Understanding Cablecam Installation

At Noxon, we understand that every installation is unique, so we want to ensure you have the essential information to carry out a safe and effective installation. The responsibility for rigging ultimately lies with each user, as conditions can vary significantly. However, we are committed to guiding you with key considerations to help you achieve a secure setup, ensuring both the optimal performance of the High-Speed Cablecam and a safe working environment.

1. The Basics of Tension and Sag

Before setting up the line, it’s important to understand the key forces at play:

• Tension refers to the force applied to the rope when it is stretched between two rigging points. The higher the tension, the less sag there will be.
• Sag is the natural dip in the rope between the two anchor points, caused by gravity. The amount of sag depends on the tension applied, the weight of the Cablecam, and the length of the rope.

How to Determine the Right Rope Height

There is no universal “correct tension” for every setup. Instead, the installation height and sag must be adjusted based on your specific operating conditions.

For example: You are flying the Cablecam over a crowd and you need a minimum clearance of 3 meters between the ground and the Cablecam at its lowest point (where sag is greatest). If the sag is 2 meters, you must install the rope at a minimum height of 5 meters above the ground.

If you are working on an incline, additional calculations are necessary. The Noxon High-Speed Cablecam can operate effectively with an incline of up to 10º maximum. Beyond this, performance may be compromised, and additional rigging solutions may be required. The use of V-Mount batteries may affect this too, but this is something you will understand better by reading our article about the Lipos and V-Mount Batteries.

2. Evaluating Rigging Points and Tension Forces

Your rigging points must be strong enough to withstand the tension applied to the rope. Several factors influence the forces exerted on the system:

• The weight of the Cablecam and payload
• The length of the rope span
• The amount of sag allowed

You can calculate the tension over the rigging points and the rope using our Tensile Rope and Anchor Points Calculator.

Rope Strength and Alternative Solutions

The rope provided by Noxon has a breaking point of 800 kg, which matches the capacity of our manual winch. This is a reliable solution for most installations. However, if your setup exceeds these limits, we recommend using a Dyneema rope and Tractel tensioning systems, which allow for safer operation over longer distances with higher loads. If you are unsure about your specific requirements, feel free to contact us for a recommendation tailored to your needs.

3. Properly Tensioning the Rope

Using the Manual Winch

To achieve the correct tension, you can use the Noxon Hand Winch. If the winch reaches the end of its metal cable extension before the required tension is achieved, you can use intermediate knots:

1. Tension the rope with the winch.
2. Tie off the rope securely at the anchor point.
3. Release the winch, reposition it further down the rope, and continue tensioning.

This method allows you to gradually increase tension without needing an excessively long winch cable.

Using Pulley Systems for Pretensioning

For setups requiring additional force, pulley systems (block and tackle) can be used to pre-tension the rope before finalizing with the winch. This method reduces the effort required and helps achieve a more controlled and secure installation.

Advanced Tensioning Systems

For high-load or extended-distance setups, stronger tensioning systems may be required. If you need additional recommendations, contact us, and we will prescribe the best solution based on your specific needs.

4. Ensuring Proper Movement of the Cablecam

Once the rope is installed, you must verify that the Cablecam moves freely along the line. One of the most critical indicators for this is the red alignment mark on the traction system.

Using the Red Mark for Alignment

• The traction wheel must apply sufficient pressure against the rope to ensure smooth movement.
• The red mark on the traction system must align correctly with the metal alignment piece.
• If the red mark is not correctly aligned, the traction wheel may not be engaging the rope properly, leading to slippage or inconsistent movement.

Here you have the video that show this process:

Understanding the Tension Indicator on the Cablecam

The Noxon High-Speed Cablecam includes a tension indicator, which provides a reference for the tension on the rope once the unit is mounted. However, it is important to understand that:

• This indicator does not measure the absolute tensile force applied to the rope.
• It serves as a guideline to help assess whether the traction wheel is applying sufficient pressure.

If the traction wheel does not generate adequate pressure, the Cablecam may fail to move properly or may struggle with acceleration and braking. If this happens, you should:

1. Check the alignment of the red mark with the metal alignment piece.
2. Reassess the rope tension to ensure it is within an appropriate range.
3. Confirm that the traction wheel is engaging the rope correctly and making full contact.

You can find more information in the High-Speed Cablecam Tutorials (Ergonomics and Transport).

5. Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you experience movement issues with the Cablecam, consider the following steps:

If the Cablecam does not move smoothly:

• Ensure that the rope is properly tensioned and does not sag excessively.
• Verify that the traction wheel is applying enough pressure to the rope.

If the Cablecam struggles with acceleration or braking:

• Check that the tension indicator is within the recommended range.
• Inspect the alignment of the red mark with the metal alignment piece.

6. Summary: Key Takeaways for Safe Operation

• Proper tensioning and sag calculation are essential for smooth movement.
• The red alignment mark is the primary visual indicator for correct traction wheel engagement.
• The tension indicator on the Cablecam provides a useful reference but should not be relied upon as the sole measurement of rope tension.
• If movement issues arise, always check rope tension, traction wheel pressure, and alignment first.
• The Noxon rope supports up to 800 kg, matching the capacity of our manual winch.
• If your setup exceeds these limits, Dyneema ropes and Tractel tensioning systems are recommended. Contact us before buying Dyneema.
• For advanced tensioning solutions, including pulley-based pretensioning or heavy-duty winches, contact us for guidance.

By following these guidelines and ensuring that all factors are properly assessed, you can achieve a stable, secure, and reliable Cablecam setup, minimizing risks and optimizing performance.