Help needed for Beogram 1203

[hansen]

Hi all

I purchased a Beogram 1203 this afternoon, at a flea market. It is intended for my teenage daughter.

It would not start at first power up. So i took it apart, and immediately saw a push-/twist-rod that flimsed about in no particular place...



I can make the turntable spin by manually activating the white plastic-rod connected to the switch in next picture



Whitch makes me believe that the metal rod somehow has to be attached to the white plastic-rod. Thereby turning power on...

anybody has this version of Lift/Start button assembly. Please help

[haydn]

Henrik, have you looked here? This site offers the Beogram 1203 manual for free personal use.

It would also pay to ask here for some assistance. 
Best of luck. What cartridge are or will you run in it?

[hansen]

Thank you for the hints, Haydn

I have downloaded the Manuals for the Beogram. But my is an older version.
And in the Beoworld forum there already is a thread about the subjekt, but with no satisfying answer. 

The Beogram came with an original SP-14 Headshell. I haven't tested it yet, but it looks fine. So hoping it will work just right.

[OsteSpiser]

It appears to me that the wire acts as a push rod - it will need some supports.

The wire appears to align with these brass screws - will it activate the switch
via some of those other white plastic bits?

  It's kinda hard to figure out when you don't have the parts in hand
& can move them around! 

I found a post on a Beo forum describing a similar problem - it would appear
that the linkages can "fall apart" to this state without disassembling the machine.
Try and keep this in mind when playing around with the parts.

I hope no loose/broken bits of plastic fell out when disassembling?

-kristian

[haydn]

I have downloaded the Manuals for the Beogram. But my is an older version.
And in the Beoworld forum there already is a thread about the subjekt, but with no satisfying answer. 

The Beogram came with an original SP-14 Headshell. I haven't tested it yet, but it looks fine. So hoping it will work just right.

Pity the Beoworld forum wasn't able to assist as they helped me when I had an issue with a B&O receiver. Had a look for Beogram 1203 images on Google and came across this. It shows where that rod goes but it looks a little different to yours, so perhaps the image is for a newer one? Still, it might help.

With the SP14, see if you can find an SP12. Much better cartridge.

[needlekiller]

hi kristian
it must have to do with the white plastic-rod, i guess it starts spinnig the big wheel, wich start the ta movement and the motor! so observe the rod for an unnormal surface, maybe something has broken off

[hansen]

Thanks a lot Forum. And  a special thank you to Haydn.

Haydn, it was your link to the photo off the similar twist-rod action, that gave away how it should be mounted.  

Here is a short photo explanation.

Overwiev


Before engaging (topwiev)


After engaging (topwiev)


Before engaging (sidewiev)


while engaging (sidewiev)


The finished result. Playing at right speed, and the SP-14 works in both channels...


and another one, Topless


Now tell me Guys. Did i owerpay this one...


It cost 100 Danish Kroner approx. 15$ or 13€  

@ Haydn. I allready have the SP-12, it came with the Beogram 3000 i bought last fall. That one was also inteded as turntable for my daughter, but sadly i could not yet get it to play at correct speed.

[OsteSpiser]

13€ for a broken turntable with a cartridge in unknown condition - sounds about right 

Then again, as you've experienced, some of the old B&O motors age less gracefully than our
beloved Lencos. 

The 1203 is on my personal shortlist - the design is just gorgeous!

-kristian

[Kent T]

In my perspective, this is my favorite B&O Beogram. Loved the styling which is still timeless. And performed nice.

[haydn]

Congratulations, Henrik, on getting this fine turntable running.

You've just got to now change the SP14 over to the SP12 and you'll have an outstanding turntable! You'll hear the difference immediately.

[pde2000]

If you need a new stylus for the sp12 mantra have them NOS for £144  (actually about the same price as originally charged plus inflation).   https://shop.mantra-audio.co.uk/acatalog/Bang-and-Olufsen-Original-SP12-Stylus-Ref-T1260-MA1310.html

I rescued a 1203 from a skip and had no luck making it work (motor totally seized) but pulled out the phono-stage card.  If you want to use this card (assuming your 1203 has the slot for it) I could post it to you.

[dauphine]

Nice rescue. Good sound. I have a few B&O turntables here, including a 1200. Waiting for summer and warmer weather to start working on them.

Happy listening.

andre

[OsteSpiser]

Looks like Soundsmith is the "official" rebuilder for B&O

http://www.sound-smith.com/cartridges/bolookup.html#rebuild

of course it's nicer to have an extra for the turnaround time...

-kristian

[hansen]

If you need a new stylus for the sp12 mantra have them NOS for £144  (actually about the same price as originally charged plus inflation).   https://shop.mantra-audio.co.uk/acatalog/Bang-and-Olufsen-Original-SP12-Stylus-Ref-T1260-MA1310.html

I rescued a 1203 from a skip and had no luck making it work (motor totally seized) but pulled out the phono-stage card.  If you want to use this card (assuming your 1203 has the slot for it) I could post it to you.

Hi Paul (not sure... is this correct?)

Thank you for this offer. My 1203 has not got the slot for the phono-stage... but my Beogram 3000 has
And as I was away for a few days - to Copenhagen, i found an extra 3000 that i will use for parts (its motor works at correct speed)
So I would very much like to make use of your offer 

[dauphine]

The motors do have a seizing problem if let to stand unused for a few years. I have repaired a few seized ones over the years and it can be done if your are careful. The biggest danger is the shattering of the floating oilite bearings so great care must be taken when dismantling as these bearings a extremely brittle and easily breaks into many pieces.

Another problem is the wedges placed into the rotor poles as they become loose during dismantling and will cause severe hum/vibration if they are not replaced correctly.

andre