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QRK Idler-drive Units/Info
    
Partial Update 3/30/2010 1830 hrs Z

There is a vast amount of information on the web concerning QRK idler drive turntables and it's rightful place in the radio industry history whether in "on-air" broadcast studios around the globe in production rooms, now as well in many collector's small studios.  We have put together some interesting material from many outside sources and different web sites to help anyone who seeks knowledge of their QRK unit to find  answers to most common questions in one place. 

This site is fortunate to have somewhat of an inside look into the in-house memos concerning QRK, sales, trouble-shooting guides and general knowledge concerning QRK units as well as how the "higher-ups" compared other branded tables against their units.  We are grateful to and want to thank Bob Martin  aka "Fresno Bob" Martin for his expansive knowledge and continued help in compiling many facts concerning QRK and other audio components.
A lot of information we are posting has come to us through the sharing of documents from "Fresno Bob" when working with QRK in the 1970's/80's as head of sales, then moving over to Broadcast Electronics in the early 1980's. Some of the documents are a bit "light" or (banners not legible) yet readable due to using a non-commercial scanner.  If you notice slight font change on the documents, this is due to "fixing" where we add the right letters the scanner did not pick up.  We will be able to copy this original material and post it as the original  was typed as soon as we get the scanner up and running again. This material will be added to as time permits; also more
HERE.

ATTENTION QRK MODEL 12C OWNERS: QRK used a slightly different combination of Plateform Shock Mounts.  Instead of a PL100-A (1/2 lb.) at the back of the motor hanger plate, the 12C uses a 100PL-1 (1 lb.), with 2 100PL-2 (2 lbs.) mounts on either side of the motor.  We have these, and a set of 3 (Part # 3-SET-QRK) is priced at just $32.40 [plus shipping].  Also, due to production changes in the molding of the 12C base--as well as where the screw holes are placed--a "diamond-shaped" Plateform Shock Mount may be required, depending on the age of your table.  We have a supply of these in stock; contact us at parts@russcoturntables.com to order a set today!

In-House Memos from BE Inc. and QRK
Please see Tonearms for more information concerning arms that were generally supplied with--or purchased by--the original owners of these units and recommended by the makers of the specific unit.
QRK turntable, Russco, Sparta, Collins,RCA, Gates Turntable
Working Drawing QRK--click to enlarge

Broadcast Electronics Inc. A FILMWAYS Company     

 
 

INTER OFFICE MEMORANDUM                                DATE  August 18, 1980

 
 
 
TO    LIST                                                           FROM . C.I.. Kring
 
Cc: Bob Martin
       Bob Sidwell
 
Subject:  QRK - Bob Martin
 
 
Bob Martin will be working starting Tuesday A.I-1. at BE for the next few weeks to assist in training and answering questions relating to the QRK product line. Bob has worked in the Sales Department at QRK the past few years, and is very knowledgeable as to sales, product application and specification of the QRK product line.
 
You can reach Bob on extension 211. Bob will report to me during his stay here, however, he is available to help in all departments atBE.
 
 
CIK/cjd

 
INTER OFFICE MEMORANDUM                                         DATE   September 12, 1980
 

TO     LIST                                                                   FROM  C. I. Kring

 
    cc:      T. Ash                  
               R. Weirather
               R. Weaver               
               L. Cervon               
  

              


Subject.:   QRK Product Training Sessions
 
Training sessions on QRK products will be held in the lunchroom at 4:00 P.M. each day Tuesday, September 16 through Friday, September 19 by Bob Martin. You are encouraged to attend (with permission of your Supervisor) so that this information will assist you in performing your job functions relating to QRK products. The sessions will cover such subjects as:
 
Product identification and description
 
Product  features and applications in customer systems
 
Product trouble-shooting
 
Product replacement parts
 
 
CIK/cjd

BROADCAST ELECTRONICS INC.a FILMWAYS Company
 



INTER OFFICE MEMORANDUM                                                                   DATE September 22, 1980

                                                                                                                              FROM T. Humphrey

TO    C. Kring

         J. Engle

         C. Fosmark

 

cc:   L. Cervon

        B. Martin

 

 

 

During one of Bob Martin's "QRK Seminars" and confirmed with more detailed conversations with him, I find that the Galaxy turntable is quite readily and easily converted to a 3~speed, (33/45/78 rpm) variable-speed control turntable.

 

It is most simply done by utilizing a three position single-pole rotary

switch with precision resistors in series with the variable speed pots to establish the three speeds.

 

Bob also mentioned another point, applicable to any variable-speed turn- table. This is the problem of the knob-adjusted speed control, which DJ's can "diddle" with. From a hurried examination of the unit, it appears to me that a universal mouI1t could be developed for the speed control permit-

ting either knob - or recessed screwdriver access - speed adjustment.

 

It seems to me that a 3-speed dc instant start version of the Galaxy would be quite marketable.

