| How to Change the Needle on a Record Player Posted: 04 Nov 2020 04:00 PM PST Over time, the needle on your record player wears down, which can distort the fidelity of the sound. You may also notice your records skipping more than they normally do when the stylus, which is the bracket that the needle is connected to, needs to be replaced. There are 2 ways to change the needle on your record player. The easiest method is to replace the stylus. The other way to replace a needle is to change the cartridge, which is the mounting device that keeps the stylus in place. However, you shouldn't need to do this unless the cartridge is damaged. While you may not need to replace your cartridge for decades, your stylus should be replaced periodically to ensure that your records sound crisp and beautiful. These methods will work for the vast majority of record players produced after 1980. [Edit]Replacing the Stylus - Change your stylus after 1,000 hours of play or every 3-5 years. The stylus refers to the needle and the piece of plastic connecting it to the cartridge and tone arm. The needle and plastic are always connected as one piece and it is designed to be easy to replace. The stylus wears out over time, so replace it after 1,000 hours of use or after 3-5 years, whichever comes first. Replacing the stylus will ensure that your sound remains accurate and your records stay safe.[1]
- If the stylus is worn out, you'll notice a scratchy, distorted sound coming out of your records when you play them. It's easy to hear when a stylus needs to be replaced.
- If you continue to use a damaged stylus, it may damage your vinyl records.
- The tone arm refers to the arm that you move to raise and lower your needle. The cartridge is the piece that the stylus plugs into underneath the metal case (called a headshell). The stylus and the cartridge work together to actually read the sound coming out of a vinyl record.
- Remove the old stylus by sliding it out carefully. Unplug the record player and hold the arm still by pinching the headshell with your nondominant hand. Then, use your dominant hand to grip the plastic or metal case surrounding the stylus. Pinch the sides and pull the old stylus out. Slide the stylus away from the cartridge while keeping it parallel to the tone arm to avoid damaging the cartridge.[2]
- Some turntables are different, but this will work on the vast majority of models. If you can't pull the stylus straight out, look up your turntable's model online to find the instruction manual.
- If the stylus is built into the cartridge, you'll need to replace the entire cartridge. Some styluses are built into the frame of the piece that connects to the headshell.
- If your turntable has any locking mechanism or latch near the counter-weight at the end of the tone arm, use it to lock the tone arm in place while doing this.
- Look up your stylus's model number to order a replacement. Turn the stylus around in your hand to look for letters or numbers. If you find any, this is the model number. Type the model number into a search engine online followed by the word "stylus." Compare your stylus to the model that you find online to make sure that they're identical. Purchase a replacement from the manufacturer or a third-party retailer.[3]
- You can take the stylus to a record repair shop and ask them to look up and order a replacement for you, but you may not have one of these shops near you.
- The model number will be the only piece of writing on the stylus. The model numbers are usually a short combination of letters and numbers, like "A805" or "MT49." If your stylus doesn't have a model number printed on it, you'll need to search for your turntable's model online.
- Order a different type of stylus if you want to upgrade your sound. Instead of ordering a replacement stylus, look online to find compatible styluses for your turntable. There are 4 main stylus models, and each has their own benefits and drawbacks. Check a stylus manufacturer's website to find out if a new stylus will fit on your brand of turntable. Keep in mind, unless you have a great ear, you may not recognize much of a difference between your stock stylus and the new needle.[4]
- Slide the new stylus into the cartridge with the needle pointing down. Brace your record player's tone arm with your nondominant hand by holding the headshell still. Then, orient your stylus so that the needle is pointing down and away from the tone arm. Slide the stylus into the cartridge and press it into the slot until you hear a click. Once the new stylus is attached, you're ready to enjoy your records![5]
- Wear rubber gloves when you handle your new stylus and avoid touching the needle. The stylus is perfectly aligned when it comes out of the box and touching it may damage the needle's ability to accurately track the grooves in a record.
- Some styluses won't make a clicking noise. So long as the stylus is attached and flush with the slot on the cartridge, you should be fine.
