Walker Prelude Quartet users with VPI 16.5


I have been using the Walker Prelude system with my VPI 16.5 for about 2-3 yrs now. I have been happy with the end results, but I have a few questions to ask for anyone using
the same combination. One, is how many LP's do you do in one session? I like to do the 1/2 mix and get about 8-10 Lp's in each session. But those of you using the 16.5, how hot does you RCM get? Also do you use seperate vacuum tubes for each step? I use 2 tubes one for step 1 & 2 and the other for 3 & 4. How wet do you get the LP for each step. Also for all 16.5 owners how much "wobble" do you get on your platter? Mine seems to move (up and down not side to side) more as the session goes on. I spoke with Mofimadness about his and he states his older 16.5 has always had some wobble to it. But I notice that as the machine warms up it increases to the point that if I apply scrubbing pressure 180 deg. from the vac. tube it can actually lift the vac. tube enought to lose full contact. Once the machine cools this movement is considerably less. Any feed back will be helpful and appreciated.
128x128theo
Theo,
I've discussed these seemingly strange heat issues occuring with some of the VPI 16.5's with numerous folks, in a number of forums.

It seems a mystery that some experience it, and some don't. In any case, I don't believe Harry Weisfield had marathon cleaning sessions in mind with the 16.5. At least not in stock form. No doubt why the more expensive offerings do have fans.

Harry recently commented about the 16.5 in one forum, saying that the vacuum motor has been the same for a long time, so, the only other variable I can think of, is the platter motor.

My own 16.5 displayed a very hot platter motor after short usage, and hence, I installed a cooling fan, and it has helped considerably.

Whether some motors were a different model, a change of internal design, or other issues, such as inadequate gearcase lubricant where the motors were made, I cannot say?

The slight bit of rest in between steps helps, but the 16.5 doesn't possess much in the way of cabinet ventilation to let heat escape.

I think all will agree that even the finest cleaners need some time to do their jobs. An instant on, and off doesn't give any cleaner sufficient time to properly work. I see no benefit though, letting a rinse step sit for a prolonged period of time on a record.

A rinse water I usually apply, spread the best I can, and take off quickly. If I feel there might still be remnants of cleaners left behind, I simply repeat the rinse step again. Mark

Markd51, the more I have thought about this I think that a cooling fan is in order here. When you installed your fan did you cut any additional holes for added air movement?
And did you add the fan and a switch or just wire the fan to the motor?
Thanks for you help.
http://www.audiointelligent.com/rcmmuseum.htm

Hopefully the moderators will let me post this link, which is an article I authored some time back. Hopefully this will save some bandwidth going into too much detail here.

My methods, and procedures are but one way. I trying thinking as logical, and keeping a professional frame of mind. As mentioned, a switch could've been utilized.

And while the particular fan I used may not be any longer available, a similar sized fan, with similar wattage consumption, and CFM rating should be no trouble finding.
Mark
Mark
Thank you so very much for this information. It will be very helpfull in solving this issue. Replacing the platter was a good idea too. My thought was to install some rollers underneath to support the platter, and with the acrylic platter you used that would provide a smooth race.
Very good ideas indeed.
Theo,
As far as I know, the two better VPI Machines use better, acrylic platters, and I believe they will fit onto the 16.5 without any modifications, that it is a simple swap.

Last I heard, price was about $50, and this probably includes shipping, and the cork mat already installed.

That was about the cost my custom made platter cost for materials-labor, which was an identical clone of the 16.5's platter

Even with acrylic platter on board my machine, I can rock the platter if I press down upon it. This is because the four rubber standoffs that "hang" the motor off the top mounting plate have some give, and "cush" to them.

Switching to alu, or nylon spacers, with the appropriate length, and size screw will definitely eliminate any give, but I am unsure at this point with such a change, if there will be a downside? Only one way to find out?

On all VPI RCM's (since they all use the same vacuum wand assembly), is an ability to fine tune the distance of drop of the vacuum wand upon the record's surface.

Harry himself stated that to properly adjust the vacuum wand's height, and force upon a record, place a record on the platter, tighten down. Then remove the large coil spring from the vacuum tower, loosen the allen set screw on the tower's collar, then adjust-slide the delrin collar on the vacuum tower, either up, or down, to accomplish having the vacuum wand itself "just touch" the record's surface. Then tighten the allen locking setscrew, replace the coil spring, and you are done.
Mark