[daltore]

Yeah, I'm actually going to West Marine Supply tomorrow to pick up some 3/16" AmSteel Blue line. Instead of the 1/8" harpoon tether cord we've been using with a breaking strength of 1050 pounds (made of Spectra A, the weaker of the UHMWPE forumlations), the new stuff will have a breaking strength of 5000 pounds and is made of Dyneema (next step up, right before Spectra B).

Thanks for all of your suggestions, and the concerns for our safety. Richard and I were fine, as we were expecting a hitch pin to break anyway, so we were holding on in a way that allowed us to both catch the robot and land on our feet.

Unfortunately, we don't have the luxury of using a thimble in our setup, as it would be too large, and our tensioning system uses eye loops that are welded shut, so the standard overhand knot using the loop won't work. Do you have any suggestions for the best kind of knot to use in this situation?