Anyone use these (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5834285145&indexURL=0&photoDisplayType=2#ebayphotohosting) or similar? Any good?

Thanks,

ss

I use something similar bought from Maplins a couple of years ago for about 12 quid. They're as accurate as you need, +/- .1 gram.

-- Ian

Not sure, but I have bought stuff from the guy before and he is a top bloke, has always offered a refund if not satisfied.
Let us know what there like!

Anyone use these (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5834285145&indexURL=0&photoDisplayType=2#ebayphotohosting) or similar? Any good?

Thanks,

ss

NO! Beware those damned things.

The pad (or something underneath it) is magnetic and an MC cartridge will smack against it with potentially dire consequences.

The pad (or something underneath it) is magnetic...

Rob,

Defo these particular ones? It does state that they are non-magnetic.

Cheers,

ss

just bought one, cheers for the link, 2 left :)
Hadn't noticed they were in penisborough till after I'd paypal'd, could have collected.

Me too. I'll test it to see if it is magnetic at all, with something other than my cartridge, and send it back if so. Will report back once done.

ss

Rob,

Defo these particular ones? It does state that they are non-magnetic.

Cheers,

ss

Yes exactly the same - my OC9 stuck to it like glue.

I just dug mine out and plonked a fridge magnet onto it - it stuck.

Feck. Looks like it might be a short stay.

Thanks Rob.

ss

Fear not, I have a pair, they are not magnetic.

Sorry but i wouldn't sleep if i thought someone was about to wreck their expensive MC on one of these things:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/zippy670/IMGP0676.jpg

One fridge magnet firmly attached and defying gravity.

Robert,
I have just tried a fridge magnet on mine and it did not stick, nor did a piece of steel. Yours must be an earlier type with a steel platform, mine is plastic.

I apologise though, cos I got mine from here (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/DIGITAL-0-1g-SCALES-FOR-STYLUS-CARTRIDGE-TRACKING-FORCE_W0QQitemZ5835329249QQcategoryZ43804QQssPageN ameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)

See text: Non-magnetic Weighing Platform - essential when Moving Coil cartridges are fitted

Yes that does look a bit different so i guess don't buy the version from the original link to be on the safe side.

Yes I use one similar - its one of the ones that are accurate to 1/100th of a gram and its not magnetic.

The only problem I found is that the Spacedeck having no plinth, you can only sit it on the platter. Because the platform is a good 1.5cm high its too high to do the job really so I fashioned a miniature platform out of a bent old credit card (well actually a credit like card, you know) and stuck that to the top of the scale so that it weighs it at just a smidge above the platter height. Think I paid £20 for it on ebay. Works very well.

it says all over the first ebay link non magnetic for MC. They look the same to me other than colour, you can't tell what the thing is made of from the pics anyway. Although that second link is £15!

Robert: What is the model number of yours? Can't tell from the picture

it says all over the first ebay link non magnetic for MC. They look the same to me other than colour, you can't tell what the thing is made of from the pics anyway. Although that second link is £15!

Robert: What is the model number of yours? Can't tell from the picture
LT-MS500

Same as that in the first link.

I notice that the black version is labeled LT-500.

Do the job right geezers!

Definitely non magnetic and accurate down to 0,001 Gramm, bit pricey in comparison but if you're a bit of a diamond you're worth it aincha?

I hav'nt tried mine yet as it has just arrived but its a brilliant little package, comes with pointy tweezers and little weights too.

The guy has rapid fulfilment, loads of interesting little gadgets and check his feedback score, averaged nearly 40 feedbacks a day since Nov 02, obviously a systems devotee.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7566701223&ru=http%3A%2F%2Fsearch.ebay.co.uk%3A80%2Fsearch%2F search.dll%3Fsatitle%3D7566701223%2509%26catref%3D C3%26from%3DR2%26fvi%3D1

Like sideshowbob, I use one I bought from maplins, mine was £24.99...it's definatly non magnetic, and I also use a credit card adapter...makes the job fuss free and simple.
http://www.maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?ModuleNo=31124&doy=

Yes they will work as long as they are not magnetic, but some cartridge manufacturers have special ones that are made for this job and they usually have some other functions built into them also. But they usually tend to charge more money if they have put a fancy name on it.

I don't know about you guys but my main problem with that model is that the pad is so high, the arm has to be at a significant angle. The only way to guarantee the tracking force is accurate is if the arm is close to its operational angle (ie close to horizontal). There are (expensive) electronic gauges by the likes of the Cartridge man where the pad is about or just over the thickness of a typical record in height. More expensive but more accurate in my view.

fabela, thats where the "credit card adapter" comes in. It's just a plastic card, cut in half, then heated with a lighter, and bent into an elongated "Z" shape that is taped to the scales' pad. This is where I stole the idea from: http://db.audioasylum.com/cgi/m.mpl?forum=vinyl&n=361422&highlight=Scale.jpg&r=&session=

I don't know about you guys but my main problem with that model is that the pad is so high, the arm has to be at a significant angle. The only way to guarantee the tracking force is accurate is if the arm is close to its operational angle (ie close to horizontal). There are (expensive) electronic gauges by the likes of the Cartridge man where the pad is about or just over the thickness of a typical record in height. More expensive but more accurate in my view.

