...in '63 Airline console. Restoring for fun.

Here's the thing. Got the radio/amp section done, started playing with the TT. It actually worked. "metally" grinding noise while rotating, but actually holds speed quite well. (idler wheel? Bearings? motor?)

Changer has issues, it hangs up at the same point trying to move arm in-out of park location. Actually picks up fine. Anyway...

The real problem, though::: WHAT did I do? I have a suspicion I messed up the needle here. I flipped the entire thing over thinking I had the arm locked down (it snaps onto the park) and instead it flopped across the platter... doh. Now the thing won't track correctly, just sort of skips across the surface and sounds real scratchy when it isn't.... I know, I know. Is it the needle/cartridge or did I mess something up that relates to the amount of downforce/tension on the arm? I tried re-adjusting the spring in the arm to max/min and no change....

Kinda ticked because it worked fairly well (minus the changer binding) until this point. In case you hadn't noticed, first phono for me... Haven't even *touched* a phono in years, so I don't even recall what a bad needle sounds/acts like.

More information/photos on request.... Any suggestions on where to start? I found a replacement needle for cheep on the bay, so I will try that and see what happens. Yes I have the Photofact for the changer but its not helping much, need to study and understand it more....

you will need a new needle heck problem time to replace it anyway. Cartridge could be ok or might be bad. make sure the clip that holds the needle is not broke.

also buy a stylus gage this is used to set the gram track weight force. It is the only way I know to set it right. You can also use a small digital gram scale. I got one for under 15 dollars. So look around my weight and a few other companys make some cheap good gram scales,

I hope you can help me out.

I have a VM 1294 record changer. (It looks a lot like your VM-1254.)

I would like to know if there is a spring that holds the idler wheel against the platter. My motor is running but I can not get the platter to turn. It only works if I reach under the changer and physically hold the idler wheel against the motor and the platter.

Can you post a picture of the idler wheel?

Thanks for the help

Yes there is a tension spring

I've already got it put back together, unfortunately. I've got the sams for it (somewhere), I'll have to scan that in and post the relevant part.

Never did locate a new idler wheel at a decent price, but I'll keep looking. Just can't run the thing on 'auto'... no sweat. It still makes plenty of noise, but if you turn it up a bit you can't tell. been a long time since I've listened to LP's and forgot what they sound like...

(and it was the needle, lucked out and found one on the bay for $5. Also got a brand new cartridge for uh, considerably more....)

Hi Guys!!

You need to get in touch with Gary Stork. Gary bought ALL the old VM parts stock and does service work or will just sell you parts. Look up VMAE on Google and it will take you right to him. VMAE stands for Voice Of Music Audio Enthusiasts. He's in Northville MI which is west and south of the Detroit Metroplex. He literally can solve ALL your VM issues and he has cartridges and needles. Just thought I'd pass it along