Sutherland Engineering Timeline

[rockitman]

What I like about it is the fact that it accounts for stylus drag when making speed adjustments. Anyone own and use it ? Comments ? TIA

[ack]

I set 33rpm speed by measuring a fixed frequency of 1kHz at the amplifier terminals, after assuring my Fluke's accuracy by playing a 1kHz tone with the CD player. This also accounts for stylus drag which is surprisingly significant. This is so accurate that if I then want to set 45rpm speed, I simply multiply the VPI SDS 33 rpm speed by 45/33.33 - the output frequency is then confirmed at 1.350 kHz

[rockitman]

I set 33rpm speed by measuring a fixed frequency of 1kHz at the amplifier terminals, after assuring my Fluke's accuracy by playing a 1kHz tone with the CD player. This also accounts for stylus drag which is surprisingly significant. This is so accurate that if I then want to set 45rpm speed, I simply multiply the VPI SDS 33 rpm speed by 45/33.33 - the output frequency is then confirmed at 1.350 kHz

That sound's like a good option as I have a fluke multimeter...

[MylesBAstor]

I prefer the Digistrobo. Lot less headache, just as accurate and know the speed within 15 secs or so. You can even check the speed when playing.

[rockitman]

I prefer the Digistrobo. Lot less headache, just as accurate and know the speed within 15 secs or so. You can even check the speed when playing.

Okay, that accounts for stylus drag too. I would think the multimeter would be most accurate as you get a specific reading rather than using your eye to see if the speed is stable...Nice option too. Thanks.

[rockitman]

I set 33rpm speed by measuring a fixed frequency of 1kHz at the amplifier terminals, after assuring my Fluke's accuracy by playing a 1kHz tone with the CD player. This also accounts for stylus drag which is surprisingly significant. This is so accurate that if I then want to set 45rpm speed, I simply multiply the VPI SDS 33 rpm speed by 45/33.33 - the output frequency is then confirmed at 1.350 kHz

silly question, how do I hook the fluke up to the rca out's of my phono pre to measure frequency while playing a test tone record ? Do I need to fashion an rca jack for the preamp out end and bare wire at the other to hook up the fluke (+ and -) to one channel ?

[rockitman]

silly question, how do I hook the fluke up to the rca out's of my phono pre to measure frequency while playing a test tone record ? Do I need to fashion an rca jack for the preamp out end and bare wire at the other to hook up the fluke (+ and -) to one channel ?

edit...used and alligator clip for the black to connect to the shield of the rca jack and the red probe (+) to insert into the jack. Works like a charm. Thanks.

[ack]

Or just do what I do - plug it into the amplifier output, as I mentioned; unless you think your electronics cannot accurately reproduce a 1kHz tone, but God forbid in that case, that wouldn't be the high end...

[rockitman]

post deleted as my information was incorrect. measuring frequency is not accurate to 1/1000th hz, rather it is accurate to 1 hz playing back a 1000 hz test tone

[ack]

worked great on my phono pre outs. I have to think that the multimeter is the most accurate method...to within 1/1000 of a Hz. Can't see how one can be that accurate looking at a strobe or the line on the wall as is the case with the Timeline. You saved me $400.00 ! Thanks.

Exactly - but only if you have a good multimeter like a Fluke. You are welcome.