Tonearm Weight Tracking Force Fluctuation

[RobbieGong]

The tracking force reading I get on both my digital scales fluctuates greatly when I lower the arm to check it's tracking force.

It might start at 2.4XX and keep on going down to 2.1XX

Any ideas what might be the cause ? obviously i cant set up the tonearm confidently like this :scratch:

Both scales have new batteries and are fine btw ...

[Audio Al]

Is the arm lift lowering properly and moving away from the arm tube

Are the arm bearings free ?

[RobbieGong]

Armlift is well away from armtube when down.

Didnt have fluctuation when I first set up the arm / cart and it was good but started to sound a bit off so decided to redue set up.

Arm is a Technics EPA 250, I don't think you can mess with or get to the bearings

[AJSki2fly]

When checking the tracking weight have you set the bias setting to ZERO?

[RobbieGong]

Yep

[mikeyb]

If you're using one of those little digital scales watch that the cartridge isn't resting on the edge of the scale, I've had this a few times, I had to flatten the metal plate a little.

[phonomac]

If the scales start to read negative as the cartridge approaches (but not touching) them, then the scales are reacting to the strength of the magnets in the cartridge.

[Audio Al]

Pivot construction: gimbal suspension

Arm height range: 42 to 62mm

Friction: 7mg vetical/lateral

[Made in 1968]

I put a little pad in the centre of mine. keep the styli perfectly in place

[RobbieGong]

Thanks gents :)

[RobbieGong]

If the scales start to read negative as the cartridge approaches (but not touching) them, then the scales are reacting to the strength of the magnets in the cartridge.

Indeed Angus, the numbers were moving as the tonearm approached and whilst the stylus was on the platform, in which case non stop fluctuation.

I tried my other digital scale, which has a plastic platform for the stylus to be placed,(got it some years back from a Mark here, who was producing these at the time) no silly behaviour, so I've been able to re-set again - listening as we speak so many thanks mate :)

[legb4rsk]

Amazing lack of product evaluation & design.A device for measuring a magnetic cartridge very accurately is affected my magnetism!:lol::mental:

Would a name & shame be appropriate?


Could you let us know the make of this &*£$*

[Slawts]

I have just bought my first digital scale after using a Shure mechanical one for years.

It does the same thing and varies even if I manage to get the stylus in the little black centre!

It is worse with the Koetsu as it is very difficult to see the tip.

I thought it was just me.

[hifi_dave]

I use an ancient Garrard mechanical scale which is just as accurate as the expensive Technics electronic scale I have but far easier to use.

[Barry]

The Transcriptors stylus balance is also very good - and like the Garrard is purely mechanical.