SME V service manual/parts list

@normb 

Here's a suggestion - what about reverse calibrating the dial  -

Set the VTF to 1.75g using the dial.

Now adjust the counterweight so that the VTF is actually 1.75g at the stylus tip - using your scales.

Now check 1.5g & 2.0g using the dial and scales to see if it is accurate enough to rely on.

Personally I prefer to set VTF with a combination of static and dynamic VTF. A ratio of 2:1 works very well - for example if you want 1.5g tracking force - set static downforce using counterweight to 1.0g and then spring force of 0.5g to bring it up to 1.5g. 

This is recommended by Grado after conducting tests - and JCarr also has found a mix of static & dynamic to be optimum.

@cleeds,

Correct, 

Long talk with Alfred Kayser at SME tonearms just now. Sage advice: don’t F with it, use a digital scale. May send in for rebuild/wiring soon.
 

thanks for all the suggestions and feedback.

Bingo!

Gotta say it really helped talking to someone who has rehab'd hundreds (thousands) of these tonearms and discuss some of the details of the workings of the things.

THAT made a world of difference.

Kudos to Alfred for not trying to make me out to be a rank amateur and giving some other advice on the turntable to boot.

I had bought some parts from him a few years back, have full confidence in sending the TA in for a complete overhaul/renewal.