How to use Feickert Protractor on SME V Tonearm

I don't have my Feickert with me (on long-term loan), but, if I recall correctly, it offers both a one-point (no need to iteratively move the protractor) or the two-point (like the Mint mentioned above) alignment (protractor must be moved).

For the one-point alignment, you will be select the curved line on the protractor that matches the type of alignment you want to use. You MUST then use the tool that also determines the pivot to spindle distance to correctly align the whole protractor. You should use something to wedge and hold the platter firmly in this position because this alignment of the protractor must not be moved. Next, for the alignment you want to use, look along the curve to find the marking for 212mm (your pivot to spindle measurement). At that point along the curve, you will also see a thin crossing line which is what you use to align the cantilever. You must not move the protractor at all using the one-point method.

As a check on this alignment, the Feickert also offers two-point alignment using cross hatched squares around the two null points (after all, getting tangency at these two points is the purpose of the alignment). Using the two point method does require moving the protractor to see if, when the need is placed at both points, the cantilever achieves tangency at both points. I think that the two-point method is more accurate because it does not require perfectly accurate measurement of the pivot to spindle distance, it does not require that the protractor be in the perfect position (the measurement spike perfectly aligned over the center of the pivot), and it will achieve the desired alignment even if the pivot-to-spindle distance falls somewhere off of the perfect 210, 211, etc. that is provided for using the one-point curves.

I've done this with an SME V -- you are right, you do have to adjust both the Feickert and the arm sliding base iteratively but it's not as endless as it seems -- you sort of reach a space pretty quickly where the stylus reaches the target point and the Feickert downpoint is on the pivot. It's bit like trying to adjust a length of telescoping tube by pulling out both ends at the same time, if that makes sense. Just try it and you'll see. And be sure to double check the stylus and the pivot settings each time.

Now what exact pivot to stylus distance you end up with by doing this will not likely match any pre- specified length but you will have your cartridge fitting the target of the Feickert design. Compare it with where the alignment is set using other methods then give it a listen.

Oscar44, thanks. That is what I thought but wanted to hear from somebody that has used the Feickert with a SME V arm. Anybody else who has the SME V arm and uses the Feickert have any other advice? Should I start out the alignment setting the arm to 215mm and then go from there?

If you like the chosen alignment for the protractor that SME supplies, that is a precise way to get the alignment right. I like those bespoke protractors that require you to get the arm to align with a profile of the arm that is drawn on the protractor. The Basis Vector utilizes such a protractor and if you are off by just a fraction of a millimeter, the image will be off by a significant amount.

I bought the SME V arm used and its missing the rubber grommet that fits onto the SME provided protractor alignment tool which fits it to the spindle, plus I have read that the Feickert protractor is much more accurate than that tool.