The last tt alignment tool you'll ever need?

[Conrad Hoffman]

Well, if you're into expensive third party alignment tools, probably not. But, if you're using any kind of downloaded template you should find this pretty useful. Much smaller file size than equivalent pdfs and bitmaps. Simple initial input- pivot to spindle distance, check the box for Baerwald, Löfgren or Stevenson, choose groove radii and print it to any attached Windows printer driver. It also prints rather nice strobe disks. IMO, it's 90% of the way there, but all suggestions for changes will certainly be considered. Freeware, no viruses, no ads, no strings attached, no guarantees. No, it probably won't work with your old original IBM PC and dot matrix printer.

Arc Template Generator

[planet10]

Thanx,

Have you seen these?

dave

[Conrad Hoffman]

Yes- I've never built a TL, but it's on my list of things I'd like to do. I've been running nearly open baffle for a while, and good TL seems like the best of all worlds.

[planet10]

onrad,

Your response was quite confusing until i relized i hadn't posted the link to Allen Wright's alignment tool & paper

http://www.vacuumstate.com/index.tpl...795.8047534529

dave

[Conrad Hoffman]

I suspected as much, but a good excuse for a bump regardless. I've looked at "The Guru" write up and template previously and wasn't comfortable with it. (I did make up the template and try it.) The more I look into this stuff, I can see some reasons that it might work, but they're based on error sensitivity being different in different directions, not optimization. I can't see using it as a target to aim for (no pun intended). I'm also conflicted about aligning the cartridge body vs the cantilever. My belief is that even with the best tools, peoples ability to align to the cantilever, especially a short one, isn't nearly as good as they think. The position of the cantilever, at least on my table, is quite different in a dynamic playing situation, than static, with the anti-skate disabled. Regardless, my template generator has lines for however one might like to do it, and can be printed on whatever substrate appeals. I haven't experimented with the Löfgren and Stevenson alignments, but suspect maybe Baerwald isn't the best choice, popular though it is.

Regards,
Conrad

[InSides]

Forgive me for what might be a stupid question...

...but do the groove radii correspond to the null points supplied by tonearm manufacturers?

[Conrad Hoffman]

No, the groove radii are the maximum and minimum where music is recorded. The outside is pretty standard, but the inside varies a lot. You can use the IEC or DIN standards provided, my own personal numbers based on measuring a bunch of records in my collection, or enter your own numbers. The narrower the area you optimize the alignment for, the better it will be. The question becomes, how important are the last minutes of a small percentage of records you might own. The program is based on things you can measure. The optimization philosophy of Baerwald, Löfgren and Stevenson take care of the null points and all the rest.

[InSides]

Thanks!

Will try over the weekend and report back about my findings with the SME 3009 S2 and the Pro-Ject 9CC Evolution.

[Conrad Hoffman]

Good luck, and be careful with those stylii!!

[woodturner-fran]

This system has just worked out very well for me. My cart now passes track 3 out of the 4 test tracks on the HFN test record.

My only tip: be careful cutting the hole for the spindle. Very easy to introduce a lot of slop there. The idea of the triangular hole from the guru version is good. Might be worth printing this out on card as well.


Love it, thanks for posting the link

Fran