Turntable Executes Continuous Spin
In an exciting endeavour, tech enthusiast and collector, RF Burns, has acquired a 1950s-era 45 RPM record player from RCA. This mobile device, designed to be inexpensive, boasts a unique history and an interesting repair journey that will be documented in a two-part video series.
For those unfamiliar with 45s, a primer on how records work is provided. These players, specifically those from RCA in the 1950s, work by spinning 7-inch vinyl records at 45 revolutions per minute, a speed introduced by RCA in 1949 as an alternative to Columbia's 33⅓ RPM LP format.
The player, initially in need of repairs and replacement parts, features a turntable mechanism driven by a motor connected to the platter. The motor ensures stable speed for accurate playback. A tonearm with a stylus needle tracks the record's groove, and the vibrations are converted into electrical signals by a cartridge. These signals then pass through amplification circuitry to produce audible sound through speakers.
However, this particular player had two active tubes and a rectifier tube for amplification. The unamplified version of the player, which will be shown at the end of the second video, functions similarly to the repaired one, with the exception of the tube amplifier.
To make the player safer, a polarized power cord was added. The record player's record changer was also automated using an eccentric wheel.
As part of the restoration process, the player was painted to improve its appearance, and a teardown of the repaired player will be shown in the first video. The schematic will be revealed in the second video of the series.
This video series promises to be an educational and entertaining exploration into the workings and restoration of a classic 1950s RCA 45 RPM record player. Whether you're a record collector, a tech enthusiast, or simply curious about vintage technology, this series is not to be missed. After cleaning, the player still seemed to function, hinting at the potential hidden within this historical device.
During the restoration process, RF Burns, a tech enthusiast and collector, will dissect and paint the 1950s RCA 45 RPM record player in a two-part video series. This series not only provides an educational look into the workings of vintage technology but also showcases the unique history of gadgets like this record player, exemplifying the intersection of technology and entertainment.
