[78-L] Convert a belt drive turntable to play 78's

[Don Chichester]

Yes, I have.  Some belt TTs have no room at the speed change lever for a larger capstan, but some do.
 
I took a length of reel tape, and glued it to the 45 rpm capstan pully (making sure the winding was oriented so as not to unwind when capstan was turning). I gradually spooled off what I thought to be enough tape to make the capstan drive the TT at over 78 rpm.  Then I glued the end down tight.  Checking the speed with a strobe disc, I saw I was off by a few rpm.  So I began to cut off recording tape until I reached 76 rpm (yes, 76, my choice).  Eventually I reached the length that gave me 76 rpm.  Once glued, the TT works great.  That was about 15 years ago.  Still works great!
 
Don Chichester
 

> Date: Thu, 24 Nov 2011 21:54:02 -0600
> From: citrogsa at charter.net
> To: 78-l at klickitat.78online.com
> Subject: [78-L] Convert a belt drive turntable to play 78's
> 
> Has anyone been able to successfully convert a 33/45 RPM belt drive 
> turntable to play 78's? It looks simple enough. One would need to slip a 
> larger pulley on the spindle, just over the thin end. Then you could 
> have 45/78 RPM. How would I calculate the proper diameter? Machine a 
> drum with a lock screw on it?
> 
> -- 
> Mark L. Bardenwerper, Sr. #:?)
> Technology, thoughtfully, responsibly.
> Visit me at http://citroen.cappyfabrics.com
> 
> _______________________________________________
> 78-L mailing list
> 78-L at klickitat.78online.com
> http://klickitat.78online.com/mailman/listinfo/78-l