Unstable Tracking Force Conundrum- a ghost in the machine ?

[worrasf]

So here’s a puzzle I’ve been unable to solve - maybe someone can shed some light?

A few days ago while using my Paradox Pulse Denon DL103-R I noted the bass was overly boomy and distorting on certain tracks - all other frequencies were fine. On checking the VTF it was 3.5g instead of the 2.5g I had set a couple of weeks prior. Putting it down to personal stupidity I reset to 2.5 and the bass was back to normal. Anyway, same thing happened again the following day- VTF measured 3.5g. Weird! To cut a long story short I reset and rechecked after an hour and it was again 3.5. I’ve repeated this on numerous occasions and the VTF drifts up by about 1g every time.

If I swap in either my AT 33PTG/II or Goldbug Brier the VTF stays stable - no drift.

I have recalibrated my digital balance and also used the Shure SFG 2 (very similar readings) in case the balance had gone off.

The TT shelf/TT/platter are all perfectly level.

The virtually new Jelco TK850s is correctly setup and arm/headshell set perpendicular using a spirit bubble and horizontal site rule.

The Paradox Pulse is in a new Jelco HS-30 with all fixings tight.

So I think I’ve eliminated all external factors and come to the conclusion it must be an issue with the cartridge suspension despite it being 2 years old and with only about 100 hours. It’s never been mishandled. I’ve discussed this with Terence at Paradox Pulse and he is adamant it can’t be the cartridge and even if it were broken it wouldn’t give these symptoms. He suggested gently depressing the cantilever with a finger - it did return to its default position on release and there was some resistance but I have no idea how it should feel. I can’t believe such a test can exclude a duff suspension.

I suggested sending it back to Terence for checking but he is sceptical and it’s also a long way to send it if it’s not the problem.

Anyway, long story but I’m out of ideas now. Grateful for any suggestions.

Steve



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[walpurgis]

The tracking downforce can't be altered by the cartridge, I'd assume the tonearm is responsible. Maybe the internal wiring is applying unwanted torque, although it would have to be pretty stiff wire to generate a 1g difference.

[topoxforddoc]

Steve
Have you tried the 103 in a different tonearm?
Charlie

[worrasf]

The tracking downforce can't be altered by the cartridge, I'd assume the tonearm is responsible. Maybe the internal wiring is applying unwanted torque, although it would have to be pretty stiff wire to generate a 1g difference.

If that were the case I’d expect to have the same problem with the other cartridges and they are both perfect. Totally stable. I even checked again this morning - after 24 hours the VTF on the Brier is exactly as I set it so I can’t fathom how it could be the tonearm unless it’s because the mass of cartridge and headshell (29g) is too much for the arm. I can get it to balance but the counterweight is virtually at the end of the arm. I did enquire from Hugo (Ammonite Acoustics) if there was a heavier counterweight available but apparently not.



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[worrasf]

Steve
Have you tried the 103 in a different tonearm?
Charlie

I haven’t Charlie. The only other arm I have is an SME 3009 II with fixed headshell - there’s no way it would take the mass of the Paradox.

Walpurgis’s post has got me thinking that maybe this cartridge/headshell is to heavy for the arm with standard counterweight and the knife edge bearing is being “distorted”




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[struth]

no kids who might have had a twiddle? suspension could be collapsing but im not so sure that would alter vtf much. something loose on arm

[worrasf]

no kids who might have had a twiddle? suspension could be collapsing but im not so sure that would alter vtf much. something loose on arm

Nope defo no kids or vagrant twiddles.
Poltergeist?


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[Audio Al]

