Technics SL1210 MK2 Erratic or Unstable Pitch Fix

A quick vid explaining how I repaired my Technics SL1210 MK2 when it started exhibiting this rather annoying issue. I was told it's 100% the Pitch Fader that needs replacing. I'm glad I had my doubts because it led me to DIYAudio.com where I was able to find the actual fix for this. In short, replace R307 with a 10k Ohm resistor and you'll be good to go. Big thanks to SDS over at diyaudio.com for providing this information. Please visit the forum post below for more in-depth details.
Original DIYAudio Post - www.diyaudio.c...
If you want to read more about the Zener Diode that is also a prime suspect of this fault, and a more detailed explanation of the internal electronics and why this happens, go here - www.kabusa.com...

[@djc4sey]

Thank you for this post, I purchased a pack of 50 10k resistors from Amazon for around £4.50. I have replaced the old one & had the deck running for well over an hour & have no problems with the erratic speed like before. Much appreciated

[@tauranganzl]

You made my life worth living again Shane D. This fix solved my erratic pitch problem of my 1200 MK5. Thanks heaps!

[@djonefiftyone603]

I just want to say THANK YOU!! I first did the diode change.. no luck. Then found your video and now my MK5's are running beautifully. I bought three tables for what I thouwad a steal at $900 CAD. All three were acting up. Now I can turn around and triple my involvement. But I'll keep them and enjoy them for years.

[@golanhentov]

Thank you very much for the video and the explanations! Helped me a lot to solve the problem with both mk5 turntables. I thought my turntables had a bigger problem and high costs until I came across your video. Well done for helping so many users

[@schazers1]

Just did this on my 1210 mk5, and it works perfectly now. Thanks so much for the clear video. I used a 10k ohm, 500 mw resistor on R307. I didn’t mess with the zener diode.

[@ShaneDofficial]

Cool. Glad this helped you out.

[@planetaryinstinct]

Had the same problem on a 1200-mk5. replaced the Resistor R307, to a 10K Resistor and it seems to have solved the problem. Thank you!

[@sachin0683]

Thanks for the Video, fixed my forever problematic 1210 mk5 turntable and works 100% fine now.

[@ShaneDofficial]

Glad to hear it :)

[@souldefunk]

I was just wondering if it is the same fix for a 1210 MK5 as that's what I have and have the same issue. Do you think it stems from being a euro plug but using an american adapter?

[@markjames1726]

Bought a new old stock in the box November 2005 mk2 model earlier this year for use as my HiFi deck. After seeing this vid I checked mine & sure enough it had the same issue from new ( wonder how many were returned back in the day ) after 30 minutes of use. I've changed the R307 as specified job done. Thank you Shane.

[@kevinatkab5219]

The problem is the 5V operating voltage on the electronic switch CD4011B. At 5V, the minimum switching voltage is 3.5V. IC201 is putting out 3.8V, that is very marginal. And as the 5V zener heats up, its voltage drifts upward raising the switching voltage with it. So it is the 4011 that is becoming unstable,. The 10K resistor, takes some load off of IC201 and raises it's output marginally. Still the best overall solution is to reduce the zener to 4.5V. that would give the CD4011 a little more headroom.

[@ShaneDofficial]

Thanks for the comment, Kevin. Pinning it in the hopes that others find it as informative as I have :-)

[@Tarabass]

What you are saying is replace D301 for a 500mw 4.5v version? Do you have a link?

[@kevinatkab5219]

@@Tarabass www.kabusa.com/m1200.htm I settled on a 4.7V Zener.

[@Tarabass]

@@kevinatkab5219 thx, Kevin!

[@yarakharam5343]

hello kvn, what if get the problem on a non heated up mk2? Should I apply both changes, change the resistor and the diode or again only the diode as you said.

[@alpinete698]

Hello, Another 1210 mk2 from 2007 repaired with the R 307 replaced. Thousands of thanks friend!!!!

[@julianceddia5112]

You absolute legend. Fix worked on my 1200 mk5.

[@vicv9503]

Thank you Shane! you saved my Mk5.

[@ShaneDofficial]

Glad it worked for you :)

[@matthewslocombe6271]

Thanks so much for posting! Worked perfectly on a 1200 mk2. So satisfying to be able to resolve an issue by replacing a super cheap component. Could anyone explain what resister does? Before replacing it, the deck had the erratic speed issue (particularly on hot days after being on for a while), but it would also do weird things like the start/stop button would send the platter in reverse, or the platter would suddenly jump to a ridiculously fast speed. Replacing that resister solved all these issues.

[@timlucas310]

This fixed my issue aswell, thanks!! Pretty easy fix by the way, nothing to be afraid of doing yourself

[@ShaneDofficial]

Glad to hear it :)

[@mathieumiguet2022]

Thank you so much for these explanations, I have just repaired one of my mk5 ...

