Cartridges: Do
Not Lick the Contacts
by
Rob
Wegner
August 2003
"I've seen a lot of DJ's
lick the [cartridge] leads [to improve the connection]."
This quote came from a "how
to DJ" video by a respected DJ educator. I was rather surprised
by the advice since many veteran DJ's are aware that licking
the cartridge terminal pins leads to trouble.
The argument in favor of licking
the back of cartridges (the four pins/prongs located in the back
of a cartridge that connects to the tonearm tube) is that the
moisture will improve the conductivity of the connection.
The argument against this practice
includes:
* The moisture will create an
electrical arc between two or more pins (which is analogous to
a low voltage short circuit).
* The moisture will corrode the
metallic receptors, which is often the source of bad cartridge-to-tonearm
connections.
As a general rule, do not allow
DJ's to lick their cartridges before performing on your equipment.
If their cartridges are corroded, let them use an alternative
set. If you allow the tonearm receptor connections to corrode,
it may cost over $100 (parts and labor) to replace each tonearm
(depending on the brand and model of turntable).
To improve connectivity, consider
employing an eraser from the back of a new pencil. Place the
eraser into the tonearm tube and gently rotate - cleaning the
receptor connections. Be sure to blow air into the tube to remove
dirt.
Related Links
A Beginner's Guide to Cartridge Setup
How A Phonograph Cartridge Works (Shure)
Industry News
* The International DJ Expo will
take place August 25-28, 2003 at the Atlantic City Convention
Center. The Expo will include DJ seminars and workshops. For
more information, contact DJ Times at 516-767-2500 or 1-800-YES-7678.
You can also visit their website at http://www.djtimes.com/djexpo
* Ice
Nightclub in Las Vegas, Nevada is a new 17,000 square foot
lounge, nightclub, and special events center featuring 40 foot
ceilings and six "microenvironments." Ice will certainly
set a new standard for clubbing in the 21st Century. For more
information, contact Ice at 702-699-9888 or visit their website
(http://www.icelasvegas.com).
* Rob Wegner's Club DJ class
at Scottsdale Community College (Scottsdale, Arizona) begins
September 8, 2003. This semester's scheduled guest speakers includes:
DJ Radar, DJ John Stettler,
DJ's Steve Levine and J. Alan (Spin Records/CEG), DJ Fashen (Power 92.3 FM), and Pistol
Pete Kelly (Energy KNRJ FM). The course fee is $69. To register,
contact Scottsdale Community College at 480-423-6321.
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