What TFGuage are you using , I had all sorts of problems with this type
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/0-5g-LED-Digital-Cartridge-Stylus-Tracking-Force-Scale-Gauge-For-Tonearm-Phone/293089996015?_trkparms=ispr%3D1&hash=item443d866cef:g:KBUAAOSwe2Zdm~6v&enc=AQAEAAACQBPxNw%2BVj6nta7CKEs3N0qU84y02GxRVyNnO Xi8lEHQwS6f3225Tu8QRAzhMtfCPYGYucF3mgIlZOXxa0o3Gix e3Agxtn7c5dq3ESpfUHD6rRUg8VFtfYvhfTdDwZ1hYMQ72J3RN DPNbR9DoSeVIKdTxhH2VsdimFdGUxUPvvx%2BDnh3oT7%2F4jt rp6aJNnTzZbBdMGc%2FS6OnQj3BoptsUYREpxhpQVn6aY7Qdz9 zSZDd3vMk%2FyDSU9bCDGNnoOhDonMK%2BtpvbWyb4Gfr1cfLu kHV5McfP7j0r9Vf5EN2lHS9QrYBVILo5Jhvyn9T2MNx9%2BeMS ZJxADzs6HDtLsi9d3vBiBdkbWVW5pIG%2BRShx2q%2FoHPnIFg UvF%2BtCDgUAbj5mr0C%2Ff%2BWn%2Fl3phTa8jR2vfMidAw68 qAbZOB3IK1vtsHG9QpWoPKUd61eqMHYOtwU7NQD9mMjIhzRAle o2Yc%2FYnPIsilj5AFJ4Pz%2FHGBK02Kwn6LpxdNBtU%2Fok06 %2BWyQMvzL4wX2DxOWGZsE6JevldGqVLX66SKg%2F1jegzjDVY R64iiAdJFWmX3hR4tHYMybSrgwf0bEu%2F4c%2B5QQsPUTv14o iylfR1%2BjBiPUSQPWtWEcwSHqzFoZrNMSj2IvRCBFc3CmFkl% 2FgWeyfk%2Budpeog1c5ibalGyAyPXILKL5lkAbee4nJ8C4hf1 twYYY%2Brq%2Fnju53lltZ8Wn%2BFDghW8HWbuTJjy1k2tAaDm DpiJNu8wh8%2BlmPgBZ%2F7apZzHrq86BwWcbQ%3D%3D&checksum=2930899960157d4760db4e054600b218d8413f0ae 269&enc=AQAEAAACQBPxNw%2BVj6nta7CKEs3N0qU84y02GxRVyNnO Xi8lEHQwS6f3225Tu8QRAzhMtfCPYGYucF3mgIlZOXxa0o3Gix e3Agxtn7c5dq3ESpfUHD6rRUg8VFtfYvhfTdDwZ1hYMQ72J3RN DPNbR9DoSeVIKdTxhH2VsdimFdGUxUPvvx%2BDnh3oT7%2F4jt rp6aJNnTzZbBdMGc%2FS6OnQj3BoptsUYREpxhpQVn6aY7Qdz9 zSZDd3vMk%2FyDSU9bCDGNnoOhDonMK%2BtpvbWyb4Gfr1cfLu kHV5McfP7j0r9Vf5EN2lHS9QrYBVILo5Jhvyn9T2MNx9%2BeMS ZJxADzs6HDtLsi9d3vBiBdkbWVW5pIG%2BRShx2q%2FoHPnIFg UvF%2BtCDgUAbj5mr0C%2Ff%2BWn%2Fl3phTa8jR2vfMidAw68 qAbZOB3IK1vtsHG9QpWoPKUd61eqMHYOtwU7NQD9mMjIhzRAle o2Yc%2FYnPIsilj5AFJ4Pz%2FHGBK02Kwn6LpxdNBtU%2Fok06 %2BWyQMvzL4wX2DxOWGZsE6JevldGqVLX66SKg%2F1jegzjDVY R64iiAdJFWmX3hR4tHYMybSrgwf0bEu%2F4c%2B5QQsPUTv14o iylfR1%2BjBiPUSQPWtWEcwSHqzFoZrNMSj2IvRCBFc3CmFkl% 2FgWeyfk%2Budpeog1c5ibalGyAyPXILKL5lkAbee4nJ8C4hf1 twYYY%2Brq%2Fnju53lltZ8Wn%2BFDghW8HWbuTJjy1k2tAaDm DpiJNu8wh8%2BlmPgBZ%2F7apZzHrq86BwWcbQ%3D%3D&checksum=2930899960157d4760db4e054600b218d8413f0ae 269

[struth]

Nope defo no kids or vagrant twiddles.
Poltergeist?