[@goddamnsam]

Thanks For the Video! This fix worked for my 1200 mk5 pitch wobble! It was only wobbling in the summer on -8 Pitch. Replacing the resistor worked great! Thanks!!!!!

[@goddamnsam]

@@Coolsounds217 I believe replacing the resistor will be much easier and should fix the problem. All the comments on this video and in the forum post ( In the video description) Seem to point to the resistor being the problem. although replacing the resistor is very easy, it does take some tools and knowledge. I suggest watching a lot of videos on soldering and what would be helpful would be finding some old dead electronics. open up the shell and find the PCB and practice using Solder Wick to head up old solder and remove it from the board, and practice applying new solder and a new part. it is also true that you could just snip the old resistor on your mk5 board, remove it and solder the new resistor on top, thus not having to remove any solder or parts and not have to risk damaging the PCB. good luck! its an easy fix!

[@technic02]

Ive done the 10k fix and mine weren't to bad but seemed like they were in mix but would drift frequently worse after been on for a bit so ive put 10k inside like you said 1st thing i noticed is when moving pitch it seemed smoother👍👍👍👍👍

[@m3kkanic]

Thanks, man, great video! Did I get you correct that, if the pitch is not correct when locked at 0%, then it's the pitch fader that has to be replaced?

[@ClemensNeufeld]

i would have the same question. i get a floating pitch even at zero.

[@k-b9253]

Did you guys ever find out? I just got my pitch fader replaced but it still has the same problem

[@triggerlo8216]

fixed my plater to day BIG THANKS for youre video!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@triggerlo8216]

after a test run for 10min the stotterig is back -.-

[@unsinndj]

Just done my both decks, works 100% thanks !!!!

[@ShaneDofficial]

Glad it worked for you !

[@hellochord9301]

Thanks man, saved my MK5 as well!

[@ShaneDofficial]

Nice one, Bud.

[@technicsmelancholic6289]

Can you share or someone else links from where you bought the correct resistor and Diode ? Anyone ?

[@Junglistboy1]

oh man, thanks a lot, after resistor replacement pitch works with out issues

[@augustburnsorange1748]

will this also fix a slightly unstable pitch? (I noticed on mine that the dots would very slightly waver side-to-side)

[@internetpointsbank]

It worked on my mk5. Thanks.

[@laidbackmedia]

Great video. Thanks I'm looking to reduce my pitch range of one of my mk2's. I want to half the range to 4% rather than 8. Simple resistor change I imagine. Can you advise?

[@technicsmelancholic6289]

Great vid,whats the proper Resistor? And Diode ? Does anybody knows the name of them ?

[@guglielmoabastante6192]

Hi. I have a problem with a pitch with my 1210 mk2. In practice the problem is the double zero. With the pitch at zero (and the LED on) it turns perfectly, when i accelerate with the pitch in the Moment that the led turns off instead of going faster, the turntable slows down to return to a new zero on a value of about +2.5. It holds the +6 and +3.3 very well, a little less the -3.3 but it is at acceptable levels. Searching on the web I found various tutorials to solve my problem, the point is that when I connect the multimeter to the pitch (obviously disconnected from the turntable) I have an X value, and going to modify the VR302 trimmer that value should modify right? To me it remains fixed and constant. The tests I have carried out are the following: I have completely replaced the pitch, putting the One of my other turntable, and it works perfectly, so I rule out problems with the motherboard or others stuffs of the turntable. With the Multimeter attached to the Brown and Red of the pitch (disconnected from the turntable) I tried to move the pitch fader and the value changes (so apparently the fader is good) but with the same configuration by acting on the vr302 the value remains fixed and constant (so apparently the vr302 doesn't work). At that point I connected the Multimeter to the vr302 and rotating it the value changes, so apparently it is good. I am also going crazy because if there was something to replace I would not know what specifically, and with the times that are running I do not want to spend more than I should. 😬 Sorry if I wrote a lot but I hope I have explained the problem well and what tests I did.

[@GabrielOrtizUAP]

Did you ever resolve the double zero? I'm having the same issue at 2+. So frustrating.

[@beatlesadeye4912]

My technics is sl1900. Lately the platter is running with much speed. The pitch control doesn't control it at all on both the speed. I cleaned the pitch (pots).replaced all the aged electrolytic capacitors.i checked the voltage of the main IC AN640 and it's normal.But problem still persist. Please advice what to do.

[@jordanarchbold1283]

I honestly can’t thank you enough. I’ve had this issue for 5 years. Told everything else but this

[@ShaneDofficial]

Pleasure. Happy it worked for you.

[@shaunmiyen]

hi Shane D. where did you buy the resistors? I'm out in Jozi. I wanna go get some and get try this. I wanna get it and try resuscitate my SL-1200mk2.

[@ShaneDofficial]

Hi Shaun. You can get the resistor at Mantech.

