Inlaid, stainless, laser-etched nameplate.FSA briefly made a version and it acquired an eclectic, worldwide following. It was discontinued several years ago and can no longer be found for sale. The Wheel Fanatyk tool upgrades the design in several crucial ways. To hear about the tool basics, in its FSA incarnation, check here.
How to hold it.For 2012, we've incorporated much higher specification moving parts and a digital indicator. Parts are all USA made with tolerances and materials that enable a new level of accuracy. This is perhaps the World's most accurate. The digital gauge is feature laden:
1. Extra low spring force for high accuracy.
2. Shock, dust, and water resistant.
3. Large LCD screen.
4. Zero-set.
5. Inch/Metric Conversion.
6. On/Off button.
7. One year battery life (continuous operation).
8. SPC/RS232 output (downloads to a PC).
9. Resolution: 0.0005"/.01mm.
SPC/RS232 output is via a mini-USB port and requires a dedicated cable that costs $120. Instructions here.
Digital SPC output.The instrument is fully calibrated on our in-house fixture using a precision Dillon force gauge. We provide tension conversion for all common spoke gauges and diameters.
Each tool wears a unique serial number.There's no spoke tension gauge with this combination of accuracy, ease of use, durability, and value. Watch this movie describing its use and features.
The tool costs USD$295, and here is what you get:
1. A shock-proof, lockable, foam lined case with metal pin hinges.
2. 26 page Owner's Manual, with many wheelbuilding tips.
3. Laminated Spoke Tension Chart, for convenient conversion.
4. Spare battery.
5. A CD with PDF files of the manual and chart, and our instruction movie.
What's inside the case.The warranty is one full year, but we aim to meet every user's highest expectations. Lifetime recalibration is no-charge. Satisfaction is guaranteed.
Check these images:
On a spoke.
Battery drawer is opposite mini-USB port.
Touching the "Zero" button.You can buy it herehttp://wheelfanatyk.bigcartel.com/product/tensiometer.
15 comments:
Nice! Watched the video which was very clear and complete.
Very informative
Outstanding!
Can't wait to see and use one.
Hi Rick,
About the RS232 miniport : what kind of data could you transfert to the computer?
Best,
Cédric
rca-bike
RS232 will transmit the dial reading. Place a cursor in your spreadsheet (like Excel), press the in-line button, the dial reading enters the cell. Press "return," and you are ready for the next. This way you can have some or every spoke's tension in a file.
The tool looks best in class. To be truly amazing, the tool would have to self-zero when the plunger bottoms out. I build few enough wheels that the Park tensiometer is good enough but I'd have a hard time not buying your tool if it auto-zeroed.
The tool MUST be zeroed when the spoke is in place. Since spokes have unavoidable bends, the zero point cannot be anticipated. It must be done for every spoke if necessary. "Auto zero" is incompatible with this type of tool.
if I didn't already have the FSA version...
I use an Excel spreadsheet to record the the reading, translate it into tension and plot it on a radar graph which is a fairly easy way to represent tension uniformity to customers. I may have to invest in the new tool anyhow.
Hi,
Can this be used on a 20" wheel? I have a Wheelsmith tensionmeter that doesn't fit on a 3 cross 406 erd wheel, regardless of hub size. If your tensionmeter doesn't, what is your method to find correct spoke tension on small wheels?
Wow, that's awesome. I love my FSA but being able to quickly zero it before the reading was my one quibble. This new one looks fantastic!
So, uhhhh, anyone want to buy a very lightly used FSA? :D Bought directly from Ric middle of last year. I really want to upgrade now.
That RS-232 connection would work perfectly with my spreadsheet, too. Wow.
A tool's outside width at spoke contact limits the spoke that can be measured. For the Wheelsmith tensiometer, the spoke contact is 4.5" and the tool outside width is 5.125". The Wheel Fanatyk tensiometer has 4" spoke contact and 4.5" outside width. A bit over 0.5" improvement. Check the spoke length available in your 20" wheel.
Marvelous tool:Accurate,high resolution,very easy to use,and its finish is absolutely beautiful-Congratulations Ric!
Shaun Blackstock
I just got one! C'est tres magnifique. What a pleasure to use. Great job Ric.
Very tempting Ric! An amazing value when compared to the Hozan dial-indicator unit I've used for years _ I had to make my own storage box for that one, sadly not nearly as nice as yours.
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