Tracking Force Gauges

There were some pretty cool pictures in that previous thread which showed how to make a fixture that would insure you would be weighing at the same height as a record surface. All you would need to do is tare to the weight of such a fixture. This fixture along with some of the scales mentioned here would be ideal and save alot compared to the cost of some guages.

That big ad on the Acoustic Sounds web page got me spooked so I went ahead and ordered one from Audio Note Singapore. SirSpeedy, seems like you're having pretty good results with yours. It is definitely better than the scale I have.

SirSpeedy, will a gallon of MD 20-20 suffice? Or Boones Farm perhaps?

Opalchip, I have a guage very similar to the one's in your links. The difference here is the the scale we're talking about (assuming the claim is valid) has precision that is a magnitude greater than the range we care about. This extra precision means we are using the scale well within its limits. We know that absolute accuracy isn't as important as repeatability. It also, and most attractive to me, has the feature of weighing VTF very close to the surface height of a record on the platter. I could fabricate a jig as others have done but I'm not sure that it is worth my time to save a few bucks. Though I have no idea what it is, the shipping charge must be fairly hefty if it is coming from Singapore.

Vetterone, thanks for posting some measurements. Sounds like your results back up SirSpeedy's.

Hi Albert, I knew that shipping and the paypal fee was included but didn't think about it being airmail.

Opalchip, I understand your reasoning and don't really disagree. I don't think this is a "must have" set-up tool. However, it has been my experience that I will always be changing arms, cartridges, tables, etc., and any tool that can speed up the process is worth my giving serious consideration to adding it to my tool box. Thanks to the feedback this guage has received here on A'gon and the fact that Acoustic Sounds is now selling them, for a pretty hefty mark-up, I'm convinced enough to risk $100. I don't think anyone who buys one of these should be considered a sucker. But, to each his own.

SirSpeedy, I had seen this guage about the time you did but my hat's off to ya for taking the plunge first. I'll gladly buy the first round. But trust me, you don't want me picking the wine! I've pretty much exhausted my knowledge if wine with my last post. :)

Yeah, this thing works great!

Hi Andrew,

Just so happens that I received my order of this scale in time to take it with me to Denver. I didn't do any actual VTF measurements with it, but Thom and I did compare the readings to his scale and also test the metal with a pretty strong magnet. Based on what we say I feel confident in saying that we all have absolutely nothing to fear. I used the calibration weight in my kitchen in New Hampshire and got a reading of 5.001. In Thom's basement in Denver I got a reading of 5.006. Pretty good considering the differences in altitude and weather.

SirSpeedy, I'm not sure what you were referring to specifically in some of your comment on the build. Now that I have one I can hold in my hands I'll look back through your posts and see if I can pick out what you meant.

In all, I'm very happy with this scale. I plan on doing some actual VTF measurements tonight when I get home. for those that have a scale that works for them I can't see the need to buy one just for the sake of it. But if you are in the same situation like I was of still searching for a good way to get repeatable VTF then the just could be exactly what you're looking for.

I'm confused as well, Albert. This scale looks to be just about perfect for taking a reading with the stylus at the same level as it would be sitting on an LP. Just place the scale on your platter and take a reading. Couldn't be more simple.

If Andrew is referring to a method that uses a "normal height" scale without using a jig then I'm not so confused. However, why move VTA at all? That is much more complicated and prone to error than just going ahead with a jig. There is nothing wrong with a jig as long as the scale you're using it with can tare out the weight of the jig and the weight of the jig doesn't overload the scale.

Andrew,

Mine does this as well. I did check that the metal around the target area is not magnetically attracted with a pretty strong magnet. I didn't pay attention to what that magnet did to the readout since we were just concerned with the possibility that the cartridge would attract the metal. Like you say, it does seem repeatable and that's what really counts.

Best,

Dan

Yes, I expect to soon see posts by SirSpeedy that are oozing exuberance over a newly modified amp!

Good on you, Mark!

BTW, based on your comments about the build quality of this guage I was expecting something much more flimsy. I have to say that I find it pretty well made, but I do understand you have access to a Winds for comparison.

Best,

Dan