Technics SP-15 User manual

Technics
OUAR"TZ Synthesizer
Direct Drive Turntable
SP-15
Operating instructions
The model number of this product may be found on the back of the unit,
and the serial number, on the boHom 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 identification
in the event of theft.
MODEL NUMBER
SERIAL NUMBER
Before operating this set, please read these instructions completely

We want to thank you for selecting the SP-1S.
For optimum performance, we recommend that you read these instructions carefully.
Parts identification
Powerswitch/pitch lock knob Main unit fixing screw hole
,.
c:::::3
c:::::3
c::3
B ~ ~~ ~ _
Damping materi
al
Fixing screws
Magnet
"Warning: To prevent fire or shock hazard,
do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture."
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Main unit
fixing screw hole
GND terminal
Turntable plaller
~ -L--~
Pitch control button
Clear button
Pitch control button (- )
Start button
Speed select buttons

[L-_B_e_fo-r-e-u-s-e--------'I
Caution:
.Never connect the AC power plug before assembly has been
completed.
• Attach thedustcoverlast,
so that assembly and adjustmentscan
be
made most conveniently.
• Checklist of parts
Turntable unit.
Turntable platter .... . ... .
r Turntable
mat
45-rpm adaptor ..... .. . . . .
Main unit fixing screw . . ..
.. , .. . 4
Ground wire (GNO)
... . . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . ... . .. . . . . ... .. . .... 1
Installation diagram . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. 1
• Installation of the ground wire (GND) to the GND
terminal.
(See Fig. 1.)
Gil
• Building your own base or cabinet for this model
SP-15 with a large starting torque of 3 kg·cm (2.61 Ib ·in) has the
superior feature of reaching constant speed
in 0.4 second (at 33-1 /3
rpm.
).
For this reason we recommend that you use durable and heavy
material.
The thickness of the base should be more than 3 cm (1-11/64 inch).
Also use durable and stable insulators (legs).
We recommend that you purchase the optional turntable base
Technics
SH-15B 1as the cabinet exclusively for theSP-15. (See Fig.
2.)
• Dr ill and cut out the base according to the
Installation diagram
The installation diagram is drawn in 1/1 actual size.
As paper has a tendency to stretch we suggest that you check the
diagram before using
it as a template. Also check dimensions for
printing errors. Check the tonearm mounting position for proper
alignment(follow the tonearm manufacturer's specifications).
Also make sure to allow sufficient clearance for power connector and
output terminals of the tonearm.
I Assembly and set-up
Caution: Use care not to damage the power supply
cord and bushing when setting up
or installingtheturntable
intoa supporting enclosure.
Assembling is explained based on the optional Technics turntable base
SH-1581 for reference in cases where the unit is installed in another
cabinet.
SH-1581 is provided with screw holes (4 places) for mounting SP-15.
1. Install SP-15, with the screw holes aligned.
2. Securely hold at 4 places by the screws supplied with SH-
15Bl .(See
Fig.
4.)
3. Pull out the power cord and ground wire (GNO) from under the
tumtable base.
4. After the above, install the turntable platter and turntable mat.

'--C_o_n_n_e_c_ti_o_n_s _____ ----ll
• Connectthe AC power plug
Connect the AC powerplug to an AC wall socket,
Connect the ground wire (GND)
to "GND" of th eamplifier or re ceiver,
• Connectthe output terminals
Note:
Be sure to connect the ground terminal firmly to the amplifier or
receiver.
If this connection is not made or is loose, a power source
"HUM" will result.
I Placement
• Place the unit in a stable and horizontal position , where there is
little or no vibration.
• Locate the unit as far away from the speakers as possible and
isolate the unit from sound radiation from them.
• Do not place the unit where it is exposed to direct sun, dust,
moisture or heat.
•
Keep it in a well ventilated place.
•
When a radio is placed too close to the turntable and is played
While the turntable is in operation, Interference with AM recep-
tion may result.
IHow to operate
1. Set the Power switch/pitch lock knob to the
"on" position,
(See
Fig . 5.)
t
pitch lock
on ....
~ power
oft
The revolutions are indicated at33 (33-1 /3 rpm.)of the speed se lector
knob and digital speed indicator. (Fig.6.)
r
Uponsetting the power switch/pitch lock knob to " on" ,the revolutions
are changed over
to 33-1 /3 rpm. at all times.
If the record to
be played is other than a 33-1 /3 rpm" depress the
speed select button to suit the phono disc to be played.
When the power switch/pitch lock knob
is set to "pitch lock" ,the pitch
control button and speed select button are locked so
as not to be
actuated even if the buttons are accidentally touched during playing,
(See
Fig .7.)
Therefore, for selecting the speedsor operating the pitch control, first
set the power switch/pitch lock knob to the position
"on" ,
pitch lock
on -1
f- pOwer
t
off .]
