Has anyone used a Gates Sonic Tension Meter (Model 507C) to tension belts? What do you think about it? How much did it cost?

Thanks!

I have not used the Gates meter, but I have used a vibration analyzer with a microphone and miniature accelerometer for the natural frequency method of belt tensioning. The sonic/vibration method does not work well for some types of belts, and the microphone may not work well in high noise areas. Gates stopped active promotion of the Sonic meter for a while, but it (and similar instruments) are still advertised.

My recommendations are:
1) Make sure that sonic/vibration natural frequency method and the specific instrument are appropriate for your type of belts and environment.
2) Conduct a second tension method (force-deflection or elongation) to cross-check results.
3) Measure belt tension after any changes to sheave alignment.
4) Recheck/correct belt tension at least once, preferrably twice, after new belts are installed.
5) Remember most tension specifications are for a single belt strand, whether single or banded.

You can shop the Net for prices and alternative products.