Digital Microscope advice SRA


I have my digital microscope (DM) installed on my laptop. I want to use it to aid me in my stylus rake angle SRA.Has anybody tried this before? I'm looking for any helpful ideas or aids from someone who has gone through this before.I understand that the TT platter should be taped or otherwise kept from moving. I'm thinking that some sort of white background to have as a contrast. I intend on using an old Album of no use as a platform to make sure of the correct height with the stylus resting on it.
I've already figured out how to get the angle degrees with the software. So am I forgetting anything?Just using it to inspect how clean it is. Is a P.I.T.Arse.  Any little movement and where did the stylus go? I have to readjust everything again.
BTW, I'm using FLUX hi fi stylus cleaner Which works beautifully I might add, 10 seconds and wow. spotless.
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Showing 1 response by melm

I agree with @lewm Even those who tout the microscope method agree it "might" get you into the ball park, but final setting is always by ear.

My own $.02:
Find a recording that people say is good for hearing the differences when you adjust SRA. Do a search here and elsewhere; there are a lot of suggestions out there. If you can't find one, take a record of a female singer and listen to it over and over 'till you know it very well. I have used Joni Mitchell's "Blue." Make sure it's something you like 'cause you'll be listening to it a lot.
Set your tone arm to absolutely level and listen to the recording a few times.
Read all you can about your cartridge and see if reviewers or users have a consensus suggesting tail up or down.
Change the angle in that direction a very small amount and listen to the whole record. You are listening for the voice and instruments to "pop' making them more 3 dimensional. Do that again and again in very small increments. If you do not hear improvement soon go back and stay at level.
If your reading does not come up with a tail up or down consensus. You may have to do this in both directions.
Ditch the microscope. IMO it is of little use with any cartridge, but especially for those with a sophisticated and non-symmetric shape