[at-l] Measuring Wheels (More)

[Walt Daniels]

As previously posted we use a Rolotape 623 which measures 6 ft per
revolution. It has pegs aroung the rim so it counts in feet. I have used
smaller ones and they are difficult to control on steep rocky stretches. You
need a large enough counter that you don't have to reset it during the day
or count rollovers on a piece of paper, so you need to go as high as 15
miles or so. We are currently measuring trails in smaller parks so we rarely
have a single trail longer than a mile. I have never tried doing a bushwhack
with a wheel but it not unusual to have to deal with measuring through a
large messy blowdown. If it is bad enough we estimate or pace off the
distance, walk the wheel around and then spin it enough for the estimated
distance. Ours has open wire spokes and occasionally a stick gets kicked
into it and stops the rotation. It is easily removed and causes no problems.
If this happened frequently it might be a pain. Since the distance you
measure depends on the diameter of the wheel to some extent (what bumps it
sees) it is good to standardize on a single size. NYNJTC has at least 5
wheels and perhaps a few personal ones as well.

-----Original Message-----
From: at-l-bounces at backcountry.net [mailto:at-l-bounces at backcountry.net] On
Behalf Of Jim Lynch
Sent: Tuesday, February 13, 2007 5:20 PM
To: at-l at mailman.backcountry.net
Subject: [at-l] Measuring Wheels (More)

Thanks for all the input.
   I've found some more information.
   Wheels are made by the following companies (Keson, Digiroller, Redington,
Meter-Man, Rolatape, Lufkin, Hanson, Berger, MeasureMark, Calculated
Industries).  There may be others, but these are what I've found so far. 
There are several variables.  One is wheel size which varies from 6" to 25" 
diameter.  While something larger than 6" would seem to be better for trail
measuring, I don't know how large is 'good enough'.  Wheels come in either
spoke or solid types.  The literature indicates that solid wheels are better
for working in brush (any experience with these wheels?).  And the counters
reset at 1000 (feet or meters), up to 100,000 (any thoughts about what is
the best for typical trail work?).  And the readouts can be either analog or
digital.  I guess the analog simply counts the rotations of the wheel.  Not
sure what the digital units do for you.
   And of course I'd just as soon not spend an arm and a leg either. :)



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