12-18-2017, 05:35 PM
We assume that KG is referring to the oft times difficult task of coaxing test media through a ATF during a rethreading operation. It's not an issue for KN100 or ME110 users but it can be for electronic instrumentation users. Not a problem usually with new replacement canisters of test media but almost impossible if you ever have to rethread a partially used canister due to a snag occurence or some other circumstance. We've made recent improvements to the canister and spooling process so, hopefully, snags will be less of an issue in the future. The genesis of the problem is that the test media takes on a "set" in the canister and, once released, is all curled up into small coils. You wouldn't think that feeding a .009 media through a .09 hole would be that tough but it can be. We quit fighting it long ago and just reach for a sewing needle. Even needles made for electric sewing machines work but, in our case, the bigger the eye and longer the needle the better. Thread the test media through the eye of the needle and shove the needle through the ATF guide hole then pull the needle, and test media, through from the top side of the ATF. Looks like KG has found another, perhaps better, alternative. We assume the shaft and apparatus of the needle threader must pass through the ATF's .093" guide hole. If it does and if we understand KG's post correctly, it looks like another very good way to "skin the cat". Thanks to KG for giving this issue some air time.