Using full automatic the tone arm my Beogram 6500 lowers itself a 1-2mm too soon. The needle barely touches the record and the slips off on to the platter.  It happens for 33rpm, 12" LPs as well 45rpm 7" singles. When I use it manually the tone arm rises correctly at the end of a record and slides back normally. Please, any suggestions?

This requires a relatively simple adjustment. It will involve opening the Beogram to expose the mechaism.

How mechanically adept are you???

...mmm, good question. I can't read circuit diagrams but otherwise I'm not bad.

Thanks, Brendan.

...mmm, good question. I can't read circuit diagrams but otherwise I'm not bad.

Regards, Brendan. (sorry about the double post!)

Here is the page from the service manual which describes the process. I'll add instructions on getting to the inside tomorrow when I've slept on it!

As far as I remember just lift of the platter, then you will be able to access the two addjustment points, you may have to move the pick up carriage to the center to get to the 17 Cm point

I just had a look under the platter and you are correct! The point for 30cm is easily accessed but proper access to the 17cm point is obscured by the lid assembly.

If I can find out how to remove the lid assembly that would be most helpful.

Many thanks for your help Soren. Regards, Brendan.

Brendan:

I just had a look under the platter and you are correct! The point for 30cm is easily accessed but proper access to the 17cm point is obscured by the lid assembly.

If I can find out how to remove the lid assembly that would be most helpful.

Many thanks for your help Soren. Regards, Brendan.

It is possible to do the adjustment with the deck closed but more convenient with it open.

The deck opens like a clamshell, with the hinge on the left hand side and the fixing clip under the right.

Remove the platter and gently push the arm carriage to the left, as far as it will go.

Place the deck with the right side overhanging the edge of a table or worktop.

Remove two screws (cross head) under the right edge.

With the dust cover raised, lift the right side to open the deck. You may have to ease the arm carriage slightly to clear the top of the deck.

Clipped in the rear left corner you will find a prop (Like a hood/bonnet stay) and a hole to fix it.

Move the arm carriage back to the right and replace the platter.

Make the 17cm adjustment as described (Beware live mains!!!!)

Check 30cm setting with an album. It may now be ok and if so you can re-assemble.(Beware, not all albums are the same size!!) If not, proceed to next line.

Remove the platter , make 30cm adjustment.

Replace platter and check that all ok.

Remove platter, move arm carriage to left.

Re-assembly is the reverse of dismantling!

Good Luck

Full marks for the excellent instructions.  I will get stuck into it tomorrow after a good nights sleep!

Thanks for sharing your expertise, Brendan.

The service manual actually tells to adjust the 17 cm setdown first, then the 30 cm. You may need a couple of iterations if you do it the other way, but it doesn't matter as long as the end result is correct.

I usually do it without the platter, record and cartridge. You'll need to fool the deck by pressing on the center hub manually (harder for the LP setdown), then press TURN and the deck will drive the arm to the setdown point. Then you can check the distance with a ruler. The 17 cm setting can be adjusted while the deck is running. Confirm with real records, though!

Disaster!! I adjusted the 17cm setdown correctly on my first attempt. The 30cm setdown took 3 attempts - the 1st too little, the 2nd over compensated and correctly on the 3rd. After putting everything back in place I tested it about 10 times and all was well untill a very noticable shudder began occouring as the tonearm reached its standby position. A quick look under the platter revaled that a small white, plastic pin holding the spring in place near the 17cm adjustment point had come out of it's socket and the pulley cable had begun to unravel. I decided  to contact you guys first before making things worse. Is this the end of the road for my 6500?

Common problem. The repair method is described here.

http://forum.beoworld.org/forums/t/35376.aspx

....and I was just about to put the TT into the wheelie bin!