A calibration process for use in calibrating intelligent cable modules. A separate calibration load cell is provided. This device is placed in the load path for the cable on which the intelligent cable module is installed. The calibration load cell then establishes a communication link with the intelligent cable module. An iterative series of loading cycles are started. Tension data as measured by the calibration load cell is used to create a calibration curve. This calibration curve is used to correlate internal measurements made by the intelligent cable module against a desired value—such as cable tension.