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Need help with Ortofon stylus force gauge

I've spent the day assembling a Teres 265, Illustrious arm and Shelter 901 for a friend. Included in the package is an Ortofon stylus force gauge which reads in mN. The only clue I have about this piece is that 10 mN = 1 gram. I would like to set it at 1.8 grams for starters since the range for this cartridge is 1.4 - 2.0 grams. Does 18 mN equal 1.8 grams? Also, this is a lever type scale with a groove along the scaled end. Do I place the stylus where this 18 mN would be and adjust the counterweight so that the balance itself is level like two equal weights on a teeter totter? I hope I've made this clear. I'm hoping for some input from someone that has experience with the particular gauge. Thanks.

Patrick
lugnut
stefanl
296 posts
 
Yes,you seem to have grasped the gist of it.I have an Ortofon gauge and I use it to approximate the weight.It only has 1.5-2.0g given on the scale.So you set it close to 2.0g i.e where you think 1.8g should be.Then you iterate around this area until your ears tell you,you got it right,along with everything else.Take the arm off the gauge to adjust and it is right when level with stylus in the groove. You have to set your bias,vta etc.in conjunction with stylus weight.There are more accurate gauges available. stefanl
lugnut OP
1,190 posts
 
Thanks guys. I experimented with it on my Linn and it matched so it's close enough for now. I simply can't wait to listen to this table. I'm going to get spoiled fast.
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
It's almost useless, as Pbb says, but not quite. Stefanl's right, you can get close with the Ortofon and then set by ear. The Ortofon will just help you make sure you're within the 1.4-2.0 range but that's about all.

If the 901's new it needs 40 hours or so to break in before it really opens up and plays. Tell your friend to be patient, it's worth it.

Going off to listen to mine now before a week away. I'll miss it. Sniff...
4yanx
1,576 posts
 
The Ortofon gauge shipped with my Illustrious I consider a novelty item. :-) It is cute, but not too accurate by my estimation. My Shure was with 0.05 gr when compared with my friend's Winds gauge, but the Ortofon weighed 0.2 gr heavier than the Shure. Oy.

Lugnut, how is your friend liking his/her Illustrious?
david99
1,467 posts
 
Lugnut-I almost bought the Ortofon gauge.Oracle offers one exactly like the Ortofon but with Oracle written on it.I have read from a good source these gauges are at least 30% off.I bought a Shure for a few bucks more and its very easy to use.If you want to borrow my Shure drop me a line.
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