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
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
dtc's avatar
dtc
1,047 posts
 
Your orignally 100 notches in 60 seconds is a 3% error, I if read my KAB instructions correctly. That is huge.

How fast is it running?

I am surprised that using the different steps on the pulley have no effect. That is normally how you adjust the speed. I have a Scout with the 300 rpm motor. It is on speed at the top notch, and noticible fast at the bottom notch.

There are differnt pulleys for different platters. Do you know that you have the correct one? I remember looking at a used 300 rpm motor, but it had the wrong pulley. So, I bought a new one with the correct pulley. Just a thought.
bshapperd OP
84 posts
 
Ok, for those of you following this thread: I've just switched out the 300rpm motor for the original 600 rpm model, and the speed is almost perfect! There must be some issue with the capacitor (as someone previously mentioned), or perhaps the pulley, or motor itself.

I'll contact VPI for further diagnoses.

Thanks for all of your suggestions!

Regards,

Bryn
More to discover