perplexedtriangle t1_itq5t9d wrote on October 25, 2022 at 2:27 PM

I have a device that can measure the distance of fibre optics which would work but they're many thousands of dollars (google an OTDR - Optical Time Domain Reflectometer). You can get ones for cat6 called a TDR but that would be imprecise because of the twist rate. Sorry I can't give better advice. Some lower cost PMLS devices can measure distance but only through a loop that returns to the unit.

r2k-in-the-vortex t1_itqlzuh wrote on October 25, 2022 at 4:14 PM

How the f is TDR supposed to work for string? What signal are you planning to reflect back via a string of all things? A string that is already wound on a spool by the way. TDR only works for waveguides of one sort or another, it's basically saying "echo" and waiting for how long it takes for reflection to bounce back from impedance discontinuity on the other end.

perplexedtriangle t1_itqp5u5 wrote on October 25, 2022 at 4:35 PM

The suggestion was to replace it with copper cable, which I then explained would not work