Sota sapphire platter won't spin

Does the platter spin manually, i.e. if you turn it by hand? If not, the SOTA's have a platter lock underneath the table, right in the center of the table below the platter center spindle. You need to loosen the two nuts on the bottom and then unscrew the set screws a few turns to drop the platter down off of the lock. Actually, I can't remember if you turn the set screws in or out, but you'll be able to tell. Make sure the belt is attached :-)

The platter does spin by hand. How can I access the belt safely? The platter seems tight that it does not want to lift off. This platter uses the vacuum... Should it lift off easily ? Thanks

You can't remove the platter on a SOTA turntable, unless you completely dismantle the table and take it apart. SOTA does that on purpose, it's not user serviceable. The belt is easy to check once you remove the motor cover.

Take off the motor cover - the small wood or plastic piece that has the buttons and knobs on it to the left of the platter - and check to see if the belt is on the motor spindle. If not, or if there is not belt, or if the motor doesn't turn when you hit the power, you've found your problem.

The platters are a beast to get on and off.