Fahari Sound International Product: Panasonic Technics SL-DZ1200 CD Turn-tables Subject: Sensor causes sound to be distorted Date: March 25, 2013 This document is intended to address sound distortion in the operation of the Technics SL-DZ1200 digital turntable. As we illustrate here, this is a mechanical, not an electronic problem. You are welcome to follow these instructions at your own will and risk. Fahari Sound International is an independent entity and, therefore, not affiliated with any party, institution, company or organization. There are two known approaches to this issue: i) Clean and adjust the sensor assembly and flywheel ii) If you are sure that the flywheel needs replacement, you may have to take the entire turntable apart to perform the replacement The second problem should be of concern to DJs who are very rough on their set like DJs who battle or showcase their "cutting", "scratching" and "beat-breaking" skills for a living. The flywheel can also get damaged because of transporting, shock, dropping, harsh environmental conditions or some other unforeseen circumstance. Fortunately, this is a normal wear and tear issue so we will roll with first option. You get distortion when in "TURNTABLE" mode but "CD PLAYER" mode plays as normal Remove caps and unscrew (2 screws). Notice the display is on but with blank blue screen (see further below on how to address this).
Image credit: Eduardo / Panasonic Technics instructional documentation Gently remove the circular DJ control panel
In case you are not getting text on the display, gently adjust this adapter cable so it sits properly in place. Notice the clear thin circular film that we refer to as flywheel. The rotational motion of this wheel is what the sensor reads when "TURNTABLE" mode has been selected. It is also this motion that the sensor reads when the DJ is "cutting" or "scratching". This wheel does get dirty or warped with time. Clean the top and bottom periphery of this wheel with isopropyl or "rubbing alcohol" similar to the one you would find at a pharmacy or doctor's office. Be gentle because if the flywheel gets damaged, you may have difficulty finding a replacement or you may have to design and create your own. Replacing this film involves taking the whole turntable apart.
Assembly of the sensor with "holder" or called "earth plate" on Panasonic manuals The actual sensor without the "earth plate". Notice how thin the slot is. This is where the magic is created. The clear flywheel rotates or revolves past this slot and it is the circular or rotational motion of the wheel that this sensor reads, very similar to the relationship between a stylus on an analog turntable and a spinning vinyl record. If somehow the flywheel gets caught or makes contact with the top or bottom of the slot, you get friction, hence the "garbled" sound or "chipmunk effect". Also, notice that we have placed a prop so as to adjust the position of the sensor in relation to the flywheel; in other words, to maintain clearance for the flywheel. Make sure the flywheel does not touch as it rotates past this slot.
This peace sits on top of the sensor to hold the assembly in place and is what we refer to as "holder" or "earth plate" according to Panasonic literature. Notice the cloth with "tabs" or "hairs" that rub gently against, and clean the dust off, the flywheel as it rotates or revolves past. Those "hairs" accumulate dirt over the years and may stall the flywheel. In our case, we decided not to put this unit back in place. If you choose not to as we did, you have to make sure you clean the sensor and flywheel more often. a) Sensor assembled with "holder" b) Sensor assembled bare without the "holder" & slightly tilted backward with a prop
Example of a two-sided adhesive tape used to prop the sensor assembly. Simply cut a small piece and stick to the front as illustrated. Commentary As you may have noticed, the idea that this is purely a sensor problem is misleading. This is more a friction problem between the flywheel and the slot on sensor housing, not the sensor itself. Because the flywheel is the moving part, it is more likely the problem, and less likely that the sensor assembly has got out of position. Yes, the sensor itself may need dusting off or minor cleaning with alcohol. Fahari Sound International has used this turntable over 6 years and it remains the closest digital CD turntable replica to the iconic traditional analog Technics turntable. If you are a true enthusiast, a genuine professional DJ and understand how turntables function, you will really appreciate this product by Panasonic. As with all of the Technics line of products, one of the great features is that it does not have "brick" adapter, simply an AC cable that plugs into a wall outlet. The shortcomings to this turntable are: i) Problems with the sensor/flywheel due to normal wear and tear ii) Scratch effects sound too "digital" or "plastic", even after updating to the latest known firmware version 2.3 iii) Owners are left hanging because there is very little, if any, support, updates or information from the manufacturer iv) At the time of composing this instructional, no known announcement have been made about an update to this model v) There is no option to change voltage consumption to 240V/60Hz (for the rest of the World), only 110V/60Hz (for North America) vi) Bad reviews by consumers, which are mostly not substantial About Fahari Sound International is an authentic Reggae movement that originated in Southern Africa, with operations in Johannesburg, South Africa and Washington D.C., North America. Citation & Thanks Original documentation and film addressing the sensor problem on the Technics SL-DZ1200 was posted by Eduardo of Brazil. Thank you to everyone who takes the time to share their talent and knowledge, particularly people who try their best to express their idea in a language that is foreign, which can be a challenge. JAH bless! Panasonic Technics