 

 

 

 

 

TH/kdd
INTER OFFICE MEMORANDUM                                     DATE October 29, 1980
 
 
 
TO  C. Kring                                                      FROM  L.J. Cervon
                         R. Weaver
   cc: J.Engle       R. Weirther
         C.Fosmark  J. Sutcliffe
         T. Ash        B. Martin
                 
 
 
Re: Model 12C Turntable
 
I noted that the estimated actual cost of the 12C Turntable is running above the $214.45 standard cost. Even at standard cost of $214.45, our cost ratio on the $350.00 selling price, after the 25% distributor discount which is effective November 1, will be 81.7%. When we add to the cost the contingent fee to the prior QRK owners, the
cost ratio on dealer sales increases to 86%.
 
 
 
 
 
Comparable Turntable prices are as follows :
 
           Harris Model CB-1201 Two Speed, 60Hz                             $345.00
           Harris Model CB-1201 Two Speed, 50Hz                               355.00
           Rusco Cue Master, 3 speed                                               355.00 
           Rusco Studio Pro, 2 Speed                                                399.00
           Cetec Model GT 12/SY, Two Speed                                     375.00
           Micro Trak Model 720, Three Speed                                    355.00
           Micro Trak Model 740, Two Speed                                       399.00
 
I don't believe it is economically possible for us to maintain the $350.00 selling price on the 12C Turntable.
 
As much as it is embarrasing as well as confusing to change prices soon after a price list is printed and mailed, I see no alternative but to suggest that we increase the 12C price to $375.00 effective December 1 on all orders.
 
Also, it's very important that we be very strict on the new 25% discount and not allow anything greater for any order received after November 1.
 
Please let me have your. comments regarding the suggested price increase on
the QRK Model 12C.  
 
   
 

 

INTER OFFICE MEMORANDUM                              DATE  November 5, 1980

 

TO   Curt Kring                                                                                         FROM    Bob Martin       

 

 

Ref:   L. Cervon's memo dated October 29, regarding the suggest price increase November 1, 1980.

 

 

 

I really feel it's a bit premature to suggest an increase on the item at this time.

 

 

 

From the information that I could gather, the $214.45 standard cost figure isn't fully documented. It appears to be based on the QRK labor/hour standard set in- Fresno and then brought in, and applied against the current B.E. labor rate. We are still running into discrepancies in the QRK methods on a daily basis and haven't had enough experience with the product to get a complete production picture.

 

For example; the platter assembly was QRK costed at around $41.50 per unit. With the few changes we've already made, the BE standard costs hover around $24.00 a unit. There's about a 40% difference in the cost figures! Again, these labor/cost figures are based on standards set forth from Engineering and what little experience we've gained in 2 months of production. Another point: We're still planning to import the aluminum chassis, raw platters

and motor bases from California. The resulting freight costs won't influence the unit cost directly. But further down the line, these figures in the cost of goods sold (freight) will offset gross totals, and ultimately effect the profitability of the product.

 

As we gather experience on in-house assembly procedures and production know- how, ba~ed on typical learning curves, the decrease in labor hours will off- set the inevitable rise on material cost and labor rates. From the little changes we've seen in such a short time we might well expect an overall de- crease in standard costs!

 

The resulting confusion on price changes again, along with newly instituted QRK Dealership structures, elongated delivery schedules (already 45-60 days typically!) can only damage our marketing position. I suggest that we delay the decision of price increases for 30-45 days, and then examine the newly revised, in-house documented B.E. standard costs that will be available to us January 1. At that point we can make a more informed decision on the profitability of the 12C turntable.

 

BM/kkd

INTER OFFICE MEMORANDUM                                      DATE November 7, 1980

 

TO     E. Hayes         M. Tournear                                          FROM  B. Martin

          F. Cherny       L. Cervon

          J.  Engle         C. Kring

         C. Fosmark      P. Schmelzle

 

 

 

Re: QRK/CCA Replacement Parts

 

 

During the many years of operation at the California plant site, there were many products introduced onto the broadcast market with the QRK or Rek-Q-Kut names' involved. Be it necessity, convenience or marketing related; it has led to much confusion as to the availability of replacement parts for products exhibiting the QRK logo. Subsequently! we must draw a responsibility line as to who can supply what for who to alleviate some of the congestion.

 

The attached guide is written up as an aid for us in helping the customer locate parts we can no longer supply or at least direct them in the right direction.

 

 

BM/kdd

 


PRODUCT                                     MFGR.                            PARTS   AVAILABILITY  
 
QRK 5 Consoles, Mono/Stereo        CCA Electronics              Cards, Incomplete manuals
 
QRK 8 Consoles, Mono/Stereo        CCA Electronics              Cards, Incomplete manuals   
 
CCA/QRK Ultimate Series               CCA Electronics              Custom Audio Products 
                                                                                          Bill Greaves                             
                                                                                          
Box 1275, 119 Crest Lane 
                                                                                          Greenville, SC "29602 
                                                                                          803-271-2852

Futura 6 Channel Mono/Stereo        
CCA/QRK                       Complete, See present parts lists
 
Future 10 Channel, Mono/Stereo     CCA/QRK                       Complete, See present parts lists
 
Broadkaster, Mono/Stereo              QRK                               See Futura parts lists
 
