NATO MIL Telemeter Setup
ATTENTION: Before starting to use the Telemeter, please read these instructions in full.
Correct installation of the string is an essential requirement for working with the Quadrant Telemeter. The important elements are:
- Correct knot spacing for using the NATO MIL Telemeter.
- Plumb weight and cursor for using the functions of the Quadrant.
Preparing the String
The NATO Telemeter is engraved with information about the required string length. This value is 50 cm or 19.7 in.
The knots on the plumb line.
- To install, connect the string to the hole in the instrument.
- Add marker knots (green) at 50/2 cm (9.8 in) and 50/3 cm (6.6 in).
- Measure a length of exactly 50 cm (19.7 inches) from eye to Telemeter and tie another marker (green) there.
- Make a loop at the end to attach the plumb bob.
- Tie a movable cursor (red) into the first part of the string (see below).
- To measure distances, bring the respective knot to eye level.
Installing the Cursor
The cursor is a movable knot on the string that is used to store a value or project it from one scale to another. To install it, tie a small piece of string in a different color than the main color of the measuring string before the first distance knot.
Positioning the Knots
How to set a knot to an exact measurement. From left to right: Insert the tip of the awl into the knot. Thread a piece of thread through the knot; slide knot into position; remove the awl and tighten the knot.
- Tie an overhand knot and pass an awl, needle, or equivalent through the resulting loop.
- Optionally, e.g. for very thin string (less than 0.35 mm), thread a short piece of string through the knot.
- Now carefully tighten the knot around the awl and the extra piece of string and slide the knot laterally along the string, using a ruler, to the desired position.
- Finally, tighten the knot completely and pull out the awl. You now have a knot determining an exact length. You can further mark the knots with different colored string to make them easier to distinguish.
Replacing the String
The included string is made from braided Dyneema. If replacement is necessary, any rigid, non-flexible string (of exact length) with a diameter between 0.2 and 0.3 mm can be used.
See also: