A reel stand can easily be constructed using saw horses from the hardware store and a long sturdy metal bar or pole. The weight of a ShapeArray and its reel depend on the length of the ShapeArray and the length of the communication cable attached to the ShapeArray. The table below gives the weights of reeled ShapeArrays for three common ShapeArray lengths. Ensure that the materials used to construct the reel stand are sturdy enough to support the weight of the reel and ShapeArray. Reel stands should be at least 87 cm (34 inches) high to accommodate all types of ShapeArray reels. Examples of various reel stands used for ShapeArray installation are shown in the table below.

Reel stands should be able to support at least 230 kg (500 lbs) of weight. It is important that the bar or pole supporting the reel is strong and rigid enough that it will not bend under the weight of the ShapeArray, cable, and reel. For ShapeArrays shorter than 100 m, a Schedule 80, 1 inch trade dimension steel pipe is suitable for use as a bar. A pole to support the reel is not included and will need to be acquired locally for installation.

* WARNING: The crates for ShapeArrays longer than 100 m are designed to be used as a reel stand. This accounts for the additional weight shown for 150 m ShapeArrays in the table above. As with shorter ShapeArrays, a pole to support the reel is not included and will need to be acquired locally for installation. Measurand recommends a steel pole at least 2 m (6.6 ft) long with a 50 mm (2 inch) outer diameter (OD) for ShapeArrays longer than 100 m.

Note: Weights given above do not include the weight for extra communication cable. Additional cable will increase the weight. You must ensure that sturdy materials are used for constructing the reel stand.