Technics SL-Q3 User manual

Techrr.ics
Tu rntable System
SL-Q3
Operati ng instructions
The model number of this product may be found on the back of the
unit, and the serial number, on the bottom of the unit
Please note the model and serial numbers of this unit in the space
provided and retain this booklet as a permanent record of your purchase
to aid identif ication in the event of theft
M.DEL NUMBER EL- 0 3
SERIAL NUMBER
Before operating this sr

Parts identification
Turhtable base
Center spindle
pilot lamp :
Start/stop button
Speed select buttons
Memo-repeat knob
Turntable mat
Locking nut
Heads hel I
Record size select knob
Assembly and set-up
"Warning: To prevent f ire or shock hazard,
do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture."
1-
45-rpm adaptor
Balance weight
Stylus-pressure ring

Assembly and
set-up '^
Ground wrre rCr',O1 t${"I
1:' ?t'or'o [erm nats
.,
15
Notes and
maintenance
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5 -10 mm (3/16- 25164')
121
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We want to thank you f or selecting the SL-Q3.
For optimum performance, we recommend that you read these instructions caref ully
Before use
Caution:
Never connect the AC power plug before assembly has been
completed
Attach the dust cover iast, so that assembly and adjustments can
be made most conveniently
I Checklist ol parts
Turntable unit
Turntable platter.
Turntablemat...
Dust cover
45-rpm adapto( .. . . .
Balanceweight.. ...
Headshe I I
Overhang gauge
r Adjustment ol overhang (See Fig. 5.)
1 lnsert the headshell into the gauge
2 Loosen the mounting screws and move the cartridge for-
ward or backward untilthe stylus tip lines up with theedge
of the gauge
3 Tighten the mounting screws without moving the car
tridge
Note:
Your cartridge is now adjusted for lowest tracking error
and minimum distortion
This gauge is exclusively designed for thrs tonearm
lnstallalion of headshell(See Fig. 6.)
lnsert the headshell into the f ront end of the tubular arm, and
turn the lo.cking nut clockwise (in the direction shown by the
arrow "A"), with the headshell iirmly held horizontally
lnstallation ol balance weight (See Fig. 7.)
Place the balance weight on the rear shalt of the tonearm
Adjustments of horizontal zero (0) balance and
stylus pressure
1 Remove the stylus protector, if your cartridge has a detach-
able one Be careful not to touch your fingers to the stylus
tip
Release the arm clamp and liit the tonearm from the arm
rest to free it
Turn the entire balance weight clockwise (indicated by
the arrow "A") orcounterclockwise (indicated by the arrow
"8") until the tonearm is approximately balanced horrzon-
tally (f loats f reely) (See Figs. 8 and 9.)
Note:
Fig. 9-1
Excessive forward advancement of the balance weight
causes the cartridge side to be lowered
Fig. 9-2
Excessive backward retreatment of the balance weight
causes the cartridge side to be raised
Fig. 9-3
Upon balancing between the balance weight and car-
tridge, the tonearm is held horizontal
During the adjustment of the horizontal zero (0) balance,
be careful that the stylus tip ol the cartridge does not
contact the turntable mat or turntable base
4 After the tonearm is horizontally zero (0) balanced, tem-
porarily refasten the tonearm with the arm clamp
5 Hold the balance weight stationary with one hand as
shown in the picture, and rotate only the stylus-pressure
ring to brrng the numeral "0" of the ring into alignment
with the center line on the tonearm rear shaft
The adjustment of the horizontal zero (0) balance is now
completed (See Fig. 10.)
6 After adlusting the horizontal zero (0) balance, turn the
balance weight clockwise in the direction of the arrow and
align to the correct stylus pressure (See Fig. 11.)
(Follow the cartridge manufacturer's recommendation )
Nole:
Set the stylus pressure to the maximum recommended
value for your cartrrdge in cases where the record has an
extremely hig h record rn g level , or where the u n it is operat-
ed in a room at low temperature, or in places tn which the
unit is sublected to vibrations
Adjustment of anti-skating control
Set the antr-skating control knob to the same value as the
stylus pressure (See Fig. 12.)
