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:

  1. Load cell
  2. Load cell cable
  3. Encoded snatch block sheave
  4. Sheave-to-display cable
  5. Display box
  6. PLC display
  7. On/Off switch
  8. Power cable
  9. Data out cable