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duffer gauge?

no that wouldnt account for sound.. comes back to arm

[worrasf]

duffer gauge?

no that wouldnt account for sound.. comes back to arm

Checked with both digital balance and Shure SFG 2

[worrasf]

What TFGuage are you using , I had all sorts of problems with this type
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/0-5g-LED-Digital-Cartridge-Stylus-Tracking-Force-Scale-Gauge-For-Tonearm-Phone/293089996015?_trkparms=ispr%3D1&hash=item443d866cef:g:KBUAAOSwe2Zdm~6v&enc=AQAEAAACQBPxNw%2BVj6nta7CKEs3N0qU84y02GxRVyNnO Xi8lEHQwS6f3225Tu8QRAzhMtfCPYGYucF3mgIlZOXxa0o3Gix e3Agxtn7c5dq3ESpfUHD6rRUg8VFtfYvhfTdDwZ1hYMQ72J3RN DPNbR9DoSeVIKdTxhH2VsdimFdGUxUPvvx%2BDnh3oT7%2F4jt rp6aJNnTzZbBdMGc%2FS6OnQj3BoptsUYREpxhpQVn6aY7Qdz9 zSZDd3vMk%2FyDSU9bCDGNnoOhDonMK%2BtpvbWyb4Gfr1cfLu kHV5McfP7j0r9Vf5EN2lHS9QrYBVILo5Jhvyn9T2MNx9%2BeMS ZJxADzs6HDtLsi9d3vBiBdkbWVW5pIG%2BRShx2q%2FoHPnIFg UvF%2BtCDgUAbj5mr0C%2Ff%2BWn%2Fl3phTa8jR2vfMidAw68 qAbZOB3IK1vtsHG9QpWoPKUd61eqMHYOtwU7NQD9mMjIhzRAle o2Yc%2FYnPIsilj5AFJ4Pz%2FHGBK02Kwn6LpxdNBtU%2Fok06 %2BWyQMvzL4wX2DxOWGZsE6JevldGqVLX66SKg%2F1jegzjDVY R64iiAdJFWmX3hR4tHYMybSrgwf0bEu%2F4c%2B5QQsPUTv14o iylfR1%2BjBiPUSQPWtWEcwSHqzFoZrNMSj2IvRCBFc3CmFkl% 2FgWeyfk%2Budpeog1c5ibalGyAyPXILKL5lkAbee4nJ8C4hf1 twYYY%2Brq%2Fnju53lltZ8Wn%2BFDghW8HWbuTJjy1k2tAaDm DpiJNu8wh8%2BlmPgBZ%2F7apZzHrq86BwWcbQ%3D%3D&checksum=2930899960157d4760db4e054600b218d8413f0ae 269&enc=AQAEAAACQBPxNw%2BVj6nta7CKEs3N0qU84y02GxRVyNnO Xi8lEHQwS6f3225Tu8QRAzhMtfCPYGYucF3mgIlZOXxa0o3Gix e3Agxtn7c5dq3ESpfUHD6rRUg8VFtfYvhfTdDwZ1hYMQ72J3RN DPNbR9DoSeVIKdTxhH2VsdimFdGUxUPvvx%2BDnh3oT7%2F4jt rp6aJNnTzZbBdMGc%2FS6OnQj3BoptsUYREpxhpQVn6aY7Qdz9 zSZDd3vMk%2FyDSU9bCDGNnoOhDonMK%2BtpvbWyb4Gfr1cfLu kHV5McfP7j0r9Vf5EN2lHS9QrYBVILo5Jhvyn9T2MNx9%2BeMS ZJxADzs6HDtLsi9d3vBiBdkbWVW5pIG%2BRShx2q%2FoHPnIFg UvF%2BtCDgUAbj5mr0C%2Ff%2BWn%2Fl3phTa8jR2vfMidAw68 qAbZOB3IK1vtsHG9QpWoPKUd61eqMHYOtwU7NQD9mMjIhzRAle o2Yc%2FYnPIsilj5AFJ4Pz%2FHGBK02Kwn6LpxdNBtU%2Fok06 %2BWyQMvzL4wX2DxOWGZsE6JevldGqVLX66SKg%2F1jegzjDVY R64iiAdJFWmX3hR4tHYMybSrgwf0bEu%2F4c%2B5QQsPUTv14o iylfR1%2BjBiPUSQPWtWEcwSHqzFoZrNMSj2IvRCBFc3CmFkl% 2FgWeyfk%2Budpeog1c5ibalGyAyPXILKL5lkAbee4nJ8C4hf1 twYYY%2Brq%2Fnju53lltZ8Wn%2BFDghW8HWbuTJjy1k2tAaDm DpiJNu8wh8%2BlmPgBZ%2F7apZzHrq86BwWcbQ%3D%3D&checksum=2930899960157d4760db4e054600b218d8413f0ae 269