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Shell weioht
Assembly and set-up
lnstallation ol turntable platter
1 Place the turntable platter on the center spindle
Note:
The rotor is connected to the underside o{ the turntable
platter (The magnet ol the motor is attached to the turn-
table platter ) To maintain optimum performance, extra
care should be taken to prevent adhesion of dust or iron
filings to the magnet and not to damage the magnet by
dropping it
Do not remove or loosen the screws Should the position
of the f ixed magnet be altered by loosening the securing
screws, the rated perlormance of the unit cannot be guar-
anteed (See Fig. 2.)
2 Place the turntable mat on the platter
Note:
After havrng placed the turntable mat on the turntable
platter, manually rotate the turntable platter clockwise
about 10 times
Thrs will disengage the automatic mechanism from the
tonearm gear, which, in rare cases, may have moved out
of its normal position during transportation
lnstallation ol cartridge
When you install a cartridge, refer to the operation rnstruc-
tions of that cartridge
During installation, attach the stylus protector to guard the
stylus tip f rom damage
1 Connect the lead wires to the cartridge terminals
The terminals of most cartridges are color coded Connect
each lead wire to the terminal of the same color
White(L+) .... Leltchannel-
Blue(L ) .. ........ Leltchannel-
Red (B+) .
Green (R )
... Rightchannel+
...... Right channel
2 lnstall a cartridge to the headshell, and tighten it with
screws provided with the cartridge (See Fig. 3.)
Note:
Use the shell weight only for a light weight cartridge
(Less than 6 0 g ) (See Fig. a.)
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Note:
When a cartridge with integral dust brush is used, follow
the cartridge manufacturer's recommendation for adjust-
ing both stylus pressure and anti-skating force
I lnstallation of dust cover
Place the dusl cover into posrtion from directly above, holding
1t at both srdes For detaching the dust cover, be certain first
to rarse it as illustrated before removal (See Fig. 13.)
Note:
Opening or closrng of the dust cover during play should
be avoided This may not only cause undesrred vibrations.
but also result in sktppino of the stylus
lf you must open the dust cover during play, do so as
gently as possible
Placement
Place ihe unit in a stable and horizontal position, where there
is little or no vibration.
Locate the unit as lar away from lhe speakers as possible and
isolale the unil lrom sound radialion from them.
Do not place the unil where it is exposed to direct sun, dust,
moisture or heat.
Keep it in a well ventilated place.
Connections
Connect the AC power plug
Connect the AC power plug to an AC wall socket
Connect the output terminals (See Fig. 14.)
Output terminals Amplilier or Receiver
L (White) flChannel
R (Bed) lNChannel
GND (Spade lug)+ @pt
Note:
Be sure to connect the ground terminal firmly to the am-
pl fier or receiver lf this connection is not made or is
loose, a power source "HUM" will result
8 When play is f inished, the tonearm wrll automatically re-
turn to the arm rest (auto-return), and the turntable platter
wili stop rotation
lf the unrt is not to be used for some time set the on/off
switch to the "off' position(r)
Attach the stylus protector rf you have one, to guard the
stylus tip f rom damage
I Automatic play
1 Set the speed select button in the same manner as in
manual play and release the arm clamp
2 Set the record size select knob to the diameter of the
record (7" [17 cm], 10" [25 cm], or 12" [30cm])you wish
to play (See Fig. 19.)
3 Push the start/stop button (See Fig. 20.)
The tonearm will move automatically over the lead-in
groove and descend slowly onto the record (auto-start)
Play will begin
4 When play has finished, the tonearm will automatically
return to the arm rest (auto-return)
I Repeat play of a record
1 Set the "memo-repeat" knob to the desrred number of
times you wish to play
"R" position enables you to repeat play continuously
(See Fig. 2.1.)
