I see that Dual had a cartridge alignment tool - plastic thing that fits over the headshell to make sure the stulys is in the right position. Are these effective? :scratch2: And if so where can I get one? I have a 1237.

Jim

Makes setting up a Dual fairly easy. I see them on eBay all the time.

I see a "new" on on ebay for $29.95. Does that sound high?

These things always came packed with every new cartridge clip.
For $30, you should be able to get both.

The tool is not magic, as the cartridge still needs to sit just right. I use the alignment jig, an after-market mirrored jig, and a dial caliper.

Seth
Forever Analog

I'd be happy to get a headshell and alignment tool for $30. I haven't found anything on ebay or other sources. :cry: I even posted an ad in AK wanted section. :thmbsp:

Anybody know where I can get the setting tool? :naughty:

Thanks,

Jim

I'm looking, Jim. Might take a bit. Can't guarantee anything, but I'll do some web searches. Patience, please.
Tom

Thanks Tom!!!!! :D

Jim

BTW - my Dual 1237 with the NOS Ortofon is working well - except for what seems like a grounding problem. I would occassionally loose one channel and thought it was the Proton receiver I was using for the phono stage. This receiver had noisy input pod and that's why it was in storage.

But after fiddling with the cartidge headshell I think it may be the TT - Proton ground. I grounded the Proton to the electric socket and the TT to another screww on the back of the Proton. Every once in a while I loose the right channel and have to fiddle with the Proton pod or shut the Proton/TT off and on to reseolve - now that I'm using tape out on the Proton it's not the noisy input pod it's the record pod - hope this is making some sense.

What's the best way to diagnose whether this is the TT or Reciver giving me the problem?

Thanks,

Jim

Okay, I came up empty on my searches; I'm really sorry. I had found one for my 1257 a month ago, but I forgot to bookmark it. $30 for a jig, counterweight, and cart screws. Ouch.

I think the first thing in diagnosing this problem might be to describe just what these "pods" are, Jim. I'll admit to being lost here.

Tom

Tom,

On the Proton problem, I meant the input selector - like phone, FM, Aux... I called it a pod which is probably not the best way to describe - bad habit from my medical tech days. I was listening last night and again I kept loosing the right channel. If I flipped the input knob it would most times come back. Sometimes I'd have to shut off the reciever to get the channel back. TT is plugged inot receiver so when I turn that off they both go off.

Thanks again for looking!

Jim

I think that a shot of DeOxit is in order here. Sounds like a simple case of dirty contacts at first glance, Jim. That's what I'd do. You'd be surprised what a cleaning can do! Lots of times, that's all that's wrong with equipment. Dirt in switches causes lots of intermittent/dead/dropout problems.

Tom

Tom,

I tried cleaning but it looks like the pot is sealed. I sprayed it as best I could but it didn't make any difference. Lookin through the hole in front (after taking off the knob) it looks like there is a a clamp holdin a plasing cover over the front of the pot. It would be difficult to get a pair of needle nose pliers in there and not being to knowledgable I don't want to break anything.

Maybe it's time to take it to a professional.

Jim

BTW

What happened to your jumping speaker logo? That was cool. :smoke:

BTW

What happened to your jumping speaker logo? That was cool. :smoke:
:yikes: Huh?? I have it up now and have had it up for over a week again! (I'd taken it down for one or two days and put it back up) What's showing??

To clean a pot/switch like this, there may be a slot-type opening right next to the circuit board where a spray tube can get in there. Just taking the knob off won't do it, I'm afraid. (If you've looked already/tried this then I apologize)

Don't give up just yet. There are others here who have managed to get cleaner sprays in really tight places :yes: I hope they chime in, as your receiver's really popular.

Tom

Your speaker isn't jumping on my screen. :pity:

I took the top cover off and tried to reach the pot with the plastic spray extender. I didn't see a slot but I'll look again when I have time. It's really a pain when you loose signal intermitantly.

Thanks for all your help.

Jim

I had an SX-450 that ended up in the basement because I couldn't get a nozzle into some dirty controls and switches, so maybe it's par for the course with SX-series gear. I'd love to know how others managed to do it. Maybe doing a search in the Pioneer forum, someone mentioned it somewhere. IIRC, the slots are right next to the circuit board, where the legs of the switches and pots meet it, and make any access nearly impossible:(

As for the avatar, now it's not on MY screen. It has to do with my browser cache; I cleared it and now the avatar's missing. I'll see what I can do about this mess.

Tom

Um, okay. I deleted it in the AK users control panel, then re-added it. :dunno:
Tom

Now its junping again! :banana: All is good! :yes:

Hmm. Weren't we talking about Dual's alignment gauges?

My advice is don't bother. I have yet to see a turntable's alignment gauge that was correct. This includes the Duals that I know, for the simple reason that the arm heads were glued on, and I don't think that many of them came out as precise as the gauge. I may be wrong about your particular model (which I don't think that I have experience with).

How much?
Maybe it's time for me to have an eBay fire sale.

Richard

Hmm. Weren't we talking about Dual's alignment gauges?
Yup, originally we wuz. Sometimes threads just take on a life of their own; it seemed that after a couple of others, it was just Shacky and myself dealing with rooting out a problem or two. Oh well.

Tom

$29.95 plus shipping and it sold!

I get your point about the gauge being more acurate than the arm. It would be interesting to do it with the gauge and see how far off. I haven't played albums for years and am enjoying the renewed experience. In the past I've never aligned anything on a turntable. :no: I know that's sacrelegious but it's true.

Guess I'm looking for the easy way out.

Jim

Tsk tsk. Want as little wear on the records as possible? Want the best sound? Then you gotta align. Laziness is not an option :D The results with those printable gauges will be just as good, and the price (zero) is right. And from what I've seen, headshells/arm heads have been screwed on and adjustable for VTA (vertical tracking angle) as far back as at least the 1226.

I've got both printable gauges if you want 'em, Jim. Gimme an email address in PM and they're yours.

Tom

http://www.xs4all.nl/~rabruil/ttadjust.html

need to get into tight places with a cleaner lubricant? I have run into this issue several times and found that if you use a syringe, it will work quite well. You don't have to pick up one off the street, they are available in most electronic stores just for the purpose of oiling hard to reach spots. Simply fill it with your choice of cleaner and have at it. If you reall need to make a 90 degree turn, take a spray tube from a can and attach that to the "needle" end to extend and make it easier to reach the spot you are aiming for, like that little indent in the pot that is close to the pc board. Just remember to pull the unit apart and clean it before using it again. Hope this has helped.

Another link I like for Protractors.
http://www.audioasylum.com/audio/vinyl/messages/51464.html