What's the limit for cart upgrade/VPI Scout?


Been looking at archived threads, and don't see this particular question, so here goes- what's the limit of how good a cartridge you can put on the VPI Scout? Currently using a Lyra Dorian, which sounds great, but I can't help wondering what would happen if say, a Titan i or other high-end cart were to be used? Anyone tried it? Silly question, I know, but is one better off investing in more in the way of a table, or in a cartridge? Sorry, had to ask. Thanks, Dan
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Showing 3 responses by dgarretson

Now that your platform has improved vibration control, I suspect your biggest & most cost-effective upgrade will be to improve speed stability. Like you I'm currently without a speed controller(my despised TNT PLC Speed Controller finally gave up the ghost.) Though I could go for an SDS, I'm leaning away from it. Having become convinced of the superiority of thread drive over rubber belts on my TNT, for a bit more money than the SDS I'm inclined to abandon belt drive altogether, and replace the entire VPI engine with the forthcoming Teres rim-drive motor & controller. This could be applied to the Scout as well.
I believe the Project speed box is 16V, which precludes use on a 120V VPI motor. I recently installed Mark Kelly's battery powered Synchrotron AC-1 Drive Controller with a VPI 300RPM motor. It's a killer solution that may equal or surpass an SDS at about half the cost. However it's available only as a kit requiring fairly advanced DIY skills.
Photon, Mark doesn't have a website yet, but you will find contact info under the AA For Sale section, or you can email a request for AC-1 theory & build documents to mark@quidditytech.com.