World Record Controller

[chunnybh]

I have several world record controllers. I recently acquired a collection of World Records so decided to try and get the mechanism working. In all of them the rubber wheel which touches the turntable edge has perished. In two of them someone has tried to replace them with replacement rubber wheels but the diameter is different. One is 32mm and the other 38.5mm. They are both warped and miss-shaped so don't work. I am assuming the size is very important and would also determine the speed. Does anyone have an original one and know the diameter it should be.

Thanks

[Inigo]

Chu... I suppose the wheel size has a strong impact on the controller working speed, but isn't there any regulator that allows for adjustments? In any case, the difference in wheel size may be out of the adjustment range if too different.
The original design must have taken into account the diameter variation due to the wheel wearing out...

[epigramophone]

The CLPGS magazine FtR No.49 (Spring 2014) contains a four page article on restoring a World Record Controller.
FtR No.60 (Winter 2017) contains a report of a demonstration which took place during the CLPGS Malvern weekend.
The reporter noted a significant increase in playing time, but at the expense of sound quality.

[JerryVan]

If the wheel you're referring to is an intermediate wheel, between the drive motor spindle and the turntable edge, it's diameter is not important relative to speed ratios.

[Inigo]

So explained, it seems a tongue twister...

[chunnybh]

If the wheel you're referring to is an intermediate wheel, between the drive motor spindle and the turntable edge, it's diameter is not important relative to speed ratios.

Looks like I'm just going to have to make one and see how it goes.
My pre-2017 copies of FtR are in storage so will have to wait unless someone here can scan them, please.

[Oedipus]

The friction wheel o my controller is 32mm. The rubber is not perished or distorted, but it is very hard, and presumably does no grip well, as a previous owner has fitted a wide rubber band, now split, which increases the diameter to 34mm.

[chunnybh]

The friction wheel o my controller is 32mm

Thanks for that. I am working on it being 34mm with a very soft rubber.
The rubbers on both wheels need to be replaced or the mechanism bounces around. I'll add some pics soon.

[chunnybh]

Finally got the rubbers replaced with some ultra-soft type. It's a challenge to set this device up, there are just too many variable. I can see why it was a failure. It's been a painful exercise especially to my ears.

I've done a page on the colourful Noel Pemberton Billing and his Controller.
https://www.gramophonemuseum.com/world.html

Here is a link to a YouTube video with the controller in action. I've uploaded 3 videos on my YouTube channel.. if you dare!
https://youtu.be/d94aa3ALmYo?si=ydJ7Njixre1c30y0