A strain gauge sensor system and method for measuring the strain in a
member, such as a fiber rope, has a sensor target assembly having a
plurality of magnets carried spaced apart by individual gauge lengths
along the member. Position and trigger sensor devices are configured
spaced apart along side a desired path of travel of the member. When the
member is fed along the desired path of travel, the trigger sensor
device, in response to magnetically sensing a passing magnet, triggers
the position sensor device to read the position of an adjacent passing
magnet. The strain in the gauge length is determined from the read
position. RFID tags placed on the member between the magnets can be
identified by an RF reader to identify a particular gauge length being
measured. The system can include a deployment device for feeding the
member along the desired path.