Checking speed 331/3, 45

Thanks for your replies! I have downloaded an app for my iPhone and it works great- thanks again.
ATB,
Mark

Another option to consider: Feickert' PlatterSpeed app, which
can be downloaded to a cell phone or E-reader from
"platterspeed.com". It's easy to use, works very well, and is
very accurate. It will require having a test record with a
3150 Hz signal. Feickert has a small test disk -- called
"Adjust+" I think -- that you can buy to use with
the app, but it's inexpensive. Using this app and disk, I was
able to dial-in my turntable's speed to +/- 0.2 Hz of 3150.
(I have a VPI Classic 3 with SDS).

I use a test record and a frequency counter plugged into the phono stage output. Much more accurate than the alternatives.

I bought a gadget from DHGate.com. It is a laser RPM reader. You stick a piece of reflective tape to the platter and point the laser at it and you will get an accurate reading. It cost something like $15 shipped.

I've since just leave the tape on the platter, so I can check the speed from time to time.

FrankC

Best bang for the buck, IMO, is the KB strobe and disc. It's very important that the strobe is battery operated and thus is not affected by drift of the frequency of your house AC. Furthermore, the KB disc is large in diameter relative to most, which makes for superior accuracy. Cost is $100, more than the cheapest and less than many. You have to go up to the Sutherland Timeline for superior accuracy, at ~$400. Cell phone apps are unreliable, according to scuttlebutt.