It is similar and I'm aware of the issues with cheap strain gauge balances which is why I double checked with the old fashioned but very reliable Shure SFG 2 and both read very very similar so am happy it's not the balance. Also, there is no problem with the other cartridge/headshell combos

[AJSki2fly]

Steve

Just a thought, what Turntable is the arm on, I have Jelco TK850M and it is a very stable arm and tracks very well. One thing I am wondering is even though yours if 9" with the Denon fitted how far back down the arm is the balance weight to get the arm balanced and then set the tracking weight? If it is the heaviest of the 3 cartridges you have, if your TT has a cover and you put it down when playing a record or after (having just set it up properly) is it possible for the cover to catch on the weight and then throw it out?

The reason I ask is I cannot put my TT cover down when playing a record as th e10" arm over hangs at the rear and at about 3/4 across an LP the weight will come into contact with the cover.

This might explain the issue.

Cheers

Adrian

[Audio Al]

Steve

Just a thought, what Turntable is the arm on, I have Jelco TK850M and it is a very stable arm and tracks very well. One thing I am wondering is even though yours if 9" with the Denon fitted how far back down the arm is the balance weight to get the arm balanced and then set the tracking weight? If it is the heaviest of the 3 cartridges you have, if your TT has a cover and you put it down when playing a record or after (having just set it up properly) is it possible for the cover to catch on the weight and then throw it out?

The reason I ask is I cannot put my TT cover down when playing a record as th e10" arm over hangs at the rear and at about 3/4 across an LP the weight will come into contact with the cover.

This might explain the issue.

Cheers

Adrian

Oooo , I like that theory , Top thinking Sir :)

[worrasf]

Steve

Just a thought, what Turntable is the arm on, I have Jelco TK850M and it is a very stable arm and tracks very well. One thing I am wondering is even though yours if 9" with the Denon fitted how far back down the arm is the balance weight to get the arm balanced and then set the tracking weight? If it is the heaviest of the 3 cartridges you have, if your TT has a cover and you put it down when playing a record or after (having just set it up properly) is it possible for the cover to catch on the weight and then throw it out?

The reason I ask is I cannot put my TT cover down when playing a record as th e10" arm over hangs at the rear and at about 3/4 across an LP the weight will come into contact with the cover.

This might explain the issue.

Cheers

Adrian

Adrian

While the counterweight is at the very rear of the arm it is clear of the dust cover in its tracking arc. Also, I don't close the lid as the Brueil record weight is too tall.

I do think though that the issue is likely related the counterweight being so far away from the arm pivot. Unfortunately, I am not aware of a heavier counterweight for this arm.

Even though we have not yet reached a definitive reason for the problem I am sensing that the received expert opinion is that it is unlikely to be due to the cartridge suspension which supports Terence's view.

Steve

[RobbieGong]

Steve

Just a thought, what Turntable is the arm on, I have Jelco TK850M and it is a very stable arm and tracks very well. One thing I am wondering is even though yours if 9" with the Denon fitted how far back down the arm is the balance weight to get the arm balanced and then set the tracking weight? If it is the heaviest of the 3 cartridges you have, if your TT has a cover and you put it down when playing a record or after (having just set it up properly) is it possible for the cover to catch on the weight and then throw it out?

The reason I ask is I cannot put my TT cover down when playing a record as th e10" arm over hangs at the rear and at about 3/4 across an LP the weight will come into contact with the cover.

This might explain the issue.

Cheers

Adrian


Yeah,

Have knocked mine out like this before - drives you nuts ! hence I ended up having a bespoke cover made in the end, at the time.

[scotty38]

Don't have an answer as such but surely it's the actual tonearm weight moving because if it wasn't, after a number of adjustments it'd be off the back of the arm.....

[worrasf]

Don't have an answer as such but surely it's the actual tonearm weight moving because if it wasn't, after a number of adjustments it'd be off the back of the arm.....

Occam's razor answer - thank you :)

I suspect you are correct.

I need to find a heavier counterweight :eyebrows:

Steve

[scotty38]

Can you not set it up and mark the weight and arm in some manner then you'll see what is happening?

