Fozgometer

[worrasf]

Now my new custom Jelco collar has arrived courtesy of Hugo :respect: I have been delving into the arcane art of azimuth adjustment/measuring and came across this little bit of kit. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Fosgate-Fozgometer-LP-Phono-Cartridge-Azimuth-Meter-/360316381037?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item53e487a76d#ht_500wt_1104

It looks the muts nuts and as we all know he with the most toys wins I am about to buy one but was wondering if any AoSers had any experience of it? There are a few positive comments over on Audiogon

Regards
Steve

[selfaddict]

Hello Steve.

If you have an option of setting your signal to Mono, there is a test record that allows you to get perfect azimuth. The test record is Hifi News analogue test record.

http://www.thecartridgeman.com/hfn_test_record.htm

has one, but many others available elsewhere.

I have been using this test record for a while now and can happily recommend it to anyone who wants to get his/hers TT aligned correctly. It even comes with cartridge alignment protractor :)

[worrasf]

Thanks for the info - I have the HFN test record and agree it's very useful - I rely on it for getting the bias and tracking right but unfortunately my preamp (Croft 25R) does not have a mono switch so can't use the azimuth setup track.

Regards
Steve

[Reid Malenfant]

Have you got a multimeter? If so just connect a multimeter to the tape output or variable output of the pre amp. All you'd need to do is connect the multimeter to the centre pins of the phono sockets in question & adjust things until you get as close to zero voltage as possible.

I'm assuming the test record is in mono or both tracks have the same output.

In all honesty that's exactly what that device looks like that you linked to :eyebrows:

[worrasf]

Thanks Mark - I've got a DM so will do as you suggest.

Steve

[worrasf]

Having spent the morning checking azimuth with various stereo-mono patch cables, digital volt meters and the HFN test record I've come to the conclusion that my existing low tech head shell spirit level is just as accurate. Suppose it depends on cartridge body not being distorted on the headshell etc etc but for now I am keeping my money in my pocket and not shelling out for a Fozgometer.

Steve

[Reid Malenfant]

Just out of interest Steve, did the meter readings look similar to what i suggested? IE was it near zero with a mono signal :scratch:

The spirit level looks like a good one to me :eyebrows:

[worrasf]

Hi Mark - not really it was a bit confusing at first as I was getting fluctuating readings. I used the phono plugs direct from the arm so about 5mV and was getting readings of + or - 0.1 to 2 mV while playing the track and I also used the line out phonos from the preamp and got similar variation albeit at higher voltage - the fluctuation was too great to use to be able to adjust azimuth. I then knocked up a stereo - mono patch lead (after okaying with Glenn Croft) and which enabled me to set azimuth to lowest output - it then struck me that the probable reason why I was previously getting fluctuation is that the HFN test record is recorded mono out of phase (which of course is why there is no or minimal output when azimuth is set correctly and played in mono mode). Anyway, when I had setup this way and then checked with my spirit level the latter was spot on horizontal in both planes. OK so it means the VTA/SRA is "flat" in that cartridge is truly parallel to the record but having set it thus I can increase or decrease VTA/SRA and only affect the vertical adjustment especially as I plan to fit Hugo's custom collar.

Regards
Steve

[Reid Malenfant]

:lolsign: Yes, that record would really be a pita to do the testing by :rolleyes:

Well i'm pleased that you have things sorted to your satisfaction at any rate, not only that but you have saved yourself quite a bit of money :eyebrows:

[worrasf]

Yes definitely saved a load of dollar :) which I may put to a new bearing :doh:

I've just bought a new OEM Technics spindle from KAB plus their "spindle" wax and oil so will fit then when it arrives and see how we go but am tempted by a MN bearing although need to show some restraint in the retail therapy dept :eyebrows: Reminds me I'm also still waiting to receive my custom MINT tractor :scratch:

Regards
Steve

[Ammonite Audio]

Having spent the morning checking azimuth with various stereo-mono patch cables, digital volt meters and the HFN test record I've come to the conclusion that my existing low tech head shell spirit level is just as accurate. Suppose it depends on cartridge body not being distorted on the headshell etc etc but for now I am keeping my money in my pocket and not shelling out for a Fozgometer.

Steve

I have found the very same headshell spirit level to be the best for setting azimuth and VTA. For VTA, it does enable small but accurate and repeatable adjustments to be made very quickly. I got mine from Audio Origami.

[selfaddict]

Having spent the morning checking azimuth with various stereo-mono patch cables, digital volt meters and the HFN test record I've come to the conclusion that my existing low tech head shell spirit level is just as accurate. Suppose it depends on cartridge body not being distorted on the headshell etc etc but for now I am keeping my money in my pocket and not shelling out for a Fozgometer.

Steve

Good to hear you got it sorted without spending money :).

I normally use bigger spirit level on the TT platter to verify the TT is dead accurate first. Once TT is level it is easy to adjust the head shell level with the smaller spirit level, just the one you are using.