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Speed problems with Pro-Ject Debut III

Okay, I am new here, so be gentle. I have a problem: I recently moved to the US from Denmark, and brought my Debut III (purchased in Denmark) with me. I plugged in, and set it up, and noticed that the speed was much too slow. Aha, I thought, this is because in Denmark the mains voltage is 230 V, but in the US it is 120 V. So I bought a voltage transformer, and powered the turntable through that. It definitively helped, but now the records play slightly faster than they should. My questions are:

a) Why would this be? Could it be because the frequency is 50 Hz in Denmark and 60 Hz in the US?
b) Would buying a new power supply solve the problem?
c) If not, would buying a new motor solve the problem?
d) If not, would buying the speed box solve the problem?

An answer to any of these questions, or any other suggestion would be appreciated. Just don't tell me to buy a new turntable, because that's what I am trying to avoid. :-)
peterock

Showing 3 responses by palasr

palasr
515 posts
 
It appears the table's power supply is configured for either European or US mains voltages - with a nominal output of 16 volts AC, which one would guess drives an AC synchronous motor directly. AC synchronous motors derive their speed based upon frequency, not voltage. Since one needs to change only the outboard power supply (seemingly) from the European to the US version of the turntable, one would assume the power supply generates the same output frequency regardless of input voltage and frequency (else you'd have to change the motor or pulley (like on a Linn)).

My guess is that damage may have occurred from using the 240V/50Hz supply here in the US with our 120V/60Hz supply. While the output voltage may be OK, I'm guessing something has gone awry with the output frequency. I think you need a new outboard power supply.

-Richard
palasr
515 posts
 
I would agree, except the poster notes the speed was too slow when he first tried it - if anything, it should have been too fast, since a 50Hz pulley would have to be larger than a 60Hz pulley (given the differing line frequencies). He then states (after plugging into a transformer) that the deck ran too fast, which frankly makes no sense and leads me to believe something else is wrong in the power supply. Look at the specs on the website, the power supply output is 16VAC

As others have stated, contact Pro-ject.

-Richard
palasr
515 posts
 
I disagree - whether the motor runs at 16 volts or 160 volts, it's an AC motor (at least according to their website) - half the voltage isn't going to change anything - half the normal voltage might cause the motor to not start, but it's the FREQUENCY which determines how fast (or slow) an AC motor spins, not the voltage.

-Richard
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