Abstract: Normally the experimental methods for detecting dynamic wave propagation in elastic wire ropes are considerably difficult and costly. In order to solve this problem, a test apparatus suite has been developed for investigating the behavior of wave propagation in elastic wire ropes under impact load. The apparatus is composed of an accelerating unit, steel wire rope system and measuring equipment. According to the general performance requirements, the operating principles and details of each component are carefully selected, and a series of verification tests with adjustable external loads and operation parameters are designed. Several aspects such as experimental theory and implementation, techniques of signal processing and image processing are involved in the design process. The proposed test apparatus can lay a foundation for the further experimental study about rope stress wave behavior, and may provide a technical reference for relevant engineering applications.