Correcting drifting with Sutherland Timeline

To all Timeline owners-

I take it that you have to use the Timeline unit (laser switched off)continuously to maintain speed accuracy once set.

What if you have a different clamp or puck for a vacuum system over the spindle to enforce a seal, then I take it that the Timeline cannot be used.

Or is there a way to get around this?

Thanks for your thoughts and replies.

The Timeline is a test tool, it's most important function is checking speed. If it works with your turntable as a hold down, you got a bonus

The Timeline does not hold the record tight enough in my system, the LP actually slips on start and stop and maybe even during play. A different platter mat could change this result, mine is particularly "slippery" as mats go.

Thanks for the insights Albert.

So does this mean the speed should 'not' vary on the turntable once you have removed the timeline. I would have thought that given the weight of the timeline, having it on or off the TT, would cause a deviation in speed.

Or am I completely off the track here in understanding, where stylus drag could cause speed deviations but having the timeline on or off the tt wouldn't?

The reason why I ask is that once the speed is set with the aid of the timeline, does the unit then just sit on a shelf.

Would you check speed weekly/monthly.....

As this would then makes it easier then for a few of us audiophiles to purchase one unit and use it between us when required. (As I don't see them for sale on Agon as yet)

Look forward to your thoughts and thanks for your replies.

So does this mean the speed should 'not' vary on the turntable once you have removed the Timeline. I would have thought that given the weight of the Timeline, having it on or off the TT, would cause a deviation in speed.

The Timeline is maybe 8 ounces, little more than an audiophile LP, I don't think that's a factor.

Or am I completely off the track here in understanding, where stylus drag could cause speed deviations but having the Timeline on or off the tt wouldn't?

A small weight above spindle is not the same as variable drag (friction). My preferred clamps are several pounds AND lock. My turntable is powerful enough that weight is not a factor, so I get all benefit with no downside.

With Timeline and my mat the LP slips. No way to "push down" and lock to simulate more weight. However, making Timeline a locking device would drastically change the price and benefit few. (This is my opinion, no input from Ron Sutherland).

The reason why I ask is that once the speed is set with the aid of the Timeline, does the unit then just sit on a shelf.

For me, yes. Same as my stylus force gauge, Mint tractor, Wally Tractor and other tools. If the Timeline works on your turntable as a weight, you got a bonus. I think it's worth the price as a speed check alone.

Would you check speed weekly/monthly.....

As this would then makes it easier then for a few of us audiophiles to purchase one unit and use it between us when required. (As I don't see them for sale on Agon as yet)

I must have my own tools, things always happen at the wrong time, hard enough to keep everything 100% even with everything handy.

Thanks Albert for all the great answers. It did place a smile on my face when I realised that it could join the stylus force gauge, protractor and other knick-knacks in the tt accesory drawer.

One final query, especially since you have a great TT/Analog rig (SP-10Mk3). Could you make out the difference in pitch or tonality after the adjustments with the timeline.

In short if my tt ran at 33.34 constant - no variation or deviation-totally spot on all the time at such a speed, then would this make a tonal/pitch/music flow and all the lovely things that analog does on playback.

Just a yes or no reply, would also be appreciated as I have really tried to convince myself that the timeline is must have accesory.