Load sensor wirelessly transmits weight data in real time

Saelig has announced the Sensor Technology WLS Wireless LoadSense load measurement sensor - a strain-gauge stainless steel tension-type sensor, available in one ton to 25 ton ranges, having an overload capability of up to 200%. It wirelessly transmits its data to a compatible Sensor Technology display or data recorder. Data can be sent remotely (up to 300 feet) at a rate of 10 times per second in the worldwide license-free 2.4GHz frequency band. Dual antennas in the WLS' IP-65 enclosure insure reliable data transmission in harsh operating environments. Being wireless, it is fast to install and remove when changing installations or locations. The load sensor contains an internal rechargeable Li-Ion battery, which provides up to 1000 hours of operation before recharging is required. The load sensor contains 32Mbits of internal memory for recording up to 280 hours of load data, which is especially useful when an external display or data recorder is impractical. The data can later be downloaded to a PC via a USB port. The load sensor can be configured to automatically switch on at a certain time of day then return to standby later. This is useful if the sensor is to be attached in a location where it is inconvenient to switch on and off every day before and after use, and it also allows the user to conserve battery life. The WLS LoadSense Load transducer can be used with the WLS3626R handheld receiver, the WLS-CD cabin display, or it can interface with the standalone receiver interface to register and output the data. The WLS-HR wireless handheld receiver display provides operators with a portable means of receiving and viewing instant data from the Load Sensor. Up to 9 Load Sensors can be selected and individually displayed. The WLS-CD wireless cabin display is a small, lightweight, cabin- or window-mounted unit that can show a machine operator the current load via its built-in screen. The WLS-RI wireless receiver provides the user with an easy stationary way to receive and output data from the Load Sensor. Enclosed in a sturdy aluminium box, the receiver can be installed in harsh environments. The receiver is simple to install since it only requires DC power. An SMA connector allows the use of an external antenna. LoadView software is an easy to use PC-compatible advanced load monitoring software, available for assisting with data recording and instrumentation tasks. The data files created are compatible with Matlab and Excel and provide real-time chart plotting. LabVIEW VIs are available for users to design their own process control applications, and DLLs are also available for users to write their own custom software. Applications include real-time helicopter, hoist, and crane load measurements. Heavy-lift helicopters have a number of load points on their underside and larger loads can be carried by using three of them to spread the weight across the aircraft. With the new sensor, pilots can monitor the strain in each individual cable in case the load is not distributed evenly, or if flight movements create asymmetric stresses. In addition to indicating accurate weight measurements, the system can alert operators of limit alarms.