[Edit]Changing Your Cartridge - Replace your cartridge if your old piece is damaged. Cartridges typically last a longer time than styluses, and you really don't need to replace a cartridge unless it's damaged. However, after the stylus, the cartridge is the most likely piece to require replacement. The cartridge and stylus work together to produce sound from your records so it is extremely important that your cartridge is working properly.[6]
- You can tell if your cartridge is damaged if the sound cuts in and out. It definitely needs to be replaced if you already changed the stylus and the sound is still distorted.
- Many audiophiles believe that upgrading the cartridge improves the sound. You probably won't notice much of a difference though, unless you have a great ear for subtle tones and textures.
- Purchase a replacement cartridge online by searching for your turntable. While most cartridges can only hold a specific type of stylus, many record players can use a variety of cartridges. Search your turntable's brand and model number online to look for a replacement. You can buy a cartridge that is identical to the original model or upgrade your audio system with a fancier substitute.[7]
- When looking to upgrade your cartridge, look for cartridges with an aluminum cantilever and a trackability of 60 µm or higher. Aluminum cantilevers tend to be the most consistent, while a high trackability will ensure accurate sound.
- Remove the stylus and disconnect the wires if necessary. Unplug your record player. Take the stylus out of the cartridge by bracing the headshell and sliding it out by hand. If you have a higher-end record player and can see wires under the headshell, use a pair of needle-nose pliers to gently pull each of the 4 wires out of the back of the cartridge. Only use as much pressure as necessary to slide each wire out of the slot that connects the cartridge to the tone arm.[8]
- There is a plastic sleeve that covers the connection where the wire meets the metal terminal at the end. Use this piece to grip and pull your wires. It will provide a lot of traction without messing with the sensitive terminals at the end of each wire.
- Set your stylus aside after removing it by placing it upside down on a clean towel to keep it safe.
- You can put on rubber gloves and pull these wires out by hand if you have a steady hand and plenty of room to work with.
- If you bend the terminals that plug into the cartridge, you'll need to take your record player to an electronics repair store.
- Use a small flathead screwdriver to remove the screws on top. There are 2 screws connecting the cartridge to the headshell. Grab a flathead screwdriver with a small head. Hold the tone arm in place with your nondominant hand and unscrew these screws by turning them counterclockwise. With the screws removed, slide the cartridge out of the slot by hand.[9]
- If you have washers and nuts on the screws, set them aside in a small bowl so that you don't lose them.
- Hold your new cartridge's screw slots under the headshell if it's screwed in. Take your new cartridge and hold it by the back half as you press it into the bottom of the headshell. Adjust the location of the cartridge until the openings at the top of the headshell align with the screw slots for your new cartridge.[10]
- You won't damage your cartridge by touching it so long as you don't press on the location where the stylus slides into the front. Hold your cartridge by the back end to avoid damaging this area.
- Align your cartridge so that the sides are flush with the headshell. Before you screw your new cartridge into the headshell, adjust the location of the cartridge to align the needle with the tone arm. To do this, place your fingers around the sides of the cartridge while bracing it from the bottom. Once the sides of your cartridge are flush with the headshell, check the front of the cartridge to see if it matches the top of the headshell. Adjust it as needed until the 2 sides and the front of your cartridge match the headshell.[11]
- You can use an alignment protractor to check the path of your stylus. To use one, place your grid over the slot on the platform for your records. Then, place the needle in the middle of the grid. If your cartridge is parallel with the lines on the protractor, your stylus is aligned.
- Insert your new screws and attach the cartridge to the headshell. Insert your replacement screws into the openings at the top of the headshell. If your model has washers and nuts, put the washers over the screws first before adding your nuts. Use your flathead screwdriver to tighten each of the screws while holding the cartridge in place with your nondominant hand. Turn the screws clockwise until they won't turn any further to ensure that your cartridge stays firmly in place while you're using your record player.[12]
- These screws are really small and the slots for them can be quite fickle. This may take you a few tries to get it right.
- If there isn't a ton of room for you to reinsert your wires, it may help to not tighten the screws all the way so that you can move the cartridge around a little.
