Model 508C

Sonic
Tension
Meter
Manual

gates.com/stm
Sonic Tension Meter Components

508C Meter

Cord Sensor

Optional Inductive Sensor

Optional Flat Flexible Sensor

Contents

Important Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Operating Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Operating Theory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Belt Mass Constants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Belt Installation Tension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Tips on Using the Gates Sonic Tension Meter . . . . . . 14
Meter Re-Calibration for Non-Standard Belts . . . . . . . 16
Summary of Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Optional Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Formulas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Warranty, Service, and Certification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

1
 Thank you for purchasing the
Gates Sonic Tension Meter.
Please read this manual thoroughly to
fully utilize all the functions of this meter.

Important Warnings
• Do not drop this unit. Impact of any kind can result in damage.

• Do not put water, solvent or any other liquids on this unit.

• Do not leave this unit in a dusty environment.

• D
 o not leave this unit where it will get hot, such as in a car or in direct
sunlight.

• Do not use volatile solvents to clean this unit.

• Do not use this in an area where a spark could cause an explosion.

• Do not pull hard on the cord of the sensor (microphone) from either end.

• Do not use this unit outside during a thunderstorm, turn off power and seek
a safe place. Non-compliance could result in electric shock from thunderbolt.

• D
 o not bend the flexible arm sensor (microphone) within 20 mm (3/4 inch)
of either end, because the construction is tubular, and the flexible arm sensor
should not be bent at sharp angles.

2
Cord type measurement
sensor (microphone) standard.

One-touch connector

LCD screen with

backlight

“MEASURE” key

Power key
WIDTH key SPAN key
MASS key
(unit mass)

UP DOWN
buttons
(frequency
range selection)

0-button Select key

(frequency
range switching) Hertz key
(switching frequency
and tension)

LED Indicator lights

(Left: red
Right: green)

Power supply: 2ea. AAA size batteries

3
Operating Instructions
Attaching Sensor
Each of the male and female connectors has a notch on the surface.
Fit the connectors together at the notch and push them together. To
disconnect, hold the collar on the sensor and pull out.

Turn on the power

Press the “Power” key and the LCD screen display appears as follows:
5 4 1 – “MASS”
2 – “WIDTH”
6 3 – “SPAN”
4 – Storage Register Number
1
2 5 – Frequency Setting
3 6 – Battery Level Meter

The LCD screen is backlit for use in low light conditions. The screen
and backlight remain on for up to five minutes of inactivity, then the unit
automatically turns off.
The opening screen displays the contents of the data storage register
that was last being used when the STM was turned off. Values for (1)
“MASS” (Belt Mass Constant), (2) “WIDTH” (Belt Width), and (3) “SPAN”
(Belt Span Length) are all displayed simultaneously.
Important Note: Reasonable non-zero belt constant values must
be used in the storage registers in order to receive belt tension readings.
The unit will display span frequency values regardless of the belt
constants entered, but will display “Error” and the red light will remain
on if the calculated belt tension value is beyond the display range of the
screen.
Pointer (4) indicates the data storage register number where current belt
data is saved. To change the data or storage register number, refer to
“Input Data Storage and Retrieval” on page 6.
Pointer (5) represents the current frequency filter setting. To change,
refer to “Frequency Filter Settings” on page 6.
Pointer (6) indicates the battery level meter. A dark battery symbol
indicates a full charge. When the battery level becomes critically low, the
meter indicator as well as a “Low Batt” message both blink.

4
Enter belt mass
M = h h h . h g/m
Belt mass constants are provided on pages 11, 12, and 13 of this
manual. Capacity available for input is from 000.1 to 999.9 grams/meter.
Press the “MASS” key and enter numbers on the keypad. Make sure the
decimal is placed correctly in the display panel. If your entry is incorrect,
press “MASS” again and the cursor returns to the original position.Enter
belt width or number of rib/strands
W= hhh. h mm/#R
Capacity available for input is from 000.1 to 999.9 millimeters or number
of ribs or strands.
For a Synchronous belt, enter the belt width in millimeters.
For an Industrial V-belt, enter the number of strands being measured.
For a PolyFlex® JB® belt, enter the number of strands being measured.
For a Micro-V® belt, enter the total number of ribs.
For a 21 mm wide Poly Chain® belt, enter “021.0”;
For a 1” wide PowerGrip® timing belt, enter “025.4”;
For a single strand Industrial V-belt, enter “001.0”.
When using the Sonic Tension Meter on drives with multiple single or
PowerBand® belts, be sure to use the appropriate mass constant and
enter the correct number of belt strands being measured. There is no
need to multiply the mass constant by the number of ribs/strands, as the
Sonic Tension Meter will calculate the correct total belt mass.
Example:
For a V-belt drive using four individual 3V belts enter “1” for the belt
width (“Width” key). The Sonic Tension Meter will display the static
belt tension per individual belt. When measuring the belt tension in the
V-belt drive, make sure the V-belts do not interfere with each other while
vibrating.
If the same drive used a 4-strand 3V PowerBand® belt instead of single
belts enter “4” for the belt width (“Width” key). The total belt tension for
all four belts is measured as the entire belt vibrates. The Sonic Tension
Meter will display the total static belt tension for the PowerBand® belt (for
all strands within belt).

