Feickert analogue protractor....Owners impressions

04 rdking,
For the reasons stated by Ken is why I measured my effective length before ordering.
The SME jig does the same thing because it is driven by effective length and you move the mounting distance to make it's adjustment. I just find the arc protracter easier to work with than the SME jig. I have enough play in my cartridge mounting to adjust offset.

Mike

Using the Graham B-44 factory alignment jigs to position the arm for the spindle pivot distance and then to mount the cartridge.
The end result , I found them to be of ease of use, well thought out and a very accurate design.

Once the Feikert protractor arrived, I checked my set up against the Graham factory jigs and my ability of using them.

First up , the Feikert read a pivot to spindle distance of 216.5 mm for the Graham Phantom arm.
Next step I was able to land the stylus on the first point of reference with little problem. It was bang on the mark.
The third step which took a little longer, was to position the stylus in a grid to check to see if the cantilever is parallel with the lines on the grid, which it was. Oh yes, the Feikert disk is reflective.

For us older guys, this is where a photographers lope and mag light came in handy.

Thinking about it as I type this, did I need to buy protractor? I also have the MintLp arc tractor on its way too.

Using an arc protractor made specific for my arm and table is going to be interesting.

Its a learning experience for me, its fun and in the end I will have complete piece of mind knowing the geometry of my arm and cartridge are exactly to spec.

Good Listening

Mark

Stiltskin, let us know your impressions on the Mint LP after using it. Also, when this is all done, let us know your impressions for all 3 (Phantom own jig, Feickert, MintLp) and the one you would highly recommend. Perhaps the Graham supplied jig is all you need and the Feickert and MintLp become redundant.
All the best......

Smoffatt, Will do.

I think with being caught up with the excitement of some new equipment that recently arrived ,I felt that I should have another protractor as a 2nd reference, just to be sure.

As it stands , the Graham jigs are exceptional, including the Feikert protractor.
Both use a design method of detentes where the Feikert locks into a disk template that sits on the platter like an Lp.

The Graham jig detentes are in the head shell.
Another huge advantage with the Graham cartridge jig is that you can unscrew the arm tube and hold it in any position you need to, to get the job done.

As mentioned above regarding arc protractors, Ken Willis is said to make an exceptional protractor for $50.00.

From there, the Wally and MintLp tractor.

I'm sure there are other highly accurate and easy to use tractors available that may equal the ones mentioned.

For any ones interest, this post to date is approaching 3000 views.

If anyone has a question regarding set up of your own table, arm and cartridge, DO ASK.

It DOES NOT matter what you own.

Fear not.

There is a long list of highly experienced members here with friendly advice and guidance.

I haven't yet ordered the protractor yet. I'm just not convinced I need it. I did order a sample of their record cleaner. Below is an initial review I posted on Vinyl Asylum.

I ordered the free sample offered at the website. I normally avoid multi-step cleaning processes because life is to damn short to waste it on non-essential activities. My regular cleaning fluids are VPI, RRL regular and Superwash and I have used Nitty Gritty's fluid. My favorite was Torumat which, I don't believe, is now available.

MintLP requires a three step process (four if you count wiping the record edge with a lint-free cloth). My initial impressions are quite positive. This may be the best I've ever used. Vinyl is very quiet and
dynamics seem to be improved. I need to spend more time with it on more records to confirm my observations are not simply the result of a placebo effect. The free sample only requires a $1 PayPal payment to cover postage from Hong Kong.

Worth a try.