- Location
- healdsburg, CA
I have been thinking of the definitions of single rope technique (SRT) & Floating False Crotch (FFC). I am curious as to what others think these mean.
SINGLE ROPE TECHNIQUE (SRT):
On page 44 of The Tree Cimber's Companion 2nd edition by Jeff Jepson,
He defines a 'Single Line Technique' as (and I quote): "The single line technique (SRT) also employs a static climbing line system and is used as a means of canopy access only"
So, even though the SRT system as defined by Mr. Jepson uses a single line to access a tree, you still do not use this system to work, or move about the canopy.
So would'nt this SRT system be more accurately described a Tree Entry Method (TEM)? I guess the abbreviation would be: SRTTEM.
(Does'nt really roll off of the tongue)
There are systems whereby you CAN work the canopy of a tree using only one side of a rope where the other end is attached/ tied off to either a branch overhead, or passed over a branch and brought down to the bottom of the tree and tied off.
The Uni-cender is one such system and the Rocker another coupled with various types of backups.
I am aware that these systems are not perfected and are awkward to use, nevertheless they are here and are sure to get better as new technology is developed.
So it seems to me that the term could be updated to reflect the fact that a single line can be used to ENTER the tree as well as WORK (prune/remove) the canopy.
So a SRT system maybe should be used to describe a general method of both entering the tree and working the canopy. Not one or the other.
FLOATING FALSE CROTCH (FFC): where you have a pulley attached to the end of a rope. The rope is either tied to the best/highest limb for working throughout the tree, OR is passed over that limb and the non-working end is tied to the base of the tree.
From this pulley rides your climb line. You work throughout the tree using your standard doubled rope climbing system. So in other words the floating pulley (false crotch) is a replacement for throwing your climb line over a limb. Weather you use a split tail, Machard Tresse, Lockjack etc. is illrelevent. The term FFC ONLY refers to a pulley or ring that is SUSPENDED from the tree.
This system can also be used as a rigging point to lower branches from.
The funny thing is, both of these systems also use a Single Rope Technique (SRT)
In my mind, SRT would be a great way to work a tree. One rope would be easier and lighter to drag around than two ends of a rope, and having the ability to move up and down a single rope using mechanical devices would elliminate alot of friction that develops with Doubled Rope Techniques.
However, I dont yet see the technology developed. The Rocker, the Trango Cinch, the GriGri, all those are examples of devices that can move up and down a single line, but both have problems for doing this in the tree world. Maybe the Uni-Cender 2 will have worked this out. Altho it is still only one device for Personal Fall Protection and currently safety protocol requires TWO different systems for Personal Fall Protection (backed up).
With the advent of a system to work off of a single line ONLY to move about the canopy of a tree, the broad definition (SRT) will become obsolete, In my opinion.
I am confidant that a true SRT system is on the horizon. At each trade show I attend, and with all the conversations I have had with manufacturers, this technology is a certainty, not a probability. All ready such systemes can be cobbeled together to work, not very well but they do work.
I welcome your input
frans
SINGLE ROPE TECHNIQUE (SRT):
On page 44 of The Tree Cimber's Companion 2nd edition by Jeff Jepson,
He defines a 'Single Line Technique' as (and I quote): "The single line technique (SRT) also employs a static climbing line system and is used as a means of canopy access only"
So, even though the SRT system as defined by Mr. Jepson uses a single line to access a tree, you still do not use this system to work, or move about the canopy.
So would'nt this SRT system be more accurately described a Tree Entry Method (TEM)? I guess the abbreviation would be: SRTTEM.
(Does'nt really roll off of the tongue)
There are systems whereby you CAN work the canopy of a tree using only one side of a rope where the other end is attached/ tied off to either a branch overhead, or passed over a branch and brought down to the bottom of the tree and tied off.
The Uni-cender is one such system and the Rocker another coupled with various types of backups.
I am aware that these systems are not perfected and are awkward to use, nevertheless they are here and are sure to get better as new technology is developed.
So it seems to me that the term could be updated to reflect the fact that a single line can be used to ENTER the tree as well as WORK (prune/remove) the canopy.
So a SRT system maybe should be used to describe a general method of both entering the tree and working the canopy. Not one or the other.
FLOATING FALSE CROTCH (FFC): where you have a pulley attached to the end of a rope. The rope is either tied to the best/highest limb for working throughout the tree, OR is passed over that limb and the non-working end is tied to the base of the tree.
From this pulley rides your climb line. You work throughout the tree using your standard doubled rope climbing system. So in other words the floating pulley (false crotch) is a replacement for throwing your climb line over a limb. Weather you use a split tail, Machard Tresse, Lockjack etc. is illrelevent. The term FFC ONLY refers to a pulley or ring that is SUSPENDED from the tree.
This system can also be used as a rigging point to lower branches from.
The funny thing is, both of these systems also use a Single Rope Technique (SRT)
In my mind, SRT would be a great way to work a tree. One rope would be easier and lighter to drag around than two ends of a rope, and having the ability to move up and down a single rope using mechanical devices would elliminate alot of friction that develops with Doubled Rope Techniques.
However, I dont yet see the technology developed. The Rocker, the Trango Cinch, the GriGri, all those are examples of devices that can move up and down a single line, but both have problems for doing this in the tree world. Maybe the Uni-Cender 2 will have worked this out. Altho it is still only one device for Personal Fall Protection and currently safety protocol requires TWO different systems for Personal Fall Protection (backed up).
With the advent of a system to work off of a single line ONLY to move about the canopy of a tree, the broad definition (SRT) will become obsolete, In my opinion.
I am confidant that a true SRT system is on the horizon. At each trade show I attend, and with all the conversations I have had with manufacturers, this technology is a certainty, not a probability. All ready such systemes can be cobbeled together to work, not very well but they do work.
I welcome your input
frans
