Getting Started

Stylus Maximus — Getting Started

Welcome to Stylus Maximus — your precision stylus and cartridge hour tracking companion for vinyl listening.

This guide will help you set up your device whether you are:

  1. Starting with a brand-new stylus/cartridge
  2. Tracking a stylus/cartridge that already has listening hours on it

Before You Begin

What You’ll Need

  • Your Stylus Maximus device
  • A USB power source or charger
  • A smartphone, tablet, or computer for initial setup

Initial Device Setup

  1. Connect Stylus Maximus to power using the included USB cable.
  2. Allow the device to power on.
  3. Double-click the setup button to view QR code.
  4. Using your phone or computer, connect to the Stylus Maximus Wi‑Fi access point by scanning the QR code or entering in the information manually.
  5. Open a web browser and navigate to: 192.168.4.1
  1. Follow the on-screen setup instructions to:
    • Connect Stylus Maximus to your Wi‑Fi network.
    • Name your device.
    • Configure your stylus/cartridge hours as described below.

Once setup is complete, Stylus Maximus will automatically begin monitoring platter movement and tracking listening time.

 

Existing Stylus or Cartridge with Previous Listening Hours

If your stylus or cartridge already has listening time on it, Stylus Maximus can continue tracking from your current estimated usage.

Estimating Existing Hours

Before setup, estimate the approximate number of hours already used on your stylus.

You can estimate based on:

  • Previous tracking methods
  • Listening habits
  • Average weekly usage
  • Purchase date and frequency of use

A close estimate is perfectly acceptable.

Recommended Setup

During configuration:

  • Enter your estimated current listening hours
  • Enter the total recommended lifespan for your stylus if known

Example:

If your stylus is estimated to already have 250 hours of use and is rated for 800 hours total lifespan:

  • Current Hours: 250
  • Estimated Lifespan: 800

Stylus Maximus will continue adding listening time automatically from that point forward.

Updating or Resetting Hours Later

If you later determine your estimate was inaccurate, you can adjust tracked hours at any time through the device settings interface.

When installing a replacement stylus or cartridge in the future, simply reset the tracked hours back to zero.

Frequently asked questions
How does Stylus Maximus track listening time?

Stylus Maximus uses an internal motion sensor to detect the circular motion created when your turntable is spinning. When a record begins playing, the device automatically starts tracking time. When the record stops spinning, tracking stops as well.

No buttons, apps, or timers are required.
Does it work with any turntable?

Yes. Stylus Maximus works with virtually any turntable because it simply sits on top of the record like a standard record weight. As long as your turntable can use a record weight, Stylus Maximus will work.
Why is tracking stylus life important?

Stylus tips wear down with use. Once a stylus becomes worn, it can begin to damage the grooves of your records.

Most manufacturers recommend replacing a stylus somewhere between 500 and 1000 hours of listening, but without tracking, most listeners have no idea how much use their stylus has actually had.

Stylus Maximus removes that uncertainty.
Why not just use an app or timer?

Apps require you to manually start and stop a timer every time you listen to records.

In reality, people forget to do this consistently. Missing just a few listening sessions makes the tracking inaccurate.

Stylus Maximus tracks usage automatically, so the data is always reliable.
Does it replace a normal record weight?

Yes. Stylus Maximus functions as a record weight while also tracking listening time. It sits on the center spindle just like other record weights, helping keep the record flat while the stylus timer operates automatically.
How do I reset the timer when I install a new stylus?

You can reset the stylus lifetime through settings at any time.