Having just obtained a used D.J. record turntable for a young friend for bedroom use I was puzzled. I tried it for a short period and it worked, but noticed that the 115/230 Voltage selector switch was set to 115 Volts. The turntable has a 13 Amp plug fitted to its lead. But why was the selector set to 115 Volts?

Supplying the internal transformer with 230 Volts when it is set to 115 Volts will damage it and any other electronics inside the turntable.

Upon investigation I found that the transformer was wired 115-0-115 Volt on its primary supply wires, BUT one 0-115 V winding was open circuit. So by setting the selector switch to 115 Volts the mains 230 Volts was supplying just one 0-115 Volt primary winding, but the transformer was getting very hot and the output would be double that expected by the speed controller P.C.B.

I will have to buy a new transformer.

The fleabay seller said that the turntable worked, which remarkably it did, but it would have eventually failed with spectacular results.

Let the buyer beware!

Zog.