Calibrating manual crank

[Jpipes8787]

When calibrating a manual crank machine, should you pick just one tension (let’s say 60#) and calibrate it at that tension only or should you do it at multiple tensions (40# 50# 60# etc)

And if you do calibrate it at multiple tensions how does adjusting it at 50# effect what I previously adjusted at 40# if that makes sense

 

[thenewbig3]

When calibrating a manual crank machine, should you pick just one tension (let’s say 60#) and calibrate it at that tension only or should you do it at multiple tensions (40# 50# 60# etc)

And if you do calibrate it at multiple tensions how does adjusting it at 50# effect what I previously adjusted at 40# if that makes sense

I calibrate at my reference tension which is my case is 50#.
You don't need to do it again at different tension.
Maybe recheck once a week/month

 

[Wes]

When calibrating a manual crank machine, should you pick just one tension (let’s say 60#) and calibrate it at that tension only or should you do it at multiple tensions (40# 50# 60# etc)

@Jpipes8787,
You should check the calibration at multiple tensions.

I calibrate at my reference tension which is my case is 50#.
You don't need to do it again at different tension.
Maybe recheck once a week/month

^^^
Incorrect.

 

[thenewbig3]

@Jpipes8787,
You should check the calibration at multiple tensions.


^^^
Incorrect.

I guess CHECK and CALIBRATE meant the same to you? Only the last "check"/calibration stays - the one done just before the adjustor is locked.

 

[Wes]

I guess CHECK and CALIBRATE meant the same to you? Only the last "check"/calibration stays - the one done just before the adjustor is locked.

My apologies.
The terms "check" and "calibrate" might possibly be vague to some.
Allow me to attempt to clarify.

One should test (i.e. "check", or perhaps better, "verify") the tension (with a calibrator) at a variety of tension settings (not merely one setting).

If/when each of the tested tensions does not already coincide with the calibrator, THEN one should "calibrate" (make the requisite adjustments so that both numbers match) at that particular tested tension.

Move on to next tension being tested... rinse & repeat.

 

[Irvin]

When checking the calibration you want the calibration to be linear. Meaning you want it be be accurate over a range of tensions. @Gamma Tech years ago released the calibration procedure for Gamma machines but I’m not sure your
Machine would be the same. You may be able to contact your manufacturer, or just leave it alone, but I would check a range of tensions for accuracy. If it’s off by a little you could just adjust the tension knob to correct any discrepancies.

EDIT: IIRC the procedure was complicated and not recommended for most stringers, so the procedures was never sent out with the machines. Only available from Gamma on request BITD.

 

[Gamma Tech]

When calibrating a manual crank machine, should you pick just one tension (let’s say 60#) and calibrate it at that tension only or should you do it at multiple tensions (40# 50# 60# etc)

And if you do calibrate it at multiple tensions how does adjusting it at 50# effect what I previously adjusted at 40# if that makes sense

As @Irvin mentioned above checking for linearity is key when calibrating these machines. Gamma ST manuals tell you to check tension at 30 and 60lbs, but you can pick other reference tensions based around where you frequently string. If tension is non-linear (i.e. with the machine set to 30 you pull 28, and at 60 you pull 61) you need to contact the manufacturer for the adjustment procedure.

Calibration needs to be checked at multiple even intervals because of this, however, it is only possible to calibrate precisely to one specific tension on crank machines, as any adjustment you make at one tension affects all others. Because of this a tennis player might choose to calibrate their machine at 50 or 60lbs, while a badminton player might choose to calibrate at 20 or 30.

 

[Jpipes8787]

As @Irvin mentioned above checking for linearity is key when calibrating these machines. Gamma ST manuals tell you to check tension at 30 and 60lbs, but you can pick other reference tensions based around where you frequently string. If tension is non-linear (i.e. with the machine set to 30 you pull 28, and at 60 you pull 61) you need to contact the manufacturer for the adjustment procedure.

Calibration needs to be checked at multiple even intervals because of this, however, it is only possible to calibrate precisely to one specific tension on crank machines, as any adjustment you make at one tension affects all others. Because of this a tennis player might choose to calibrate their machine at 50 or 60lbs, while a badminton player might choose to calibrate at 20 or 30.

Awesome, thanks for the tips, its actually a Gamma X-ST, Ive only just begun stringing in the last 3 months and this is my first machine, totally addicted to learning all the ins and outs