Roadrunner Digital Turntable Tachometer

[rnrmf1971]

i was reading about this - i'm just not clear how the motor plugs into the unit. I could use these for my VPI.
Can you fill me in how the motor plugs in, Ivan?

[rnrmf1971]

Originally Posted by Mikado463

while less expensive than VPI's 'SDS' unit, as a VPI owner I prefer the overall flexibility of the SDS

What flexibility does the SDS have that these don't have? I see the tachometer as being a possible advantage to these in that I wouldn't have to check the speed with a strobe or other device.

I see the SDS just recently became available again after months of being out of stock from VPI, so that's an option for me, too.

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by rnrmf1971

i was reading about this - i'm just not clear how the motor plugs into the unit. I could use these for my VPI.
Can you fill me in how the motor plugs in, Ivan?

I have only purchased, and will be using the Tachometer which is a great add on.

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by rnrmf1971

What flexibility does the SDS have that these don't have? I see the tachometer as being a possible advantage to these in that I wouldn't have to check the speed with a strobe or other device.

I see the SDS just recently became available again after months of being out of stock from VPI, so that's an option for me, too.

The SDS is great, if you don't already have one.

[Mikado463]

Originally Posted by rnrmf1971

What flexibility does the SDS have that these don't have? I see the tachometer as being a possible advantage to these in that I wouldn't have to check the speed with a strobe or other device.

a lot actually …… for starters my Aries III is incredibly pitch stable, I check it once a qtr and it rarely deviates. With that being said the SDS allows you to switch speeds 'on the fly' without touching the belt and IMO it's a much cleaner looking piece of kit.

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by rnrmf1971

What flexibility does the SDS have that these don't have? I see the tachometer as being a possible advantage to these in that I wouldn't have to check the speed with a strobe or other device.

I see the SDS just recently became available again after months of being out of stock from VPI, so that's an option for me, too.

Christian.......Your turntable motor's 115 volt power cord plugs into a 115 volt cord connected receptacle that is on the rear of the Flacon Power Supply Unit.










The Falcon Power Supply Unit (PSU) is a microprocessor controlled digital regenerative AC power source used for accurate speed control of a turntable motor. The Falcon will work with any AC Synchronous motor that is 5W or less. The PSU uses Direct Digital Synthesis (DDS) to create an extremely accurate and clean sine wave that improves motor speed stability and allows the user to precisely adjust the turntable platter rotational speed.

The PSU is extremely easy to use and set up. All of the operating parameters are stored in non-volatile memory and the device always power up with the last used speed and frequency offset displayed. The PSU is powerful enough to start up in either speed selection, so there is no need to start in 33 RPM, then switch to 45 RPM as in other units.

Voltage Output Mode: Voltage Output Mode is used to adjust the output voltage the PSU reverts to after the platter has reached operating speed. The motor requires much more torque at start up than it does once the platter is on speed; by reducing the running voltage once the platter is moving, vibration and noise are greatly reduced. The PSU will always assert the maximum output voltage when starting, or changing speeds, then revert to the programmed lower voltage after approximately 3 seconds. Voltage Output Mode has separate adjustments for 33.3 and 45 RPM; both can be selected, displayed and adjusted while in Voltage Output Mode.

Frequency Calibration Mode: Frequency Calibration Mode is used to fine tune the output frequency to compensate for belt tension and other variables that may cause the platter to rotate faster or slower than the indicated speed. Frequency Calibration Mode will adjust the base frequency in 0.01RPM steps within a range of ±1.0 RPM. Frequency Calibration Mode has separate adjustments for 33.3 and 45 RPM; both can be selected, displayed and adjusted while in Calibration Mode.

Specifications

Physical:

Dimensions: 3.565"L x 2.50"W x 1.1875"H.

Weight: 4 oz.

Case: 1 piece Extruded Aluminium.

Operating Modes:

Standby, Sleep, Normal, Voltage Calibration, Frequency Calibration, Factory Default Programming

Power Requirements:

DC Supply 15VDC 600 mA nominal Normal mode; 20mA Standby; 5mA Sleep
Output (5W Max):

Voltage: 115V RMS nominal, adjustable from 85 to 115VAC

Frequency: 60Hz Motors: 60.0 Hz (33.3 RPM) and 81.0 Hz (45.0 RPM)

50Hz Motors: 50.0 Hz (33.3 RPM) and 67.5 Hz (45.0 RPM)

Distortion: Less than 0.5%

Speed Adjust: ±1.0 RPM in 0.1 RPM steps Normal Mode

±1.0 RPM in 0.01 RPM steps Calibration Mode

Min Freq Step: 35µHz

Freq Stability: Crystal Controlled ±100PPM

Freq Accuracy: ±0.01%

[rnrmf1971]

Originally Posted by Mikado463

a lot actually …… for starters my Aries III is incredibly pitch stable, I check it once a qtr and it rarely deviates. With that being said the SDS allows you to switch speeds 'on the fly' without touching the belt and IMO it's a much cleaner looking piece of kit.

