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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.
theo
markd51's avatar
markd51
766 posts
 
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
theo's avatar
theo OP
2,731 posts
 
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.
markd51's avatar
markd51
766 posts
 
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
theo's avatar
theo OP
2,731 posts
 
Mark
I had actually though about calling VPI about buying a cooling fan, but they are out till May. I will investigate into the platter as well. I have adjusted the wand as I use a LP12 felt mat on mine. I have removed the platter and think I can fabricate a roller support system for either this platter or the acrylic. I see what you mean by the motor supports, that solves my mystery as to why it wobbles more when hot, the rubber is softening with the heat. I am looking forward to fixing this once and for all.
Thanks again for all your help.
markd51's avatar
markd51
766 posts
 
The cork mat is already pre-cut with about a small 1-1/2" diameter circle out from the center spindle. Look close at the center of the mat, and you will see it is pre-cut for removal.

Some will make a small dot with a pencil on the periphery of the cut, so one can then reinstall the center piece again in its exact position.

Simply take a small exacto blade knife to lift this little piece out. It is not adhered to the platter, and this piece will still have its adhesive backing on it.

Once that pice is removed, you will see the three #6 Flathead Phillips Platter attachment screws.

As you can see in my one pic of the clear acrylic platter, that is how it looks under the platter. Four inner screws attach the Motor to the top mounting plate, and that is were the four rubber standoffs are. The outer four screws secures the Stainless Steel Motor Mounting Plate to the top of the deck.

VPI might be able to sell you a cooling fan, but im sure you could find a myriad of suitable fans, shrouds, and even filters if desired, through someplace like Allied Electronics, and the costs will no doubt be less.

Even Rat Shack sells a cheap fan same size as the one I used, and circular chrome wire shroud, the shroud they sell looks like the one on the VPI 17F RCM. Mark
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