5
Enter the span length
S= hhhh mm
Capacity available for input is from 0001 to 9999 millimeters. The span
length represents the distance between the contact points on adjacent
sprockets/pulleys/sheaves. This distance may be measured directly, or
it may be calculated from the formula below. Calculating the span length
provides the most accurate results.

Span Length Formula

Where: S = Span Length (mm)

CD = Center Distance (mm)
D = Large Pulley Diameter (mm)
d = Small Pulley Diameter (mm)

Input Data Storage and Retrieval

Mass, width, and span values can be stored for up to 40 different drive
systems. Press the “SELECT” key to toggle through the 40 storage
registers. Storage registers can also be recalled by simply pressing the
“Select” key and the number that corresponds to the storage register.
The storage register number is displayed in the upper left hand corner of
the LCD screen; Pointer (4) on page 4.
The contents of all three data registers is displayed simultaneously.
The contents of a register can be changed by simply pressing the
mass, width, or span key and entering a new value. The new value is
automatically saved if the storage register is changed, or the meter is
turned off.

Frequency Filter Settings and Ranges

A frequency filtering feature is available to focus the meter frequency
measurement response to a narrower range. This can be useful in
improving the response of the meter and in filtering out potentially
interfering background noise.
Holding down the “0” button for 1-2 seconds will display a menu
that allows the frequency measurement range to be changed.
The available ranges are as follows:
High 500 – 5000 Hz
Standard 10 – 600 Hz

6
The default setting is the “Standard” range and can be changed by
pressing the “UP” and “DOWN” keys. To accept the highlighted range,
press the “MEASURE” key. Note the letter in the upper left hand corner
of the LCD display indicates the frequency range setting Pointer (5) on
page 4; H - High, S - Standard.

Microphone Gain Setting

The microphone gain level is set automatically when the unit is
turned on, based upon environmental background noise. If maximum
microphone sensitivity is desired, turn the meter on without the
microphone attached and wait for the meter to power up. Then connect
the microphone so tension measurements can be taken.

Measurement
Press the “MEASURE” key; the green LED light will begin flashing.
Tap the belt span to make the belt span vibrate. Hold the sensor
approximately 1 cm (0.4 inch) from the belt or closer without touching
the belt. The green LED light will continue to flash until a signal is
received by the sensor, then the green LED light will turn off and a
wave-form graphic will appear on the LCD screen. After the signal is
processed, the measured belt tension is displayed, the meter beeps
three times, and the green LED light turns on indicating a successful
tension measurement.
After a tension reading has been obtained, pressing the “Hz” key toggles
the LCD display output between tension, frequency, or both.
If the belt signal cannot be measured, or the measured frequency of the
calculated belt tension is out of the range of the meter, the red LED light
will turn on. When this occurs, either the tension or frequency fields may
also display ERROR.
To make another tension reading, simply tap the belt again. The
auto-trigger feature will automatically re-activate the meter without
pressing the “MEASURE” key.

Tension Display
T = h h h h h Kgf or lbf or N
The displayed output of measured force can be switched between
units of Kilograms force, Pounds force, and Newtons. This can be
accomplished as follows:
With the unit powered off, press the “0” and “9” and “Power”
keys at the same time. The meter will then turn on with the current
unit of measure displayed. Units can then be changed by pressing the
“SELECT” key until the desired unit appears. Press and hold down the

7
“POWER” key again until the meter turns off. Now turn the meter on for
normal operation. Data entered into the unit must still be in SI units of
millimeters and grams.
The capacity available for output is 99,900 Pounds force, Kilograms
force, or Newtons.

