Anti-skate is a force that is applied to the cartridge to counteract the force of the record’s groove, which can cause the cartridge to skate towards the center of the record. If the anti-skate is not working properly, it can cause the sound to be distorted or uneven.
There are a few reasons why anti-skate might not be working properly. Here are some of the most common causes:
- The anti-skate is not set correctly. The anti-skate should be set to be equal to the tracking force. If the anti-skate is set too high, it can cause the cartridge to skate away from the center of the record. If the anti-skate is set too low, it can cause the cartridge to skate towards the center of the record.
- The anti-skate mechanism is damaged. The anti-skate mechanism is a small, delicate part of the turntable. If it is damaged, it can cause the anti-skate to not work properly.
- The cartridge is not aligned properly. If the cartridge is not aligned properly, it can cause the anti-skate to not work properly.
How to fix anti-skate not working
Here are some steps you can take to fix anti-skate not working:
- Check the anti-skate setting. Make sure that the anti-skate is set to be equal to the tracking force. You can use a tracking force gauge to measure the tracking force.
- Check the anti-skate mechanism. If the anti-skate mechanism is damaged, it may need to be replaced.
- Align the cartridge. If the cartridge is not aligned properly, it may need to be aligned. You can align the cartridge using a cartridge alignment protractor.
If you’ve followed these steps and you’re still having trouble with your anti-skate, you may need to take your turntable to a qualified technician for further diagnosis.
Additional Information
Here are some additional tips for troubleshooting anti-skate problems:
- If you are not sure how to set the anti-skate, consult the instructions that came with your turntable.
- If you are not sure how to align the cartridge, consult the instructions that came with your cartridge.
- If you are still having trouble after checking the anti-skate setting, the anti-skate mechanism, and the cartridge alignment, you may need to have your turntable repaired.