23 Feb 2021
CHOOSING THE RIGHT STRAIGHTPOINT LOAD LINK
Load Links are tension measuring load cells otherwise known as dynamometers. Designed to measure static and dynamic loads as they are tensioned between two points (usually shackles) load links are used in a variety of industries and applications such as heavy lifting, entertainment and even towing. Pretty much any application where opposite tensions are applied between two points, a load link can be utilised.
Types of load links- To be wired or wireless?
There are two main differences between load links and that is as simple as- to be wired or wireless.
Wired load links are more common in applications where the load cell is designed to stay in situ, forms part of a product or more permanent applications where there is simply no need for a more costly wireless solution as once installed it is unlikely to be moved. Some sensitive applications will only permit for a wired solution due to potential knock-on-effects that wireless technology could pose (although it's extremely unlikely to cause any issues, in some military and nuclear operations wired technology is sometimes preferred for this purpose). Wired load links can be used singularly or in multiples to monitor various points of an application. Available with cable lengths up to 1500m allows wired load links to be used in the largest of structures and monitored from the furthest of positions. A great feature of our StraightPoint wired load links is that they can easily be tethered to a wireless transmitter to transfer data wirelessly. All functionality such as 'tare', 'on/off', and overload alarm can be controlled remotely via a handheld display, computer, smartphone/tablet or by PLC.
Wireless load links stand as the market favourite, their versatile ability to be placed within a lift with no worry of cabling makes wireless load links the no-brainer choice for on-site lifts that feature complicated rigging and multiple monitoring points, alike wired links, their wireless alternatives can be used singularly or in multiples to measure tension forces applied at various locations. Favoured in the hire industry due to their ease of portability, quick installation and no risk of bending plugs or cables connected to them when they're not so carefully packed away and transported! Thanks to the latest technology wireless load links can be paired up with PLC's, tablets, PC's and even smartphones, not only are you limited to a single input hand control. Display or no display? Wireless load links can be purchased with a built-in display screen that indicates the load being applied to the unit, featuring a few button inputs such as 'Tare' for tearing off chains or other rigging kit, 'On/Off' and overload alarm function. Worried about distance? You shouldn't be. Our Straightpoint wireless load links offer a superb wireless range of up to 700m. What's more, is you barely have to worry about changing the batteries frequently as four AA batteries will power our load links for up to 1200 hours.
Wirelink Plus- Straightpoint's all wired traditional load link offers a simplistic and cabled load monitoring solution, manufactured from aerospace grade aluminium, machined and calibrated with absolute precision. Enclosed to IP67 protection rating the Wirelink Plus is DNV-GL type approved for use offshore, features push button tare and can be configured with a huge array of outputs such as mV/V, analogue out, ASCII, MODBUS RTU and CAN-BUS.
Loadlink Plus- SP's pioneering design features an integrated 25mm high-resolution LCD, control buttons (Tare/On/Off/Hold/Units), audible setpoint alarm, is DNV-GL type approved for offshore use and is enclosed to IP65. Powered by four AA batteries providing up to 80hours continuous use. Ideal for applications where the display screen can easily be read.
Radiolink Plus- Powered by four AA batteries, the Radiolink Plus is enclosed to IP67 protection levels and available in ATEX to suit zones 0,1 and 2. With no integrated display, the Radiolink Plus is designed to be read remotely using the included wireless Handheld Plus or alternatively by load monitoring software such as Straightpoint's MWLCC software for PC's, iPhones and tablets described below.
What They All Have In Common
All SP Loadlinks incorporate hardened bushes to accommodate industry standard shackles from Crosby and feature angular ends to reduce weight and snagging when rigged. Complying with ASME B30.26 and DNV-GL type approved for offshore use as well as the design being validated by the FEA. Each SP Loadlink includes a two-year warranty as standard, is fully calibrated and proof load tested before shipping, RFID tagged and presented in a heavy-duty transit case. When it comes to load links, Straightpoint are a cut above the rest.
Monitoring Solutions- Which Display And Why?
Handheld Wired/Wireless- Starting with the most cost-effective method is the Straightpoint handheld display, providing the ability to monitor a single load link at a time, the Handheld Plus (HHP) can easily be connected via cable to the Wirelink Plus or wirelessly to the Loadlink Plus or Radiolink Plus models.
Built-in Digital Display- Straightpoint were the pioneers of the integrated digital display, having a built-in digital display is perfect for applications where the screen can be closely read and monitored such as an application with single-point monitoring.
Load monitoring Software- Takes monitoring to the next level, enabling up to 100 wired or wireless load links to be monitored and data logged at once, Straightpoint's Multiple Wireless Load Cell Controller offers versatile user-friendly viewing and logging of a single or multiple cell setup and can be used with any of the SP Loadlinks. Available on desktop, tablets and smartphones, this innovative software package is the true professional load monitoring solution.
Choosing the right Straightpoint load link is totally dependant upon the application, I hope that the above helps you make an informed decision as to which model suits your application best, after all there's no benefit in having an integrated digital display if you can't read the screen while there's almost always added benefit from remote monitoring in terms of safety and practicality, whether that be via the SP Handheld Plus or load monitoring software such as SP's MWLCC package. The most popular load link solution being the Radiolink Plus is our ultimate recommendation for monitoring wirelessly and remotely and are especially convenient when used in multiples for lifts where monitoring of several points is essential.
