Dansette Major: speed settings - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

peterbryenton · 23rd Aug 2018, 8:30 pm

Hi, I'm new here.

I have just fixed a Dansette Major at the request of a local charity shop.

What does the (offset) letter "N" stand for on the speed selector knob?

Nuvistor · 24th Aug 2018, 8:34 am

A photo would help, there are a few possible decks in these players.

ms660 · 24th Aug 2018, 9:35 am

Neutral.….For long periods of non use.

Lawrence.

Hartley118 · 24th Aug 2018, 9:37 am

Would that be the 'neutral' position, where the idler is withdrawn to prevent flats developing?

If so, the selector should be left in that position when the player is out of use for any length of time.

Martin

Audio1950 · 24th Aug 2018, 9:38 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by peterbryenton

I have just fixed a Dansette Major at the request of a local charity shop.

What does the (offset) letter "N" stand for on the speed selector knob?

The "N" stands for "Neutral". In that position, the idler wheel is kept away from contact with the motor. If left for any length of time in any other position, the motor spindle will leave a dent in the jockey wheel, resulting in a "thump" with every revolution of the wheel.

Edward Huggins · 24th Aug 2018, 10:20 am

The "N" selection also appeared on the later, and more rare, BSR UA10.
From the BSR UA12 onwards, retraction of the idler was automatic.
This explains why so many of the earlier BSR autochangers suffer from "wow" as most users didn't either understand the Neutral requirement or just didn't bother.

23rd Aug 2018, 8:30 pm	#1
peterbryenton Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, UK. Posts: 1	Dansette Major: speed settings Hi, I'm new here. I have just fixed a Dansette Major at the request of a local charity shop. What does the (offset) letter "N" stand for on the speed selector knob?

24th Aug 2018, 8:34 am	#2
Nuvistor Dekatron Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Wigan, Greater Manchester, UK. Posts: 9,433	Re: Dansette Major: speed settings A photo would help, there are a few possible decks in these players. __________________ Frank

24th Aug 2018, 9:35 am	#3
ms660 Dekatron Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Cornwall, UK. Posts: 13,454	Re: Dansette Major: speed settings Neutral.….For long periods of non use. Lawrence.

24th Aug 2018, 9:37 am	#4
Hartley118 Nonode Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Cambridge, Cambs. UK. Posts: 2,198	Re: Dansette Major: speed settings Would that be the 'neutral' position, where the idler is withdrawn to prevent flats developing? If so, the selector should be left in that position when the player is out of use for any length of time. Martin __________________ BVWS Member

24th Aug 2018, 10:20 am	#6
Edward Huggins Dekatron Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Southwold, Suffolk, UK. Posts: 8,340	Re: Dansette Major: speed settings The "N" selection also appeared on the later, and more rare, BSR UA10. From the BSR UA12 onwards, retraction of the idler was automatic. This explains why so many of the earlier BSR autochangers suffer from "wow" as most users didn't either understand the Neutral requirement or just didn't bother. __________________ Edward.