Sansui P-L51 turntable tone arm does not move

[3602]

So apparently I was clearing out my basement and I came across this device. I plugged it in and it turned on. Wow. Now when I pressed the start button, the platter would turn but the tone arm does not move... the red Computer light keeps blinking. On the little screen the Lock light is on.
Does this mean that the turntable is "locked" somehow? If so, then how do I unlock it? It's even got a vinyl disc on it.
PS: Does Sansui still make replacement parts for this particular device?
Many thanks!

 

[memepool]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3602 /img/forum/go_quote.gif ...when I pressed the start button, the platter would turn but the tone arm does not move... the red Computer light keeps blinking. On the little screen the Lock light is on. Does this mean that the turntable is "locked" somehow? If so, then how do I unlock it? It's even got a vinyl disc on it.

The lock light is more likely to be telling you the direct drive is in quartz locked mode as this can sometimes be turned off for instance with variable pitch.

It sounds more like the problem is with the tonearm. This could be that it's not detecting a record on the platter so isn't moving the tonearm? have you tried a different record maybe.

Does it have cue buttons to move the tonearm manually? See if these work as they should overide other commands and if not then the tonearm isn't working.

This could be as simple as perished rubber belts but these type of decks are usually pretty complex so a professional service would be advised.



Quote:

Originally Posted by 3602 /img/forum/go_quote.gif PS: Does Sansui still make replacement parts for this particular device?

Unlikely. Looking at Sansui P-L50 Owners Manual, Service Manual, Schematics, Free Download | Vinyl Engine if the deck looks like this series then I doubt it's worthwhile spending much time or money on it as Sansui turntables by the mid '80s were not upto much.

If you like the look of this type of deck have a search for a Technics SL5 / 7 / 10 or 15 or a Bang and Olufsen Beogram 6000 series...

 

[Grape411]

I just fixed my Sansui P-L51, actually I got it free but it was broken...
 
The Tonearm was trying to move, but wouldn't. It's a linear tracking arm that moves by itself.
There is a small belt that moves it, a 4" universal drive belt, .040" square, was recommended on some website ( for $4) but you can get these belts in many universal sizes online it seems.

To get at the belt, the disc platter comes off:
1. take off the rubber disc (where the record sits)
2. gently lift the metal platter, using your fingers in the large holes in the platter, it only comes up about 1/8' and while lifting, rap the centre shaft gently with a hard wood or plastic something, the tapered shaft will release suddenly and the platter will lift off. It's not heavy.
3. there are 2 phillips screws holding a triangular plastic panel which is under the tone arm.  Gently pry it up and remove it, WITHOUT damaging the tone arm (it is delicate)
4 once this plastic piece is off, you can see the servo motor and pulley with the belt on it. I cleaned my belt with soapy water and just re installed it (helps if you have needle nose pliers)
5. can be tested with the plastic removed to see how it works, or doesn't. just pop the platter back on, it seats itself.

It's the best turntable I've ever had, they used to be super expensive...
It' automatically places the needle on the record, this is where we used to damage our records, especially after a few pops!
 
The LOCKED light just shows that the speed is 'locked on', it's just a gimmick, really.