Tracking Force Gauges

Dear Andrew: Yes, with the Clearaudio.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

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

Something I had mentioined in the past,and worth repeating.I had compared the 95 dollar guage(I have it too)to my pal's Winds guage.The Winds guage is built like a tank.It has proven very useful,to my friend.It also,weighs a ton,and exudes quality,as in "I'm gonna last a lifetime"!The 95 dollar guage,we are speaking of was within .03 gms of the Winds when we compared accuracy.Beyond that we always tune by ear anyway.All in all this little guy is a fabulous buy,and the most recent issue of HiFi Choice has just reviewed it,stating it was "far more accurate than any guage they EVER tested"!I still think it looks a bit cheap,though.
The door,on guages should really be closed with this cute little device,though I'd be happy to trade mine for a mint Winds!
Best!

PS--for anyone following my audio life,as of lately,my Rowland has finally shipped!!HOORAY!!!

Happy to hear that Mark.....hope it comes soon...and enjoy!

Rick

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

Hey fellas,an interesting point,and something I can look forward to "scoping out".......Since my circuit breaker box was damaged in the lightning strike(eluding my audio room,thankfully),the electrician doing the new work,and providing a far better "box",claims my current to my electronics was severly limited,by the old unit.He claims I will receive a far better current delivery,and sound, with my new box(I hope).
Also,Jeff Rowland claims(I hope all these claims are a "little bit" accurate)the new power supply circuitry he has given me is far more advanced,and reliable than the old(only two yrs)one.He also claims it cost him a small fortune,yet since I was such a good sport,for waiting without "kvetching",there is NO charge.What a nice guy!
He was,also,in a severe motorcycle accident,but is thankfully fine.I cannot stand by and let him bear this expense without some kind of action,on my part,so I have decided to offer his company some free printing.It seems like the right thing to do,even though I was under warranty.
BTW--I will be enjoying the upcoming TV season in "wide screen Hi Def".I think my family deserves some fun,as the last few weeks have been horrible,and we'd like to put it behind us.
As for my tennis game...It seems like I will be on permanent leave,there,as my epidermal layer(on my palms,and finger tips) has still not healed.My Dr claims this was from all the stress,yet I thought I was handling everything quite well,but this "hands crap" really sucks.Imagine brushing your tweeth in pain.I don't have to go anywhere else,with this.Use your imagination.
Though I will still set-up my pal's Tranny Orpheus,only will be wearing cotton gloves.

Based on my schedule,and desperately in need of a nice vacation,I may wind up going to the RAF!!BOY,would I love that.I'll bet my hands would clear up,too!

Best!!

Aoliviero -- I experience the same with the 95 gauge and I usually tare it by holding the cartridge to the nearest point before the stylus touches the surface. This, hopefully, helps to eliminate any magnetic attraction, if there is any, and hence allow the "near" absolute VTF to be measured with that particular cartridge. With this, I also discovered different "negative" values in the readings after taring the scale for different cartridges. I suppose it is due to the strength and design of the magnet in these cartridges.

Vincentkkho,

The more I thought about this the more I think I need to retract my assertion on a false reading as a result of the magnetic attraction. Certainly with the cartridge suspended over the gauge, one sees a negative reading appear. However, when the stylus touches down and makes contact and the arm is free to move, I think there is no upward force and the gauge is truly reading the VTF. What do others think?

Andrew