What is tracking force and arm weight for Dual 505-2 deck?

You haven't said which cartridge?
There is no fixed tracking force for any stylus, since it depends on the cartridge weight and the arm it's attached to.
All of which vary. What you need to do is set it at a typical force say around 2.5. Then use the adjust and try method. This involves getting a record you know well the sound of and then playing it. If the record slides out of the grooves then you increase the weight by a tiny amount and try again. Repeating till it stays in the groove, but does not a rumble sound. If it rumbles first off, then you decrease the weight and test again. Again repeating this action till it's right. Remember only small adjustments of the weight. The record should be in good condition and not be warped. For best result listen with headphones.

I gather you don't know how to adjust the tonearm. First put the stylus pressure, and antiskating to zero. Balance the tonearm for a free floating position. Ortofon cartridges will list the stylus pressure, generally 1.5 grams. Dial in the correct pressure, and set the antiskating to the same as the stylus pressure. If you require more assistance, or would like to inquire about repairing your Technics, please visit my website at audioserviceclinic.com. You may contact me there. Thank you.

No it's either the stylus or the pressure to the stylus is not enough. The weight at the end of the arm will increase the pressure on the stylus. Turn it up in slightly testing a record till the stylus tracks in the grooves. The trick is to get it so that it stays in the groove without creating a rumble sound. Remember though a worn stylus will not track at all.
Most cartridges track at 2 to 3 grams. If the Weight on the arm has numbers they will correspond to the weight in grams. If you have to raise it very high the stylus is too worn.

You definitely want to make sure that your new cartridge is properly aligned for your turntable. This web site can help:
http://www.audiophilia.com/features/cartridge_setup.htm
If you don't feel that you are able to get it properly aligned by yourself, a local dealer should be able to help you with this for a small fee.

Not by design.

Tracking Force and anti-skate are preset and unfortunately not adjustable in many modern turntables . You want to be cautious with modifying it if only a couple of your records skip.

If you DO decide to try modifying it consder that the tracking force is in the probable range of 2-4 grams. In the old prehistoric days before T'Ts had adustable tracking and antiskate we would place a dime or penny on top of the cartridge shell to assert the stylus into the groove. THAT is a bad idea unless excessive record and stylus wear is unimportant to you.

Is there anything that might contribute to skipping (not level, scratches, warps, environmental vibrations, loud speakers nearby)?

The head-shell weight is clearly different and you would need to re-set the arm balance.

this is usually done from the back of the arm where the counter balance sits.

Cartridges have a STATED tracking force usually in grams.

Most arms are roughly calibrated to weight but not always.

http://turntablebasics.com/align.html

See that page for more information

Hope this gives you the information you need

Bob
Moderator

It would be very decent of you to consider the quality of our expert’s answers and judge them accordingly as you pass through FixYa.

Thank you

The manual for the SL1200 (same machine but silver, acccording to an online reviewer) says:

"An auxiliary weight may be necessary between the
cartridge and headshell, mostly in a DJ application.
Many new cartridges and new turntables come with
these weights. If you cannot achieve the recommended
tracking force, then this weight is what will be needed."

HELLO

Make sure you have the deck set up correctly! Check the headshell - is the cartridge out of alignment or is the stylus worn?

Also, it may be that the counterweight is set too lightly for the cartridge and check the anti-skate control as well (example if the arm is tracking at 2 grams, anti-skate must be set at 2).

Follow these instructions for setting the counter balance:

Turn the weight so that the arm is just floating then set the balance ring (with the numbers on) you will see there is a line. Turn the ring not the weight to the ZERO mark where the line is on the top of the arm. Now turn the weight and ring together where it moves forward down the arm and set it at about 2 grams.

Now set the arm using the height adjustment that is the ring fitted to armboard and make sure the arm is straight (if not, the stylus will mistrack). Now try the deck again. You might have to make adjustments to the tracking weight again so whatever you have it set to, set the anti-skate to the same!

Good luck with it (:-)

A new stylus should not change the tone arm balance setting if it is the correct stylus.

Does your arm have a sliding balance weight at the rear of the arm? If so you can slide this slightly towards the cartridge to regain the correct playing weight.

I would suggest you get a repair shop to do this for you, or you could finish up damaging your records.

One of the wires from the stylus had a poor connection through the pin connector.
I recrimped the pin lug reconnected and all is now working as it should.