Traces: Reading the Visual Story
Author: Funny Items
Release time: 2026-08-25 22:20:45
View number: 18
Reading Timegrapher Lines
Beyond numbers, timegraphers print visual traces that reveal movement health at a glance. Here is how to read them.
The Trace Types
| Pattern | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Clean parallel lines | Healthy movement — consistent beat |
| Fuzzy/scattered lines | Inconsistent beat — often dirt or weak amplitude |
| Sloped line drift | Rate changing during measurement — mainspring unwinding effects |
| Doubled/split lines | Beat error visible — asymmetrical tick |
Connecting Numbers to Lines
- Rate number = average seconds/day (the headline figure)
- Line spread = consistency of that rate moment to moment
- A "good" rate on scattered lines predicts future problems; moderate rate on clean lines predicts stability
Basic readings in our timegrapher guide; advanced interpretation in the advanced guide.
Practical Use
- Before regulating: read the lines first — scattered traces mean cleaning needed before adjustment helps
- After servicing: clean tight lines confirm success beyond just hitting a rate target
Frequently Asked Questions
All apps show lines?
Phone apps typically show simplified traces — directionally useful but not diagnostic-grade. See our app comparison.