CaptainGoggles wrote:I'm trying to set up my dad's PL-115D, which he has not had set up for over 15 years, and I'm having some issues. My dad is not tech savvy and has never encountered the problem I'm facing.
Welcome of VE.......
You are in luck, the Owners Manual is in the VE library and can be downloaded here:
http://www.vinylengine.com/library/pion ... 115d.shtmlIt appears you already are referring to one, just wanted to make sure.
Your Dad may not have encountered this if the table was regularly used and the grease was nice and pliable. After 15 years, the grease may / most likely has hardened, causing problems.
When I get the table turning, I proporly lift the tonearm over and record and drop it as instructed by the manuel. However, the second the music starts the entire thing stops and the receiver turns off. Essentially, it behaves as if the return button has just been pressed. However, I am not pressing it, and it only does this when the music begins. If I don't drop the needle, it will turn forever.
It's all very strange, does anyone know exactly what causes this and how to fix it?
Although there is no PL-115D Service Manual, this model is similar enough to refer to so download:
http://www.vinylengine.com/library/pion ... 117d.shtml
The 115D is a semi automatic, and with slight modification can go FULL AUTO and eliminate all threats quickly.....
WAIT wrong forum, oh yeah, automatically pick up at the end of record (see what happens when you get old.....
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The 117D will show the pickup / auto return mechanism and allow you to troubleshoot the 115D. Sounds to me like a weak spring, keeping the Stop / Return button from engaging and / or some nasty glop of grease not allowing the trip lever / pawl? to return to original position.
Sit the turntable with the bottom particle board cover removed on spacers (ie soup cans of the same height) over a mirror which you can view the return cycle.
Plug the unit in, with the platter removed and the stylus PROTECTED and / or REMOVED, cue the tonearm over an imaginary LP. You won't harm anything, you will see the motor pulley spin and the arm should drop. Since you do not have the platter on, IIANM, the cartridge will not lower onto the well and sit on the needle, however, as mentioned above, remove or protect the stylus.
At this point as it is lowering, watch what happens, does the Stop button drop down? causing the return cycle to start. It will not start, you will hear a "click". You should also look / watch what happens underneath the table with the mirror and flashlight, you can use the mirror to reflect the light from the flashlight on the parts of interest, there is a small trip pawl, (see service manual) that starts the auto return cycle.
Either way, it will sound an audible "click" which will tell you that the return cycle is engaged. You can reset / manually return the tonearm to rest position by turning the center spindle with your fingers. The cycle stops when the arm is on the tonearm rest and the automatic arm gear is at the notch with NO gear teeth. Repeat and continue to watch the mechanism and try and determine what's setting off the auto return.
Good luck.
Fred and currently have my PL-115D stored.... and perhaps gonna break in the box and demount my XLM-Mk 2 and throw it in the cartridge rotation......
Music is Everything....Except Predictable....WFUV Fan.