[worrasf]

Can you not set it up and mark the weight and arm in some manner then you'll see what is happening?
I suppose the fact that I have to wind the counterweight back is an indication that your suggestion is correct.
I am going to see if anyone can make me a heavier counterweight.

[scotty38]

Agreed but I had assumed you couldn't tell (no markings??) based on considering other options. Having said that how does a heavier weight fix the issue that the current one is moving as I don't see the correlation?

[worrasf]

Agreed but I had assumed you couldn't tell (no markings??) based on considering other options. Having said that how does a heavier weight fix the issue that the current one is moving as I don't see the correlation?

Because it will be a lot nearer the pivot and fully inserted in the arm tube.


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[AJSki2fly]

Adrian

While the counterweight is at the very rear of the arm it is clear of the dust cover in its tracking arc. Also, I don't close the lid as the Brueil record weight is too tall.

I do think though that the issue is likely related the counterweight being so far away from the arm pivot. Unfortunately, I am not aware of a heavier counterweight for this arm.

Even though we have not yet reached a definitive reason for the problem I am sensing that the received expert opinion is that it is unlikely to be due to the cartridge suspension which supports Terence's view.

Steve

With my Timestep headshell and Benz Micro LP-S my tracking weight is very near the end of its adjustment, which is to be expected based on the specifications I think it is within 2gm of the limit.

A simple think to try out would be to get a small amount of blu-tack say 3-4gm and out it onto the counter-weight, them balance out the arm, zero the gauge and the then set it for your tracking weight and then see it it remains stable.

Before you do the above see if you can easily slide the counter-weight back, you should not be able to do so if it engaged on the thread, so if it isn't then you have exceeded what it can do with the existing counter-weight.

[worrasf]

A simple think to try out would be to get a small amount of blu-tack say 3-4gm and out it onto the counter-weight, them balance out the arm, zero the gauge and the then set it for your tracking weight and then see it it remains stable.


Good suggestion that.

[scotty38]

Because it will be a lot nearer the pivot and fully inserted in the arm tube.


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Ah ok, I'd not realised it was set up like that, fair enough makes sense.

[struth]

if its partially off the stem that will cause issues with it moving.. meantime try a little plumbers tape. might just give it enough grip

[worrasf]

meantime try a little plumbers tape. might just give it enough grip
Another good suggestion

[Mike Reed]

Interesting conundrum, and I agree that the cart. cannot be responsible except inasmuch as it may generate a lot more energy that your others.

I had the same thing happen on my 12" PU7, when the VTF would inexplicable change (can't remember if it was lighter or heavier though). The P U7's counterweight is secured by grub-screws, and although feeling tight, they weren't, causing drift over a few records.

Don't know your Jelco, but think it may be a grooved/twist affair with no locking, but the principle remains and I think Adrian, Martin et al are on the right track in suggesting masking tape or whatever to secure it. Sounds improbable for such a counterweight to be able to creep, but this and the cart. weight/higher VTF/energy effect on the counterweight is at least a feasible possibility.

[worrasf]

Interesting conundrum, and I agree that the cart. cannot be responsible except inasmuch as it may generate a lot more energy that your others.

I had the same thing happen on my 12" PU7, when the VTF would inexplicable change (can't remember if it was lighter or heavier though). The P U7's counterweight is secured by grub-screws, and although feeling tight, they weren't, causing drift over a few records.

Don't know your Jelco, but think it may be a grooved/twist affair with no locking, but the principle remains and I think Adrian, Martin et al are on the right track in suggesting masking tape or whatever to secure it. Sounds improbable for such a counterweight to be able to creep, but this and the cart. weight/higher VTF/energy effect on the counterweight is at least a feasible possibility.

Thanks - Yes I agree it must be the counterweight slipping. Hugo Cass informed me earlier there is no heavy counterweight available and I’ve not seen anything from the likes of Isokinetic. I’ll try the “tape” method at some stage and if successful maybe try and commission a custom weight.

Thanks to all the ghost busters

Steve


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[AJSki2fly]

Thanks - Yes I agree it must be the counterweight slipping. Hugo Cass informed me earlier there is no heavy counterweight available and I’ve not seen anything from the likes of Isokinetic. I’ll try the “tape” method at some stage and if successful maybe try and commission a custom weight.

Thanks to all the ghost busters

Steve


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See if it is magnetic and if so just add a small magnet or two to the rear, could save a lot of cost.

