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The Convenience of Interface Portable Instrumentation Devices

Due to their flexibility, portable instrumentation devices are ideal for test and measurement projects and programs. Interface offers a wide range of portable devices designed to help our customers take advantage of the power of Interface solutions wherever they are needed: in the field, at a workbench, or in the test lab.

Portable devices can be easily transported and set up in various locations. This allows measurements to be taken on-site, eliminating the need for a single testing location. Common use cases for portable devices are continuous monitoring applications.

Additionally, portable instruments are user-friendly and require minimal setup, making them ideal for field applications or quick spot checks. Their compact size suits them for tight spaces or situations where benchtop instruments are impractical.

Wireless Handheld Display Options

First, we have our Wireless Telemetry System lineup of products known as WTS displays. Each of these products offers portability and convenience. The WTS-BS-1-HS Wireless Handheld Display for Single Transmitters is roaming handheld, allowing the operator to cycle the display between all available transmitter modules and forms part of the WTS modular telemetry systems. The data sent by transmitter modules can be utilized by multiple receivers such as displays, handheld readers, analog outputs, relay modules, and computer interfaces. Receivers support common industrial power supplies and are available in robust IP-rated enclosures with internal antennas optimized to give outstanding coverage.

Additional models include the WTS-BS-1 Wireless Handheld Display For Unlimited Transmitters and the popular WTS-BS-1-HA Wireless Handheld Display for Multiple Transmitters. Standard features for the WTS-BS series include:

  • Simple Operation
  • Single, Multiple, and Unlimited Transmitter Modules
  • Tare Function
  • Auto Shutdown
  • Rugged Construction

Portable Sensor Display

The 9325 Portable Sensor Display allows a simple display of strain bridge-based measurements such as load cells, torque transducers, and other mV/V output transducers with sensitivity up to +/-1 V/V. Up to six calibration ranges allow different tension and compression loading modes or additional sensors. Each calibration range will remember settings contributing to the user experience, such as selected units and tare values. Full configuration is available with a PC-based toolkit. Some simple configurations, such as two-point calibration, are available from the handheld using the menu system. The 9325NU Portable Sensor Display does not include the USB option. Primary 9325 Sensor Display features include:

  • Superior Linearity Performance Specifications
  • Measurement Rate up to 2400 Samples per Second
  • High Internal Resolution (up to 500,000 counts)
  • IP64 Environmentally Protected Enclosure
  • Battery Powered (Long Battery Life)
  • 128 x 64 Graphical Display with Backlight
  • Supports TEDS Template 33, 40, and 41
  • Live Calibration
  • Standard Audio Alarm
  • CE Environmental Approved

The applications for portable devices are vast, encompassing everything from environmental monitoring and quality control to troubleshooting machinery and building maintenance. With their versatility and ease of use, portable instrumentation devices are valuable for any test and measurement professional. Check out Interface’s easy-to-use Instrumentation Selection Guide to find the best solution for your specific applications.

Inventory Weighing Using Portable Instrumentation Solutions

Effective management of inventory is crucial for businesses. Maintaining precise records can be challenging when monitoring and managing stock from a distance is necessary. A weight-based inventory management system is needed in real-time. Interface suggests installing MBI Overload Protected Miniature Beam Load Cells under each corner of the inventory shelves for this challenge. A JB104SS 4-Channel Stainless Steel Junction Box is connected to each load cell and to a WTS-AM-1E that wirelessly transmits the sum weight to the WTS-BS-1-HA Wireless Handheld Display for multiple transmitters. Results can be displayed, logged, and graphed seen in real time. Customers can use this solution to effectively monitor and manage their inventory using Interface’s force sensors. It also reduces labor expenses and fewer errors, enhancing overall productivity.

jib crane carrying a heavy load

Jib Crane Tension Monitoring with Portable Handheld Display

Jib cranes are used to move or carry heavy loads, as they are attached to a vertical mast or strong support structure. A tension monitoring system is needed to ensure the lifted loads do not exceed the jib crane’s capacity. Interface’s WTSATL-JR Aluminum Compact Wireless Tension Link can be attached to the cable of the jib crane. When a heavy load is placed at the end of the jib crane, the force results are wirelessly transmitted to the WTS-BS-1-HS Wireless Handheld Display for Single Transmitters. Using this solution, the customer could monitor the cable tension forces of the jib crane to ensure it did not reach its maximum capacity.

