DJ PRO LAB - Technics Tonearm Check

http://djprolab.com - This is how you check to see if your tonearm's bearing are damaged. Please note, that your turntable must be on a flat and leveled table in order to get it to float properly when the anti-skate is set to ZERO. If your tonearm DOES NOT SKIP, and it does not float like it shows in the video, and your table is level, chances are the anti-skate might not be set correctly or damaged. If this is the case, you are good. As long as your tonearm doesn't skip, your fine.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• Technics
• Tonearm
• MK2
• MK3
• MK5
• M3D
• M5G
• 1200
• 1210
• Turntable
• Repair
• Calibration
• Scratch
• Sound
• Audio
• Disc Jockey

[THEdjSpinner]

I just got a sl1210-mk5, when anti is set to 6, arm stays still as it should. But when i turn to 0, it does not move at all. When i move the arm to the center of the deck at 0, and turn to 6, at the very last second it slams all the way to the resting spot. Do i need to replace the entire assembly (base and all) or just the tone arm portion?

[djprolab]

@THEdjSpinner - make sure you don't have the extra weight on the rear of the tonearm. The MK5's come with this installed, and you don't even realize it's there. Not needed for DJing. If there is damage, a qualified tech can properly calibrate the anti-skate.

[ericohman]

can the anti-skate be repaired? i think mine is faulty/weak. on both 0 and 3 the arm goes towards the resting position. on 0 it moves with less speed but it definately isn't floating still, it's pretty noticable speed towards the resting position.

seems like some calibration issue of the whole anti-skate function. I can still set it so that it stays in one place when playing a blank (no grooves) vinyl.

[djprolab]

@ericohman - yes the anti-skate can be repaired. it's just a spring.

[DeenosBarlow]

if i do the emergency thing and loose the needle , and leave it like this , what are the problems i will have to bear ? am i going to have problems with the vinyls ? will the tonearm not count right for a beatmach ? or i just have to change it some day ? (thanks for your tips by the way , really really helpful )

[djprolab]

@DeenosBarlow - the emergency thing is only a temporary solution. what will it do? Well, it will be annoying, and you'll have to keep adjusting it. Sometimes it stays, other times it doesn't. Wont affect the vinyl, or the styli, but you might skip. I always say, get it fixed as soon as you can. It will save you alot of headaches. Especially because the skipping usually happens during a crucial moment.

[Zakkattak12]

hey my question is my tone arms anti skate is usually set to zero the height adjustment is at zero and my counter weight is usually all the way forward do to the fact i scratch alot....both my tables are set this way and when i tried this by pulling the weight back as far as possible this test didnt work on either with the cartridges off. would it mater what the height? i use sl1200m3ds

[SiRRKiZZLE]

How do you find the exact problem with a buzzing?

[djs259]

very helpful video



[djprolab]

@bollowski - yes, you might have incorrectly replaced the tonearm. I apologize to everyone, I have a video we did on how to do this properly, especially a section on assembling the anti-skate properly, but my time is spread sooo thin I haven't had time to edit it. Although I have been doing a little each day.

Yes, check your wiring, and also, what happens many times, the wires get crimped because they are not run through the proper hole, and the base of the tonearm will cut the cables.

[djprolab]

@lcmxr6 - check to make sure the height is the same on both units. If not, set the same. If you still have this problem, the tonearm angling down might be bent downward - happens all the time, no way to fix other than replace tonearm. if you carry them in flight cases, sometimes the foam presses down on that section. No real worry, but your styli might wear out quicker on that unit.

[MitsosPap]

In Greece a Brand New tonearm costs 30+VAT Euros from Technics !

You can replace it easily !