[scotty38]

Might be obvious but I assume the sleeve is fully on the arm and that the weight is towards the rear of the sleeve. Ie you don't have the weight forward and the sleeve hanging off the back....

[worrasf]

Might be obvious but I assume the sleeve is fully on the arm and that the weight is towards the rear of the sleeve. Ie you don't have the weight forward and the sleeve hanging off the back....

I’m not sure I understand.
I have it set up as per the photos here on Hugo’s website;

https://ammonite-audio.co.uk/product/jelco-tk-850s-9-tonearm/

It can’t go the other way around as then the VTF scale would be unreadable


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[AJSki2fly]

I’m not sure I understand.
I have it set up as per the photos here on Hugo’s website;

https://ammonite-audio.co.uk/product/jelco-tk-850s-9-tonearm/

It can’t go the other way around as then the VTF scale would be unreadable


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Stephen look at the photo of my TK850M, I believe it uses the same weight, you can check this with Hugo, as you can see you can slide the weight to the rear and still have the VTF scale as it should be. As I said my LP-S and the Timestep ebony head shell is pretty close to the limit for my arm.

https://i.postimg.cc/bYBwmbyb/IMG-1444.jpg (https://postimg.cc/Dm1hZSby)

[Ammonite Audio]

Correct!


I’m not sure I understand.
I have it set up as per the photos here on Hugo’s website;

https://ammonite-audio.co.uk/product/jelco-tk-850s-9-tonearm/

It can’t go the other way around as then the VTF scale would be unreadable


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[scotty38]

I’m not sure I understand.
I have it set up as per the photos here on Hugo’s website;

https://ammonite-audio.co.uk/product/jelco-tk-850s-9-tonearm/

It can’t go the other way around as then the VTF scale would be unreadable


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Agreed and as Adrian says, the counterweight is made up of two sections, let's call it a sleeve that slides onto the arm and the weight that rotates around and along the sleeve. I am asking if the sleeve is fully on to the arm so that the whole assembly is secure.
I know what I mean but let me ask a different way, is the end of the tonearm flush with the end of the counterweight assembly?

[worrasf]

Agreed and as Adrian says, the counterweight is made up of two sections, let's call it a sleeve that slides onto the arm and the weight that rotates around and along the sleeve. I am asking if the sleeve is fully on to the arm so that the whole assembly is secure.
I know what I mean but let me ask a different way, is the end of the tonearm flush with the end of the counterweight assembly?

Yes, the entire sleeve is on the arm and pushed until it clicks on the little bump on the arm tube - freely rotates. I have the large part of the weight at the rear (with the grub screw) and the smaller component slid forward on the sleeve. Sorry for bad photo
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191018/4d97c7e5a20a8e092a0f450855acd287.jpg


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[worrasf]

Stephen look at the photo of my TK850M, I believe it uses the same weight, you can check this with Hugo, as you can see you can slide the weight to the rear and still have the VTF scale as it should be. As I said my LP-S and the Timestep ebony head shell is pretty close to the limit for my arm.

https://i.postimg.cc/bYBwmbyb/IMG-1444.jpg (https://postimg.cc/Dm1hZSby)

Afraid I can’t see your photo


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[scotty38]

Yes, the entire sleeve is on the arm and pushed until it clicks on the little bump on the arm tube - freely rotates. I have the large part of the weight at the rear (with the grub screw) and the smaller component slid forward on the sleeve. Sorry for bad photo
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191018/4d97c7e5a20a8e092a0f450855acd287.jpg


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Yep that looks fine. How heavy is your cart and headshell as I'm balancing an SPU on mine, admittedly it's an 850L but shouldn't be wildly different?

[worrasf]

The combo causing the issue is 28.5 total.
The Brier/FR which is fine is 25.3


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[scotty38]

Well my SPU is 30g and they should be able to handle 35g, is your 28.5g measured by you?

[worrasf]

Well my SPU is 30g and they should be able to handle 35g, is your 28.5g measured by you?

Yes, on a digital balance (not the one I use for setting VTF)


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[scotty38]

No idea then, don't understand why it's maxed out at that....

[AJSki2fly]

I take it you have not had the arm very long? Take the sleeve and weight off the arm and inspect it to ensure the thread for the sleeve is not damaged and has been made correctly, could be a manufacturing. If so defect, if so return to suppliers for replacement.