2. analog
  3. 1077291883

A Simple Test

Maybe everyone is already doing this andI'm the last one to figure this out, but I've tried a simple test to determine the degree of motor noise that is transfered to the cartridge.

Find a good clean record which has a longer time between a couple of tracks and, while the record is playing between tracks, turn the motor off and then back on. You'll probably detect the disappearance and re-appearance of hum and/or rumble. Any noise remaining when the motor off will be from other areas (surface noise, bearing noise, etc.)

This has been quite useful in helping set proper belt tension (more tension= more noise) and also identify differences and problems in motors as well as quickly identifying whether a motor or belt tweek was useful in reducing noise.

It's been quieter around here lately....

Jim
jimbo3

Showing 3 responses by dougdeacon

dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Jimbo3,

Automotive fan belt dressing to improve drive belt traction? Now THAT interests me. Any idea how well it would adhere to a mylar drive belt? Could it wear off and leave a residue around the platter?
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Thanks Joe. I'm not too worried about the mylar, I have a 100' roll of the stuff. But a nasty residue on my cocobolo platter? No thanks! Sounds like it would poison the cats too.

I don't have any motor noise (as you know) and it's not like I have any belt slippage either. But the improved coupling when I changed from silk thread to mylar tape was quite audible. Just thought I'd take another step toward direct linkage if possible. Where's Psychicanimal when you need him! :)

Jimbo3, sorry for the threadjacking. Whether you use dead grooves between tracks or on a test record it sounds like a good test to try.
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Joe,

Go to http://www.mccormicksnet.com/mccormicks/tapes.htm and see the last item on the page, Mylar streamers. That's the source Chris Brady uses and recommend. Lots of colors available to suit your designs.

So how much does a CNC router cost? I assume you have more uses for it than just making a platter (or two)?
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