2 x 1200

[bobjuice]

A pair of very old 1200s spent too long in my loft, unused. I decided it was time to give them the once over and here are some pics of the process.
The one shown below was the better of the two, the other had the arm broken when my mate Jim trod on it



Base removed, arm assembly removed, this is what it looks like underneath



Pitch slider pcb and start/stop pcb removed. Platter removed, top view



Under the dust cover



Motor pcb removed, supply and regulator pcb removed.



Close ups showing just how worn the finish on the decks was. In fairness though, they're very old and have had some serious stick





2 coats of etching primer and they looked like this



Not a very clear pic but this is the final finish


The broken arm, disassembled





The wiring in one of the arms had soldered joints which had been taped up - nice



LITZ tonearm cable is what i used to rewire the arms





The base of the arms, disassembled, cleaned and repainted















Spirit washing the motor pcb



refitted motor pcb


changing the LEDs (none were working) to ice white



Powered up



Arm assembly refitted



Bases and feet put back together


And by george, it only fucking works



Apart from the cosmetics and thorough cleaning, I repaired the anti skate on one of the arms which wasn't functioning at all. Changed the configuration of the grounding so i no longer have to ground through the mixer. Zeroed the pitches and recalibrated them so the 2 decks are perfectly matched. The pitches were miles out before. Also changed the range from +-8% to +-6% so slightly finer adjustment now which suits me. Thinking of maybe adding a pitch range adjustment to the front of the decks but that's a project for the future.

[trick12]

Re: 2 x 1200

fookin electronic genius bob is

[floridaorange]

Re: 2 x 1200

A pair of very old 1200s spent too long in my loft, unused. I decided it was time to give them the once over and here are some pics of the process.
The one shown below was the better of the two, the other had the arm broken when my mate Jim trod on it





Arm assembly refitted



Bases and feet put back together


And by george, it only fucking works



Apart from the cosmetics and thorough cleaning, I repaired the anti skate on one of the arms which wasn't functioning at all. Changed the configuration of the grounding so i no longer have to ground through the mixer. Zeroed the pitches and recalibrated them so the 2 decks are perfectly matched. The pitches were miles out before. Also changed the range from +-8% to +-6% so slightly finer adjustment now which suits me. Thinking of maybe adding a pitch range adjustment to the front of the decks but that's a project for the future.

What a fine restoration project indeed!

[bobjuice]

Re: 2 x 1200

Cheers. The inspiration for the colour scheme came from here jejeej

[unkle]

Re: 2 x 1200

Wow, good work dude .....


Now, you have a new job, "restorer of antiques".

[GregWhelan]

Re: 2 x 1200

We all have our individual talents, and I so wish that I had the talent to do something like this.Awesome job recreating this!

[diegoff]

Re: 2 x 1200

nice work!!!!!! congrats

[floridaorange]

Re: 2 x 1200

Kind of curious how many hours it took in total, roughly? Obviously a fun project and well worth the time spent. Also out of curiosity, what year were these 1200's originally made?

[bobjuice]

Re: 2 x 1200

I've no idea how long they took florida as it was done in bits and pieces whenever i had time, not one big hit if you get me. Also, there was no rush to complete the job at all, no pressure, it was a labour of love i guess .
They feel fucking great now i have to say but i don't think that's down to my efforts, it's down to the quality of the original design and the way they are built.

As for their age, i think they're 1987 but may be wrong?? They have a lot of history, not all of which i can post in a public forum haha

[DancingQueen]

Re: 2 x 1200

Well done

[DIDI]

Re: 2 x 1200

I've no idea how long they took florida as it was done in bits and pieces whenever i had time, not one big hit if you get me. Also, there was no rush to complete the job at all, no pressure, it was a labour of love i guess .
They feel fucking great now i have to say but i don't think that's down to my efforts, it's down to the quality of the original design and the way they are built.

As for their age, i think they're 1987 but may be wrong?? They have a lot of history, not all of which i can post in a public forum haha

You are just being modest there, it's a fabulous job!! You really had to know what you were doing. !! Congratulations !!

You wouldn't like to pop over here to refoam my 901s would you ?

[Dhar_2]

Re: 2 x 1200

a job well done!!

i personally preferred the aged look at the begininng!

[lockedgroove]

Re: 2 x 1200

attn: bobjuice

awesomeperson.jpg

[bobjuice]

Re: 2 x 1200

You wouldn't like to pop over here to refoam my 901s would you ?

You are just being modest there, it's a fabulous job!!

Thanks Di, i appreciate you saying i did a good job. But i'm not being modest at all, it's the build of the 1200 that enables it to be brought back to life after such a long time. A cheaply made belt drive deck in 20 yrs time just wouldn't be worth the effort.

[DIDI]

Re: 2 x 1200

True, when I restore furniture if it was well made in the first place it's always easier, but I still think I am a shit hot furniture restorer. Plus I have seen so many pieces of furniture that have been wrecked by a "restorer". I have a 150 year old cedar chest of draws here right now, abused beyond belief, drawer runners filled with construction adhesive and laminated and yet it still stands straight and solid and hasn't a single split anywhere, even the solid cedar draws. Beautifully made. You still have to have the knowledge and skills .

Just accept that you deserve compliments for this