Zenith Custom Super-phonic.

[rockinmark]

Hi would anyone know anything about a zenith custom super-phonic record player, trying to find out if there is a 240v tap on the transformer or would zenith made a 240v version

Mark

[wd40addict]

Bigger problem is likely to be a 60Hz motor unless there was a special European version.

[rockinmark]

The 60hz wouldn't matter because the deck works by sliding the speed control it doesn't have stop points as far as I can make out, but I'm hoping there is a uk 240v version

[Techman]

In that case you'll have to get yourself a stepdown transformer to run it from.

[rockinmark]

The person I was going to get it from said he plugged it into 240v and was working, but I'm totally unsure myself, is there anyway of telling what the voltage should be. If it is 110v what do I need to step down the voltage I have never used one

[Edward Huggins]

Originally Posted by rockinmark

The 60hz wouldn't matter because the deck works by sliding the speed control it doesn't have stop points as far as I can make out, but I'm hoping there is a uk 240v version

I would query this. I've never heard of a 4 speed control without stop points. It will not play at the correct speed it is 60Hz if used here in the UK without changing the motor rotor.

[Station X]

Some info here:-

https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/ID...-Page-0098.pdf

[rockinmark]

Thanks for that Graham I have read that that's all I could find, do you think if it can be run on 240 it would have a jumper to change on transformer if it doesn't have a jumper should I presume it's definitely 110v

[Station X]

I've no idea. You'd have to inspect it to see whether there's a voltage plate or labelled taps on the mains transformer. Or you could try powering it from a Variac or step down transformer.

If it is 120V it'll almost certainly be 60Hz and I don't know how that will affect the variable speed control, which could be mechanical rather than electronic.

[wd40addict]

If the above description is correct then you won't hit 78rpm on 50Hz. Also note the inbuilt strobe will be incorrect.

[Techman]

Having looked at a bit of on-line info on this model, there may be a possibility that the continuously variable speed control may just go a bit beyond 78rpm on its way to the 'off' position. Looking at the circuit diagram it clearly shows the mains transformer only has one primary winding rated at 117 volts @ 60Hz. I have to say that it looks to be a very interesting player. You need to get yourself a step down transformer or a Variac - or both.

[wd40addict]

Above pdf says 80 rpm is top speed. 80*50/60=66.67RPM.

[Techman]

That's going to be quite a bit too slow if he wants to play 78s then.

[Techman]

Originally Posted by rockinmark

The person I was going to get it from said he plugged it into 240v and was working, but I'm totally unsure myself, is there anyway of telling what the voltage should be. If it is 110v what do I need to step down the voltage I have never used one

If it really is still as original for American mains voltage and he's had it on 240 volts, then I would expect a fried transformer and possibly a set of duff valves. Then there's the motor windings to think about, as it's fed directly from the mains input after the on-off switch.

It could be that someone imported it and had the transformer re-wound for UK mains, or it could have another small 'auto' step down transformer fitted, you won't know until you actually get your hands on it. I see that there are one or two people out there living in a fantasy world as to what this model is apparently worth, so if it's less than fifty quid I would take a chance and grab it before someone else does!

[rockinmark]

I picked this up yesterday it's a very heavy unit with a heavy platter, I have taken the cover off to me looks like it has another transformer inside, not looked any further as yet but I'm thinking it is probably beyond my electrical skill, may have to re sell to someone that knows a bit more

[Station X]

Before giving up at least trace out the wiring associated with the new transformer. It could be a step down transformer from 240V to 120V. It might even have tags marked with voltages.

[Herald1360]

This YouTube video is quite informative:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VdT1Wl6YZis

You may well be lucky if that extra transformer is a simple step-down one and the motor spindle has been sleeved to compensate for the 50Hz supply.

[rockinmark]

Lifted platter tonight and looks like Chris maybe right looking at spindle it has a sleeve on it, not sure what cartridge will fit in that arm it's tiny