- Reinsert the wires into the corresponding slots on the cartridge. Gripping each piece by the plastic sleeve, use your pliers to carefully slide each wire into the assigned slots on the cartridge. Keep each terminal on the end of each wire as straight as you can as you slide it into the slot. These wires can be quite sensitive, so work slowly and carefully to ensure that you aren't applying too much pressure.[13]
- If the new cartridge isn't color-coded or labelled, use your diagram or refer to the old cartridge to see which order you need to insert the wires.
- Reattach your stylus to finish replacing the cartridge. With your wires connected and the screws tightened, reinstall your stylus. Hold it around the side of the case and slide it into the opening at the front of the cartridge. Once you hear a click, your stylus is attached. Enjoy your new cartridge and stylus![14]
- Many cartridges come with new styluses already installed. If your cartridge comes with a stylus, don't bother replacing it unless you have to.
- If the sound isn't quite right, check the frame of the cartridge to see if it's aligned with the headshell. If you install the cartridge at an angle, it won't sound right. Loosen the screws on top and move the cartridge to adjust it.
- A phonograph, record player, and turntable are all the same thing.
[Edit]Warnings - Always unplug your record player when touching the cartridge or the stylus to avoid shocking yourself.
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Replacing the Stylus [Edit]Changing Your Cartridge [Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Make a Car Air Freshener Posted: 04 Nov 2020 08:00 AM PST While you could buy cheap air fresheners from the store, there is something satisfying about making your own from recycled items around the house. Moreover, you can scent your own air freshener with scents you actually like. And you'll know the actual ingredients, something you can't say about most commercial car air fresheners. This project is simple and fun; make as many as you'd like and perhaps give some as gifts. [Edit]Fabric Hanging Air Freshener - Draw a template for the air freshener on a piece of paper. Use a pencil to sketch the shape you want the finished air freshener to be. Some typical designs include trees, states, countries, and animals, but any design you like is fine. You might even choose a word that means something special to you, such as "Love" or "Joy."[1]
- If you're not sure where to start, you could trace the shape of an old air conditioner you bought.
- You could also use a die-cutting machine to quickly cut out fabric. Use die-cutting patterns to design air fresheners in all sorts of custom shapes!
- Trim the template with a sharp pair of scissors. Remove the excess material so only the template remains. This will be used to shape the air conditioner, so make sure you're happy with the way it looks. Make adjustments as needed to create a template that will both look great in your car and not get in your way while you're driving.[2]
- Place the template on fabric and cut around it. Place the template on top of it, then carefully cut around it. You could trace around the template with a marker first if you're having trouble cutting the shape out cleanly. Then, cut a second, identical shape for the opposite side of the air freshener.[3]
- For a simple air freshener, craft felt works great. You can get it online or at most craft supply stores. Even inexpensive felt is pretty absorbent.
- Set the template on a piece of cardboard and cut around it. Trace around the template first with a pencil. Make sure it is roughly the same size as both pieces of fabric, or else it will be visible when you put everything together.[4]
- The cardboard piece is meant to reinforce the air freshener. If you use fabric only, it will be a little flimsy.
- Another option is to cut out a piece of craft foam. Try using a die-cutting machine for it.
- Spread fabric glue on the cardboard to secure the fabric to it. Cover one side of the cardboard with a thin bead of glue. Press one of the pieces of fabric onto it. Then, flip it over carefully to glue on the second piece. Wait 2 to 4 hours for the glue to dry afterward.
- Make sure the glue isn't too close to the cardboard's edges. Also, try not to use too much. If you see any glue get pressed out when you assemble the parts, wipe it off right away with a paper towel.
- If you're using an adhesive-backed material like craft foam, you can just press the fabric onto the sticky backing.
- Drip 10 to 20 drops of an essential oil onto each piece of fabric. Choose your favorite essential oil, then add the drops to one side at a time. Some good choices to use are lavender, tea tree, and eucalyptus, but you can use any kind. Spread the oil out across the fabric so it isn't all concentrated in one spot.[5]
- Essential oils can have a very strong smell, so use them sparingly at first. You can always add more if the scent is too weak for your liking.
