PTP6
Assembly Guide
The PTP6 is an alternative topplate for Heavy Platter Lenco record players.
The reasons to use it are:
Better DE-coupling of the motor from the bearing and the arm.
Create a tight coupling between plate and plinth.
Get the best coupling between bearing and arm.
Improved stiffness due to its greater thickness.
Making a plinth is much easier because it is flat.
The PTP6 is a minimalist design, covering as little of the plinth as possible, but it still makes it possible
to change speed between 33 and 45 rpm without taking the platter off.
To be able to complete your PTP6 based record player you need:
The PTP6 kit
A Heavy Platter Lenco, such as the L70, L75, L77 or L78
A plinth.
The contents of the PTP6 kit
The PTP6 kit consists of:
1 Topplate 2 M5 Nuts
1 Motor Island 1 M3 Bolt
3 Motor Mounts 4 M5 Nylon Washers
1 Speed Selector 2 M3 Nylon Washers
2 Speed Stops 1 M3 Steel Washer
4 M5 Bolts 1 M6 Steel Washer
You need the following parts from a heavy platter Lenco:
The motor
The motor springs and the four M4 nuts used to secure them
The bearing
The platter
The idler arm assembly including the idler arm spindle and the tension spring post.
The plinth is the only part you need to make yourself.
Plinths can be made from many materials. Known to work well are birch ply or slate, but there is no
best material, follow your own instincts and preferences.. Many examples can be found on the Lenco
Heaven website (www.lencoheaven.net).
A template for the necessary cut outs is available as a PDF upon request at reinderspeter@hotmail.com
Step 1
The Motor Island
The first thing to do is to place the three motor mounts.
It is important that these are tightened well. No opening should be visible between them and the plate.
You can stick a small screwdriver or Allen key through the small hole to apply the necessary force.
Mount the motor on the motor island. This should be done in the same way as on the original Lenco,
using the springs and nuts from the donor Lenco. (picture shows ptp4)
Screw the Tension Spring Post into the small threaded hole on top of the motor island. (picture shows
ptp4)
Step2
The Speed Selector Assembly
Place the small metal washer on the speed selector and screw the Idler Arm Spindle you saved from
your Lenco onto the speed selector.
Place three nylon washers (two large and one small) on the speed selector.
This just to show where they need to end up. It is often easier to do this after the next step.
Stick the idler arm post through the keyhole opening of the topplate.
Screw two M5 bolts (with another pair of nylon washers) into the threaded holes of the speed selector .
The M5 bolts should be tightened just so far that all play is taken out but that it is still possible to slide
the assembly at the same time.
Make sure all nylon washers (on both sides of the topplate) are in place.
Screw the M3 bolt (with another nylon washer) into the threaded holes of the speed selector .
This screw should be tight during use and must be loosened to change speed.
Again, make sure no washer has disappeared.
Place the two Speed Stops using the last two M5 bolts. These are used to mark the position of the
speed selector for 33 and 45. Tighten them against the bolts once you have set correct speed for the
first time.
Now turn the topplate over.
Use two M5 nuts to secure the two M5 bolts. Tighten firmly. Make sure the bolts do not turn in the
process.
Step3
Final Assembly
It is important to get the Motor Island and the Topplate lined up correctly.
The cut out template will get you close and the picture below explains how it should end up.
Picture shows PTP5, the alignment is the same for the PTP6
Once you have aligned the parts correctly fasten them tightly to the plinth
Next:
Install the bearing.
Install the Idlerwheel assembly
Connect the wiring to the motor.
Raising the platter
Because the PTP6 is thicker than the original Lenco topplate the platter will probably scrape the top of
the plate. If that is the case you need to raise the platter. To do this you simply place the large metal
washer provided in the PTP6 kit between the circlip and the thrustplate support at the bottom of the
bearing. Beware: this trick only works with the original Lenco bearing!
Alternatively you can use the improved PTP Audio Solid Bearing, which is especially designed to work
with the PTP topplates. (http://www.ptpaudio.com/bearing.html). Other after market bearings can be
used, but make sure they work in combination with the PTP6.
A Switch?
The PTP6 kit doesnt include a switch. As long as it has the right ratings you can use any switch you
like and place it anywhere on the plinth.
The electrical connections can be made in two ways.
The first method switches only one wire just as Lenco used originally.
The second method switches both wires.
You are free to use the provided information for DIY- purposes only.
Commercial use is strictly prohibited without my written approval.
Copyright Peter Reinders 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2015
