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Old 17th Feb 2018, 10:41 am   #1
Sixer-h
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Default Collaro / Goldring G500 tracking weight problem

I am trying to get the tracking weight of my Pye Record Maker (Collaro motor AC 53, see photo) down to 7g for my Goldring G500 variable reluctance cartridge. The arm spring adjuster gets me down to 11g, and I am struggling to find the spring specification for sourcing a replacement. Does anyone know of a supplier of this spring, or how I should reference it for searching suppliers on-line?

Is it correct that Collaro only referenced the motor and not the deck model, as I have seen references to Collaro auto-changers having an AC 53 motor, or is there an actual deck model name/number for my player?

Many thanks,
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Old 17th Feb 2018, 11:00 am   #2
Edward Huggins
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Default Re: Collaro / Goldring G500 tracking weight problem

These Collaro 3 and 4 speed single players were ususally referenced by their motor number (AC53) althougth there were some later (and now now rare) good single play units of a higher specification that had model numbers e.g. RP459(?). The arm tracking weight was pre-set to suit their Collaro "Studio" series of cartridges and there is little or no adjustment other than to de-stress the spring.
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Old 17th Feb 2018, 11:11 am   #3
peter_sol
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Default Re: Collaro / Goldring G500 tracking weight problem

You need to shorten the spring. the deck No. will be a 4/564
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Old 17th Feb 2018, 1:29 pm   #4
Sixer-h
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Default Re: Collaro / Goldring G500 tracking weight problem

I thought I had posted a reply, but can't see it, so apologies if this is a repeat.

Thank you Edward. Do you happen to know what tracking pressure the 'studio' tracked at? Am I trying to achieve a lower tracking weight than the arm was intended for?

Thank you Peter. I will I will shorten the spring further (trying not to permanently deform it) and If that does not work will measure the wire gauge, coils and length etc to see if I can source a replacement.

Richard
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Old 17th Feb 2018, 1:37 pm   #5
vidjoman
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Default Re: Collaro / Goldring G500 tracking weight problem

The Collaro Studio was a crystal cartridge and only weighed about half of the Goldring 500. So the tracking weight range would be restricted, even from new. Almost any spring of about the right size could do the job. It's a bit of trial and error to source a 'correct' one.
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Old 17th Feb 2018, 1:46 pm   #6
Sixer-h
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Default Re: Collaro / Goldring G500 tracking weight problem

That makes sense. I have reduced the tracking a little more, but will now try a range of springs and see what I can find.

Many thanks
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Old 17th Feb 2018, 2:49 pm   #7
Edward Huggins
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Default Re: Collaro / Goldring G500 tracking weight problem

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sixer-h View Post
Thank you Edward. Do you happen to know what tracking pressure the 'studio' tracked at? Am I trying to achieve a lower tracking weight than the arm was intended for?
The "Studio" tracked at around 6 grams as it also needed to handle 78s as well. The all-plastic Collaro arm on this deck is relatively low mass. Collaro only ever really intended their "Studio" cartridges to be used (try fitting another type into that small head!) and thus the tension was preset/fixed by the type of spring used.
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Old 17th Feb 2018, 5:12 pm   #8
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Default Re: Collaro / Goldring G500 tracking weight problem

Thanks Edward that is very helpful. I have ordered a range of springs on-line and will report back on success or otherwise!
Richard
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Old 17th Feb 2018, 7:31 pm   #9
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Default Re: Collaro / Goldring G500 tracking weight problem

Quote:
Originally Posted by Edward Huggins View Post
. Collaro only ever really intended their "Studio" cartridges to be used (try fitting another type into that small head!).
Edward, I think you're confusing this with the 'droplet' shaped one - piece arm. The one in the photo above is that with the detachable headshell, which is a fair bit longer and wider, admitting most carts.
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Old 18th Feb 2018, 1:36 am   #10
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Default Re: Collaro / Goldring G500 tracking weight problem

Yes - I am fairly sure I worked on this one. Detachable headshell with plenty of room for most carts (and a really good sound!). I couldn't get it down below 11 or 12gms and I didn't push it....because it wasn't mine. I would be more than happy to connive with you at reducing the stylus pressure on that lovely cartridge if you are passing my way again Sixer H.
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Old 18th Feb 2018, 12:50 pm   #11
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Default Re: Collaro / Goldring G500 tracking weight problem

On this particular machine it also has to cater for the write head when recording, another reason why it was the plug in version.
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