Is there a problem with setting VTF this way?


I was wondering if anyone else has tried setting their tracking force this way. I have a very accurate laboratory beam balance scale with which I weighed out a blob of blue tack weighing 1.7 grams. I attached this on top of the headshell over the stylus contact point. I then adjusted the VTF until the tonearm was balanced, horizontally level in equilibrium. I removed the blue tack, VTF should be set at 1.7 grams. Is there a problem with this method I haven't thought of?
photon46
Yes, you be tracking at NEGATIVE 1.7 grams (tone arm will rise to its upper limit stop, in actuality).
Your idea is fine although you should place the blue tack on the tonearm counterweight. Then balance the tonearm. Removing the blue tack would then give you the 1.7 grams.
Humm, I've not kept up with my physics, but I don't think 1.7 grams placed on either end of a non-symetric fulcrum will give you 1.7 grams of down force at the stylus. I think a down-force gauge used at the stylus tip is the only quick and accurate means of verifying downforce. Unless, of course, you are a mathemetician or physicist!

The scale on you counterweight is calibrated specifically fot the physical properties of your tonearm, I would guess.

My best guess.......

TIC