TWC-1 Tensiometer Wire Counter
When deploying oceanographic instruments, CTD packages, or seafloor monitoring equipment, operational awareness is crucial. The TWC-1 provides real-time tension indication and wire payout measurement that helps researchers monitor deployments and detect significant changes like seafloor contact.
It can be used with any winch as long as the site geometry (winch location relative to sheave when deployed) can be measured.
The TWC-1 display box connects to encoded sheave wheels via a cable. Standard length is 5m; longer lengths available up to 40m (130ft) or more. Wireless connection options are not available or being planned at this time.
The TWC-1 can be connected to a computer to output a continuous stream of data or to calibrate it for use with different cable sizes.
Measurement specs
Display values: Length paid out, line speed, and line tension
Units: Meters and kilograms, or feet and pounds
Wire counting resolution: 0.1m (0.328ft = 3.9″)
Max tension: 800 to 2,000 lbs (370 to 910 kgs)
Display box specs
Dimensions: 267mmH x 216mmW x 144mmD (10.5″H x 8.5″W x 5.68″D)
Power: 85-264 VAC single-phase
Data output and calibration
Standard computer connection interface: Serial
Optional alternative connection interface: USB (extra fee)
Data stream format: NMEA sentence $YXXDR,D,####.#,M,L,S,##.#,M,#####.#,K,R*24[CR][LF] (refer to product literature for details)
System components
Each TWC-1 system is comprised of:
- Load cell
- Load cell cable
- Encoded snatch block sheave
- Sheave-to-display cable
- Display box
- PLC display
- On/Off switch
- Power cable
- Data out cable