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2. Place a record on the turntable mat.
The pitch control can be selected in increments of 0.1% which is below
Push the
start· stop butlon. (See Fig. 8.) the
threshold of human perception . (See Fig. 10 .)
The turntable platter will begin to rotate and reach itsconstant rotation
speed 0.4 sec . (33-1/3 rpm. ).
start·atop
The pitch control also enables you to accurately and precisely tune
musical instruments and by varying the pitch slightly, to obtain a different
musical note from the record . (See Fig. 11.)
For a half-tone change :
+5.9 % (;)
3. Upon completion of playing, depress the start. stop button.
The turntable is instantly (0.4 second) stopped by the double brake
system.
-5 .6% (b)
4. After that, set the power switch/pitch lock knob to "off". (See Fig. 9.)
on l
. , power
off ~
• Pitch control (turntable speed fine adjustment).
The Quartz Synthesizer system is being employed for the first time in
the
world . A high degree of pitch control accuracy over a wide range
(± 9.9%) in 0.1% increments can beobtained with the quartz perfectly
locked.
The pitch control is continuously variable up to 9.9% .
The pitch variations which are clearly indicated by the LED digital
indicator
provide you with ac curate and easy selection.
Another feature of thevari able pitch control overa wide rangeof ±9.9 % is
that it make s singing along with a melody easy for a chorus, or for playing
a record for
accompaniment only. (See Fig. 12.)
By pressing the clear butlon which is located between the" + " and" -"
pit ch buttons. you can quickly return the set to normalplaying speed .(See
Fig. 13 .)
OU/.\RTZ
, p - 15 Ill" I}II'
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Notes and maintenance
• Be extremely careful about handling the turntable platter.
(See Fig. 14.)
The magnet
is attached to the inner reverse surface of the tumtable
platter.
Forhandling, extra care should be taken to prevent adhesionofdust or
iron filings to the magnet, and to not damage the magnet by ac-
cidentally dropping it from a high position.
Do not detach the turntable plattermore than necessary.
Should the tumtable platter be removed by necessity be sure
to first
disconnect the power plug.
Keepyour hands offthe screws
at the reverse surface olthe tu rntable
platter and motor portion.
Should these screws be loosened, the rated performance of the unit
can not be guaranteed.
• Wipe the unit with a soft, dry cloth.
Never use any cleaners containing alcohol,benzeneorthinner.Use of
achemical dust cloth should also be avoided.
•
Lubrication
Apply 2 or3 drops of oil once after every 2000hours of operation.(See
Fig. 15.)
This time interval is much longerthan that of conventional type motors
(200--500 hours).
Please purchase original brand of oil (Parts number is SFWO
01 0.)
Uif,
Motor
shaft
For longer and safer use
ofthis unit
In order to receive the best service from this unit, and for the safest
operation, carefully read the following information.
•
Power source
It is very dangerous to use this unit at a voltage which is different
from the rated voltage.
There is danger
of combustion if the unit is connected to a power
source which is different from the rated voltage.
Be very careful concerning this point.
Direct current 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 of power cord
Wet hands are dangerous.
Be sure to nevertouch thepower cord with wet hands because there is
danger of electric shock. This is true, of course, of all electric
equipment.
Do not 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 radiated by such equipment may cause deformation of
plastic parts or damage the cabinet, or, at worst,cause a fire.
•
Especially for families with children
Take care that no small items, such as metal objects, are put
inside this unit.
In addition, children should be especially warned not to put anything
into the ventilation holes, such
as toysor a screwdriver because these
things may cause an electric shock or result
in a malfunction of the
unit.
• If water spills on the unit
If water should happen to spill on the unit, from an overturned vase for
example, there is dangeroffire or electric shock.Disconnect the power
plug from the electric outlet immediately, and contact the store from
which the unit was purchased.
•
Reconstruction can cause accidents
Absolutely never try to remodel, reconstruct or repair this unit yourself.
Do not attempt to touch any internal parts because to do somay result
in an electric shock or other accident.
•
Be sure the power is off.
Afteryou have finished using this unit, check once more to be sure that
the power
is off. If 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 dangerous accident.
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Features
• Quartz synthesizer system that for the first time in
the world has made it possible to achieve a digital
pitch control of ± 9.9%
in 0.1 % increments
In conventional quartz players the quartz reference was in effect only
within strictly limited ranges: whenever vernier speed change was
required, the quartz circuit had
to be switched off . In the Technics
SP-15, we took the lead by locking the quartz, thus making it possibte
to effect a high degree of pitch control accuracy over a range as wide
as ±9.9%
in 0.1% increments, which is below the thresholdof human
perception.
Moreover, the pitch control, coupled with the clear digital indicator,
enables you
to accurately and preCisely tune with musical
instruments, vary pitch slighlly for obtaining a musical note from a
record or aller tones by a half-note.
