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Digital Microscope advice SRA

I have my digital microscope (DM) installed on my laptop. I want to use it to aid me in my stylus rake angle SRA.Has anybody tried this before? I'm looking for any helpful ideas or aids from someone who has gone through this before.I understand that the TT platter should be taped or otherwise kept from moving. I'm thinking that some sort of white background to have as a contrast. I intend on using an old Album of no use as a platform to make sure of the correct height with the stylus resting on it.
I've already figured out how to get the angle degrees with the software. So am I forgetting anything?Just using it to inspect how clean it is. Is a P.I.T.Arse.  Any little movement and where did the stylus go? I have to readjust everything again.
BTW, I'm using FLUX hi fi stylus cleaner Which works beautifully I might add, 10 seconds and wow. spotless.
128x128joes44
folkfreak's avatar
folkfreak
1,349 posts
 
It can be done -- but is a PiTA and also can be next to impossible depending on your stylus profile

My detailed methodology is presented here
https://www.audioasylum.com/cgi/vt.mpl?f=vinyl&m=1084171&VT=T

Since then however I've moved on to two alternative options

1) Simply measure directly using a tool like this -- then fine tune by ear
http://www.rutherfordaudio.com/shop/default/brands/acoustical-systems/smartstylus.html

2) Or (best) use the AnalogMagik software and take the guesswork out -- but it will cost you!

bimasta's avatar
bimasta
227 posts
 
The idea of measuring SRA using a digital microscope seems to be about as current as last year‘s high fashion. In recent weeks or months, there have been a few convincing posts by knowledgeable persons in the field suggesting that most of us would not know how to use the microscope to determine the true rake angle of the stylus, because it  requires an intimate understanding of the geometry of the stylus tip you are dealing with. And modern styli are very complex in shape.
It's not just the stylus shape that makes it difficult. The reality is that it takes a big change at the pivot-end to make an audible difference at the stylus end. I had VTA on-the-fly 30 years ago, I wanted that magic 'snap into focus' moment. But it took very large adjustments to hear any meaningful change. It was a VDH 1 stylus, with a very sharp edge — it should have been dramatic. I was so disappointed.

This puts it in perspective...

https://www.tnt-audio.com/sorgenti/vta_e.html
lewm
13,301 posts
 
Joe, Sorry to be such a nihilist, but yes, judge by ear.  While I agree with bimasta that it takes a big change in VTA to make much of a measurable change in SRA, I also observe that small changes in VTA, done by ear, have a subtle but satisfying effect on tonal balance, whether or not I am doing much to SRA.
larryi
4,103 posts
 
I have never tried using a digital scope myself.  I read comments by a couple of manufacturers of cartridges that there are problems with this approach.  For one thing, when the record is actually being played, the angle changes so the static measurement will be different from the supposedly correct angle during play.  

It makes more sense to start with a rough setting (the easier to accomplish setting of the tonearm/cartridge top parallel to the record surface, and then make small changes based on sonic preference.
joes44's avatar
joes44 OP
137 posts
 
Thanx folkfreak 1, I already have the smart stylus jig. Nice rig BTW.lewm, Did you ever hear the song "88 lines about 44 women" by the nails?Just whenever someone uses the word nihilist I think of that song.I'm actually not an Nth degree er. But I just thought since I have the equipment I'd give it a try. I was surprised as to how little my styli has worn. Nice to see that the stylus cleaner does the job it supposed to do. And I know, I know before I get frustrated,,, "Drop the screwdriver and back away from the Turntable!"
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