[ClefChef]

I bought 24V motor upgrade for my Rega RP3 from Music Direct. After installation I fired it up and realized that the record is playing at almost 45 rpm (I later measured it to be 40 rpm). Upon comparing the old and new belt pulleys I noticed that the new pulley is of much larger diameter than on the old motor, which leads me to believe that Music Direct sent me the 50 Hz version of the motor, somehow. How can this happen?

Now I may have to rip everything out again. I may consider Michael Lim's dual pulley along with pulley puller, to avoid trying to pry out the new motor from its glued position. I would like Music Direct to cover some of the costs though...

Ugh.

 

[S Clark]

Have you contacted Music Direct?  I can't believe you are the only one experiencing this problem if they are advertising it as an upgrade for your particular TT.  Be that as it may, it's probably a 300 rpm motor, and if the pulley will interchange, simply swap them out.  Does the  new motor have any speed regulation ability?

[ClefChef]

Well, I received it on Saturday and tried calling them right away. Will speak to them tomorrow.
I did the math and indeed it appears to be a 50hz pulley: 60hz/40rpm = 1.5    50hz/33.3rpm = 1.5 so this pulley would be perfect for 50hz power line...except I'm not in UK.

It's a synchronous single phase AC induction motor and as such has no speed adjustment, unless used with an electronic variable speed AC control.

[S Clark]

Sounds like an easy fix... send it back and they send the right one.  Good luck with it.  Motor issues can be annoying. 

[ClefChef]

Sounds like an easy fix... send it back and they send the right one.  Good luck with it.  Motor issues can be annoying.

Except I installed the "upgraded" motor already, which involved gluing it to the plinth (lamination in my case) using strong double sided sticky tape. Removing the motor now may present a problem.

[S Clark]

   Now I understand.  Can you get a single edge razor blade in there to cut it away? 

[ClefChef]

I contacted Music Direct - they checked their stock and discovered that they had 50hz and 60hz motors mixed in the US upgrade kits. Getting a replacement.

I would say - great! except I have to do everything again and then again, plus I am left with no turntable for about a week. Not a great experience.

[S Clark]

At least they admit their mistake and have taken action to rectify it.  Glad to hear a solution is on its way.