The replacement platter motor from Beolover has arrived, and I’ll be putting it through its paces soon. Meanwhile, I’ve nearly finished the service manual adjustments on this Beogram turntable.

The most time-consuming adjustments on these turntables involve the platter height and leveling. This particular Beogram wasn’t level, and the platter height, measured from the top of the fixed arm, was less than the specified 23mm.

To fine-tune these, the platters are removed, and the central threaded bearing is adjusted vertically as needed. A large nut labeled “A” in the service manual is loosened to allow for bearing movement. Additionally, three bolts surrounding the bearing are used for platter leveling.

I use a variety of tools to verify the platter position, including small levels. It typically requires several rounds of minute adjustments to get everything perfectly aligned.

I also ensure the fixed arm is properly leveled.

While the floating chassis was out of the cabinet, I took the opportunity to remove and reverse the small set screws for the tangential carriage rails, making them accessible from the top. It seems they’re installed from the bottom to deter adjustments by owners. However, when adjustment is needed, it’s much simpler to lift the end of a rail and make the change, rather than dismantling everything.

I typically use a small digital scale to set the cartridge tracking weight, but due to some poorly timed dead batteries, I relied on the Beogram’s manual method.

That’s sufficient for the time being. I’ll double-check it once I replace the batteries in my digital scale and calibrate the tonearm counterbalance.

To verify the cartridge’s travel path on the tonearm, I use a string stretched from the platter’s center to the cabinet’s edge.

I’ve set the tonearm’s lowering limit just above the first rib. This precaution prevents potential damage to the stylus and cantilever should the platter detection mechanism fail.

Finally, the record tracking needs to be adjusted. All previous tests were conducted with the platter belt removed to prevent rotation. For this test, the platter will be manually turned while observing the tangential arm motor to ensure the tonearm maintains a tangent stylus path. If required, adjustments are made using an eccentric screw located at the tonearm’s base.

With the tonearm checks completed, I’ll revisit the tracking force and calibrate the counterweight later. This turntable is nearly ready for testing with a preamp.