The noise you experience in the begginning of the cycle is typical, at least from my experience. As far as the vacuum goes, I've never been particularly impressed with its efficacy. If you're thinking it will take the curse out of record warps forget it. At best, it has been described as a subtle improvement but in all honesty, I noticed no difference. This was after repeated attempts of cleaning the perimeter of the suction mat with 92% isoprophyl. My suggestion would be to contact SOTA and get a replacement hose but don't expect miracles.
SOTA Star Sapphire III - ball bearing & vacuum
Hello,
I’ve recently purchased an old SOTA Star Sapphire III with vacuum. I’m in the process of learning about the tt, cleaning and checking its components.
I’d like to open the platter, check the ball bearing and maybe add some oil, but I’m not sure how to do it. As removal of the platter from chasis was a bit tricky (thanks to Elevick for sending me instructions), I’m afraid to damage something if I remove the wrong bolts. Here’s a picture of what I’m talking about…
http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/8902/img4966o.jpg
Upon the metallic cylinder are the security screws. On the bottom, 3 allen bolts which I think are the ones to remove. If someone has done it before, help will be welcome.
I have some problems with the Power Supply/Vacuum box too. PS works ok, but the vacuum doesn't seem to make any suction. I emailed SOTA and Donna kindly sent me a Vacuum troubleshooting guide, but I need further instructions. I'm waiting for a mail from Kirk, but this could take some time because they have a lot of work. Maybe someone here knows how to identify the failure or even to fix it.
This is a picture inside the box...
http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/1714/img49062.jpg
The pump (enclosed camera) seems to work (noise 3-4 first senconds after power on, then silence). The hose that goes into it (3) is loose. If I pull it comes out, so my first concern is if that hose shouldn't be fixed to a nipple inside 3. I've checked for suction at 3 (with or without hose) but I don't feel/hear anything. Of course no suction from the nipple at 1.
This was a unit purchased in the USA and then brought to Europe. First owner changed himself the jumpers according to instructions from SOTA and he did it OK. He doesn't remember if he changed the fuses, though he believes he didn't. He says the turntable worked ok after the change, In fact, PS works and the tt runs smooth, but I have the feeling he didn't achieve vacuum after the change and he didn't realize. Again, any help will be welcome.
I’ve recently purchased an old SOTA Star Sapphire III with vacuum. I’m in the process of learning about the tt, cleaning and checking its components.
I’d like to open the platter, check the ball bearing and maybe add some oil, but I’m not sure how to do it. As removal of the platter from chasis was a bit tricky (thanks to Elevick for sending me instructions), I’m afraid to damage something if I remove the wrong bolts. Here’s a picture of what I’m talking about…
http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/8902/img4966o.jpg
Upon the metallic cylinder are the security screws. On the bottom, 3 allen bolts which I think are the ones to remove. If someone has done it before, help will be welcome.
I have some problems with the Power Supply/Vacuum box too. PS works ok, but the vacuum doesn't seem to make any suction. I emailed SOTA and Donna kindly sent me a Vacuum troubleshooting guide, but I need further instructions. I'm waiting for a mail from Kirk, but this could take some time because they have a lot of work. Maybe someone here knows how to identify the failure or even to fix it.
This is a picture inside the box...
http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/1714/img49062.jpg
The pump (enclosed camera) seems to work (noise 3-4 first senconds after power on, then silence). The hose that goes into it (3) is loose. If I pull it comes out, so my first concern is if that hose shouldn't be fixed to a nipple inside 3. I've checked for suction at 3 (with or without hose) but I don't feel/hear anything. Of course no suction from the nipple at 1.
This was a unit purchased in the USA and then brought to Europe. First owner changed himself the jumpers according to instructions from SOTA and he did it OK. He doesn't remember if he changed the fuses, though he believes he didn't. He says the turntable worked ok after the change, In fact, PS works and the tt runs smooth, but I have the feeling he didn't achieve vacuum after the change and he didn't realize. Again, any help will be welcome.