The same goes for many traditional balances such as the cheapo Ortofon scales I have. My workaround, rather than give the Cartridge man several hundred quid, is simply to raise the arm at the arm base when I measure! Just make a note of the position (for VTA) first.

Tony.

Shure stylus gauge is boringly effective for me :(
http://www.amusicdirect.com/products/detail.asp?sku=ASHURSFG

The Shure stylus gauge is annoyingly ineffective and potentially disastrous when used with MC carts that have strong magnets (eg my Lyra Dorian). The magnets pull the balance up against the cartridge body, causing the cantilever to give all the way (this is despite claims that the SFG2 is non-magnetic).

I've bought one of the digital scales from that guy,exellent service,product is great,have had no problems with mine at all.

I want one of those lovely old Technics electronic scales but every time I find one on ebay some b**tard out bids me:(

One day I'll catch the blighter........

Well I got mine today. I can confirm they are no where near as magnetic as Roberts, most of the fridge magnets won't stick at all but the strongest on I could find again doesn't actually stick BUT you can feel the magnetic interaction is there. So not wholly impressed tbh. By the time I've added the plastic ledge thing to the side though I don't think its going to be an issue.

The Shure stylus gauge is annoyingly ineffective and potentially disastrous when used with MC carts that have strong magnets (eg my Lyra Dorian). The magnets pull the balance up against the cartridge body, causing the cantilever to give all the way (this is despite claims that the SFG2 is non-magnetic).
Ooh er. Looks like I'll be requiring a digital scale shortly :)

Are you getting the Dorian, Joel? The SFG2 was fine with the two carts I tried before settling on* the Dorian (Linn Metak, Transfiguration Spirit Mk3).

* "Settling on" is a bit of an understatement, I am thrilled with my purchase.

Well I got mine today. I can confirm they are no where near as magnetic as Roberts, most of the fridge magnets won't stick at all but the strongest on I could find again doesn't actually stick BUT you can feel the magnetic interaction is there. So not wholly impressed tbh. By the time I've added the plastic ledge thing to the side though I don't think its going to be an issue.

This is exactly the problem. The tiny rare earth magnets used in many MC cartridges will be attracted to the guage platform of whatever is beneath it.
At the end of the day these things were designed to weigh coins or blocks of gunga weed...... not fine tune your expensive MC.

Got mine today too, though haven't been able to test it yet.

Is the magnetism problem the same over the whole area of the platform, or just certain parts?

I may well add a plastic ledge anyway as this would enable getting the arm at playing height whilst measuring.

ss

Its all over but its not enough to effect it on the plastic ledge. The magnets in the cart aren't THAT strong. You don't want to be weighing the cart on the platform anyway, its far too high, if you set the correct tracking weight at platform height you'll end up dangerously under-tracking when you come to actually play records.

Just be careful guys. The magnets inside my old OC9 were strong enough to force the cantilever up into the body.

My dorian is fine, seriously, I'd be pissed if anything had gone wrong, the magnetic interaction isn't that strong else I'd have sent it straight back.
Bad luck on the OC9 though, I guess anyone that buys one would be wise to check it with a fridge magnet first before putting it near the cart. And don't keep it on your speakers! :)

Just picked up a set of Digital Scales via E-Bay, piccy (http://photos.imageevent.com/sidandcoke/turntablesetup/websize/Stylus%20scales.JPG). It looks to be exactly the same unit as sold by Origin Live (http://www.hi-fi-accessories-1.com/digital-stylus-force-guage.htm)( reviewed by HFW Mag last month) & sold by them for £57 +P&P or also available from HERE (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Digital-Stylus-Force-Arm-Load-Meter_W0QQitemZ250046346522QQihZ015QQcategoryZ4864 8QQcmdZViewItem) for £69.95 +P&P (!)

After calibrating them using the supplied 5g weight,and Just to be sure before putting my needle on the platform, I tested them using my M1 class calibration weights, ( My Cal weights) (http://photos.imageevent.com/sidandcoke/turntablesetup/Tonearm%20Calibration%20Kit%201.JPG). I also used a magnetic 'pick up tool' to test the platform for effects of magnetism. When the pick up tool magnet was placed about 1-2 mm above the Stainless Steel weighing platform with the scale turned on and measuring it did have a very slight effect, however when i placed the magnet 6 or 7mm above the platform the magnet had no effect on the measurement, for my needs and normal use i figured this was acceptable. I'm pretty sure that my Shure V15VxMR magnets will have a very minimum effect if any on the platform. I certainly couldn't see my cantelever being deformed , or stressed in any way.
The bit underneath the stainless steel weighing platform is made of plastic and so even if the cartridge body was attracted to the platform, the actual measurement should still be the same.

