The Ortofon tracking force gauge (TFG) is a simple device which comes supplied with many Ortofon cartridges.
The gauge acts like a see-saw on a pivot, allowing users to set the required down force (or tracking force) of their phono cartridge. There are other more complex devices for cartridge alignment, such as the Pro-Ject Align-IT, but this tool is used simply to apply downforce.
The Ortofon tracking force gauge is a simple budget tool for turntables that is used to determine the stylus tracking force.
The tracking force is the downward pressure that is applied by the weight of the tonearm through the cartridge stylus and onto the vinyl record. It is important to set the proper tracking force in order to maximize the playback performance and to reduce the risk of mistracking or causing excessive record wear.
Check for the manufacturers recommended settings for your stylus tracking force. The Ortofon tracking force gauge tool is a small plastic pivot type scale that will accurately measure tracking force between 1.25 g and 4 g.
The Ortofon stylus force gauge is simple to use:
1. Very gently, rest the cartridge stylus (needle) into the grooved guide track at the desired tracking force marking.
2. Next, adjust the counter-weight or tonearm pressure dials until the Oftofon pivot scale is in balance. The scale on the force gauge is marked in gram.
