Discatron record player not tracking - help needed - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

James2112 · 26th Apr 2019, 1:22 pm

Hi, I have a old Discatron player with a radio model.

I gave it a quick go with a 7" record and it played but only as if the record was scratched. The record isn't scratched so I have replaced the belt and stylus and still same problem.

I'd be grateful for your assistance to get it playing again.

Thanks in advance.

ben · 26th Apr 2019, 11:58 pm

If excess crackle and surface noise is present on known good condition records then the stylus likely needs replacing. Or have you already changed it?
If the disc sticks in one location, some cleaning of the mech or arm bearing is likely needed. I would open it and see what happens in use.

James2112 · 27th Apr 2019, 9:29 am

Hi Ben

Thanks for getting back....

i have changed the stylus and belt and there are no crackles etc.

i have re opened it up and cleaned the 2 guide rails the cartridge runs along and same thing is happening .The record plays for a couple of revolutions and then repeat plays as if it has a scratched record ,the record continues to go around and i have tried it in horizontal and vertical positions with basically the same results .

Also I have noticed the volume is OK, but does not increase much if any when turning up (tested with new batteries).

Any ideas??

James2112 · 7th May 2019, 5:18 pm

Hi.

Anybody out there able to assist with the problem on the Discatron?

regards

ben · 8th May 2019, 12:07 am

More possibilities:
-insufficient tracking weight (missing piece,slack/detached spring, etc)
-cable to cartridge not routed properly (binding/impeding movement)
-rails or platter shifted out of position
-other mechanical interference

26th Apr 2019, 1:22 pm	#1
James2112 Diode Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: Merseyside, UK. Posts: 3	Discatron record player not tracking - help needed Hi, I have a old Discatron player with a radio model. I gave it a quick go with a 7" record and it played but only as if the record was scratched. The record isn't scratched so I have replaced the belt and stylus and still same problem. I'd be grateful for your assistance to get it playing again. Thanks in advance.

26th Apr 2019, 11:58 pm	#2
ben Dekatron Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Madrid, Spain / Wirral, UK Posts: 7,498	Re: Discatron record player not tracking - help needed If excess crackle and surface noise is present on known good condition records then the stylus likely needs replacing. Or have you already changed it? If the disc sticks in one location, some cleaning of the mech or arm bearing is likely needed. I would open it and see what happens in use. __________________ Regards, Ben.

27th Apr 2019, 9:29 am	#3
James2112 Diode Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: Merseyside, UK. Posts: 3	Re: Discatron record player not tracking - help needed Hi Ben Thanks for getting back.... i have changed the stylus and belt and there are no crackles etc. i have re opened it up and cleaned the 2 guide rails the cartridge runs along and same thing is happening .The record plays for a couple of revolutions and then repeat plays as if it has a scratched record ,the record continues to go around and i have tried it in horizontal and vertical positions with basically the same results . Also I have noticed the volume is OK, but does not increase much if any when turning up (tested with new batteries). Any ideas??

7th May 2019, 5:18 pm	#4
James2112 Diode Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: Merseyside, UK. Posts: 3	Re: Discatron record player not tracking - help needed Hi. Anybody out there able to assist with the problem on the Discatron? regards

8th May 2019, 12:07 am	#5
ben Dekatron Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Madrid, Spain / Wirral, UK Posts: 7,498	Re: Discatron record player not tracking - help needed More possibilities: -insufficient tracking weight (missing piece,slack/detached spring, etc) -cable to cartridge not routed properly (binding/impeding movement) -rails or platter shifted out of position -other mechanical interference __________________ Regards, Ben.