Frequency Display
F = h h h h Hz
Pressing the “Hz” key toggles the LCD display output between tension,
frequency, or both.

Measurement Errors
If either the calculated belt tension or measured frequency cannot be
displayed the red LED light will turn on and the LCD screen may display
“ERROR”. If an error has been made in the measurement, “ERROR”
will be displayed. Check the accuracy of the mass constants, width and
span values and retry the measurement until a tension or frequency
value is displayed. With the auto-trigger feature it is not necessary to
press the “Measure” key again.
When a tension or frequency reading is obtained, take at least two
additional readings for comparison. Three readings in relative close
proximity indicate reasonably accurate belt tension readings.
Tension measurements made on belts at very low tensions may yield
greater variability and a greater probability for errors. If a tension reading
cannot be obtained, the belt may be too loose to generate a clear
harmonic frequency signal. If this is the case, the belt may need to be
tightened in order to obtain a tension reading. The optional Inductive
Sensor is more effective at very low frequencies than the conventional
microphone sensors, and may provide better results.
NOTE: Frequency only readings must have data values in the storage
registers or the meter’s red LED light will stay on.

Battery Gauge
A battery graphic is located in the upper-right hand corner of the LCD
screen. This gauge provides an estimate of the remaining battery power.
A dark filled graphic indicates a full charge. When the battery level
becomes critically low, the meter indicator as well as a “Low Batt”
message both blink.

8
Optional Sensors
The 508C Sonic Tension Meter comes equipped with a cord type
sensor. The cord type sensor provides the most effective results.
An optional flat flexible stick-type sensor allows one hand operation, but
it is sometimes difficult to hold the meter and sensor still enough to
maintain close and consistent clearance between the vibrating belt span
and the sensor.
An optional Inductive Sensor relies on a magnetic field rather than on
sound waves. This allows tension measurements to be taken in both
noisy and windy environments. In order for the Inductive Sensor to
function, a magnetic field must be present on the belt. This can be easily
accomplished by taping a small magnet to the back of the belt.

9
Sonic Tension Meter Operating Theory
When an impulse is applied to a belt span, it first oscillates in all modes
of vibration, but the higher
frequency modes decay
faster than the fundamental
mode. This leaves a
continuous sinusoidal wave
that is related to a specific
belt tension; note diagram.
Using a microcomputer, a
data processing method
to capture a belt’s natural
oscillation frequency was
developed. Using this
method, the wave form
frequency can be
determined easily.
The new system uses special sensors to detect belt oscillation wave
forms. Data from these sensors is sent to the microcomputer inside
the Sonic Tension Meter for processing and conversion into the natural
frequency. To calculate belt tension, the Sonic Tension Meter system
uses the “transverse vibration of strings theory.” To operate the meter,
the belt mass, span length and width of the belt must be entered.
Formula:
T = 4 x M x W x S2 x f 2 x 10-9
Where:
T = Belt span tension (Newtons)
M* = Belt mass constant (g/m)
W = Belt width (mm) or number of belt strands
S = Length of the span to be measured (mm)
f = Natural frequency of the belt (Hz)
*Units of mass constant M for synchronous belts is g /(m)(mm) or g
/10 cm2 along the belt pitch line. Constant M for V-belts represents the
weight in grams of a 1 meter length of belting with a correction factor
applied to compensate for internal bending resistance.
Unlike a string, belts have cross-sectional rigidity. Therefore, tension
values measured by the meter may be higher than the actual belt
tension, depending on the operating conditions under which the effects
of rigidity arise. When the actual belt tension must be more precisely
measured, a simple calibration test may be necessary.