Not too sure how a MC cart would react as iirc the Denon DL110 i was using for a while a few weeks ago had very strong magnets, whether their magnetic feild of influence would be more than a fairly powerfull magnetic pick up tool is debatable, maybe i'll borrow the Gauss meter from work to test next time i have an MC cart :)

So basically a great little toy at a reasonable price for the conveinience and ease of use that it offers. Shop around though and don't pay top dollar , there are bargains to be had out there if you look carefully....BTW i got mine from e-bay trader romaro5 (http://search.ebay.co.uk/_W0QQsassZromaro5QQhtZ-1) a very nice fella to deal with. brand new, sealed & delivered for £41.50 :)

Many thanks Sid!

I've just ordered one of those from "romaro5" myself :)

Lefty

Its all over but its not enough to effect it on the plastic ledge. The magnets in the cart aren't THAT strong. You don't want to be weighing the cart on the platform anyway, its far too high, if you set the correct tracking weight at platform height you'll end up dangerously under-tracking when you come to actually play records.

...this has me confused. A cartridge will weigh the same whether the platform is a few mm higher or level with the platter surely? Height of the platform has no effect on the weight of a cart sitting on the scales?

Fox,

Depends on the type of arm. On a conventional 'dynamic balance' arm, ie one where the counterweight alone determines the tracking force, as the front of the arm rises, the counterweight lowers and tracking force decreases, albeit slightly.

Arms like the Rega RB300+ or SME V which use spring or magnetic applied force are fine.

isn't it to do with the angle of the dangle?

isn't it to do with the angle of the dangle?

...the angle of the dangle with reference to the pivot point......... that's close enough :)

Depends on the type of arm. On a conventional 'dynamic balance' arm, ie one where the counterweight alone determines the tracking force, as the front of the arm rises, the counterweight lowers and tracking force decreases, albeit slightly.

Is 'slightly' going to be significant on, say a unipivot?

Is 'slightly' going to be significant on, say a unipivot?

Given that the difference in distance is likely to be about 5mm or so, I wouldn't worry at all fox.

I use scales to get me roughly where I should be and do the final +/- 0.2 grm by ear.

Is 'slightly' going to be significant on, say a unipivot?

My experiments with a couple of unipivots, specifically the Spacearm and the Nima tell me that its a sight more than slightly on these arms.

Do you have have useful figures?

I didn't keep a record and the Nima isn't currently setup but I just repeated it for the Space. I've got a digital scale with a home made credit card mod to take the platform down to the surface. I raised the whole scale by 3mm and 5mm (Auntie does stained glass, so I used a couple of small glass sheets under the scale to raise it up).

The setup measured 2.32g at 5mm up, 2.21g at 3mm up and1.99g at level.

I'd say that's significant. If memory serves the NIma gave similar results and a Rega RB250 it made hardly any difference.

It does make you wonder what is really going on with those unipivot arms with so called on the Fly VTA adjustment towers.

I believe this is not so much purely a unipivot issue, but one that effects tonearms who apply tracking weight with the counterbalance and whose counterbalence is below the pivot point. I noticed similar issues as Uncle Ants with an Aro. I guess I could dig the equations out, but I really can't be bothered.....

I believe this is not so much purely a unipivot issue, but one that effects tonearms who apply tracking weight with the counterbalance and whose counterbalence is below the pivot point. I noticed similar issues as Uncle Ants with an Aro. I guess I could dig the equations out, but I really can't be bothered.....

Could well be. These arms have two things in common. the counterweight below the pivot and both unis ... most unis do though (in fact all that I can think of ... if it didn't would a uni even work?). I guess the point is that depending on the arm, where you measure VTF may well matter, sometimes a lot.

Yes that's significant. I hadn't thought of a balancing effect on force just mass. My Morch UP4 has an assymertic weight set as far below the pivot point as it can get. VTA is thankfully fixed due to the Michell billet being cut to precisely match the arm being used so I think I should construct a platform to match My Orbe's platter height... I have a Micrometer with a wide enough jaw which will hep me get it exactly right.

Thanks.

Something to be aware of with the Origin Live scales, you get very little warning when the batteries fail. So keep a spare set handy, if you can find a shop that sells them!

You can get them on-line here
http://www.batteriesplus.co.uk (http://www.batteriesplus.co.uk/acatalog/Batteries_Plus_Motorola_10.html)

£5.00 + postage for a pack of 10.