AdamS:
joeyboygolf:
However, you can check the coils before sending the cartridge. If you have access to a multimeter, measure the resistance across diagonal contact pins on the rear of the cartridge. Open or closed circuit indicates defective coils but a few ohms resistance indicates that the cartridge is OK.
NO, NO NO!!
Do NOT test a cartridge's continuity with a multimeter! Even though the meter operates at a low voltage, this is still enough to cause irreversible damage to the fine wire that makes up the coils.
I would assume (or hope) that Axel has a suitably low voltage/current way of checking the coils on any cartridges he tests, but a standard multimeter is not suitable for the job.
I new it wouldn't be long before someone would rubbish my methods, it has happened before.
My DMM might be special (£20 from CPC) for all I know but it certainly has not ruined any cartridges as of the present time. Of the 30 or so cartridges that I have tested ,only 2 or 3 have failed and been consigned to the bin. The failures were known non workers.
Axel has refurbed the rest and has not reported any problems.
I have batches of 6 or so refurbed to their original spec and apart from one batch that went to Germany via Australia I have had no problems!
I can only comment from direct experience.