DIY precision level for turntable

marekst · 27th March 2008, 08:41 PM

Some people pay $400 for digital level with resolution of 0.1degree. I made an analog level 10 times more precise for $60.
http://gallery.AudioAsylum.com/cgi/g...icture_001.jpg

I bought on eBay a Starrett precision grinded glass vial that was salvaged from airfield equipment. The air bubble moves 1/8” when the angle changes by 0.03degree. I can easily tell when the bubble is 1/32” off center - the resolution is better than 0.01 degree. To make the initial leveling easier, I added less sensitive round vial (mcmaster #2201A67). The Starrett vial came in a protective brass housing - I made an aluminum housing for the small vial and an aluminum base. Both vials are adjustable for easy calibration.

Marek

http://gallery.AudioAsylum.com/cgi/v...=21150&invite=

240z4u · 27th March 2008, 09:45 PM

Very cool, my grandfather gave me one of those! Never even thought to use it for that.

Evan

marekst · 28th March 2008, 01:02 AM

Yes, Starrett level is cool. It’s been around for a few generations, that’s why the price on eBay is so high - people buy it as an antic tool.
Funny thing is, some guy on audiogon advertises his miserable 0.1 degree digital toy as the most precise tool in the Universe while your grandfather many years ago had a level 10 times more accurate!
Starrett levels have cast iron base with no hole for TT spindle so if you put it on TT platter off center it will bend the bearing and give inaccurate reading.

yildiray35 · 27th April 2008, 12:10 PM

it's beatifull, i try it.

jrevillug · 28th April 2008, 09:25 PM

Fantastic - but don't try to use it on a softly-sprung table such as an LP12 or Thorens TD150 - it will cause the sub-chassic to tilt due to the uneven weight distribution.

James

27th March 2008, 08:41 PM	#1
marekst diyAudio Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Central Florida	DIY precision level for turntable Some people pay $400 for digital level with resolution of 0.1degree. I made an analog level 10 times more precise for $60. http://gallery.AudioAsylum.com/cgi/g...icture_001.jpg I bought on eBay a Starrett precision grinded glass vial that was salvaged from airfield equipment. The air bubble moves 1/8” when the angle changes by 0.03degree. I can easily tell when the bubble is 1/32” off center - the resolution is better than 0.01 degree. To make the initial leveling easier, I added less sensitive round vial (mcmaster #2201A67). The Starrett vial came in a protective brass housing - I made an aluminum housing for the small vial and an aluminum base. Both vials are adjustable for easy calibration. Marek http://gallery.AudioAsylum.com/cgi/v...=21150&invite=

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Convert Line Level to Electric Guitar Level	miallen	Solid State	4	16th May 2010 01:22 PM
Entry Level Turntable	Telemin	Analogue Source	30	10th September 2009 10:06 PM
speaker level input vs line level question	crippledchicken	Subwoofers	4	17th July 2007 03:36 AM
lesser of two evils, high level -> line level, digital volume control	mazurek	Solid State	3	19th November 2006 12:25 AM
how to bring down line level signal to preamplifier level	deji	Solid State	15	15th April 2004 04:13 PM

New To Site?	Need Help?
Register to Participate Search Privacy Statement Contact Us	Frequently Asked Questions Did you forget your password? Mark Forums Read


	Please consider donating to help us continue to serve you. Ads on/off / Custom Title / More PMs / More album space / Advanced printing & mass image saving

27th March 2008, 09:45 PM	#2
240z4u diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Madison WI	Very cool, my grandfather gave me one of those! Never even thought to use it for that. Evan __________________ Yeah... it seemed like a good idea at the time.

28th March 2008, 01:02 AM	#3
marekst diyAudio Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Central Florida	Yes, Starrett level is cool. It’s been around for a few generations, that’s why the price on eBay is so high - people buy it as an antic tool. Funny thing is, some guy on audiogon advertises his miserable 0.1 degree digital toy as the most precise tool in the Universe while your grandfather many years ago had a level 10 times more accurate! Starrett levels have cast iron base with no hole for TT spindle so if you put it on TT platter off center it will bend the bearing and give inaccurate reading.

27th April 2008, 12:10 PM	#4
yildiray35 diyAudio Member Join Date: Oct 2006	it's beatifull, i try it.

28th April 2008, 09:25 PM	#5
jrevillug diyAudio Member Join Date: Aug 2006	Fantastic - but don't try to use it on a softly-sprung table such as an LP12 or Thorens TD150 - it will cause the sub-chassic to tilt due to the uneven weight distribution. James

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)