- Another option is to mix about 20 drops of oil into of water in a spray bottle. Mist the fabric for a gentler, more evenly distributed scent.
- Set the air freshener on a shelf for at least 2 hours to dry the glue. Place it in a well-ventilated area, such as a garage. This is because the essential oil scent can be very strong when it's fresh. Keep the air freshener in a spot with good air circulation so it dries out faster. Once it's dry to the touch, it will be ready for your car.[6]
- To hold more of the scent in, store your air freshener inside a resealable plastic bag.
- If you don't mind the strong scent, you could hang the air freshener right away. It might not be too bad if you only applied a few drops or a diluted spray of essential oil.
- Punch a hole through the top of the air freshener to hang it. Plan on keeping the hole about from the air freshener's edges. To pierce cleanly through the cardboard, get a mechanical hole punch. Set the air freshener between the punch's jaws. Then, squeeze the handle firmly to create the hole.[7]
- You could also use a tool like an awl to make the hole. Hold the awl over the fabric, then tap it down with a hammer until it breaks through the cardboard.
- Hang the air freshener by looping ribbon through the hole. Cut a ribbon about long and pull it halfway through the hole. Take the air freshener out to your car and wrap the ribbon around the rearview mirror. Before knotting the ribbon, adjust it so it doesn't interfere with your view of the road.[8]
- If you don't have ribbon, find some yarn, string, twine, or another alternative. Twine is stronger, but yarn and ribbon come in a variety of colors you can use to customize your air freshener.
- When the scent starts wearing out, refresh it with more essential oil. You could also switch it out with a new air freshener.
[Edit]Wooden Clothespin Air Freshener - Find a wood clothespin that will clip onto your car's air vent. You can turn any type of wood clothespin into a makeshift air freshener. However, bigger ones tend to carry more of a scent. Try using round laundry clothespins, for instance. They are big and slide directly onto an air vent.[9]
- Smaller clothespins are fine too. You can use the ones you squeeze to open, for instance.
- The clothespins have to be made of wood, or else they won't absorb any scent.
- Sprinkle about 5 drops of essential oil onto the clothespin. Set the clothespin on a table, then pick out your favorite essential oil. Lavender rose, lemon, and cinnamon are a few options that you might enjoy in your car. Pour the essential oil directly onto the clothespin, spreading it as evenly across the wood as possible.[10]
- If you're able to spread out the essential oil drops, then the scent won't just be concentrated in one spot.
- You can apply more essential oil, but keep in mind that its aroma will become much stronger.
- Bag the clothespin with herbs if you wish to strengthen its scent. Get a resealable sandwich bag with plenty of room for both the clothespin and the herbs. Fill the bottom of the bag with about a handful of herbs. For example, you could throw about 8 large mint leaves in there. Seal the bag and leave it on a shelf for at least a day so the clothespin absorbs the scent.[11]
- You can match the herbs to the essential oil you're using or mix scents. For example, mint goes well with orange oil.
- If you don't want to use herbs or don't have any, you could just put the clothespin in your car after coating it with essential oil. The scent won't be as strong and may not last as long, but you can always refresh it later.
- Use plastic bags to prepare air fresheners in advance. You could add essential oil, mix them with herbs if you want, and then use the bags to keep them smelling fresh for at least a few months.
- Clip the air freshener to a vent in your car and run the fan. Slide it onto the frame covering one of the vents. Most cars have several vents in the front, usually above the radio and on the far sides of the dashboard. To activate the scent, run the heat or air conditioning. Fresh air will activate the scent, and the fan inside the vent will help blow it through your car.[12]
- The scent is much more subtle than what you get when hanging fabric air fresheners. The aroma strengthens when the air vent is active, so clothespins are a great choice if regular air fresheners are too strong for your liking.
- As the scent wears out, refresh it by placing the clothespin in a bag. Sprinkle it with more essential oil and add more herbs if you wish.
