[bside123]

Hi: I recently installed the upgrade VPI SAMA (stand alone motor assembly) on my HW-19 MKIV TT. I have it very well isolated, and it has added another step of value to my turntable.

However, I do have one peculiar problem. When depressing the switch to turn on the motor, most of the time the pulley doesn't start turning the table on it's own. It's not that the motor isn't strong enough, but when the belt is set on the 33 1/3 position, the spindle just kind of vibrates. It's as if the motor is having a hard time starting up. When trying to assist the motor by hand turning the platter, there is little to no success. (I do have experience with Nottingham tables, which the motor requires a hand start.) The VPI motor will not begin turning the platter by hand rotating the platter.

Here are the mysterious components, at least to me:
1) The motor starts and turns the platter easily in the 45 RPM position. The problem ONLY happens in the 33 1/3 position on the spindle.

2) The motor will start and turn the platter when using the switch on the SDS motor controller, just NOT the switch that is connected directly to the SAMA.

3) Get this! When the motor is turned on with the belt set on the 33 1/2 position, if you SNAP the belt by pulling on it, there by momentarily rotating the pulley in the opposite direction, the motor starts right up and turns the platter.  Voila! Snap the belt!? 

When I removed the stock motor assembly from the table, I noticed that there was a cap in the leads between the switch and the motor. As the SAMA didn't come with this switch cap, I removed it from the old leads and put it on the new leads. Could this be the problem? Has anybody ever had a start up problem with a VPI SAMA? Okay, one obvious question might be, "Have you tried the motor without the cap on the leads?" Well, the answer is, "No." I would need to take the whole table apart again to do so. This is why I am shouting out my problem BEFORE I need to take the table apart.

My VPI TT consists of: TNT 3, 28 lb lead super platter, SDS motor controller and the upgrade SAMA. When turning, the platter does keep perfect and steady pitch. BTW the table sounds great....

Any help? It frustrating having to snap the belt each time. Thanks 

[orthobiz]

I feel so smart!

For some unknown reason, the SAMA has the "wrong" cap inside. I can't remember the sequence, but I added an SDS and a SAMA, I think the SDS arrived first, was fine with the original motor. Then the SAMA came and........nothing, exactly what you described. You can push start the TT and it will run fine but it won't start when you push the on button.

Call VPI, ask for Mike, say you have a technical question. He will send you a replacement cap at no charge, you open up the SAMA and twist it in, it really is easy. It will cure your problem!

In the meantime, it will run just fine if you give it a push.

Paul