• Oversized turntable that cuts off and absorbs
external vibrations.
Based on analyses of the turntable vibration modes and vibrations in
the sound range, a special viscoelastic material
is appli ed to the
reverse surface of the turntable plaller for deadening.
The deadening material
is applied to the undersurface and outer
periphery of the turntable plaller, with the rubber turntable mat on the
surface sellied into the turntable plaller. This design is superior
in
acoustic characteristics even at high sound levels through elimination
of turntable resonance and absorption of external vibration.
Moreover, the oversized aluminum die-casl turntable plaller,
339 cm
(13-11/32") indiameter,is heavy with 2.7
kg (5.9Ib.)ofits own weight,
with a moment of inertia of 380
kgcm
2 (130
lb· in ') for large heavy
weight class design.
• Vibration damping structure by the preCision
aluminum die-cast cabinet and TNRC.
The acoustical characteristics of the player system are inevitably
affected by the turntable plaller and cabinet employed. The SP-15
adopts an aluminum die-cast cabinet superior
in strength, with high
processing accuracy, and the new acoustic material TNRC excellent
in acoustical properties. Through culling-off and absorption of
external vibrations, the unit is designed
for improved acoustic
characteristics,with susceptibility to feedback minimized.
• Electronic circuits of more than 3,000 discrete
elements concentrated into 41Cs
The 4 kindsof IC ,i.e.,Synthesizer pitch control CMOS LSI (MN 6042),
Frequency dividing
IC employing 12L, ECL (DN 8OO), phase speed
control
IC (AN 660) and Driving IC (AN 640) into which high density
electronic circuits
of more than 3,000 discrete elements have been
compressed have made it possible
to produce this high precision
quartz turntable.
• Quartz Controlled Rotation Accuracy
The SP-15 utilizes the oscillation of a quartz crystal as a reference
signal or source. This oscillation
is not affected by temperature
change or power fluctuations. By synchronizing the rotati
on of the
turntable plaller accurately
to the reference signal, speed drift of the
unit is held within ±0.002%.
• Technics' unique motor construction in which the
rotor ofthe motor
is integrally formed with the
turntable
• High torque motor of 3 kg.
cm with starting time of
0.4 second
is capable of instant speed change-over
(at 33-1/3 rpm.).
• With the double braking system of the electronic
brake and mechanical brake, the turntable stops
instantly (0.4 second) upon depression of the
start· stop button (at 33-1/3 rpm.)
• High performance with wow and flutter of only
0.025% (JIS C5521) and rumble of
-78 dB
(IEC 98A Weighted).
• Pitch
I.ock mect:'anism capable of locking the speed
selection and pitch control operation
Malfunction caused by accidental touching of the operating portion
during playing,can be prevented.
• Highly efficient pulse power supply circuit is
employed for the DC power source
Since DC voltage is obtained by oscillating high frequency (20 kHz)
through direct rectification of AC power supply
for voltage conversion
althe pulse transformer, there is no leakage of the commercial power
source frequency.
• Stable and positive mechanism that can stand
frequent use for business use, etc.
and a switch
section with point contacts.
Revolutions at3 speeds of 33-1/3 , 45 and 78.26 rpm. are employed,
taking into account business use.
Specifications
General -- ---- -- ---------------------------
Power supply: 120 V, 50 or 60
Hz
Power consumption:
I1W
Dimensions: 34.9 x9.3x37.
2cm
(W x H x
D)
(13-3/4X3-21 /32 x 14-41/64 inches)
Weight: 6.2
kg (13. 71b)
Turntable section--------------------------
Type: Quartz synthesizer pitch control,
Direct drive
Drive method: Direct Drive
Motor: Brushless
DC motor
Drive control method: Quartz-phase-Iocked control
Turntable platter: Aluminum die-cast, diameter 33.9 cm
(13-11/32 inches) weight 2.7
kg (5.9Ib)
Moment
of inertia: 380
kgcm ' (130 lb.. in
2)
Turntable speeds: 33-1/3. 45 and 76.26
rpm
Turntable speed
fine adjustment: Adjustable
up to ± 9.9% in 0.1%
increments by digital indication
Starting torque: 3
kgcm (2 . 61 Ib ·in)
Build-up time: 0.4 sec.
to 33-1/3 rpm
Braking time: 0.4 sec from 33-1/3 rpm
Braking system: Electrical and Mecanical braking
Speed fluctuation due
to load torque: 0% within 2.5
kg . cm (2.2 lb·in)
Speeddrift: Within ±0.002%
Wow and flutter: 0.025% WRMS (JIS C5521)
± 0.035% peak (IEC 98A Weighted)
Rumble: -56 dB (IEC 98A Unweighted)
-78 dB (IEC 98A Weighted)
Weight and dimension shown are approximate.
Specifications subject to change without notice.
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