2. analog
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Stylus Force Gauge

Anyone have experience with the newer digital stylus force gauges? If so which ones and recommended over another?

Have been using the venerable Shure SFG-2 since Noah built the Ark.

Getting up in years now, weak eyes, shaking hands all the crap with gaining wisdom, or so I think.

Anyway let me know if any of the analog mavens are using these newer Digital devices.

Thanks
ferrari
axelwahl
788 posts
 
Has anyone with a graded (dynamic) VTF e.g. SME-V ever confirmed whether the gauge or the arm's scale are well matched?

Same could be asked about e.g. SME-IV (static) VTF a.b.c.d.e.f. weight scaling.
A.
peterayer
1,382 posts
 
I use the Micro-Tech XMT-200 (200g/0.1g) digital scale which uses a weighing step off to one side as Doug suggests. The step height (surface for stylus) is approximately the same height as that of a thicker LP on the platter. It cost about $50 a couple years ago and works great. I did'nt know about possible magnets damaging the cartridge.

Axel, I have found that my scale reading and my SME V dynamic VTF dial are usually spot on. If they are off, it is never by more than the 0.1g accuracy of my scale and I just turn the dial very slightly and measure again.
notec
407 posts
 
Don't put your stylus directly on the platform of any digital gauge. That would indeed cause the problem you noted and also another. Many scales are magnetic and/or contain magnetic materials. The strong attraction would distort your measurement and might damage your cartridge

Does the AUDIO ADDITIVES - DIGITAL STYLUS FORCE GAUGE have a magnetic platform? Looks like the advertising

http://www.musicdirect.com/products/images.php?i=-1&p=31026&h=72700

shows it placed directly on the platform.
hdm
1,062 posts
 
Here's the Canrong gauge accurate to within .01 grams for $13. You'll need to buy a calibration weight for a couple of bucks as well because at that price it doesn't come with it.

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.16269

I have the Canrong reading to within .001 grams and have had it for a number of years-paid about $65 for it. Non-magnetic weigh platform. Extremely accurate.

But if you can live with reads to within .01 I don't think you'll do much better. Buy 2 on the off chance that one goes bad and you'll still be way ahead of the game.
dan_ed
2,451 posts
 
HI Hdm,

that is a decent scale. I had one for a couple of years before the display died. Your advice to buy a couple of these is very good advice indeed. :-)

I bought a ProScale LC-50 and made a weighing step for it. One could buy three or four of the Canrong scales for the price of an LC-50.
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