Kerbside Killing

[derekcohen]

I was out walking with the lady wife this morning. It was toss-it-out-day. And I found a Rega 3 turntable at the kerbside!

This takes me back 20 years. I still have and use a Thorens TD150 with mods that sports a Rega 3 arm (and Supex MC), so finding this Rega was a delight!

It looked in good ... excellent condition (albeit dirty) ...

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Derek50/Audio%20video%20computer/Rega1.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Derek50/Audio%20video%20computer/Rega4.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Derek50/Audio%20video%20computer/Rega2.jpg

Can anyone identify the cartridge - no name that I could see, but I did not lokk underneath, just outside.... And it you recognise it, is it worth keeping (assuming all is well).

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Derek50/Audio%20video%20computer/Rega3.jpg

My assumption was that, assuming it worked, the owners had simply got rid of it because it is "outdated" technology. I plugged it in at home and the glass plate failed to move. I removed the plate and the motor wizzed around. Clearly there was not enough torque from the motor/belt to the plate. Now this may either be (1) the belt has stretched, or (2) the motor housing is not rigid and losing tension as it flexes (this can occur - I guess - when people move turntables with the heavy plate in place. It should be removed to relieve stress on the pully/motor).

The pully/motor did flex ..

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Derek50/Audio%20video%20computer/Rega5.jpg

Any ideas that I should consider in fixing this little beauty?

Regards from Perth

Derek

[Scribbly Gum]

Nice find Derek.
In these old belt drive turntables the belts are prone to belt stretch over time. If the motor works and the platter is easily rotated by hand, them I would buy a new belt and give it a go. Take the platter with you when you go to source a belt. It will make it easier to find the right size.
I still use my old Apan
Cheers
SG

[Mr Brush]

Is that a gramophone.......??? :D

YouTube- Broadcast Yourself.

[mjmjm]

Great find. Makes ya feel good when something like that happens.

[GraemeCook]

Great find, Derek. And Rega is right up there.

If you need guidance, advice or a confirmatory opinion I find the guys at DIY Audio Forum are very knowledgable and helpful.
diyAudio (http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/index.php?)

Cheers

Graeme

[robbo266317]

What a great find. I own and still use my Rega with a SME series III arm and Shure V15 type 4 cartridge.

You can make a new belt from O-Ring rubber, obtainable from specialty fastener stores, and I think they just use superglue to join the ends.

[munruben]

Good score:2tsup:

[Brisso57]

Hi,

I have a Rega Planar 3.

After it had sat for a few years it became a bit "sticky". I took it to a HiFi dealer who carefully lubricated it for me and it was as good as new.
See your Rega serviceperson. I expect the cost to be minimal.

Doug

PS No idea what cartridge you have. I have a Hadcock tone arm and a Shure V15 mk3. Very good!

[derekcohen]

I determined that a little oil had contaminated the belt, which caused it to slip. Cleaning the belt restored the torque. I am sure it could benefit, nevertheless, from a new belt.

Regards from Perth

Derek

[artme]

Nice find derek!!!

Some people throw away the best rubbish, don't they??

[Zaphod]

WOW! Brilliant find. The RB300 arm is worth several hundred Bucks on it's own.