[TowerTalk] Guy Tensioning

[john at kk9a.com]

Penn_Tech gauges are calibrated for EHS in 100 pound increments and they
cost 10X+ more than the Loos so I would expect them to be more accurate.
It would be nice if someone could make a chart for the Loos gauge for
3/16, 1/4, and 5/16 EHS at the typical working pressures. Of course the
tension is temperature dependent and it likely decreases over time due to
stretch, especially with Phillystran.

John KK9A


To:	towertalk <towertalk at contesting.com>
Subject:	Re: [TowerTalk] Guy Tensioning
From:	Steve Maki <lists at oakcom.org>
Date:	Sun, 23 Oct 2016 20:32:44 -0400


I've never owned a Loos, but have owned a couple Penn-Tech commercial
tensionmeters.

I just looked at the chart for the TM-800 to see what could be gleaned
related to the 7 strand vs 19 strand scenario that could be applied to the
general case, and I have to admit I'm a little confused.

In the case of 9/16", the table converges at 3500 lbs which is exactly 10%
of breaking strength (IOW, gauge deflection for 7 strand is the same as
for 19 strand).

But for 5/8" wire, the curves never converge (7 strand always creates
higher gauge deflection than 19 strand for a given tension).

The TM-800 is designed for 3/16" to 3/4" wire, but 9/16" and 5?8" are the
only two sizes on the chart for which both 7 strand and 19 strand
defection values are given.

Maybe this is a mistake, I'll look into it a bit more.

-Steve K8LX