What is the relationship between the length and height of a cable?

  • Context: Undergrad 
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    Cable Height Length
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between the length and height of a zip cable, specifically in the context of adjusting the height of a cable for safety reasons at an outdoor facility. Participants explore the mechanics involved in cable tension and height adjustment, as well as potential solutions for achieving precise measurements.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes the need to adjust the height of a zip cable and notes that pulling one foot on the end of the cable results in a height change of approximately 2.5 feet.
  • The same participant expresses the desire for a formula to calculate the necessary adjustments based on cable length and tension.
  • Another participant suggests using a turnbuckle as a potential solution for adjusting cable tension.
  • A subsequent reply seeks clarification on what a turnbuckle is, indicating a lack of familiarity with the term.
  • Another participant explains the function of a turnbuckle and provides a link for further information.
  • One participant challenges the suggestion of using a turnbuckle, explaining that the anchoring system in use complicates adjustments, as it involves a looped cable and thimble setup that is difficult to manipulate.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility of using a turnbuckle for height adjustments, with some supporting the idea while others highlight complications with the existing anchoring system. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best method for achieving the desired height adjustment.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the need for exact measurements, including the weight of the cable and tension, but these details are not currently available, which may affect the discussion's conclusions.

nea_nemesis
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Hi, everybody, I really hope you can help me out with this one.

I work for an outdoor facility, and we were just replacing our zip cable. Due to major safty issues, we need to get it at the exact height it used to be at, and that's kind of tough.

After a few trial-error sessions, we managed to get it within inches, but now it's down to details. I know that pulling about a foot (~30cm) on the end of the cable changes the height of it for about 2,5 feet (70-80cm). Since we're talking galvanized aircraft cable here, you understand why I want a formula before we fit it for two more inches in height...

The cable is about 200 yards (~200m) long I'd say. I can get exact (or close to exact) measurements, probably the weight of the cable, tension and such things, but I don't have them now.
 
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nea_nemesis said:
Hi, everybody, I really hope you can help me out with this one.

I work for an outdoor facility, and we were just replacing our zip cable. Due to major safty issues, we need to get it at the exact height it used to be at, and that's kind of tough.

After a few trial-error sessions, we managed to get it within inches, but now it's down to details. I know that pulling about a foot (~30cm) on the end of the cable changes the height of it for about 2,5 feet (70-80cm). Since we're talking galvanized aircraft cable here, you understand why I want a formula before we fit it for two more inches in height...

The cable is about 200 yards (~200m) long I'd say. I can get exact (or close to exact) measurements, probably the weight of the cable, tension and such things, but I don't have them now.

Why don't you just use a turnbuckle?
 
berkeman said:
Why don't you just use a turnbuckle?

What's a turnbuckle? (non-native English speaker over here...)
 
nea_nemesis said:
What's a turnbuckle? (non-native English speaker over here...)

It's an in-line device commonly used to adjust the length and/or the tension in a cable:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turnbuckle

The two screws on the ends of the turnbuckle have opposite threads, so that turning the center portion pulls them in or pushes them out.
 
Because the anchoring system is different (looped cable with a thimble locked in place with serving sleeves, clipped into a rapid link that's attached to an eye-bolt).
So the adjustable part is the piece of cable that goes through the thimble and back into a serving sleeve, and that's a hassle to loosen and tighten.
 

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