Gyrodec power supply

[bspe]

Hi to everyone here - just registered and have a newbie (groan) question concerning an older (probably mid 90's) Gyrodec I've just aquired.

I trade in vintage photography equipment and regularly attend local antique and house clearance auctions. Was very suprised to see this Gyrodec on the menu. Bagged it for 300quid but no mains lead and the rb300 arm will need a rewire. The intention was to sell it on for some profit but now it's sitting very pretty in my living room on a thick slab of Cornish slate above a Quad 606 and inbetween 2 celestion dittons. Am thinking I'll sell something from the camera collection to justify keeping it !

Question concerns the power supply: It has the older papst AC motor with no mains lead or transformer. Michell engineering can sell me a gyropower supply (the older one, contained in a see-through perspex case) for around 90quid. Is this my best option ? Do I really need this unit and would it be reliable, or is there a cheaper or better alternative ? I dont really know if the papst motor is functional as obviously I cant test. The turnatable looks in exceptionally clean condition though and my guess is it's probably just been stored over the years and had little use.

Aplogies for the what might be a dumb question but thanks in advance.

Bill

[Werner]

The Papst is virtually indestructable but may need cleaning and servicing (oiling). Michell can help, perhaps you can do that too.

The GyroPower is a tasty offer. If you buy it you'll end up with a classic and fairly rare combination. Michell probably also can sell you the simpler transformer-based supply, but that won't cost much less.

[bspe]

Thanks Werner -
sounds like I'm on the right lines then.
I've ordered the Gyropower from Michell only they're now on a 2 week summer holiday and I'm impatient to get going !

[Spinnr]

Bspe.

Have a papst powered GyroDec. You are fortunate in both your find, and the GyroPower purchase. I had used the standard transformer for years and really couldn't imagine a better sound.

Fate lead me to a GyroPower, and the improvement in sound was simply amazing.

I do insist that you add just a drop of oil to the papst with on a tip of a toothpick, it will spin out any extra you add. And that you add new bearing oil ensuring it comes right up the shaft so it can just be seen when you look horizontal once the platter has settled all the way down.

I have the belt on the bottom groove to ensure a little up force on the platter, and a little less sideways leverage on the bottom of the bearing shaft. No difference in sound here, just a personal misguided preference.

Vinyl forever.

[bspe]

Thanks Spinnr I'm absorbing all the information I can at the moment and will follow your suggestions.
I have some new bearing oil and also a rewire kit for the tonearm.
Diy rewiring is proving the biggest challenge at the moment and after a whole day of fiddling and swearing I think it's beaten me. Very frustrating as I'm aching to get this thing running and think I'll probably just send it off to someone and be done with it.

Cheers

[Werner]

What kit did you get for the RB300?

Incognito is very easy to do.

http://www.tnt-audio.com/sorgenti/analogue_bits_e.html

[bspe]

I purchased an Isokinetik http://www.cabezon.eu/product_info.php? ... a3e2a222f4.

After a quote for £70.00 to have this installed professionally I decided to try again and I think I've done it ! With hands like shovels and no previous soldering experience whatsoever I'm amazed at myself. Now need to get my head around setup, tracking alignment etc.
Another problem I've run into though is living on a suspended wooden floor. Even though the TT sits on a very heavy wooden stand with approx 50kg of slate I can't go anywhere near it without it going into trampoline mode and upsetting the cart.
From what I've read, this problem is practically insurmountable with suspended floors but if anyone's got any tips I'd be grateful. Wall mounting is out of the question with lightweight plasterboard partition walls, plus I'm really fond of my homemade slate table which took me 3 weeks to make.

Never thought just playing a bloody record could get so complicated

[Werner]

Of course you have to set up the Gyro's suspension properly:

http://www.angelfire.com/music5/michell_gyrodec/

Be patient, and persistent.

[fletcher]

Hi, Yes it is worth the perseverance. I have recently finished rejuvenating a 1980's Gyro to as new specs - but kept the papst motor and gyropower as the upgrade of those is a bit prohibitive! I had a similar issue with footfall making my SME arm leap about. I bit the bullet and wall mounted into a plasterboard wall and it solved the problem...just make sure you find the solid structural timber behind to screw into!
One thing not to over look is lubrication of the bearing, especially if fitting a new one -which I recommend if your unit has an older alloy one. I had speed issues when I first mounted two arms on my deck which involved moving the motor to the front of the plinth. I spent some time trying to figure out why the platter went slower after I had moved the motor. Tried a new belt, lubricated the motor, checked tensions but still the platter was slow. Finally thought I would try more lubricant in the bearing and thankfully that sorted it out.
The gyro works well with two arms and looks good whilst doing it! If interested my deck is here http://www.designbuildlisten.com/wandgallery.htm towards the bottom of the page.
Cheers.

[Zanth]

I'm jumping in to merely congratulate the OP on his decision to keep the Gyro and to gush plenty of kudos on those lending advice. It really is a marvel that so many know so much and are willing to impart some wisdom and encouragement. I enjoy my Gyro as much as I can and my continued decision to keep it rather than search for something else (better being subjective) is bolstered by such wonderful input from members, freely given on a web forum.