10
Belt Mass Constants
Adjusted mass constants are for PowerGrip® Timing
standard stock belts only. Non- & TruMotion® ...................g/m
standard belt constructions may MXL (0.080”)...................... 1.3
yield inaccurate results and may XL (0.200”)......................... 2.4
require special adjusted mass L (0.375”)............................ 3.2
constants or special calibration H (0.500”)........................... 3.9
procedures. Units are grams/meter XH (0.875”)....................... 11.3
per mm of width. XXH (1.25”)...................... 14.9
Twin Power XL................... 1.9
Poly Chain® GT® Carbon™ Twin Power L..................... 3.2
(all Poly Chain)............ g/m Twin Power H..................... 4.6
5M (5mm)........................3.0
8M (8mm)........................4.7
14M (14mm)....................7.9 Gates Mectrol® (Steel)
19M (19mm)..................10.5 Long Length Urethane....g/m
XL....................................... 2.1
L......................................... 3.5
PowerGrip® GT®2 / GT3 H......................................... 3.9
& TruMotion®................ g/m H-HF................................... 4.2
2M (2mm)........................1.4 XH.................................... 10.5
3M (3mm)........................2.8 T5....................................... 2.2
5M (5mm)........................4.1 AT5..................................... 3.2
8M (8mm) GT2................5.5 ATL5................................... 3.6
8M (8mm) GT3................5.8 T10..................................... 4.3
14M (14mm) GT2............9.6 T10-HF............................... 4.6
14M (14mm) GT3............9.7 AT10................................... 5.6
Twin Power® 3M..............2.8 ATL10................................. 6.7
Twin Power® 5M..............4.1 ATL10-HF........................... 6.9
Twin Power® 8M..............6.9 T20..................................... 7.3
Twin Power® 14M..........11.4 AT20................................... 9.9
ATL20............................... 10.8
PowerGrip® HTD® HTD5.................................. 4.1
& TruMotion®................ g/m HTD8.................................. 5.9
3M (3mm)........................2.4 HTD14.............................. 10.7
5M (5mm)........................3.9 HTDL14............................ 12.3
8M (8mm)........................6.2 STD5.................................. 3.9
14M (14mm)....................9.9 STD8.................................. 5.1
20M (20mm)..................12.8
Twin Power 3M...............2.7
Twin Power 5M...............4.6
Twin Power 8M...............7.2
Twin Power 14M...........12.3

11
Gates Mectrol® (Aramid)
Long Length Urethane..... g/m Predator® Singles........ g/m
XL....................................1.9 5VP ................................217
L......................................3.0 8VP.................................528
H......................................3.2 AP...................................114
WH...................................3.3 BP...................................174
XH...................................9.1 CP..................................323
T5....................................2.0 SPBP..............................208
AT5..................................2.7 SPCP..............................375
T10..................................3.6
WT10...............................3.9
AT10................................4.2 Predator PowerBand... g/m
T20..................................5.9 3VP...................................89
AT20................................7.3 5VP ................................217
HTD8...............................4.7 8VP.................................528
HTD14.............................8.4 BP...................................212
STD5...............................2.9 CP..................................332
STD8...............................4.3
Hi Power® II................... g/m
For a single V-belt, enter A.......................................95
1 rib/strand. When measuring a B.....................................168
PowerBand® (multiple) rib/strand C.....................................275
belt, enter the number of D.....................................553
E.....................................965
ribs/strands per belt. Units are
grams/meter per rib or strand.
Hi Power II PowerBand. g/m
A.....................................151
Super HC® & XP™.......... g/m B.....................................200
3V.....................................72 C.....................................342
5V...................................200 D.....................................663
8V...................................510
3VX...................................53
5VX.................................140 Tri-Power®..................... g/m
5VXP..............................140 AX.....................................79
8VX.................................383 BX...................................136
CX..................................216
Super HC & XP PowerBand. g/m
3V.....................................96 Tri-Power PowerBand... g/m
5V...................................241 BX...................................163
8V...................................579 CX..................................281
3VX...................................65
5VX.................................157 Hi Power II Dubl-V....... g/m
5VXP .............................160 AA...................................125
BB...................................194
CC..................................354
DD................................. 750

12
Metric Power™ -
Lengths ≤ 3000mm...... g/m Polyflex®....................... g/m
XPZ..................................51 3M...................................3.5
XPA..................................87 5M...................................9.9
XPB................................156 7M....................................24
XPC................................249 11M..................................49
10X...................................44
13X...................................82 Polyflex® JB®................ g/m
17X.................................138 3MJB...............................5.2
5MJB................................11
Metric Power™ - 7MJB ...............................30
Lengths > 3000mm...... g/m 11MJB..............................64
SPZ..................................72
SPA................................115
SPB................................186
SPC................................337
13X...................................77
17X.................................138

Micro-V®........................ g/m
H......................................5.3
J.......................................7.0
K.......................................18
L.......................................29
M.....................................109

Truflex®......................... g/m
2L.....................................19
3L.....................................38
4L.....................................66
5L...................................108

PoweRated®.................. g/m
67 (3L)..............................45
68 (4L)..............................71
69 (5L)............................119