Note:
The "memo-repeat" knob may be set to a desired number,
except during automatic start or automatic return cycle
lf you start play manually while the "memo-repeat" knob is
set to a number there will be an additional repeat play
2 Start play in the same way as for automatic play
I How to stop play
Push the start/stop button
The tonearm automatically returns to the arm rest, and the
turntable stops rotating
Note:
Before you operate the start/stop button, make sure that
the "memo-repeal" knob is set at the "0" position
lf this knob is set at any position other than "0", the repeat
play is continued by the number of times indicated, even
if you push the startistop button
I How to suspend play
Set the cueing lever to the "up" position
The stylus tip of the cartridge will be lifted from the record
I When you play a 45-rpm record with a large center
hole
Place the 45-rpm adaptor on the center spindle Set the speed
select button to the "45" position
Notes and maintenance
Do nol grasp or hold the tonearm during operation ol the
automatic mechanism.
Use utmost care when handling the platter and when placing it
on the motor shaft to prevent possible damage to the magnet.
Records having sizes other than 17 cm,25 cm and 30 cm (7",
10" and 12") should be played manually.
Your turntable is designed for automatic handling of records
that adhere to accepted industry dimensions Therefore, use
the unit manually for records other than standard sizes
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How to operate
I Manual play of record
'1 Place a record on the turntable mat
2 Set the on/off switch to the "on" position (^) (See Fig. 15.)
Both the LED at the speed select button 33 (33-1/3 rpm)
and the strobe-illuminator should be illuminated
Note:
Since the unit hasbeen designedtoselect33 1/3 rpm auto-
matically each time you push the onioff switch to "on",
push the 45 rpm speed select button f you play a 45-rpm
record (See Fig. 16.)
3 Remove the stylus protector, rf your cartridge has a de-
tachable one
4 Belease the arm clamp
5 Set the cueing lever to the up posrtion (See Fig. 17.)
6 Move the tonearm over the desired groove
The turntab e platter will start to rotate
7 Set the cueing lever to the down pos tion (See Fig. 18.)
The tonearm will descend slowly onto the record and play
will begin
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I When using other headshells, make sure that the headshell
conliguralion is compatible. (See Fig. 22.)
When other types of headshells are employed, the handle
portion of the headshell may strike against the inner upper
su rf ace of the d ust cover d u ring automatic m ot io n of th e to ne-
arm ln such a case, we recommend that the dust cover be left
open during play
! Belore detaching or altaching the headshell, be sure to iurn
the power ol the amplilier or receiver olf.
Detaching or attaching of the headshell with the volume con-
trol turned up may cause damage to the speakers
I Dust and dirt should be carelully removed from stylus tip or
records.
Dust and dirt on the stylus tip or record may not only result in
deterioration of tone quality, but also cause undue wear of the
record and the stylus tip rtself
Special stylus tip brushes and record cleaners can be pur-
chased in most e ectronic supply houses
I Wlpe the headshell terminals lrom time to time.
Dust and drrt at the headshell termrnals may result in rncreased
"HUM" noise or intermitlent sound Use solt dry cloth to clean
the headshell term nals
I Care should be exercised in handling the turnlable platter.
The turntable platter has the rotor (the magnet of the motor)
directly connected to it Therefore, the turntable platter should
not be removed from the motor shaft unnecessarily
Should it become necessary to remove the turntable platter,
be sure first to pu I the AC power p ug out of the socket
I Wipe the dust cover and turntable base with a soft, dry cloth.
Never use any cleaners contain ng alcohol. benzine or thrnner
Use of a chemical dust cloth should also be avoide0 Be sure
that the dust cover s not exposed to insectrcrde spray
To remove stubborn frnger prints or grease spots, detach the
dust cover and disconnect the AC power p ug
Use a soft cloth slrghtiy moistened wilh a mrld soap and water
so lutron
Do not wipe the dust cover during play, or the tonearm may be
attracted toward the dust cover due to the generation of static
e iect rrc ity
I Lubrication (See Fig. 23.)
Apply 2 or 3 drops of oil once after every 2000 hours of opera-
tio n
The time interval is much longer than that lor oonventional
type motors (200 500 hours)
Please purchase original oil (Part number is SFWO 010.)
I About strobe dot pattern
The strobe-illumination of this unit employs a strobe-illumi-
nator (LED/red illumination lamp) synchronized with the pre-
cise frequency of the quartz
Noie:
The LED illuminator is not synchronized with f luorescent
lam ps
Adiustments
I Adf ustment of arm-lift height (See Figs.24and25.)
