EAR Bantam Reproducer - low speed play issue - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Ripcurler · 18th Jan 2020, 7:05 pm

This 1957 Bantam repropducer (Collaro single deck) plays fine at 78 rpm, is a bit unstable at 45 rpm. But shift the speed selector to 33rpm and the idler doesn't press onto the motor output shaft. If I press the centre of idler securing screw with a screwdriver the idler connects perfectly. It seems that there is some play in the linkage - on both pivot points. If you see the attached photo I have indicated with my screwdriver where the play is on the left pivot - has anyone overcome this? Is there an adjustment somewhere I can compensate it with or any other work around?

vidjoman · 18th Jan 2020, 7:28 pm

Probably just sticky grease. Clean all the parts so they are free to move easily.

Ripcurler · 18th Jan 2020, 8:01 pm

I have cleaned and lubricated the mechanism. There is visible play in the linkage that supports the idler bearing shaft. I can see maybe 1 mm of play around both pivots on the linkage. If I push down on the idler securing screw it works perfectly.

Also if I tilt the deck backwards by 45 degrees that is sufficient to get it working at 33 rpm

Ripcurler · 19th Jan 2020, 3:42 pm

I have made some videos so you can see what is happening

This is the idler spinning happily at 45rpm

https://vimeo.com/385803676

This is the idler not spinning at 33rpm until I apply a little pressure on the idler securing screw which takes up the float in the linkage

https://vimeo.com/385803648

In this one with the idler removed I am pressing the linkage so the float is visible

https://vimeo.com/385803600

18th Jan 2020, 7:05 pm	#1
Ripcurler Diode Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Oxford, Oxon, UK. Posts: 8	EAR Bantam Reproducer - low speed play issue This 1957 Bantam repropducer (Collaro single deck) plays fine at 78 rpm, is a bit unstable at 45 rpm. But shift the speed selector to 33rpm and the idler doesn't press onto the motor output shaft. If I press the centre of idler securing screw with a screwdriver the idler connects perfectly. It seems that there is some play in the linkage - on both pivot points. If you see the attached photo I have indicated with my screwdriver where the play is on the left pivot - has anyone overcome this? Is there an adjustment somewhere I can compensate it with or any other work around? Attached Thumbnails

18th Jan 2020, 7:28 pm	#2
vidjoman Dekatron Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: East Sussex, UK. Posts: 3,327	Re: EAR Bantam Reproducer - low speed play issue Probably just sticky grease. Clean all the parts so they are free to move easily.

18th Jan 2020, 8:01 pm	#3
Ripcurler Diode Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Oxford, Oxon, UK. Posts: 8	Re: EAR Bantam Reproducer - low speed play issue I have cleaned and lubricated the mechanism. There is visible play in the linkage that supports the idler bearing shaft. I can see maybe 1 mm of play around both pivots on the linkage. If I push down on the idler securing screw it works perfectly. Also if I tilt the deck backwards by 45 degrees that is sufficient to get it working at 33 rpm

19th Jan 2020, 3:42 pm	#4
Ripcurler Diode Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Oxford, Oxon, UK. Posts: 8	Re: EAR Bantam Reproducer - low speed play issue I have made some videos so you can see what is happening This is the idler spinning happily at 45rpm https://vimeo.com/385803676 This is the idler not spinning at 33rpm until I apply a little pressure on the idler securing screw which takes up the float in the linkage https://vimeo.com/385803648 In this one with the idler removed I am pressing the linkage so the float is visible https://vimeo.com/385803600