Selecting Batteries for the Sonic Tension Meter 508C

For optimum meter performance, use two disposable AAA alkaline batteries.

Gates’ 508C Sonic Tension Meter is designed to use two AAA alkaline batteries, rated for 1.5 volts each (3.0 volts combined).  When used with new alkaline batteries, the estimated continuous use time is 10 hours.  Using other battery types, such as lithium ion (Li-Ion) or nickel cadmium (NiCd), may reduce the meter run time. 

Rechargeable batteries are not recommended, as they reduce the run time in several ways.  They are generally rated for 1.2 volts, so they appear partially discharged to the meter even when fully charged. Also, the voltage will fall below the minimum requirements for the 508C before the batteries are fully discharged. In addition to the lower voltage rating, continuous charge and re-charge cycles can decrease the run time further.

Note:  The information in this blog post also applies to the older 507C model.

Sprocket and Sheave Balancing

Stock sprockets and sheaves are statically balanced per MPTA ( Mechanical Power Transmission Association) Standard Practice for Pulley Balancing SPB-86 using the weight based on the following two criteria:

1.  Balance limit (ounces) = Sprocket Weight (lb) x 0.016; or
2.  0.176 ounce (5 grams), whichever is greater

It is important to note that stock sprockets and sheaves should not be used on drives where the rim surface speeds exceed 6500 fpm.  Sprocket and sheave construction and materials will determine the dynamic balancing requirements of the sprocket(s) or sheave(s) where rim surface speeds exceed 6500 fpm.  

If rim speed exceeds 6500 fpm, then the sprocket(s) or sheave(s) will need to be quoted through our Made-to-Order Metals group. They can be contacted directly at makemymetal@gates.com or 800-709-6001 however any quotes will need to be made through your local Gates industrial belt distributor.  

For any additional questions feel free to look through our other blog topics or contact us at ptpasupport@gates.com or 303-744-5800.

Drive Conversion Worksheet

Are your drives dragging you down?

Use the Gates Drive Conversion Worksheet. Let us Engineers do the work for you.
If out-of-date drive systems are dragging you down, consider converting to a belt drive system that maximizes your application and output.

Complete our Drive Conversion Worksheet and a Gates product Engineer will provide you with a custom belt drive system recommendation. It’s a no-brainer for saving money, reducing downtime, and improving efficiency.  

LAUNCH THE WORKSHEET

Hydraulic Fluid Properties

Lubricity – the fluid must keep friction low and maintain an adequate film between moving parts to prevent wear of pumps, bearings, vanes, gears, pistons and rods. Increasing pressures and, consequently, closer tolerances, make lubricity even more important.

Viscosity – fluid “thickness” or resistance to flow. Pump manufacturers specify this according to clearances, speeds, temperatures and suction characteristics. The fluid must be thin enough to flow freely, yet heavy enough to prevent wear and leakage. Viscosity might not be so critical in selecting a hydraulic fluid except that it varies with temperature. Fluid thickens when it cools, thins as it heats up. Because some hydraulic systems must work under wide temperature extremes, viscosity range is important.

Viscosity Index – This measures the rate of viscosity change with temperature: the higher the index, the more stable the viscosity as temperature varies.