[Edit]Glass Jar Air Freshener - Remove the lid from a Mason jar. Mason jars have a metal lid surrounded by a twist-off ring. To remove the lid, turn the ring counterclockwise until it comes off. Then, pry off the lid with your fingernails or something like a butter knife.[13]
- Since they are made of glass, Mason jars hold in scents very well. It makes them really great as strong air fresheners you can stow away where no one will see them. They are also very easy to reuse and reseal.
- Make sure your jar is big enough to hold the baking powder and essential oil required to make the air freshener.
- Trace the lid on cardboard with a pencil to make a replacement. Set a scrap piece of cardboard on a flat surface, then lay the round metal lid on top of it. Hold it still while you trace around it. The cardboard will replace the lid so the air freshener's scent escapes the jar. Cut it out with a sharp pair of scissors afterward.[14]
- Instead of making a new cardboard lid, you could keep the metal lid and simply drill a few holes through it. You won't be able to reuse the lid if you plan on using the Mason jar normally, but it will still work well as an air freshener.
- You could also use a utility knife to cut the cardboard, but be careful not to hurt your fingers.
- Poke holes through the cardboard with a thumbtack. Plan on making about 15 holes. Spread them out as evenly as possible throughout the circle. However, keep them in the center instead of near the edges, or else they will get covered when you seal the jar back up.[15]
- To easily make the holes, keep the cardboard on top of the jar. Otherwise, put it on a piece of scrap wood so you don't scratch the surface underneath it.
- You could also use a nail or another sharp tool to make the holes. Punch through the cardboard cleanly so it doesn't tear or otherwise fall apart.
- Fill the jar at least half-full with baking soda to hold the scent. Remove the cardboard cover, then scoop fresh baking soda in. The exact amount doesn't really matter as long as you have plenty of baking soda available. You could fill the jar as much as ⅔ full and still be able to make a good air freshener.[16]
- Baking soda is well-known for its ability to absorb odors. The best thing about it is that it doesn't cover those odors, so you will still be able to smell whatever scent you add to the jar.
- Always use baking soda instead of putting fresh scents directly into the jar. The baking soda causes scents to last much longer.
- Sprinkle 15 to 20 drops of your favorite essential oil into the jar. Use any essential oil you have available. You could also mix different scents if you prefer. For example, put equal amounts of lemon, lavender, and peppermint into the jar.[17]
- To prevent the smell from becoming too strong, start with an ordinary amount of oil. Strengthen the air freshener with more oil as needed.
- Cover the jar and shake it to mix in the essential oil. Put the original lid back on instead of the cardboard cutout. It doesn't have holes that could leave you in a cloud of baking dust. Put the metal ring back on as well and turn it clockwise to lock the lid in place. Thoroughly shake it afterward.
- If you try to shake the jar while the cardboard cutout is on it, be gentle. Try swirling it in a circle instead.
- Place the air freshener in a cup holder in your car. Remember to put the wood cutout in place of the original lid. Rotate the metal ring clockwise to keep the new lid locked in place. Find a stable spot to stow your new freshener. It will gradually release its scent, lasting for about 1 month.[18]
- If you wish to hide the air freshener, place it under your seat. Keep in mind that it could tip over and let out some of the baking soda.
- After the scent starts to diminish, empty the jar. Refresh it with more baking soda and essential oil to keep your car smelling great.
- Instead of using essential oil, you could coat your air freshener with perfume or another scent you enjoy. Scented candles could be used in a Mason jar air freshener.[19]
- If you don't like having hanging air fresheners on your rearview mirror, find alternative spots to put them. You could hang one from a coat hook or hand hold, for instance, or lay it inside a cup holder or door pocket.
