Systems and methods for installing fiber optic cable onto a powerline conductor

An apparatus comprising:

• a drive subsystem comprising a plurality of drive wheels that are in a clamped position around a powerline conductor;
• a plurality of wheel pivots connected to the drive wheels that, when actuated, rotate the drive wheels angularly about the wheel pivots;
• a plurality of lead-in tines affixed to the drive wheels that interleave as the drive wheels rotate;
• an actuator configured to provide a clamping force between the drive wheels;
• and
• a controller configured to regulate power to the actuator to control an amount of clamping force according to changes in the powerline conductor.

A method of manufacturing comprising:

• providing a drive subsystem comprising a plurality of drive wheels that are in a clamped position around a powerline conductor;
• providing a plurality of wheel pivots connected to the drive wheels that, when actuated, rotate the drive wheels angularly about the wheel pivots;
• generating a plurality of lead-in tines affixed to the drive wheels that interleave as the drive wheels rotate;
• providing an actuator configured to provide a clamping force between the drive wheels;
• and
• providing a controller configured to regulate power to the actuator to control an amount of clamping force according to changes in the powerline conductor.