A differential scanning calorimeter apparatus includes reference and sample cells and controlled temperature shields. The central unit, upon receipt of a program instruction, issues corresponding instructions to the various processing units. The method may also include connecting a cable lasher to one of the members; and pulling the apparatus back to first side of the obstacle to move the lasher along the cable or wire toward the first side of the obstacle, thus lashing the aerial cable to the cable or wire with a lashing wire. The tracking system includes a Robust Tracking Filter that accommodates uncertainties.