RMAF14: Theoretical Background and Practical Demonstration of Optimum Alignment

Moderator: Wally Malewicz, WAM Engineering

1. Introduction to TT Setup Parameters:
• Vertical Tracking Force
• Horizontal Geometry of Cartridge /Arm –Arm Effective length, Overhang, Zenith
• Vertical GeometryVTA, SRA
• Skating, Antiskating
• Azimuth- Geometrical, Electrical Crosstalk
• TT Speed/RPM
2. Introduction to the TT Setup Tools.
• WallyTractor, Dr. Feickert Protractor, SMARTractor by AS
• WallyVTA Gauge
• Vertical Tracking Force Scales
• WallySkater
3. Practical Complete TT Setup Procedure:
3.1 Vertical Tracking ForceArm Center of Gravity and VTF at record level
• VTF and VTA- relationship
• Practical Demonstration for VTF with different scales
3.2 Vertical Geometry
• VTA, SRA – Presentation of USB Microscope
• WallyVTA GaugePractical Demonstration
3.3 Horizontal GeometryArm Effective Length = Pivot to spindle + Overhang
• Offset Angle
• Baerwald and Loefgren Alignment (typical graphs)
• WallyTractor for Pivoted and Linear Tracking Tonearms
• Dr. Feickert Protractor
• SMARTractor by AS
• Practical Demonstration with above Protractors
3.4 Skating, AntiskatingAdjusting Antiskating on grooveless record- Practical demo
• Adjusting Antiskating with Test Records – Practical demo
• WallySkater- Practical Demonstration
3.5 AzimuthMono Record played with Out of Phase Left /Right Channels
• Measuring Channel Signals and Crosstalk – Practical Demo
• Adjust+ Demonstration
3.6 Platter Speed/RPM – Free WallySpeed Demonstration, Strobe Demonstration
3.7 Leveling
4. General Discussion, Questions and Answers