Catenary Mooring System with Interface Portable Display

A customer had a catenary mooring system used for various offshore applications. They needed to ensure the anchors and chains were securely locked to the node. They also needed to measure the strength and fatigue of the main node the chains and anchors attach to so they did not risk any mooring lines breaking or the node being damaged. Depending on how many points there are on the node, Interface’s special submersible ISHK-B Bow Type Crosby™ Cabled Load Shackles were attached to the node. The chains and anchors are then attached to the shackles. The shackles measure the forces implemented by the chains and anchors, and results are displayed, logged, and graphed using the 9325-1 Portable Sensor Display. This instrument also has supplied software to connect to the customer’s PC. Interface’s submersible shackles and instrumentation helped verify the tensions of the anchors and chains attached to the node of their catenary mooring system.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

The Wonderful World of Wireless Webinar Recap

Digital Instrumentation 101

Interface Instrumentation Definitions

Introducing New Interface Instrumentation Selection Guide

Advancements in Instrumentation Webinar

 

Measurement Technologies for Boats, Yachts and Watercraft

Interface has been a long-term supplier of force and torque measurement solutions for the maritime industry. Learn how our products play a big role in a wide variety of test and measurement applications for waterborne vessels, maintenance and safety equipment. Our load cells and instrumentation are found in offshore products, as well as at docks and in the open water. We have captured some of these specific use cases of how our sensor technologies and instrumentation are used in the building and maintenance of boats, yachts, and watercraft of all sizes.

Our load cells and sensors work well in vehicles that are used in water. For example, we offer technologies that can wirelessly transmit data underwater and in harsh weather conditions, making them perfect for a variety machines used in water. These specialized load cells operate in underwater submersions at different capacities, and reliably relay information to those at the surface level for accurate sensor readings. Interface load cells of various designs can regulate harsh maritime situations in use cases such as underwater tension lines, underwater oil drilling, as well as storm and tsunami monitoring. Read more about offshore and near shore solutions here.

The applications we are highlighting below provide real-world examples of force measurement products used in boat, yacht and watercraft related products. The uses of force measurement range from testing fishing wire to yacht rigging inspection. Here’s a closer look:

Wireless Telemetry System (WTS) for Yacht Rigging Inspection

For a customer who wants to have a complete yacht rigging inspection to make sure the mast, still lines, and all movable hoisting lines are functional, Interface offers our robust WTS product line. These various wireless sensor technologies and components are designed for use to meet the proper specifications for sailing, testing the tension of the forestay, shroud, and backstay cables, and to test the tension of the movable lines when sailing.

With Interface’s WTSSHK-B Wireless Crosby™ Bow Load Shackle paired with the WTS-BS-1 Wireless Handheld Display for Unlimited Transmitters, the customer can switch and view between multiple shackles being tested. The WTS-BS-4 USB Industrial Base Station can also be attached to the customer’s computer to display real-time measurements from the shackles and log data. With this solution, the user is able to conduct both running and standing rigging inspections of their ship or vessel, and determine if all lines were functional and met safety standards. Read the entire WTS solutions used on this yacht here.

Commercial Fishing Wire Rope Testing

When a commercial fishing owner wanted to measure the force tension of the wire fishing rope connected to the fishing cage or net when their vessel goes to catch and ensure the wire rope is strong enough and safe enough to hold the maximum capacity of fish caught in the cage or net, they can turn to Interface.

Using a WTSTL Wireless Tension Link Load Cell attached between the end of the cable, and the end that hooks onto the fishing net, the tension link will be able to measure the forces of the full net of fish, or a heavy load at maximum capacities. The data information can be transmitted to both the WTS-BS-1-HS Handheld Display for Single Transmitters, or to the customer’s computer using the WTS-BS-4 USB Industrial Base Station. Utilizing this solution, the customer was able to determine if the fishing cable on their vessel was strong enough to hold the fish cage or net at maximum capacity when out catching.

Mooring Line Tension Testing

Due to changing environmental conditions, mooring cable lines undergo wear and tear. A customer wanted to ensure all mooring lines for ships and large commercial vessels are securely docked at the same loading tension, so that they do not risk the mooring lines to break or cause damage.

We provided a WTSTL Lightweight Wireless Tension Link, which can be attached to each mooring cable in use. Results are sent to the customers through the WTS-BS-4 USB Industrial Base Station when connected to the customer’s supplied computer. Data can also be transmitted to the WTS-BS-1-HA Handheld Display for Multiple Transmitters, giving the customer the option to view multiple mooring cable line tensions. The customer was able to verify the tensions to multiple mooring cable lines. Thus, resulting in the security of their ship being safely docked.

If you’re interested in learning more about our maritime solutions, call 480-948-5555 to contact an application engineer about your project requirements.