Technics SL- Replacing Signal and Ground Wire  Manual how to

Opening the SL turntable

This DJ Topic describes how the Signal Wire of a Technics SL1200/ 1210 can be replaced.

Opening the top should is not required as the Signal Wire is directly connected to the wires that lead to the cartridge.

Before you can access the Arm Assy you need to open the SL's bottom side.

How to do this : Opening Technics SL1200/ 1210

Tools needed

Remove the Cord Clamp

First remove the screws of the Cord Clamper with a Philips type screwdriver. The Clamper is attached to the spacer with two claws

After removing the screws the Clamper is still held in it's place by 2 small clips. Use a small flat screwdriver to release them.

When this is done you can lift the Clamper off, the Spacer can now also be removed.

Remove the Back Plate

Now unscrew the two tiny screws that hold the metal Cover Plate. Keep all screws on a safe place (like an empty cup or dish) so you don't loose any.

Lift the Cover Plate out of it's place, use your other hand to guide the signal wire through the hole. Be careful as the edge of the Cover Plate can cut into the wire.

Remove the old wires

After the Cover is removed you'll see a circuit board to which the Signal wires are soldered. As an extra safety there should be a Cable-t that holds the wire to the circuit board.

Cut the Cable-t and de-solder the Signal wires. The red wired is the right signal and the white wire carries the left signal or a standard cable.

Start with de-soldering the ground wires and then the signal wire. After de soldering all the wires you need to remove the most of the solder on the contacts of the circuit board.

Also cut the ground wire as close to the beginning as possible.

Stereo Signal

To transport a stereo signal a total of 4 wires is needed. Each channel (Left and Right) need 2 wires: A signal wire and a ground wire.

Usually the ground signal is wrapped around the signal wire inside the cable so it forms a ground-shield to protect the signal from external distortions.

Prepare the Signal Wires

After cutting a set of Signal Cables to the desired length (probably 1,5 meters) you'll need to strip the ends (about 1-1.5cm). Be careful us you need to make a cut with a sharp knife in the outer shell of the cable without damaging the copper wires. This goes best when you hold the cable bend 180 degrees while cutting.

After stripping you must twist ALL copper wires. Strip 3mm from the signal wire that is in the center of all copper wires and also twist this end. Apply tin at the ends of all twisted wires. Apply just the right amount of tin: drain all wires but don't let drops appear.

When the Signal Cables of a SL12xx are replaced it's advised that you also replace the ground wire as it is probably in the same state as the signal wires.

Mounting the Signal Wires

Once the Signal Wire is pre-soldered, making the final connection should be very simple: hold the wire to it's place, heat it with the solder welt and add the tin at the point where they touch.

First solder the signal wires, then shorten the ground wire to the desired length and finally also weld the ground wires.

In case any of the tiny wires got lose or when you need to replace the complete Arm Assy, you might like this scheme diagram that gives a clear overview from the actual connections.

Mounting the Ground Wire

Actually there are 2 solutions to handle the ground wire. The preferred way is the original way. The original Ground Wire was connected to that lip on the right, just next to the other black wire before I cut it. That is where is supposed to be mounted, but it's rather close to the tiny wires that go into the arm.

On the circuit board however there is a mounting place dedicated for a ground wire as you can see in this picture. It perfectly aligns the cable with the Signal Wires.

Make sure to tighten a new Cable-t so that the new signal wire is held at it's place at all times.

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