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RE: Getting accurate stylus force gauge readings

Posted by PAR on March 15, 2017 at 15:06:06:
I am suspecting that you either haven't got or haven't read the instructions.
You cannot "zero" the gauge by pressing the TARE button. The TARE button opens the calibration program which is its sole function ( display shows CAL when you press the TARE button for a few seconds) for which a 5g weight is necessary. When the gauge establishes the 5g load it then resets its zero calibration. If you haven't used the weight then this is why your attempts have been unsuccesful . If you click the link you will see your gauge and you will see that the weight needed to set zero (calibrate) is clearly shown. Do you have this? If not or you don't use it then you have never set the zero calibration and this is why the readings you have are odd.
Do you have a suspended turntable? If so I would point out that any cartridge will make the gauge change figures as you move the arm towards it as you are also moving/shaking the whole turntable by a tiny amount which the gauge is sensitive enough to register. Nothing to do with magnetism. My one behaves exactly like this. You need to move the cartridge to its correct place above the load pad and then leave it in raised position until the gauge returns to zero. Only then lower the cartridge and take the reading once the gauge settles again ( you can tell when it has as a small circle appears in the top left of the display). It is not an instant process.
BTW, The company that makes these gauges makes at least three variants. One displays to two decimal places, one to three and there is also a "giant" sized version that also displays to three places. The two place gauge is cheaper than the three place one and many people complaining about the price variations ( although they exist) do not appear to know about these variants and seem to assume that they are all the same.
I have never seen one made from metal as one poster suggests although some of them, like my one, use a plastic and finish that looks very much like metal.
They are surprisingly accurate when used correctly. I have several laboratory weights accurate to two decimal places: 5, 2 and 1 gram. Not only is the gauge accurate (I have a three place one) to two decimal places, it is also linear i.e. equally accurate at other loads not just the calibration one. I assume that the two place type is accurate to one decimal place.
Correction: I have been playing around with mine and found that the TARE button will set a zero figure ( not shown in my instructions). As will just leaving the gauge without any load. However that zero is not in relation to anything without the weight having set the calibration in the first place. My experiment showed that even breathing lightly on the gauge canged the weight displayed, including zero. That's how sensitive it is.