Anyone Using Gates Carbon Drive App to Check/Adjust Belt Tension?

[amfadave]

This YouTube video on belt tension of a 2018 RT Limited
Uses the Gates Carbon Drive phone app
Does anyone have experience using this app to check/adjust belt tension?

https://youtu.be/pWGiCt7aW6s

 

[pidjones]

You just need to hold the mic end of the phone close to the belt when you pluck it. I get around 31 Hz.

 

[amfadave]

You just need to hold the mic end of the phone close to the belt when you pluck it. I get around 31 Hz.

That would only be 801 Newtons
And 180 ft lbs

Is that the correct range for your belt per your manual?

Tire off the ground and 3 reading average?

 

[amfadave]

FYI
This thread has detailed information on required min-max hz readings for ACE 1330

ACE 1330 Belt Model RT (Newtons)
Min (900n) Spec (1050n) Max (1200n)

(Newtons)
Belt Spec 1050+/- 150n

Frequency range in HZ
Min 32.34hz Spec 34.93hz Max 37.34hz


https://www.spyderlovers.com/forums...d-and-Ipod-touch&highlight=Gates+Carbon+Drive

 

[Mike0123]

Well, this sounds cool. Does it really work?

 

[amfadave]

Well, this sounds cool. Does it really work?

I am going to order this external microphone for my iPhone and clip in location so the average hz reading will come from same distance and better than built in microphone

Professional Grade Lavalier Microphone with Adapter Compatible with iPhone - Lapel Microphone for iPhone 5 6 7 8 X 11 Pro Max - iPhone Compatible External Microphone - iPhone XR, XS, XS Max Microphone https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Y1XBKC7/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_RESFF54R823M395SPE4K

If you read the link from these forums the app was checked against a professional Gates Belt HZ reader and was reported to be very accurate. At least close enough to confirm it works

https://www.spyderlovers.com/forums...d-and-Ipod-touch&highlight=Gates+Carbon+Drive

 

[Gwolf]

Wouldn't work on my cell phone, but no reason why it would not give an indication of the tightness. I have a guitar tuner that works the same way. Clip it to neck, turn it on and pluck / adjust. Gives a perfect tune every time.

 

[ButterSmooth]

Wouldn't work on my cell phone, but no reason why it would not give an indication of the tightness. I have a guitar tuner that works the same way. Clip it to neck, turn it on and pluck / adjust. Gives a perfect tune every time.

My Moto G6 Android cell can't hear below 50Hz, so it's a no go for the Gates app. I actually use a (carefully qualified) guitar tuner to adjust my belt. Works great.

 

[Mikey]

Think I'll stay old fashion!!!!! Works for me!:cheers:

 

[ButterSmooth]

Unless you run a belt tensioning / damper device, it will vibrate at those specs.

The spec range is 202# to 270# in the air -- I'm at 200# (average, loose/tight) and mild vibration starts at 75mph. It's 235# on the ground. I don't mind the 75mph vibration since I rarely go that fast. The real problem for me is the return of the whine at that tension, when compared to 180#. But, at 180# the vibration was in the 60s.

Even though there is no evidence of a problem, I'll change the front pulley, probably next winter, and hope that eliminates the whine.

I think there is a lot of variability in tension measurements from person-to-person and method-to-method. That and several different belts, models, and tension specifications leads to much confusion. I like staying within the factory spec (almost).

 

[amfadave]

Think I'll stay old fashion!!!!! Works for me!:cheers:

What is “old fashion”?
My manual says belt tension is done by Newtons

 

[amfadave]

Unless you run a belt tensioning / damper device, it will vibrate at those specs.

Really? So OEM manual specs cause vibration

So what specs do you suggest?

 

[Baveux]

You just need to hold the mic end of the phone close to the belt when you pluck it. I get around 31 Hz.

Interesting. However, where did you get a chart to compare under different tensions? For me, having 31hz is nice, but at the end of the day, what does it mean? :dontknow:

 

[Mikey]

This is an old thread, if you want to ask any of the posters a question, try to PM them, they may answer you quicker! Good Luck.

 

[Baveux]

This is an old thread, if you want to ask any of the posters a question, try to PM them, they may answer you quicker! Good Luck.

You are so right. I was so excited to find a new and easy way to do this that I forgot to look at the date of the posts! lol. Thanks for the heads up.

 

[Allen42]

I just recently saw the same video, and posted a reply to another thread about proper tension, and how easy is it to adjust it DIY. My first most important question is that the Krikit says My 2019 RTL 1330 is currently at 210#. I do have a vibration at about 70-75. I'm wondering if it's worth the trouble to adjust it down to about 180#? (I assume that 210 is still within spec and not harming any bearings, etc.)