13
Belt Installation Tension
Proper belt installation tension is essential in V-belt and synchronous
drives for optimum performance and reliability. The correct installation
tension for a belt, or set of belts, depends upon the drive geometry
and load conditions and must be calculated. Procedures for calculating
belt tension are included in the appropriate drive design manual. To
determine the belt tension recommended for specific drive applications,
either refer to the appropriate belt drive design manual or to the
DesignFlex® Pro™ belt drive selection program located at:
http://www.gates.com/designflex
The following belt drive design manuals listed below may be helpful:
Poly Chain® GT® Carbon™ Belt Drive Design Manual #17595
Light Power and Precision Drive Design Manual #17183
Heavy-Duty V-Belt Drive Design Manual #14995-A
PowerGrip® GT®3 Belt Drive Design Manual #17195
These catalogs can be downloaded from www.gates.com/catalog or
contact Gates Application Engineering at (303) 744-5800.

Tips on Using the Sonic Tension Meter

The Gates Sonic Tension Meter is capable of measuring belt tension
with greater accuracy and consistency than traditional methods. It
should not, however, be expected to produce exacting results in every
case. While numerous factors can be found to influence the accuracy of
the meter’s output, one must remember that traditional methods of belt
tensioning such as force/deflection or belt elongation are approximate.
The following suggestions are provided to help you achieve a high level
of accuracy with the Gates Sonic Tension Meter:

Consistent Readings
• After the correct constants have been entered into the meter, take
at least three readings to confirm that results are consistent and the
meter is not erroneously reading background noise.

Minimum Belt Span Length

• When measuring the tension in synchronous belts, use spans that are
more than 20 times the length of the tooth pitch. Using spans shorter
than this may result in readings that are higher than the actual tension
due to belt cross-sectional stiffness.
•W
 hen measuring the tension in V-belts, use spans that are more than
30 times the belt top width. Using spans shorter than this may result
in readings that are higher than the actual tension due to belt cross-
sectional stiffness.

14
Minimum Belt Tension
•T
 here are limits as to how low a span tension value the meter can
measure depending upon the belt type and cross section. Minimum
recommended installation tension values are available for all belt
sections from either drive design manuals or Gates Product Application
Engineering. Attempting to measure belt tensions below these
minimum recommended values should be avoided, as the meter may
display “Error” or provide inaccurate results. If the belt span tension is
low, and a tension reading cannot be obtained, try increasing the belt
tension and then take another reading.

New Belt Installation

• Before measuring belt installation tension, turn the drive over by hand
for several revolutions to fully seat the belt and equalize tension in
all of the belt spans. Factors such as sprocket/shaft eccentricity, belt/
sheave groove irregularity, etc., can influence belt tension as the
sprockets or sheaves rotate. If the measured belt tension changes
significantly as the drive is rotated, and accurate measurements
are needed, determine the low and high values and average them
together.

Windy Environment
• Wind can adversely affect the ability of the meter to make a reading by
creating excessive background noise. If measuring in a windy location,
the Inductive Sensor should be used instead of a microphone sensor.

Inductive Sensor
• An optional Inductive Sensor should be utilized in noisy or windy
environments for optimal results. The Inductive Sensor uses a
magnetic field rather than sound waves.

A simple way to use this sensor is with a magnet taped to the backside
of the belt. Small “rare earth” magnets provide excellent results with
minimal influence on the belt span frequency due to the added weight.

Using Frequency Mode

• If an assembly process is used to set belt tension in a particular
application, and the meter is used only to monitor belt installation
tensions, the frequency mode can be used rather than displaying an
absolute measured tension value. Belt span frequencies for minimum
and maximum tension conditions can be measured so assemblers/
technicians can use the meter to verify that belt installation tension is
within an acceptable range.

15
Re-calibration for Non-Standard Belts
Measuring the tension of special belts with extra thick backings,
alternate materials, etc., may yield less than accurate results using belt
mass constants for standard belts. In these cases, a simple calibration
process may be used. The belting can be placed on a fixture with a
known span length under various known tensions (hanging weights can
be used). By taking frequency measurements at various tensions, span
frequency vs. tension data can be collected.
This data can then be used in a graphical format or in equation form to
convert measured span vibration frequencies to accurate belt tensions.
Data of this type is specific to each application and cannot be applied to
drives with different span lengths. Because the resulting data may not
be linear, it is best to measure the tension of non-standard belts in terms
of frequency rather than deriving new belt mass constants to measure in
terms of absolute tension.

