Abstract: Tension dynamometer which, when in traction connection with a cable, serves to determine the tension forces during the laying of the cable, the dynamometer including the following parts:a strain gauge (9),a preamplifier (10),a voltage-to-frequency converter (11) which converts the signal from the force measuring sensor,a transfer circuit (12, 13) which uncouples the converted signal of the force measuring sensor and transfers it to a reading station, anda storage battery (15) to supply power to the above-named elements.The dynamometer additionally has a time switch (17, 18) which interrupts the power supply of at least one current-consuming element after an established period of constant tension force and turns it on again upon the occurrence of a tension force change, or extends this period by an established length of time upon the occurrence of a tension force change during the period and during the extension does not interrupt the power supply.