- Air fresheners can be decorated with crafts if you wish to customize them. For example, you could glue or sew on things like yarn, paint, or glitter.[20]
[Edit]Warnings - Be cautious with where you choose to place your air freshener. In some areas, you can't hang anything from your rearview mirror if it restricts your vision.[21]
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Fabric Air Freshener - Cardboard
- Craft fabric
- Non-toxic fabric glue
- Scissors
- Pencil
- Hole punch or a similar tool
- Ribbon, twine or yarn
- Essential oil
[Edit]Wooden Clothespin Air Freshener - Wood clothespin
- Essential oil
- Resealable plastic bag
- Herbs (optional)
[Edit]Glass Jar Air Freshener - Mason jar
- Cardboard
- Pencil
- Thumbtack or an alternative tool
- Baking soda
- Essential oil
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Print Multiple Pages Per Sheet in Adobe Reader Posted: 04 Nov 2020 12:00 AM PST Instead of printing one PDF page per sheet, Adobe Reader DC allows you to print multiple PDF pages on one sheet. This allows you to save paper and view article spreads on one sheet. The downside is the images and text will be much smaller and harder to read. If you want to print multiple copies of the same page per sheet, you will need to duplicate the page using the Adobe web tool. This wikiHow teaches you how to print multiple pages per sheet in Adobe Reader DC.[1] [Edit]Printing Multiple PDF Pages Per Sheet - Open a PDF in Adobe Reader DC. To open a PDF in Adobe Reader DC, right-click the PDF and click Open with. Then click Adobe Reader DC.
- Alternatively, you can open Adobe Reader DC and click File in the menu bar at the top, followed by Open. Select the PDF you want to open and click Open.
- Open the "Print" menu. To open the Print menu, click the icon that resembles a printer in the panel at the top of Adobe Reader. You can also find the Print menu in the "File" menu.
- Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut "Ctrl + P" on Windows, or "Command + P" on Mac to open the Print menu.[2]
- Change the paper size, if needed. To fit more pages on one sheet of paper, it helps to use larger size paper, such as Legal or Tabloid sheets. If you are using larger sized paper, click Page setup in the lower-left corner. Then use the drop-down menu next to "Size" to select the type of paper you are using. Click Ok when you are finished.
- Click . It's below the header that says "Page sizing and handling" on the left side of the Print menu.[3]
- Select the number of PDF pages per sheet. Use the drop-down menu next to "Pages per sheet" to select how many pages you want to appear on each sheet. You can select between 2 and 16 pages per sheet.
- Alternatively, you can select Custom and use the boxes to the right to input the number or pages per row and column (i.g. 3x2)[4]
- Specify the page order. Use the drop-down menu next to "Page order" to select how you want the pages to be arranged on the sheet. You have the following 4 options to choose from:
- Horizontal: In Horizontal, the pages will appear from left to right in rows.
- Horizontal Reversed: In Horizontal Reversed, the pages will appear from right to left in rows.
- Vertical: In Vertical, the pages will start in the upper left corner. They will appear from top to bottom, left to right.
- Vertical Reversed: In Vertical Reversed, the pages will start in the upper right corner. They will appear from top to bottom, right to left.[5]
- Print the same page multiple times (optional). If you want the same page to be printed multiple times per page, one easy way to do it is to click the "Pages" radio option below "Pages to print". Then use the box next to this option to manually type the order you want the pages to print, repeating each page number each time you want it to print (i.g. 1,1,1,1,2,2,2,2,...). Separate each page with a comma.
- If you are printing on both sides of the paper with a single-sided printer, you'll want to print only the odd number pages first. Then re-insert the printed pages upside down back into the printer and print the even number pages.
- Click the checkbox next to "Print page border" (optional). If you would like, you can click the checkbox next to "Print page border". This prints a solid black line around each page and clearly marks them.
- Select the page orientation. To change the page orientation, click the radio option next to "Portrait" or "Landscape". "Portrait" prints the pages on an upright sheet of paper. "Landscape" prints the pages on a sideways sheet of paper.
- If you don't like how the pages are rotating when you switch from Portrait or Landscape, uncheck the checkbox next to "Auto-rotate pages within each sheet".
- Click the checkbox next to "Print on both sides of paper" (optional). If you want to print on both sides of the paper, make sure the checkbox next to "Print on both sides of paper" is checked. This option is only available if you have a double-sided printer, and double-sided printing is enabled on your system.
- Click . It's in the lower-right corner of the Print menu. This will print your PDF with the specified settings you selected.
- Before you print, always check the print preview in the lower-right corner. Make sure the page layout is exactly the way you want it. [6]
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
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