[@shaunmiyen]

@@ShaneDofficial will drive there 2moro morning on my way to work. will give you feedback once I've applies this fix. Thanks.

[@CJ-gp9yh]

I have MK5s that have not been used that much and always kept indoors. Currently, if I set it to 0, it is fine. If I let it run for about 15-20 minutes, then move it anywhere from 0, then it gets very erratic and all over the place. If I set it to +8, it is more like +30! Even small adjustments of the pitch result in very erratic behaviour. I have just ordered the resistors and a soldering iron and I am going to try this out. Have never used one before and hope it fixes my problem! The pitch stays totally stable when I engage the pitch test button. Its only when I turn the button off and move the pitch slider around that the erratic behaviour begins. And it only seems to happen if the turntable has been running for a while.

[@ShaneDofficial]

This will probably work for you 👍🏻

[@CJ-gp9yh]

@@ShaneDofficial Just ordered and looking forward to seeing if this works! I will let you know :) The example video you pasted in your video is exactly what mine does..!

[@CJ-gp9yh]

@@ShaneDofficial all I have to say is WOW! This worked like a charm! I have zero soulering or electrical experience and honestly it was kind of scary taking my deck apart like that but I am so glad that I did. I replaced R307 with a resistor that cost pennies and my deck is 100% fixed.. awesome! Thank you @shaneD! and by the way, I listened to some of the tunes you have uploaded on YT and they are great.

[@ShaneDofficial]

@@CJ-gp9yh Thank you, and I’m glad this worked for you !

[@souldefunk]

I have a MK5 that is doing the same as well. Good to know that this should be my solution. Cheers!

[@bacardicrew]

I have 1200's MK2, one of mine when i pitch to +2.5 it starts going all funny skippy wobbly etc, I just replaced the 10k resister like advised but the issue is still there.. any other idea's?

[@jamesbogosijudi3494]

How do a resolve a similar fault on a Stanton STR8-150?

[@timlucas310]

Would you recommend to desold the whole board out of the deck before swapping the resistant? Or should i keep it connected to the deck whilst solding?

[@ShaneDofficial]

The board is screwed in, not soldered. You have to unscrew the board and flip it over to desolder the resistor. There should be plenty of teardown videos on KZbin for this but the instructions are fairly simple to follow.

[@مواطنعادي-ح4ن]

so we have to change the D307 by an other resistor 10k ohm ...only this ? cause my diod zener is okay so ? thanks bro

[@ShaneDofficial]

R=Resistor so R307 :) D=Diode ... And yes, that's all I did.

[@مواطنعادي-ح4ن]

@@ShaneDofficial wierd ! i have the same problem ! and i changed the r307 to one other 10k 1/2 watt but nothing change ! it still the same notice .. ic an6675 is gone to be hot fast and when i check the voltage .. i find 31 volt in the place to find 20volt ... any idea ? thank u anyway

[@مواطنعادي-ح4ن]

notice mr shane and sorry for disturbing 😏 i only changed the R307 to a 10k resistor ...nothing else ...do i have to change the diod zener to a resistor too or what ? what u said about the diod zener ? sorry cause i am not good english speaker and i only undrestand the basic english as u see so please what i have to do else after to change the r307 to an other 10k ...what i do with the d zener etc... and thank u again for you great help

[@ShaneDofficial]

@@مواطنعادي-ح4ن That should sort out the problem, if it's the same issue in the video. No need to change the Zener diode.

[@joncandy9663]

Well Done! Good job. 👍

[@augustburnsorange1748]

what should the wattage of the resistor be? 1/2 w, 1/4 w?

[@mirkoguardo]

Hi, i just bought a Technics 1200MK3 and it seems needs calibrate the pitch. The 0 position seems ok , the +6 looks like it is moving a bit to the left, the +3.3 and -3.3 is at +2.2 and -2.2. ¿Any tip to recalibrate it? Thanks

[@ikov]

thats kind of normal. the numbers on the fader are only a guide

[@ShaneDofficial]

You'll need a digital multi-meter to calibrate the pitch fader. Open up the deck, and disconnect the pitch fader. Set your multi-meter to frequency. Factory setting is 2.7k at the 0 position. That's what it should read when your pitch is locked at 0. If it's not, you'll have to incrementally adjust VR302 to get it to the correct setting. There are videos on KZbin detailing the full process but if you're not comfortable opening up the deck, rather send it in to get sorted. Hope that helps.

[@ikov]

@@ShaneDofficial correct. but this will never line the numbers up.

[@ShaneDofficial]

@@ikov Correct.

[@jeffreysantner3717]

I have a Gemini PT2000 that only holds it's pitch on quartz. Off quartz and the pitch drops and the slider does nothing. Aside from that, for $100 it works great but don't dare open it up myself.

