The Io Gold was an arse-ache to dial in on my SME V compared to the Clearaudio Unify which was a doddle. I need another counter weight to help out a bit.
I think it alters the friction force though
I donāt even know what that means?
The coefficient of sliding friction is a result of the vertical force applied and the nature of the two surfaces in contact. The velocity of the needle in the groove (and the size of contact area fwiw) will have no bearing on it.
Hmm, the second element of physics I have learned this week. Coulombās Law of Friction: Kinetic friction is independent of the sliding velocity. I had assumed that it acted like wind resistance, but it doesnāt.
Note that Coulombās law is an approximation - it could be inapplicable, but I donāt really see why it shouldnāt work.
I thought that the coefficient of friction was the mathematical output of the relationship between the two surfaces, and friction was the combination of the coefficient and the perpendicular force between the surfaces?
Sorry, I phrased that rather badly, I know what it means. However, what needs to be determined is the skating force. Thereby giving us the appropriate bias force to counteract it.
Unfortunately, it will only ever be an approximation as there are so many variables - such as VTF, properties of different types of vinyl used, stylus material, surface contaminants like dust in the groove or on the stylus. Even humidity (a āwetā record will produce a lower skating force, presumably by reducing the coefficient of friction)
Itās a can of worms. After seeing this discussion and doing some related on-line research, I have read today wildly differing theories (usually by manufacturers who have a vested interest) on how and why skating force is caused and how it can be best counteracted. To be honest, Iām almost more confused now than I was before the research.
However, this is an interesting read, if you have the time, and can be arsed,
http://www.audiomods.co.uk/papers/kogen_skatingforce.PDF
Over 50 years old, but as far as Iām aware, the fundamental laws of physics havenāt changed since then.
No issue with that, but in neither case does the velocity of the needle in the groove enter the equation. Maybe my post above explains what Iām trying to (badly) get across a bit better. If not, certainly the paper in the link does 
Itās an interesting article. I must ask Matt for a loan of one of his Orsonic anti-skate setting devices & watch how it behaves towards the centre of a record.
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You need to get out more.
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Iād wait for a rainy night to do it. 
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From another who needs to get out more, Iād be interested in your findings.
On a rainy day, of course 
The Viv Labs explanation is also worth another look. Iāve spoken to a few people who regard this as the best pivoted arm theyāve used. Scroll down.
https://www.blackforestaudio.de/cms/front_content.php?idart=406
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I could fancy trying one of those.
However,
Must.Not.Buy.Another.Tonearm. 
Is it fully accepted that the Orsonic measurements are influenced by skating force exclusively, or do you think the results could be compromised by other factors, such as groove modulation (modulation drag) which is pretty much accepted to increase towards the centre of the record?
It would be interesting to carry out the experiment with two very different tracking forces, say, 1g and 5g - Iām intrigued to know the extent of the difference.
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One on PFM 7" stubby one.
Nameā¦lol 
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Like your new avatar Jim. Does it symbolise the number of goals you scored against City? 
My new avatar is your reply Dave 
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Thankfully it is sold. However itās worrying that you made me look!