Hi. Newbie here.  Bought it on ebay. waited too long to try it out.  tonearm acts like it's too light when set at "0".  I cranked some more weight on and it played the disc OK (Lee Konitz's "lone Lee" solo alto sax!),but then when I pushed the button to end play, the tonearm tried to lift but acted like it was too heavy and actually skipped across the vinyl.  tonearm doesn't sit in the little saddle--like the saddle is just too far out of reach for it to sit. Called around the shops and doesn't appear worth it to have a pro diagnose it.  Any clues would be appreciated!

Doug

Welcome to Beoworld Doug

A very common problem on this design of Beogram & its dervatives. The solution is fairly straight forward and caused by dried up lubricant causing the drop mechanism to stick. There is a very good thread HERE which covers this - unfortunately the photos are missing as they weren't added when the site was recently updated. I'll have a word with th powers that be and see if it is possible to have them restored as this would make life much easier for you.

As for the correct tracking force, this depends on the cartridge model and to some extent the age of it. If you tell us which cartridge you have fitted I can tell you the recommended tracking weight - it certainly shouldn't be set at "0" as this basically puts no weight at all on the stylus.

Chris.

Thanks for the reply Chris.  I went to the link and read the thread--looks like I'll be getting my magnifying glass and precision tools out of mothballs (what precision tools?--toothpicks and cotton swabs--maybe a saxophone screwdriver?)...the cartridge is a MMC 10E.  the tonearm doesn't rest in the little holder so it rests on the stylus---I hope I haven't already ruined something. I propped it up on a wad of paper.

BTW there are six screws on the back just like the thread said--I figure it's the top three that are holding the dust cover on--right?

Thanks again!

Doug

Hi Doug,

            this is one of the few Beograms I haven't actually worked on myself which is why I referred you to the thread in question so I cannot really help with the screws you mention. However the MMC10E is basically a USA market MMC20E (don't ask why) so the tracking force should be set at 1.5g. As the cartridge is really quite aged there are a couple factors to take into consideration.

1. It may well have had a fair few playing hours so the recommended tracking force may need to be upped a touch.

2. The internal suspension may have hardened and could affect the tracking, again the tracking force may need to be upped a touch.

I wouldn't go any higher than 2.0g though as this will put undue pressure on your vinyl, reduction of which was one of the design principles of the light weight MMC range of cartridges.

Chris.

Thanks again Chris.  I brought the penetrating oil home today.  I'm just waiting to gather the determination (and calmness) to open up the baby.

Meanwhile I found a pioneer PL 112 D advertised for $75.00.  I'm thinking I will pick this up to use as a backup.

I am really impressed by the help I found here.

Doug