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-HK-S Next-Generation Wireless Handheld is a next-generation wireless handheld that combines the most popular features of the WTS-BS-1, WTS-BS-1-HS, and WTS-BS-1-HA into a single, versatile device. A single unit can be configured as needed, reducing inventory requirements and engineering setup time. Out of the box, it operates in roaming mode, automatically detecting and displaying data from up to twelve nearby WTS transmitters at ranges up to 800 m (2,600 ft). For more advanced applications, users can define up to twelve specific inputs with custom settings such as calibrated units and overload alerts. Configuration can be completed directly from the handheld menu, while full setup, saving, and loading of configurations can be performed using the free WTS Toolkit software.

Additional models include the WTS-BS-1 Wireless Handheld Display For Unlimited Transmitters. Standard features include:

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

Portable Sensor Displays

Interface’s most popular portable instrument is the 9330 battery-powered high-speed data logging indicator. Model 9330 is a bipolar display, logging, and amplifier instrumentation device. This instrument has an integrated bridge completion for 120 Ohm, 350 Ohm, and 1000 Ohm strain gages as well active sensors with 0…10V output signal. The measuring rate can be set up to 3750 Hz. This device also stores up to 6 sensor calibrations. It can be used in portable or desktop test and measurement applications. Data can be saved to an SD Card at a rate of 1000 Hz or directly to a computer. Primary 9330 Portable Indicator features include:

24-bit resolution
3750 Hz update rate
Peak and valley capture
Log to SD card at 1000Hz
USB Port with software
Analog Output
Rechargeable battery
20 Hour battery life with 300-hour standby
Stores up to 6 sensor calibrations
Powers up to 4x 350-ohm sensors
7 digit 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

Additional Portable Instrumentation Devices

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, graphed, and 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 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