DESCRIPTION
The TM 315A Aerial Tension Controller System is designed for aerial cable placement where the monitoring and recording of cable pull tension is required. The system is ideally suited for aerial fiber optic telephone or CATV feeder cables, as well as coaxial and light duty aerial copper cables. It assures the fast, safe and efficient placement of aerial cables.
By constantly monitoring the pull tensions, a crew can better select a potential intermediate assist or figure-eight location before maximum pull tensions are attained. This maximizes the pull distances while minimizing the additional handle of the cable. The result is higher productivity.
The system is comprised of two primary components, a hydraulic tension module and an electronic tension controller. The hydraulic tension module is equipped with a heavy-duty hydraulic tension unit, a tension gauge and electronic sensor, and a connector for use with the tension controller. The unit is housed in a sturdy metal housing and is designed for rugged use in outside aerial plant applications for pull tensions up to 1,000 pounds.
For operation, one end of the module is attached to the boom bucket, or a bracket suitably rated for the maximum pulling tension of the cable. The other end is attached to the cable lead. The module is equipped with safety snap hooks to permit quick set-up while preventing accidental disconnection during the pull. A safety line is provided to avoid accidentally dropping the unit during the lift, or while hooking up or disconnecting the module to the lift unit or cable.
The tension controller is equipped with a panel meter and a strip-chart recorder. A separate alarm is provided for early warning of pull tensions. The panel meter and recorder are scaled 0 to 2000 pounds, to permit using the tension controller with other types of TM 300 Series Pulling Systems. All can be used in conjunction with the aerial system as intermediate assist units on long, continuous or difficult cable pulls.
The tension controller is connected to the aerial module by using the provided 12- or 50-foot control cord. The longer cord permits locating the tension controller in the vehicle cab, or on the truck bed for monitoring by another operator. The tension gauge in the module, combined with the electronic tension controller, allows both an aerial and ground operator to simultaneously monitor the pull tensions during the pull.
The tension controller is powered by any 12-volt DC supply, usually available on most utility vehicles. An auxiliary 12-volt power cord, equipped with battery clamps, is provided.