Stylus Force Gauge

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.

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.

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.

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.

Sounds like it should be named "Canwrong".