How Often Should I Calibrate my Tension?

Nate

New User
Hey TW how often should I calibrate my tension and what is the best way to do it? There are a lot of mixed reviews on calibrators so I wanted to know which one you guys thought works the best for the best price. Thanks.
 

esgee48

G.O.A.T.
This would depend on what type of stringer you have. A DW or eCP can use a simple luggage scale (assuming the scale is correct-or is calibrated with known weights.) A LO would require you to note when the machine locks out. The reading starts going down from the instant the LO occurs. You calibrate when you suspect your reference tension is off. I make use of the iOS app called Racquettune when I take my finished string jobs off the machine. Since I always use the same 3-6 types of strings, I recall the string parameters/frame and ping. Tension always come back within +/- 0.25# from ref. tension which is good enough. Since I use a DW and the gravitational constant hasn't change, I haven't recalibrated in eons. :)

You can buy the calibration devices from TW and they do work, but their accuracy still needs to be verified with known weights. Or you could be frugal and spend $10 on a digital scale.
 

TW Staff

Administrator
Nate, we use the Gamma calibrator and as esgee48 says regarding lock-out machines (e.g., spring crank), you'll want to check the reading right as it locks-out (because the tension will drop as the string relaxes). I'd start by checking the calibration every 20/25 racquets. You can always adjust your check rate based on your findings. It's also smart policy to check calibration if you switch to radically different tensions, (e.g., badminton), or if you transport the machine. I agree with esgee48 about independent verification with a known weight.

Hope this helps,
Jon
 

Nate

New User
Nate, we use the Gamma calibrator and as esgee48 says regarding lock-out machines (e.g., spring crank), you'll want to check the reading right as it locks-out (because the tension will drop as the string relaxes). I'd start by checking the calibration every 20/25 racquets. You can always adjust your check rate based on your findings. It's also smart policy to check calibration if you switch to radically different tensions, (e.g., badminton), or if you transport the machine. I agree with esgee48 about independent verification with a known weight.

Hope this helps,
Jon

I have a prince neos 1000. Its not a drop weight so does it classify as a spring crank? You guys use a neos there at TW right? What do I need to know about calibration and common problems if any (such as tension loss after x amount of rackets or when to calibrate). Thanks
 

esgee48

G.O.A.T.
You have a lock out. TW is saying start out checking your tension pulls every 20-25 frames, etc. Reset the spring close to zero when you're not using it. Springs do lose their elasticity which is why you want to check every x frames. If your calibration is spot on, then you're good to go. Don't change anything. Next time, maybe check every 30-35 frames.....
Here's a link to the manual if you don't have one:
https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/prince-ektelon-neos-1000-manual.449163/
 
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