The arm-lift height (distance between the stylus trpand record
surlace when cueing lever is at the up position) has been
adjusted at the tactory before shipment to approxrmately 5
to 10 mm
For using different cartridges available on the market or when
further adjustments are particularly necessary, make adlust-
ment as follows.
1 Move the tonearm toward the center spindle
Attach the stylus protector, if available to guard the stylus
tip f rom damage
Turn the adl ustment screw clockwise or counterc ockwrse
while pushing the arm lrft down
Clockwise rotation
-distance between the record and stylus trp is reduced
Counterclockwise rotation
drstance between the record and stylus tip is increased
Note:
As the adjusting screw has a hexagonal head, be sure to
make the adjustment while depressing the arm lift. or the
screw wrll rot move f reely
Also be sure that the hexagonal head retracts correctly
into the arm lift when the atter is released
I Adjustment lor automatic start position
(See Fig. 26.)
(Remove the rubber cap )
ln cases where the sty us tip sets down outside of the record
-rotate clockwise.
ln cases where the stylus tip sets down too far in the recorded
g roove
-rotate counterclockwise.
I Adjustment lor automatic return position
(See Fig. 26.)
(Remove the turntable mat )
ln cases where the tonearm tends to return beiore the playing
has finished
-rolale clockwise
ln cases where the tonearm f a ls to return after the last groove
o1 the record has been played
-rolale counlerclockwise.
Featu res
I Front panel controls provide exceptional con-
venience
I Quartz-phase-locked direct drive plus lull cycle
F'G (Frequency Generator) and integral rotor-
platter motor
I Precision aluminum diecase turntable base u-
nique to Technics is used.
I "TNRC"* base malerial provides an acoustic
shield
."TNBC" .. Technics Non-Resonance Compound
I Smooth braking is achieved with the fuily etec-
tronic system, which also makes possible almost
instantaneous speed change.
I Low-mass, low-friction gimbal suspension tone-
arm
I Viscous-damped cueing
I Anti-skating control
I Hinged, detachable dust cover
I Auto-start, auto-stop, auto-return and pro-
grammable repeat play make the SL-Q3 a
pleasure to use.
Since everything is automatic, you don t need to touch the
tonearm unless you want to move to a particular cut on the
record
The "memo-repeat" feature allows you to repeat a record up
to six times, or indefinitely if you prefer

Specif ications For longer and safer use
of this unit
I General
Power supply:
Power consumption:
Dimensions:
(wxHxD)
Weight:
I Turntable section
TYPe: Automatic turntable
Auto start
Auto retu rn
Auto stop
Repeat play
Direct drive
Brushless DC motor
Aluminum die-cast
Diameter 31 2 cm (12-9/32 inches)
33-1/3 rpm and 45 rpm
1 kg cm (0 87 lb in)
O 9 s from standstill to 33-1/3 rpm
0% within 0 7 kg cm (0 61 lb in)
Within r0 002%
0 0120/o WRMS-
0 0250k wRMS (J ts c5s21)
=0 0320/o (lEC98A Weighted)
-This rating refers to turntable assembly alone, excludtng
effects of record, cartridge or tonarm, but including platter
Measured by obtaining signal from bu lt in frequency gen-
erator of motor assembly
1 20 V, AC, 50 or 60 Hz
6sw
430x130x375cm
(1 6-59/64"'/. 5-7 /64" >:. 1 4-49/64"\
71 kg (15 7lb )
56 dB (lEC 98A Unweighted)
78 dB (lEC 98A Weighted)
Untversal tonearm
230 mm (9-1/16")
15 mm (19/32")
Less than 7 mg (latera, vertical)
12 g (wrthout cartridge)
Within 2'32'at the outer groove
of 30 cm (12") record
Within O" 32' at the inner groove
of 30 cm (12") record
0-259
6-9sg
13 5-17 g (rncluding headsheli)
3 659
'1 0 5-14 g (including headsheil)
759
ln order to receive the best service from this unit, and for the
safest operation, caref ully read the following information
Power source
It is very dangerous to use ihis unit at a voltage which is
dillereni from the rated voliage.
There is danger of combustion if the unit is connected to a
power source which is different f rom the rated voltage
Be very careful concerning this point
Direcl curreni cannot be used.
