ATA Bow Tech String & Cable Systems 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A bow technician notices one cam is rotating ahead of the other at full draw. What is the most likely cause?
- Limb twist
- Cam timing/synchronization issue caused by unequal cable or string length (Correct answer)
- Arrow spine mismatch
- Incorrect arrow rest position
Correct answer: Cam timing/synchronization issue caused by unequal cable or string length
Unequal cable or string lengths cause one cam to reach its peak position before the other, resulting in cam timing issues that affect accuracy and bow performance.
Question 2: What tool is essential for safely removing or pressing a compound bow's string and cables?
- Draw board
- Bow press (Correct answer)
- Nocking pliers
- D-loop pliers
Correct answer: Bow press
A bow press safely compresses the limbs of a compound bow, relieving tension on the string and cables so they can be safely removed or replaced.
Question 3: What is a 'peep sight,' and where is it typically installed?
- A magnifying lens attached to the sight, mounted on the riser
- A small ring installed in the bow string that aligns with the front sight at full draw (Correct answer)
- A rear iron sight attached to the cable slide
- A level installed near the nock point
Correct answer: A small ring installed in the bow string that aligns with the front sight at full draw
A peep sight is a small aperture device threaded into the bow string strands that the archer looks through at full draw to align with the front sight, improving aiming accuracy.
Question 4: When installing a peep sight, the technician should ensure it:
- Rotates freely at all times
- Aligns perfectly with the archer's eye at full draw without rotation (Correct answer)
- Points slightly upward to compensate for arrow drop
- Is placed directly at the nock point
Correct answer: Aligns perfectly with the archer's eye at full draw without rotation
A properly installed peep sight must align with the archer's dominant eye naturally at full draw with no rotation, ensuring a consistent aiming reference every shot.
Question 5: What is the purpose of a D-loop (string loop) on a compound bow string?
- To attach the peep sight securely
- To provide a consistent, protected attachment point for a mechanical release aid (Correct answer)
- To reduce string stretch near the nock point
- To serve as a backup nock point
Correct answer: To provide a consistent, protected attachment point for a mechanical release aid
A D-loop ties around the nock point and provides a defined, rope-based connection point for mechanical releases, protecting the string from release jaw wear and ensuring consistent release attachment.
Question 6: What is the correct material typically used for tying a D-loop?
- Dacron string material
- BCY D-loop cord or similar polyester rope material (Correct answer)
- Monofilament nylon line
- Braided steel wire
Correct answer: BCY D-loop cord or similar polyester rope material
D-loops are made from stiff, abrasion-resistant polyester cord (such as BCY's D-loop material) that can withstand the repeated pressure from mechanical release jaws without breaking down.
Question 7: After replacing strings and cables, what critical adjustment should the technician verify first?
- Arrow rest height
- Cam timing and synchronization (Correct answer)
- Peep sight rotation
- D-loop length
Correct answer: Cam timing and synchronization
After new strings and cables are installed, cam timing and synchronization must be verified first because string/cable length differences directly control how cams rotate and reach their stops.
ATA Bow Tech String & Cable Systems 2
A bow technician notices one cam is rotating ahead of the other at full draw.
What is the most likely cause?