I still don't understand how the rear of the arm knows how far to move to keep things aligned. I mean the only think attached to the record, and guiding the whole mechanism, is a small fragile stylus that is actually moving in all directions within the groove. I would love to see a video of this in action. |
The pivoting cantilevered plate that holds the arm has a guiding mechanism underneath it that extends to the back of the arm in parallel with the arm that points to one of the 3 points in the Thales circle. I know Frank's arm does not exactly use the Thales geometry but it is the reference to check for absolute tangency. Think of the Thales tonearm by Michel Huber in reverse. Instead of pivot the headshell with a guiding rod, the Schröder arm pivots at the arm-base. Frank is clever enough to conceal all the extra stuff underneath that plate that holds the armlift. And it's aesthetically pleasing. I wish there's a close up picture that shows all the mechanics but so far it's a trade secret. All I know it's done magnetically to have the least friction. If you're familiar with the Garrard Zero 100 tonearm, there's a guiding rod along with the main armwand and the Schröder uses the same concept except it done at the arm base area. Again, if you have the time, check out my thread in diyaudio forum. Here are couple pictures: http://i43.tinypic.com/9sxnh3.jpg http://i42.tinypic.com/2d11ocz.jpg The segment from point B to point D is where the guiding mechanism is. _______ |
