2. analog
  3. 1301256637

VPI Scout - slow speed , help ?

Hi

I've recently purchased a KAB speed strobe which has indicated that my Scout is running very slow (notches moving counter clockwise); over 100 notches in 60 seconds.

I have the newer black belt with unknown time on it; I've cleaned the belt, motor grooves and platter grooves. I get power from a dedicated 15amp plug, through an Audience AR-6 conditioner and stock power cord to the motor. I've tried using different notches on the upgraded 300 rpm motor pulley, with little effect.

I suppose the cheapest experiment is to buy a new belt, and lube the spindle bearing (for which I'll have to purchase oil) and see if that changes things. Short of buying the VPI SDS, are there any other actions which may help here for little money? Perhaps a used Variac would essentially do what the SDS does?

Your constructive feedback is appreciated.

Regards,

Bryn
bshapperd
darkj's avatar
darkj
150 posts
 
I'm not sure how familiar you are with your TT. Do you know that you can vary the speed in small but noticeable increments by moving the belt up and down on the spindle? The larger part goes faster, the smaller part slower.

Just checking - it would suck to go through gyrations and miss this important detail.
czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,752 posts
 
Is the speed varying or is it consistantly fast ... Maybe a defective pully if it is consistantly fast... Just a thought.

Chuck
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
One of the ways I've checked my turntable speed was with... Guitar Tuner.
I perfectly tuned my guitar and followed solos and chords of few bands I know and figure out that i'm out of tune from original recording by approximately 1/4 of a tone up.
That signalled me that my turntable belt got thinner and longer needing replacement.
Also you can play in unison same digital version of recording through your computer and see which one 'runs' faster. If everything is in-tune and/or runs with same speed than strobe is wrong and needs moneyback or free replacement.
The other suggestion is to realy check if you're using original VPI belt and if not, you'd better order it.
srwooten's avatar
srwooten
694 posts
 
According to Mike at VPI- The way to "freshen" a VPI belt is to toss it into boiling water for 15 seconds, then wipe it w/alcohol, then put it in a baggie w/some baby powder and shake it up. Remove, shake off excess powder, volia.
bshapperd OP
84 posts
 
I'll try boiling the belt; I'm sure to get raised eyebrows from my wife! I'll also try installing the original 600rpm motor and re-measure the speed.

For skeptics of the KAB strobe disc, the supplied VPI strobe measures the same.

B
More to discover