My aunt just dug up a Technics SL-Q2 turntable out of her storage and gave it to me since I've started buying LP's. I downloaded the old manual and adjusted the counterweight and anti-skate dial correctly, but there's something wrong with the auto-return function on the tonearm. It keeps coming back even before the needle's touched the vinyl! I've gotten it to stay on the record for about 1 second max before it comes back. The manual showed me a screw underneath the turntable mat that I could adjust to play with the tonearm-return, but it still keeps happening. Any suggestions?
I don't know the deck to tell you. Look at the mechanism underneath the arm and try to figure out what is connected to the auto trip mechanism. You will have to be careful that you don't damage anything while trying different set ups. You will probably have some problems isolating the auto start mechanisn from the auto return mechanism. If you can get just the auto start to keep working, you'll have a semi automatic table. To run the table as a fully manual you will more than likely have to install an on/off switch and the arm will be totally disconnected from all the auto function devices under the table.