Technics SL-10 Linear Tracking


I'm trying to break into the vinyl side of music and I would really appreciate any advice I could get on a hand-me-down from my Dad.

He hasn't used the turntable for at least 15 years, so operationally I have no idea what condition it's in.

The catch is that he misplaced the AC power cord so at the moment i cannot plug it in.

The AC power jack is a lot smaller than the standard size for audio components. The interesting thing is that there are two power supply imputs: the AC power jack and a DC power jack (12 V).

Should I just walk over to Radio Shack and pick up a 12 V universal power cord?

Finally, there is also a MM/MC button on the back, does that mean I won't need to buy a phono stage?

Thanks!

derek
mrdereklee
I've got one that I haven't used in years, and the problem I have is that the arm won't move. Is something broken or is it just stuck. It will lower onto the record and begin playing but won't move past about 1/2 of the first track. Thanks. Stephen
I have an SL-10, purchased new in 1980. 1st couple of years it was troubled with the arm setting down and then dragging across to finish, lifting, returning to start and then shutting off. Very random and therfore unreliable. After 2 or 3 years of repair it worked perfectly. I put it into storage for the past five years, when I took it out the platter would rotate but the arm would not move. I emailed Panasonic they said to bring it to the head office/service depot in Toronto. They just looked at it and said, "Do you realize how old this piece is?" The tech there said it could be a belt or a motor, neither of which were available from Technics, however, an aftermarket tech may be able to substitute another belt. Is there anyplace that this can be repaired? Or can parts from other models be substituted in, i.e. from an SL-5, SL-7, etc.
Please help.
I got the arm working by replacing the stretched out very small rubber belt. I went to the hardware store and bought a like size rubber O ring used for faucets etc. Works just great! Cost 69 cents and I think much better than a new aftermarket belt.
When I get home tonight I will look closly at both my Technics SL-10's power cords. I seem to remember them looking very close to the one on older Philips/Maganvox cd player. I'll post again later. As to the cartridge, it's p-mount and there are plenty on the market. Give a look at the Needle Doctor.com he's got a wide range.
I tried to take close up pictures of the cord but they wouldn't come out right. Sorry I have a crappy camera. If you do a google search for "Technics SL-10" you will find many links. It is an amazing device and well worth the effort and money to get it working. I have the digital manual and if you email me your address I email it to you.