Technical Design Solutions for Theatre

Roller Chain Turntable Drives

Alan Hendrickson

One traditional method of driving a turntable is to use an endless loop of cable wrapped around the sheaves of a drive machine and the edge of a turntable. This method results in a turntable that can turn infinitely in either direction. Friction between the drive sheaves and the cable and between the cable and the turntable edge transmits power from motor to turntable. While this system works well, it does have some disadvantages. The drive mechanism is basically a set of driven and idler sheaves. The high part count of sheaves, a shaft, and a pair of bearings results in a machine that is relatively expensive, somewhat difficult to construct, and often awkward to reeve cable through. Also, the ...