Dynex tension and Loos gauge
 

Fractional inline double spreader rig (9.4m), cap and mid shrouds inline, lowers aft (keeps the rig in when the runners are clipped forward for cruising), running backstays for serious playtime and standing backstay.

Recently had the whole rig out and done the full nine yards, everything new again right down to last monel rivet.

The running backstays and standing backstay are now 4mm dynex. I'm using a Loos gauge to measure the tension of the SS rigging for the initial set-up, but it seems to seriously under-estimate the tension for dynex, maybe not such a surprise.

So how do you measure the tension of dynex either using a Loos gauge or any other way?

Cheers all

Troppo,

You can use a standard loose gauge to measure tension with DDux. The readings you get however will not match the calibration of the wire scale. Colligo is working on a new calibration scale for the gauges, which should be published soon.

What this means is once you get the rig set up right you can always return to that tension, but without knowing what the tension is in real numbers.

If the rigging were replaced one at a time you could do your own calibration. Measure the forestay tension and backstay tension. Change the backstay tension and record the reading on the forestay. Use that to calculate how much tension you get per trun. For example, you might get 60 pounds on the forestay for every turn of the backstay. Replace the forestay and return the forestay to the same tension as measured on the back stay. Now read your new forestay, which will be at the same tension as the wire you previously measured. Change the backstay tension and use your knowledge of how much tension you add per turn to compare several forestay readings You have just calibrated the gauge for the new material.