Bubble Level

The 8000 and PL-L1000 were originally shipped with a square bubble level. The purpose was to level the two metal guide bars the arm base moves on. If the guide bars aren't level, the arm may drift when at rest. The factory tolerance was +/- 0.25 degrees. Unfortunately, the original levels have evaporated and are now useless. I recently found a suitable replacement made by Kaypro available at local superior hardwares stores for about $2. Place the level on the metal guide bars and adjust the turntable feet until the bubble is centered. Rotate the level and check again.

Arm Elevation

I get occassional questions about the tone arm not raising perfectly vertical. The arm uses an optical tracking sensor built into the arm base. The servo circuit has a +/- 0.3 degree "dead range". This is typical of servo designs and is intended to prevent the arm base from constantly moving. When the arm moves more than 0.3 degrees, the linear motor will move the arm base in steps to keep up with it.

If everything is set up and working properly, the arm should pick up vertically within a couple grooves depending on where the arm is within the "dead range". It is normal for it to not be perfectly consistent. It will not damage your stylus.

There are several things which can cause the arm to raise at an angle:

• Turntable not level. Make sure the metal guide bars are level within +/- 0.25 degrees. See above.
• The white plastic foot under the arm pipe can wear causing the arm to pick up at an angle. Adjusting this requires trial and error adjustment of the foot and and the tracking sensor zero point. This is not a user adjustment. Do NOT loosen the set screws on the ring that holds the white plastic foot. It was set at the factory and changing it will probably make the problem worse.
• The tracking sensor gain and zero points may need readjustment. Doing so requires disassembly of the table, special extender cables, and a fair amount of experience. This is not a user adjustment.