setting VTF with a digital guage

Andy, you might try experimenting by measuring the differences in VTF between the gauge and your setup LP to develop a calibration adjustment that you can apply when using the Acoustech gauge on the platter.

Start by figuring out how much higher above the platter the gauge surface is than the LP you're using to set VTF. You could set the gauge on a flat surface and place an LP (or LPs) next to it until the heights are the same. For reference, here are the measurements I've compiled from some posts I've read...

Hgt(mm)-Wgt(g)
1.00 - 100
1.27 - 120
1.52 - 150
1.77 - 180
2.02 - 200

Then, with the gauge on the platter, set your tonearm and cartridge combination to 2.00g of VTF.

Without adjusting the counterweight, place the LP(s) on the platter equal to the height difference you measured and record (and average) the VTF.

You now have the difference in VTF readings between the gauge sitting on the platter surface and your setup LP.

You'll then have a calibration factor that you can apply to the VTF measurements you get with the gauge on the platter. For example, if the VTF difference you recorded was 0.1g higher (the readings averaged 2.1g) you actually set VTF 0.1g lower to get the VTF you're after.

If you're really motivated, you could record measurements for a few different thicknesses to see if the relationship is linear or curvilinear, but I'm not sure that's necessary.

You can protect the surfaces of the albums by using thin sheets of paper.

Regards,
Tom

Jesus - I never realized it was so complicated. I just set the force at the max and it seems to work out well.

Chayro, I'm pretty much with you (regardless of -- or maybe because of -- the different VTF readings I get when setting the gauge at different points across the disc or platter. And my digital VTF gauge reads to THREE decimal points, which makes it all the more absurd (IMHO of course).

Tketcham: I am not sure I understand your chart of height and weight. Could you clarify?

I will admit to investing in an Ortofon digital gauge, which is kind of pricy, but seems to put the stylus in about the right place.
ortofon