Summary of Features
• Model 508C - Product No. 7420-0508
• Includes cord type sensor - Product No. 7420-0206.
• 40 Memory Registers for Belt Constants
• Max Frequency of 5000 Hz
• Auto Microphone Gain Control
• Variable Frequency Range Filters
•A
 uto Shut Off - The meter will automatically shut off after 5 minutes of
inactivity. Power can be shut off manually by pressing and holding the
power button for 1-2 seconds.
•B
 atteries - 2 each; AAA. The battery compartment can be found on the
backside of the meter.

Optional Accessories
• Flat Flexible Sensor -
Product No. 7420-0205
Makes single-handed operation possible.
• Inductive Sensor - •R
 eplacement Magnets (set of 10) -
Product No. 7420-0212 Product No. 7420-1212
Recommended for noisy or For use with inductive sensor.
windy environments.
Magnets included.

16
 Sonic Tension Meter
Troubleshooting Guide
Symptom Cause To Correct
Meter Won’t Turn On
Batteries are dead Replace Batteries
Battery contacts Clean contacts and replace batteries
are corroded
Meter has sus- Consider meter repair or replace-
tained damage ment
Gates certification / evaluation /
repair service
Don’t Know What Reading Is Correct For Belt Drive
Meter measures Determine correct belt tension level
belt tension but using the Design Flex Pro, Design
does not indicate if Flex Mobile, or Design IQ applica-
it is correct tions
Determine correct belt tension level
from engineering equations in Gates
Drive Design Manual
Establish proper belt tension level
based on knowledge and experience
All Gates design tools are available
at
www.gates.com/drivedesign
Don’t Know What Constants To Enter
Mass Constant Mass constants for all Gates belt
sections are available on the data
card and Users Manual provided
with the Sonic Tension Meter
The appropriate Mass constant is
provided on drive design printouts
Width Constant Width represents the width of
synchronous belts in mm or the
number of V-belt strands/ribs being
measured at once (enter “1” if the
tension of only one belt within a set
is being measured at a time)
The appropriate Width constant is
provided on drive design printouts

17
Symptom Cause To Correct
Span Constant Span represents the length of the
belt span being measured in mm
The appropriate Span constant is
provided on drive design printouts
Can’t Obtain A Belt Tension Reading
Sensor is too far Move sensor as close as possible
away from belt sur- without interfering with vibrating belt
face span
Belt is too loose to Tighten belt
generate frequency
signal
Background noise Try using “Low” or “High” frequency
is excessive settings to filter our background
noise (press “0” for 1-2 sec for
menu)
Temporarily eliminate background
noise
Use inductive sensor instead of
microphone
Meter is set in the “Standard” frequency range is gen-
incorrect frequency erally best
range With meter on, press “0” for 2 sec
and select “Standard”, or appropri-
ate frequency range
Standard (S) = 10 – 600 Hz
High (H) = 500 – 5000 Hz
Belt span fre- Microphone performance is reduced
quency is less than considerably at frequencies less
30 Hz than 30 Hz
Use the inductive sensor for fre-
quencies down to 10 Hz
Excessive wind Shield or shelter microphone
is blowing across Use inductive sensor
Microphone

18
Symptom Cause To Correct
Belt span is long Tighten belt
and frequency very Check to see if calculated belt fre-
low quency is below 50 Hz
Artificially reduce belt span length
using a block, etc.
Use inductive sensor for span fre-
quencies from 10 – 50 Hz
Incorrect belt con- Use correct mass, width, and span
stants have been constants for drive
entered Press “Select” to toggle through data
memory registers
Sensor or connec- Confirm sensor damage and replace
tions have been
damaged
Iron or magnet is Tape a small magnet to the belt at
not present when mid span for the inductive sensor to
using inductive read (furnished with inductive sen-
sensor sor)
Can’t See Belt Span Frequency On Display
Meter is set in Press “Hz” to display belt span fre-
the wrong display quency
mode Press “Hz” again to display both belt
span frequency and tension
Meter Displays “Error” When Taking Tension Readings And Red Light
Illuminates
Belt tension read- Confirm that correct mass, width,
ing is outside of and span constants have been
meter display entered
capability Press “Select” and toggle through
data memory registers to select
another data set
Non-zero constants must be entered
even with the meter in the frequency
only mode
An error has been Take another tension reading
made in reading
the belt tension

