Bicycle Mechanics - spoke tension gauge vs. butted spokes

I'm assuming that with butted spokes, you would measure tension in the center of the spoke, but the chart that comes with the Park tension gauge converts the result using spoke diameter. When you have butted spokes do you use the diameter at the center of the spoke or an average/conversion of some kind?

Yes, the diameter at the point where you measure is what counts. The contact points of the tension meter aren't in a straight line. 2 are behind the spoke, and one is in front. The conversion chart exists to allow for the change in offset the spokes thickness causes.

BTW- be careful about determining the gauge of the center section. While all 14g DB spokes are the same at the ends, the center can be anywhere from 1.5 to 1.8mm. If you don't have a caliper, you can look up the spec for the specific spokes you're using.

A basic caliper comes with the Park TM-1. Check the center of the spoke. Release the gauge onto the spoke smoothly for consistent tension measurements.

Thanks for the info

You might want to ascertain exactly where the thinner section is to prevent putting one peg up onto the thicker section.
It "seems" to me that you'd get a "truer" measurement the more centered you are, within reason???

You might want to ascertain exactly where the thinner section is to prevent putting one peg up onto the thicker section.
It "seems" to me that you'd get a "truer" measurement the more centered you are, within reason???

Spoke gauge is pretty digital, ie. the thick ends and the thin center. The transition is very short and pretty obvious. Since the OP is asking whether about thick vs. thin section, it's pretty safe to assume he knows the difference.