In the realm of cable management and installation, accurate length measurements are important for efficiency and precision. Selecting the right length measurement device for your cable-related tasks can significantly enhance your workflow.
Types of Cable Measurement Tools
- Mechanical Cable Length Counters: Cable length counters, like the Trumeter 2630 Series, are specialized devices designed specifically for measuring the length of cable as it is pulled from a spool or reel. These counters are essential for industries like telecommunications, where precise cable length is critical for installations and maintenance.
- Digital Laser Distance Meters: Digital laser distance meters, such as the Leica DISTO D2, provide a modern and accurate solution for cable length measurements. These devices use laser technology to quickly and precisely measure distances. Digital laser distance meters are ideal for professionals working on large-scale projects, such as construction or telecommunications installations.
- Wheel Measurers: Wheel measurers, like the Keson RoadRunner, offer a practical solution for measuring cable length by rolling a wheel along the cable path. They are particularly useful for outdoor applications, such as measuring cable runs along a pathway or across a field. Wheel measurers are common in landscaping, surveying, and outdoor cable installations.
- Tape Measures: Tape measures are the classic choice for measuring cable length. A reliable example is the Stanley PowerLock Tape Measure, known for its durability and ease of use. Tape measures are versatile and suitable for a wide range of applications, including residential wiring, DIY projects, and general cable length measurements.
Choosing a Mechanical Cable Measurement Tool
Trumeter offers two mechanical length measurement devices for cable. The 2630 Series is designed for materials with thickness of 0.5mm to 15mm. The 2600 Series is the heavy duty model designed for materials with thickness of 6mm – 76mm.
Both devices operate at 1500 meters / min or 3000 counts / min (whichever is lower). Both are available in feet/inches or meters/centimeters. Both are normally stocked in the Type “A” rotation, but other rotations are available from the factory with 16–20-week lead times. Both models have flanges on the bottom plate for mounting. Many customer applications for these will use a cart to mount to so device can be moved from spool to spool for offloading of materials. Other applications will mount directly to framework of their machinery for production length capturing.
Converting a Cable Measurement Tool from Mechanical to Electronic
Some cable measurement applications require presets, where the first preset slows the machine down, and the second controls a cutter or stops the machine. Other continuous production applications may need to use a preset to activate a cutter and automatically reset to zero to continue cutting the next piece of cable.
Such applications require an electronic counter, which can be installed on all Trumeter length measurement tools. The modification involves removing the mechanical counter and installing a shaft encoder to the wheel shaft. This encoder is then interfaced with a digital panel display.
