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How to use Feickert Protractor on SME V Tonearm

I just bought a Feickert Next Gen Protractor. So far I just measured the spindle to pivot distance, it was set to 212mm. This is using a Denon DL160 cartridge setup using a paper protractor from the web. The spec for the spindle to pivot distance is given as 215.35mm. My turntable is a Gyrodec with mounted SME V tonearm. So I started thinking about how this would work using the Feickert protractor, each time I move the sliding mount of the SME V, I would then need to adjust the position of the sliding spindle to pivot distance of the Feickert protractor and thereby moving the alignment point. This seems like a never ending loop of adjust SME V slide adjustment, then re-adjust the spindle to pivot distance on the Feickert to get the correct alignment. Am I missing something, it seems like a very interative process to use the Feickert Protractor with a SME V tonearm. I bought the Feickert to make alignment simpler and more accurate. How do others use the Feickert Protractor to align the SME V tonearm cartridge?
hartonr

Showing 1 response by albertporter

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albertporter
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I use the Mint and supply Yip the cantilever length and he builds a protractor that accommodates the correct spindle to pivot distance for SME as well as obtaining correct overhang.

I don’t know of any other tool that does this. The problem arises with SME “assuming” that everyone follows the rules and builds their cartridge according to industry standard.

Problem is everyone thinks their cantilever and diamond assembly is “the” industry standard so SME arms can wind up perfect or off quite a bit.

I love the SME V-12 so I have several Mint Tractors, one for each cartridge I choose to mount.

Truth is, unless you have a custom protractor you’re hoping SMEs numbers and the cartridge manufacturers numbers match. The Mint is only $90.00 so it’s a cheap investment.
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