[@Alex-j4p3r]

Same problem, same patches applied, not worked for me.

[@kwazizuma1468]

Hi there. Where are you based in SA. I have the same issue. I’d like you to fix it for me

[@ShaneDofficial]

Hi Kwazi. I'm not a professional repairer. Anyone handy with a soldering iron will be able to do this for you. Just follow the instructions in the video.

[@atomsizeelephant]

I’ve got a 1210mk2 and when I move fader either to positive or negative pitch the plate spins back and forth randomly. At 0 it’s perfect and tuned. Any idea what could be?

[@OneEyedWheeler]

That's the problem that this video fixes Heitor. I have exact same problem which I'm trying to fix today - I will let you know how it goes :)

[@timlucas310]

@@OneEyedWheeler any news on how your repair went?

[@OneEyedWheeler]

By mistake I ordered 1/2 watt 10k resistor instead of 1/4 watt for R307. I don't want to wait for a 1/4 watt if I can help it - will using a 1/2 watt one be fine or not? Thanks from the UK :)

[@ShaneDofficial]

Hi bud. I'm not technically qualified to advise on that. Maybe someone here is but personally I'd just get the correct spec in case you cause further issues. Parts for the decks are becoming more difficult to source nowadays so rather err on the side of caution.

[@leonfuturesoulmuzik875]

@@ShaneDofficial so which wattage did you use,1/2 or 1/4?,for the 307 replacement...

[@ShaneDofficial]

@@leonfuturesoulmuzik875 I used the 1/4 watt but I've since learnt that the 1/2 watt will also work fine.

[@leonfuturesoulmuzik875]

@@ShaneDofficial Thanks!

[@ikov]

fixed mine too :)

[@unsinndj]

I will try this on my MK2, I let you know later one about the results

[@ShaneDofficial]

unsinndj Please do. Just remember the resistor must be 10k ohm. Check the video description for links to the forum thread and article relating to the Zener Diode 👍

[@unsinndj]

Shane D Just done this mode, it works 100% thanks !!!!

[@homerbailon1]

Hi, did you fix it? I have been dealing with this problem over years and I have never found the solution.

[@ShaneDofficial]

Hi. Yes I did. Change R307. It’s a 2.7kohm resistor. Replace it with a 10k ohm as it handles heat better. That’s literally all I did and my deck is back to normal.

[@homerbailon1]

@@ShaneDofficial but the problem is still there. You just hide it with another component. I think. Probably other component, a IC or diode it is damage. I don't know. What do you think?

[@ShaneDofficial]

@@homerbailon1 No, the problem is fixed. Please read the forum posts in the description as mentioned if you want more information. In my case, the problem has gone away and I'm happy with the fix provided. It's up to you if you want to try it or not. Cheers.

[@ikov]

@@homerbailon1 replace the diode and the resistor. worked for mine.

[@scratchycronik]

you should check the voltages on J1, J2, J3 of Q1 regarding to the service manual values, i you not having that so the suspect maybe on Q2 and Q3, unsoldered the Q2 and Q3 then measured it with dig multimeter, if the values below 0,300 V on Emitter's and Collector's pin then yeah those 2SD637 need to replace. worth to try..

[@richardnorman1158]

Anyone got a link to what I need

[@romeisfallingagain]

cool video. i think this is whats wrong with my decks. between minus 2percent and plus 2percent i have this issue. my decks are numark tt500s though. out of 3 decks, this issue is on 2 of them.

[@janplexy]

This is the common problem on newer models with WHITE connectors on pcb/cables.

[@JP-wo4ic]

I have the white connector pcb on my 1210’s. My issue is instability/drift whilst in the mix. What symptoms did you have on yours pls?

[@isaacbell2426]

D301.

[@richardnorman1158]

I changed mine and still does same thing

[@djpunisha29]

i have the same problem on my 1210 :(

[@dalivanwyngarden3204]

You can theoretically cut the resistor off from the top and solder a new one on the old wires without taking the whole thing apart

[@julianceddia5112]

I found it easier to snip R307 out from the top without unscrewing anything. then cut the 10 K to size and solder it onto the old leads

[@SaucyBegger25]

It’s strange as my deck is doing this. I needed to replace the pitch on both anyway as they real bad. I noticed one deck doing this. N it gets way off. If I turn the deck off for 1 minute then test it. It’s ok again. But then starts doing it again. I have the exact same deck you have in this video. I’ve ordered the resister so I’ll get it changed asap 👍🏻 Ps. I forgot to mention I ordered some of these 10k ohms 0.25w 1/4w 1% resisters

[@Marian1983.2D]

This shit costs 4000 dollars? I wouldn't pay for it not even 400....

[@Tarabass]

Here a good video on how to test and identify the problem. Please note that it is a MK5, on a MK2 you want to replace it with a 4.7v diode. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oIfapGiqZ5qLhs0