There are some places, such as ships, where direct current
is used as the power source Before connecting the unit,
confirm the power source
Connection ol power cord
Be sure to never touch the power cord with wet hands because
there is danger oi electric shock This is true, of course, of all
electric equipment
Do nol pull the power cord.
Never pull the power cord to disconnect it Always pull the
plug only
Location of unit
Choose a place which is not in direct sunlight
Select a place which will assure good ventilation
Never place heating equipment nearby.
Be sure to keep stoves and other sources of heat away from
this unit, because heat radrated bysuch equipment maycause
deformation of plastic parts or damage the cabinet, or, at
worst,causeafire
Especially lor families with children
Take care that no small items, such as metal objecis, are put
inside this unit.
ln addition children should be especially warned not to put
anything into the ventilation holes, such as toys or a screw-
driver, because these things may cause an electric shock or
result in a malfunction of the unit
ll water spills on the unil
lf water should happen to spill on the unit, f rom an overturned
vase for example, there is danger of fire or electric shock
Disconnect the power plug from the electric outlet imme-
diately, and contact the store from which the unit was pur-
chased
Reconstruction can cause accidents
Absolutely never try to remodel, reconstruct or repair this
unit yourself Do not attempt to touch any internal parts be-
cause to do so may result in an electric shock or other ac-
c ide nt
Be sure the power is oll.
After you have finished using this unit, check once more to
be sure that the power is off lf the unit is left with the power
on for a long period of time, it may not only be damaged,
thus shortening its useful life, but may also lead to a danger-
ous accident
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Drive method:
Motor:
Turntable platter:
Turntable speeds:
Siarting torque:
Build-up characteristics:
Speed change due lo
load torque:
Speed drift:
Wow and fluller:
T
Rumble:
I Tonearm section
TYPe:
Ellective lenglh:
Overhang
Friclion:
Ellective mass:
Tracking error angle:
Ollset angle:
Stylus pressure
adlustment range:
Applicable cartridge
weight range:
(with shettweight)
Headshell weight:
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Spec ficattons subject to change without not ce
Weight and dimens ons shown are approxtmate
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Panasonic Company Pansonic Hawaii, Inc
Divrsion of Matsushita Electric 320 Waiakamilo Road, Honolulu,
Corporation of America Hawaii 96817
One Panasonic Way, Secaucus,
New Jersey 07094
SFNUQ30IV]01
Printed in Japan SO479AO

I
MCP PATENIED Ft^rPA(]rI, ;66;E;;ilA;;;E:iftI
Please send Product AnalYsis
CrtJ t. APProPriate address:
ln The U.S.A'
Panasonic ComPanY Division of
ir.i*nur-i,.itric corporation ol America
P.0. Box 1455
Secaucus, New JerseY 07094
ln Hawaii:
Panasonic of Hawaii lnc'
P.0. Box 774
Honolulu, Hawaii 96808
ln Puerto Rico:
Panasonic Sales ComPanY' Division
li'*ritrrnii.'lectric of Puerto Rico' lnc
nr.nre OS De lnianteria' KM 9'7
Victoria lndustrial Park
Carolina, Puerto Rico 00630
'1
? Division of Stereo Corp. o{ America
*, Tif^,l,':l;,,lfffi,,i:lsli:T mff rR,su,oRs
1629 FIATBUSH AVE. . BROOKL'N, N. y. tt2tO . pHONE:2IZ-338_8555
rfUP fnUf 'Pt"use Mail The Product
For
your
Protection
ComPlete and immediatelY mail
ini "Pi"irCt AnalYsis card
l" *"iir" ,,v con[act You dr-
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cation is is
with the 197
SatetY Act, or {
E"rnu6on'. ma;, deem necessary'
'Affi, ;;;x inut You complete
ihJ-qu".tionnalre so we may
..ify." Your comments and in
ir.ri. firy'helP us evaluate cus-
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d
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eal
Do NOT send the Product to
li,,r,, .0"* TheY are Nor eouioPeoylff;
?::"""': t6/( FAlg{/Jl Au'
SPECIAI. INSTRUCTIONS-
>W-c/
s PRtcEs suBJdcr ro CHANGE
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