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Audio Additives Stylus Force Gauge inconstantcy

I recently purchased an Audio Additives Stylus Force Gauge and it is driving me nuts. I get inconstant readings every time I lower the stylus onto the little black dot on the plate. Without moving the arm, every time I lower, raise, lower, etc., I get a different reading between 1.68 - 1.88. The batteries are new, device reads 0.000g at start up, calibration checks out using supplied weight, room temperature is 72F, no interference from tonearm lifter and everything is level.
Anyone else have this problem?
seasoned

Showing 3 responses by lewm

lewm
13,476 posts
 
Define “the best”.
lewm
13,476 posts
 
“Lab quality” my arse.
lewm
13,476 posts
 
To the OP:  Lower the cartridge (preferably an MC cartridge, because they have big magnets) until it is barely above the weigh pan but not touching it. Does the gauge show a negative weight value?  If so, that indicates it contains some low level of iron; the magnet in the cartridge is pulling UP on the pan.  If the weigh pan is magnetic, even a little bit, that messes things up.  I used one of the popular digital scales for years before realizing that it had the problem, which was only evident when I tried to adjust VTF for an Ortofon MC2000 cartridge, which has a humongous magnet situated in its belly, near to the platter or any weigh pan.  I subsequently bought one of the 2 or 3 gauges made by Ortofon, the weigh pan of which so far seems to be non-ferrous, although it is metal.  This problem seems so easy to avoid in designing such a gauge.  But apparently the sellers do not care a fig.  As long as they're selling.
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