I picked up a TT-101 on eBay a couple of weeks ago. I was very happy to receive it in excellent condition! Going through the process now of figuring out how to build an arm pod etc. Probably going to take a while before it starts spinning records in the system, but it's a project for fun so not in any rush.
I think my first effort for the armpod is to have a relatively simple brass pod(need something pretty heavy, could be steel or bronze too) made that I can attach an extra aluminum armboard from my Galibier to. This would allow some flexibility, make use of things I already have and require a minimum of machining.
Some things I've noticed. The bottom "cage" definitely seems like a weak link. I can totally understand the need for damping it somehow. If I were to build a plinth of any kind I think I would just remove it entirely.
The bearing actually has an area at it's underside that would be easy to create a vibration sink for ala Albert Porter's plinth design for his SP10 Mk3. He uses a threaded brass rod screwed through a lead plate which is supported by his plinth to make contact with the bottom of the bearing in order to damp vibration. An interesting idea. Even without a plinth it seems like an area where some sort of damping may be easily applied.
On page 24 of the service manual it discusses the braking mechanism. It says to spin two heavy records (200g each) on the platter at 33rpm and push the stop button. Then adjust the VR647 on the circuit board to get it to stop fully. This VR647 pot(?) was pretty easily found and looks like it adjust with a small screwdriver. It says to do the same procedure but with one record at 45rpm. Got me thinking that maybe you could use a heavier mat or center weight and still adjust the brake to get it to stop. Anyone ever try adjusting this?
Anyways, first project is the armpod. I'll report back once I get that working. Excited to have a direct drive to play with!
Matt