Discotech Console                           QRK                               See Futura parts lists
 
Alpha Series                                    QRK                              See Futura parts lists

Omega                                                         
QRK                                        Complete
 
CCA Automation                              CCA/QRK                      Crawford Communications 
                                                                                          Don Powers 
                                                                                          4 Oqk Avenue 
                                                                                          Wenonah, NJ 08090  
                                                                                          609-468-2585  
QRK" Cartridge Machines                  QRK                              Crawford Communications 
                                                                                           Don Powers 
                                                                                           4 Oak Avenue 
                                                                                           Wenonah, NJ 08090 
                                                                                           609-468-2585  
CCA Citadel Tape Cartridge Machines   CCA/QRK                   Crawford Communications 
                                                                                           Don Powers
                                                                                                                         4 Oak Avenue 
                                                                                           Wenonah, NJ 08090 
                                                                                           609-468-2585  
                                    
Rek-O-Kut                                           Rek-Q-Kut                  Replacement belts only
“N' & ”K" Series turntables
 
Rek-O- Kut                                          Rek-O-Kut/QRK          Idler wheels only
Rondines Series
(B12-B12-H)

CCA 1271, 1272                                   
QRK                           See 12C parts lists

McMartin                                             
QRK                           See 12C parts lists

LPB                                                      QRK                           
See 12C parts lists

Turntable Comparison Chart / Nov. 1980

 

3-Speed       Motor      Rumble in           Typical Start         Capstan       Wow and         Unit Cost

12” Mod.     Type       NAB Figures        Up Time              Material       Flutter                  11/80

 

QRK 12C        HS.            -48 db                   33=1/16 Rev.          Pheonolic    Less Than .1%     $350.00        

                                                                          45=1/10 Rev.                                

                                                                          78=1/2 Rev.

 

Russco             H.             –36 db                    Same                         Metal          Less Than .3%     $355.00

Cue-Master

 

Harris               HS.           -45 db                    Same                        Pheonolic    Less Than .1%     $345.00

CB1201


Celtec
               Note A     Note A                   Note A                      Note A         Note A                  ---------

GT3-12


McMartin        Note A     Note A                   Note A                      Note A         Note A                  --------- 

TT-12

 

LPB-S7             Note A     Note A                   Note A                      Note A         Note A                 ---------

 

Microtrack       Note B     Note B                   Note B                       Note B         Note B                 --------- 

      720

 

 

2-Speed

12” Mod.

 

QRK Custom     HS          -50 db                   33= 1/16 Rev.           Pheonolic     Less Than .1%     $400.00

II                                                                       45= 1/10 Rev.

 

Russco

Studio-Pro          SYN       -38 db                   33= 1/16 Rev.           Metal            Less than .2%      $399.00

                                                                           45= 1/10 Rev.

 

Cetec GT-12        HS          -50 db                     33= 1/16 Rev.           Pheonolic     Less Than .1%     $375.00

 

Microtrak            Note C    Note C                    Note C                      Note C           Note C                --------

740


NOTES: HS = Hysteresis Synchronous   H = Hysteresis   SYN = Synchronous

  1. Units are manufactured by Broadcast Electronics / essentially the same as the QRK Model 12-C.
  2. These units are the same as the Russco “Cue-Masters”.
  3. These units are the same as Russco “Studio-Pro”.

*D.  All 2-speed units offer speed indicator lamps to show what speed the unit is running on.

 

Similarities:  (1) All units (2 and 3 speed) have fixed speeds and are not variable.

                         (2) All units (2 and 3 speed) will accommodate The Model S-320 tonearm.

 (3) All units (2 and 3 Speed) have removable platter assemblies.

(4)  All units (2 and 3) speed) have shock-mounted motor assemblies.

(5)  All units (2 and 3 speed) are Rim-Drive types and have Idler wheels.

(6)  All units (2 and 3 speed) are completely manual in operation.

(7)  All units (2 and 3 speed) have Aluminum chassis.


INTER OFFICE MEMORANDUM                                                                  DATE   December 5, 1980

 

 

TO R. Fannin/Shipping                                   FROM  B. Martin

 

 

 

 

It has come to my attention there is a potential problem in shipping regarding

some QRK turntable replacement parts.

 

Apparently, when QRK motor assemblies (#830-0016) are being shipped to customers, there is little effort being made to protect the assembly from packing material: if effect the white packing pellets are getting into the motor. There is also no provisions being made to protect the pheonolic capstans. These are sensitive fittings and a jar as little as a flick of the finger can knock these out of true. I've got 2 calls from customers who just received shipments with these motor parts protruding from the side of the box!

 

Suggest immediately that we use a card board tube of sorts taped or tied down over the capstan of the motor and individually wrap the motor assemblies in a plastic bag to protect it from packing material getting into it. Action is required immediately.

 

 

 

 

B. Martin

BM/kdd
Partial Update 7/20/2010 1830 hrs. (Z)
Located in the U.S.A.
Email: parts@RusscoTurntables.com
Cell: (870) 761-3340 [Monday-Saturday, 9:00am-5:00pm Central Time]

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