, not really that big of an issue. thats what i did with mine when i had it. I left mine hanging off the motor and did not attach it to the plinth. 

noromance's avatar
noromance
9,804 posts
 

I have 3 x 401s and in all of them I do not use a makeoff block or IEC receptacle. Like Glenn’s, the cable simply hangs down from the motor. I do have foam blocks under the cable as it runs off the rack edge.

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