This unit has the same capability, although not as clearly marked. One presses the STBY button to switch speeds on this one.. I have an Aries 3 as well, and I upgraded to it from a fine performing vintage direct drive table, and to my ears, the pitch stability isn't as good as the direct drive. I don't have the SDS, so a solution like one of these products interests me.

Thanks for your opinion on the SDS.

[rnrmf1971]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Christian.......Your turntable motor's 115 volt power cord plugs into a 115 volt cord connected receptacle that is on the rear of the Flacon Power Supply Unit.










The Falcon Power Supply Unit (PSU) is a microprocessor controlled digital regenerative AC power source used for accurate speed control of a turntable motor. The Falcon will work with any AC Synchronous motor that is 5W or less. The PSU uses Direct Digital Synthesis (DDS) to create an extremely accurate and clean sine wave that improves motor speed stability and allows the user to precisely adjust the turntable platter rotational speed.

The PSU is extremely easy to use and set up. All of the operating parameters are stored in non-volatile memory and the device always power up with the last used speed and frequency offset displayed. The PSU is powerful enough to start up in either speed selection, so there is no need to start in 33 RPM, then switch to 45 RPM as in other units.

Voltage Output Mode: Voltage Output Mode is used to adjust the output voltage the PSU reverts to after the platter has reached operating speed. The motor requires much more torque at start up than it does once the platter is on speed; by reducing the running voltage once the platter is moving, vibration and noise are greatly reduced. The PSU will always assert the maximum output voltage when starting, or changing speeds, then revert to the programmed lower voltage after approximately 3 seconds. Voltage Output Mode has separate adjustments for 33.3 and 45 RPM; both can be selected, displayed and adjusted while in Voltage Output Mode.

Frequency Calibration Mode: Frequency Calibration Mode is used to fine tune the output frequency to compensate for belt tension and other variables that may cause the platter to rotate faster or slower than the indicated speed. Frequency Calibration Mode will adjust the base frequency in 0.01RPM steps within a range of ±1.0 RPM. Frequency Calibration Mode has separate adjustments for 33.3 and 45 RPM; both can be selected, displayed and adjusted while in Calibration Mode.

Specifications

Physical:

Dimensions: 3.565"L x 2.50"W x 1.1875"H.

Weight: 4 oz.

Case: 1 piece Extruded Aluminium.

Operating Modes:

Standby, Sleep, Normal, Voltage Calibration, Frequency Calibration, Factory Default Programming

Power Requirements:

DC Supply 15VDC 600 mA nominal Normal mode; 20mA Standby; 5mA Sleep
Output (5W Max):

Voltage: 115V RMS nominal, adjustable from 85 to 115VAC

Frequency: 60Hz Motors: 60.0 Hz (33.3 RPM) and 81.0 Hz (45.0 RPM)

50Hz Motors: 50.0 Hz (33.3 RPM) and 67.5 Hz (45.0 RPM)

Distortion: Less than 0.5%

Speed Adjust: ±1.0 RPM in 0.1 RPM steps Normal Mode

±1.0 RPM in 0.01 RPM steps Calibration Mode

Min Freq Step: 35µHz

Freq Stability: Crystal Controlled ±100PPM

Freq Accuracy: ±0.01%

Perfect. Thanks, Dan. I couldn't locate a picture of the back of the unit to see that.
I really like that this unit and the corresponding tachometer can fit underneath the turntable, if I choose to put it there.
I'd prefer not to dedicate an entire shelf to the SDS.
The tachometer function seems like a pretty amazing idea to keep the platter running at close to perfect speed, as well.

[Bernard]

Originally Posted by Mikado463

a lot actually …… for starters my Aries III is incredibly pitch stable, I check it once a qtr and it rarely deviates. With that being said the SDS allows you to switch speeds 'on the fly' without touching the belt and IMO it's a much cleaner looking piece of kit.

What do you use to check the speed? My VPI PLC was dead-on per a strobe, but off per the Feickert app. I think I trust the Feickert more.

[Masterlu]

Here is the RoadRunner Tach manual; pics to follow.