Fidelity UA8 spinning slowly - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

a_marshall · 18th Oct 2020, 9:25 am

Hello

I recently relocated from the UK to Norway and it looks like my Fidelity UA8 record player didn't survive the move (I've had it since 2012 with no problems).

After unpacking, it played about 30 seconds of a record ok and then the speed started to drop and slow to the point where the record is barely spinning at all and the audio is comically low pitched.

I wondered if the plug / voltage could be an issue but the voltage is more or less the same as in the UK.

Could there be an issue with the belt? It feels as though the plate is stuck on something?
I have taken the lid off underneath but can't see how to replace the belt.

Any ideas?

Much appreciated in advance!

ajgriff · 18th Oct 2020, 11:07 am

Did you release the transit screws after unpacking?

Alan

vinrads · 18th Oct 2020, 11:09 am

Remove the cir clip in the centre of the turntable pull the turntable off , check that every thing is running free the motor pully and the intermediate drive wheel and the turntable of course , Mick.
Good point Alan !

kirstyd · 18th Oct 2020, 7:34 pm

I think that unit may have been messed with. I am almost certain it should have an autochanger in it, however I am sure someone who knows better than me will let us know.

kirstyd · 18th Oct 2020, 7:36 pm

Please disregard my last post. Earlier models of the UA8 did have autochangers but this is a later one.

ben · 18th Oct 2020, 8:50 pm

More then likely the colder temperatures there have caused the (already 40 year old) grease to harden even more! A quick look under the platter should reveal all.

electrogram · 18th Oct 2020, 10:28 pm

Is it belt drive with low voltage DC motor ? Could be caps in its power supply ?

Michael Maurice · 18th Oct 2020, 10:32 pm

It looks like a standard 240V~ BSR squirrel cage motor to me.

electrogram · 18th Oct 2020, 10:46 pm

Yes it is, i didn't look at the pic.

18th Oct 2020, 9:25 am	#1
a_marshall Diode Join Date: Oct 2020 Location: Oslo, Norway Posts: 1	Fidelity UA8 spinning slowly Hello I recently relocated from the UK to Norway and it looks like my Fidelity UA8 record player didn't survive the move (I've had it since 2012 with no problems). After unpacking, it played about 30 seconds of a record ok and then the speed started to drop and slow to the point where the record is barely spinning at all and the audio is comically low pitched. I wondered if the plug / voltage could be an issue but the voltage is more or less the same as in the UK. Could there be an issue with the belt? It feels as though the plate is stuck on something? I have taken the lid off underneath but can't see how to replace the belt. Any ideas? Much appreciated in advance! Attached Thumbnails

18th Oct 2020, 11:07 am	#2
ajgriff Nonode Join Date: May 2004 Location: Halifax, West Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 2,587	Re: Fidelity UA8 spinning slowly Did you release the transit screws after unpacking? Alan

18th Oct 2020, 11:09 am	#3
vinrads Dekatron Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Chesterfield, Derbyshire, UK. Posts: 3,762	Re: Fidelity UA8 spinning slowly Remove the cir clip in the centre of the turntable pull the turntable off , check that every thing is running free the motor pully and the intermediate drive wheel and the turntable of course , Mick. Good point Alan !

18th Oct 2020, 7:34 pm	#4
kirstyd Heptode Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 902	Re: Fidelity UA8 spinning slowly I think that unit may have been messed with. I am almost certain it should have an autochanger in it, however I am sure someone who knows better than me will let us know.

18th Oct 2020, 7:36 pm	#5
kirstyd Heptode Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 902	Re: Fidelity UA8 spinning slowly Please disregard my last post. Earlier models of the UA8 did have autochangers but this is a later one.

18th Oct 2020, 8:50 pm	#6
ben Dekatron Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Madrid, Spain / Wirral, UK Posts: 7,498	Re: Fidelity UA8 spinning slowly More then likely the colder temperatures there have caused the (already 40 year old) grease to harden even more! A quick look under the platter should reveal all. __________________ Regards, Ben.

18th Oct 2020, 10:28 pm	#7
electrogram Heptode Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Hereford, UK. Posts: 719	Re: Fidelity UA8 spinning slowly Is it belt drive with low voltage DC motor ? Could be caps in its power supply ?

18th Oct 2020, 10:32 pm	#8
Michael Maurice Moderator Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Wembley, Middlesex Posts: 7,224	Re: Fidelity UA8 spinning slowly It looks like a standard 240V~ BSR squirrel cage motor to me. __________________ Forum Moderator http://www.michaelmauricerepairs.co.uk/

18th Oct 2020, 10:46 pm	#9
electrogram Heptode Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Hereford, UK. Posts: 719	Re: Fidelity UA8 spinning slowly Yes it is, i didn't look at the pic.