The first task was to find a motor to drive this gigantic system. By pursuing every avenue, we finally found some high quality synchronous motors manufactured for tape recorders by the renowned German manufacturer, Papst. These motors proved to be most suitable for our aim, which opened the door to the success of the Air Force Zero project.
The next step was to review and modify the Papst motors so that they could work optimally for the world’s best turntable system. Building on the 3-phase, 12-pole synchronous AC large torque motor, we developed a customized air bearing and flywheel technologies which we used in driving the motor.
The major features of the Air Force Zero Motor are:
1. High precision rotation with virtually zero wobble due to the combination of high precision metal bearing and air bearing.
2. Enormous inertia generated by flywheel effect.
3. Extremely high S/N ratio achieved by the air bearing.
4. New electronic driving circuitry designed for stable and precise rotation with low vibration.
During a steady state rotation, the driving amplifiers perform smooth rotation without the servo. The servo will be engaged only during the startup process or if the speed is changed by an external force. These technologies results in an exceptional level of rotational precision for a belt-drive turntable.
Specifications
| MAIN BODY |
|
| Base Frame |
100 kg, stainless steel |
| Platter Base |
35 kg, extra super duralumin |
| Platters |
100 kg in total |
| Bottom platter |
33 kg, Ø 40cm, forged Stainless Steel SUS 316L |
| Second platter |
20 kg, Ø 31 cm, forged Stainless Steel SUS 316L |
| Third platter |
20 kg, Ø 31 cm, cast Gunmetal |
| Fourth Platter |
20 kg, Ø 31 cm, forged Stainless Steel SUS 316L |
| Top Platter |
7 kg, Ø 31 cm, Titanium with special surface hardening treatment |
| Total moment of inertia |
16,000 kg/cm2 |
| Drive system |
Belt-drive, polished and non flexible polyurethane fiber belt |
| Drive Motor |
Drive Motor: 3-phase 12-pole AC synchronous motor manufactured by Papst, Germany (1000/5001)
During a startup and adjustment of the rotation, high torque rotation
In a stead-state rotation, non servo, low torque, ultra low vibration |
| Rotation speed |
33 1/3 rpm / 45 rpm, precise speed adjustment function |
| Wow & Flutter |
below 0.03% |
| Suspension |
Air suspension, air charged by an electric air pump with built-in Power Supply Unit |
| Main Unit Dimensions including Motor |
902 (W) x 677 (D) x 335 (H) mm |
| Distances between center point of base frame feet |
front left foot – front right foot 67 4mm / rear left foot – rear right foot 722mm
front left foot – rear left foot 461 mm / front right foot – rear right foot 441 mm |
| Total weight of Main Unit including Motor |
330kg (Power Supply / Air Pump Units are not included) |
| POWER SUPPLY & AIR PUMP UNITS |
|
| Unit 1/3 |
430 (W) x 365 (D) x 205 (H) mm, 15 kg |
| Unit 2/3 |
430 (W) x 365 (D) x 205 (H) mm, 13kg |
| Unit 3/3 |
430 (W) x 365 (D) x 205 (H) mm, 10kg |