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Symptom Cause To Correct
Belt is too loose to Tighten belt
generate frequency
signal
Multiple Belt Tension Readings Are Significantly Different
Belt tension is near Tighten belt and see if reading varia-
absolute minimum tion is reduced
threshold
Some tension It is normal for the meter to detect
reading variation is slightly different fundamental span
normal frequencies
Take at least three tension readings
and average the results
The drive has been Belts must fully seat on pulleys /
rotated between sheaves and equalize for tension to
readings stabilize
Pulley / shaft eccentricity can
change belt tension significantly;
establish minimum / average / maxi-
mum tension level limits and set belt
tension accordingly
Meter Displays Tension In Wrong Units
Meter is set if With the meter powered off, press
incorrect unit mode “0” and “9” and “Power” at the same
time and then select the desired
display unit (N / kg / lb) by pressing
“SELECT”
Meter Readings Seem Incorrect
Incorrect belt con- Use correct mass, width, and span
stants may have constants
been entered Press “Select” and toggle through
data memory registers to select
another data set
The tension of a Mass constants for non-Gates belts
non-Gates belt is must be derived experimentally
being measured
An unrelated com- Temporarily eliminate noise
peting frequency Try using low or high frequency set-
signal may be tings to filter out background noise
picked up
Use inductive sensor

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Symptom Cause To Correct
Batteries are weak Check battery strength meter on
display
Replace weak batteries with new
alkaline cells
Non-alkaline type Use only alkaline type batteries for
batteries are being full 1.5 volt output required by meter
used
Meter accuracy Generate an accurate frequency
can be verified / signal for the meter to read using a
certified tuning fork
Generate an accurate frequency
signal for the meter to read using a
signal generator
Send meter to Gates for evaluation
(for a fee)
Belt span length The minimum span length recom-
may be too short mended for synchronous belts is
20X the belt pitch
The minimum span length recom-
mended for V-type belts is 30X the
belt or rib top width
Meter Battery Life Is Short
Meter usage is Fresh alkaline batteries provide
heavy approximately 20 – 24 hours of con-
tinuous meter usage
Non-alkaline type Use only alkaline type batteries for
batteries are being full 1.5 volt output required by meter
used
Need Extra Sensors Or Inductive Sensor Magnets
Flat Flexible Gates Product # 7420-0205
Sensor
Cord Sensor Gates Product # 7420-0206
Inductive Sensor Gates Product # 7420-0212
Inductive Sensor Gates Product # 7420-1212 (sets of
Magnets 10 each)

21
Unit Conversion Formulas
lbf x 4.4482 = N N x 0.2248 = lbf
lbf x 0.4536 = kgf kgf x 2.2046 = lbf
N x 0.1020 = kgf kgf x 9.8067 = N
lbf = Pounds force
N = Newtons force
kgf = Kilograms force
Inches x 25.4000 = mm
mm x 0.0394 = inches
mm = Millimeters

Span Length Formula

Where:
S = Span Length (mm)
CD = Center Distance (mm)
D = Large Pulley Diameter (mm)
d = Small Pulley Diameter (mm)

22
Warranty, Service, and Certification
Gates warrants the meter to successfully operate for a period of two
years from the date of manufacture:

• Gates will repair or replace meters, at our discretion, at no charge

within the warranty period.

• Sensors are not warranted.

• Meters damaged by misuses or abuse, at Gates discretion, are not

covered by the warranty.

For repairs outside of the warranty period, Gates offers a meter repair
service:

• Repair estimates are available before work is completed, but Gates

must evaluate the meters in-house.

Meter accuracy certification (traceable) is available:

• Upon certification, meters will be returned with a sticker and

certificate verifying accuracy.

• Meter certification is not covered under the warranty. Contact an

authorized Gates distributor for the current certification rates.

In order to return meters for warranty repair, non-warranty repair, or

accuracy verification:

• Contact an authorized Gates distributor for assistance.

• Do not return meters to Gates without prior approval and an RMA

(Return Materials Authorization) in the box.

• Gates takes no responsibility for any meters returned to the wrong

address or without an RMA issued by a Gates authorized distributor.

• www.gates.com/distributors

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 www.gates.com/stm

For technical information on Model 508C:

Phone: 303.744.5800 • Fax: 303.744.4600 • E-mail: [email protected]

Gates Corporation • Denver, Colorado 80202

00981833 17898-C 10/15