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Electronic stylus force gauge question

I recently bought my first electronic stylus force gauge. It's a generic type made in China, but looks and feels a surprisingly decent quality. It was purchased from Mehran at SoraSound for those who happen to have it.

I noticed that when I try to measure the VTF, the gauge begins to display a minus reading of -0.01-03 g as I'm lowering the tonearm to place the stylus on the black dot. It then displays a steady reading once the stylus is placed on the dot, which appears to be accurate by comparing with the Shure gauge I used in the past.

I make sure that the platter is secured so I'm not quite sure why the gauge displays the minus reading before the stylus lands in the measuring spot.

Has anyone else experienced this with their electronic gauge? I realize the minus value is arguably negligible, and the issue might be of no practical significance, but I'm trying to get my Delos to track as close to 1.75 as possible so I wonder whether I need to adjust for the minus value. I'm also curious why this is happening.

actusreus

Showing 1 response by banquo363

banquo363
371 posts
 
Q: Can someone explain the problem with my stylus gauge; it's acting wonky when I take a reading for my cart at 1.75g?

A: Why on earth are you so obsessed with tracking at 1.75g?

I'm no logician, but I believe informally we can call that a non sequitur. I agree though that some non sequiturs can prove educational.

I had a similar experience recently with my cheap electronic gauge and a new cart. The reading would go negative as the stylus approached (but did not touch), and if I hover the stylus a bit above the gauge, the reading would go all over the place. This had never happened before with my other carts, so I naturally blamed first the fan that was on, then the air conditioning, and finally the batteries. None of the above. It was the new cart's interaction with the gauge. I know this because I just swapped back to an old cart and the reading is stable and repeatable (as usual)--with the air and fan on.

I have no idea what about the cart's interaction with the gauge is causing the disturbance, but I share Actusreus's concern about getting a repeatable number in such circumstances (my fluctuations were far more wild than his, but even so). The reasons are for this concern are none of your business ;-)
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