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January 20, 2010 - 9:52pm
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How to set up a Linear Tracking table??
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What thing? Some arms come with appropriate tools and setup is described in the manual.
On a linear tracking arm it is either going to be P mount type cartridge or it will have two fixed holes (like a normal arm set-up for mounting) for perfect alignment being virtually the only allowable aspect.
If it is two holes that are 0.5 inches apart, then you put a line straight out from the platter spindle to the right (exactly!), and this is looking from the front of the turntable. now the stylus should rest perfectly along that given line. If there is any slop on the mounting screws, then try to align it so the cartridge is twisted so it sits in the exact middle of that mounting 'slop'. try inner groove placement of the stylus and outer groove, and the stylus should be on that line.
If it is a P-Mount style cartridge, then the Pmount design is for that arm and it merely needs be installed and then the tracking weight/mass needs be set.
A standard two spot alignment guide can still be used on the earlier mentioned situation (half-inch apart mounting holes for the cartridge-the holes may be long as like in a normal arm), if you try, you will see what I mean. Basically, put the gauge so it is perfectly out to the right of the platter and the stylus should hit the center of the two alignment marking areas...and sit square with each alignment area marking. Essentially, a standard alignment protractor is still very useful. The deal is to be sure that the protractor is exactly straight out to the right on that spindle. One way to do it, is to use a string, in the same way we square a basic floor plan. line in corner, arc, intersect, do the same on the other side, and find the exact center of the table > front-center Then use that center point as the anchor to find the exact square for the protractor. Try the left side, mark the string and then try the right side at the same center string anchor..and the same spot on the protractor. Obviously, if you found the exact front center of the table..then the exact 'out to the right of the spindle' will equate with the same string length (from that center) on either the right or the left. Then you know the line for having the stylus fall on/along would indeed be correct.
Difficult to say, difficult to read, but easy to do one you see what the point is.
Which table (model) is it?
Linear tracking is a great idea but I've had much problems with it over the years. I've got an air bearing arm and air bearing table in the closet, I can't be bothered to mess with it.
It isnt my table, but a friends.. a beogram 4002 with the mmc 20en cartridge
he needs a phone amp too, so I sent him to SoundSmith , who are experts with beo stuff.
so yeah, thanks for the tutelage, Ken
Perfect referral!
Soundsmith is a great resource.
Should be plug and play for your buddy.
Although, doesn't the B&O have a different type of interconnect termination?
According to the Beogram manual, this TT was at first delivered with the MMC 4000, and later with the MMC 20en.
My guess is that the MMC 20en pickup that sits on the TT now, should have the same physical measurements as the MMC 4000, which would make it an easy task to fit any PU made for this TT. Unless you are assembling the whole thing from scratch...
The manual to the Beogram 4002 can be downloaded on www.vinylengine.com
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