Telemetry for Rotating Shafts

Michigan Scientific Corporation (MSC) offers several telemetry solutions for rotating shafts. Our telemetry transmitters’ small size and light weight allows for measurements in areas with limited space and rotating applications. MSC’s Wireless Sensor Telemetry Systems provide a means for non-contact signal transmission for strain gauge and thermocouple measurements. They have a digital wireless link that provides dependable, error-free data transmission. Each system is weatherproof and designed to operate in harsh environments. These far field telemetry systems have a 2.4 GHz frequency range. The transmission range is up to four meters line of sight.

MSC’s Wireless Sensor Telemetry Systems are the ideal instrument for a variety of applications. They have seen extensive use in the automotive industry with vehicle development and testing. The systems are capable of operating in harsh environments typical in a vehicle powertrain. Many industries utilize Wireless Telemetry Systems from automotive and aerospace, to military and heavy equipment.

Because there are several applications that require measurements from rotating shafts, each of MSC’s Wireless Sensor Telemetry Systems include different benefits.

Wireless Sensor Telemetry Systems

Split Collar Telemetry and Induction System (TEL-SC) The is a non-contact system that allows the users to remove the system without modifying or disassembling larger shaft ends. The TEL-SC has all of the long term testing advantages of an induction telemetry system without having to make a custom induction system for each shaft. The TEL-SC can be moved and mounted to a different shaft of the same diameter or a smaller shaft with the use of bushings. Thus, the TEL-SC can be made to fit a wide variety of shafts. It can fit large diameter drive shaft and small diameter half shafts. It has a slim profile, with a radial thickness as small as 0.475 in (12 mm).

Split Collar induction hoops below three inches in diameter are capable of up to three channels. Larger Split Collar hoops are able to incorporate higher channel counts. The TEL-SC can be purchased in conjunction with Michigan Scientific’s strain gauge and calibration services, or purchased alone to accompany customer-installed sensors.

Clamping Induction Telemetry (CIT) The Michigan Scientific is a wireless, non-contact signal transmitter that easily mounts to shafts with a minimum diameter of one inch (25 mm). It is a quick and simple solution to get measurements off of shafts. The CIT is mounted with industrial cable ties, which allows it to be moved and mounted to shafts of varying sizes without the need for adapters or shaft modification. The built-in amplifier has programmable gain using a MSC-USB programmer. Strain gauge signals transmit digitally with error-checking to provide stable and accurate measurements. The small, rugged housing protects against hostile environments where vibration, extreme temperature, high acceleration and contaminants are present. The Primary Induction Coil Telemetry (PICT) mounts on the stationary side and provides power to the CIT. The use of the PICT allows for long term measurement applications.

Clamping Battery Telemetry (CBT) The Michigan Scientific and are wireless, battery-powered signal transmitters for strain gages. They mount to shafts with a diameter of one inch (25mm) or larger. Industrial cable ties, steel banding, or hose clamps strap the CBT and CBT-mini to the shaft without the need for adapters or modification to the shaft. They are a quick and simple solution to get measurements off of shafts. The small, rugged housing protects the electronics from hostile environments. The telemetry provides reliable signal transmission without interference or signal spikes. It also supplies excitation and signal conditioning to the strain gauges. The CBT enables 2 strain gauge bridge channels and up to 48 hours of battery life, while the CBT-mini enables 1 strain gauge channel and up to 28 hours of battery life. The use of batteries, rather than induction, means they require minimal space for operation.

Telemetry Wheel Package MSC’s are commonly paired with MSC or strain-gauged half shafts. It transfers data measurement of half shaft torque, wheel torque, rotor temperatures, accelerations, or strains. This wheel package’s configurations can transmit any strain gauge or thermocouple signals. This battery-powered package uses a single 9V battery. It fits most wheel sizes and come with an easily removable cover.

Comparing our Telemetry Systems There are a variety of applications requiring data transfer and each have unique challenges. Michigan Scientific is proud to offer multiple telemetry solutions for transferring data from rotating shafts. The TEL-SC is optimal for use in long term testing and for measurements requiring higher channel counts. The TEL-SC is capable of use of several shafts through the use of custom adapters. The CIT easily mounts to nearly any shaft without the need for adapters. The CIT is also capable of long term testing because it uses induction power. The CBT easily mounts to any shaft without the need for adapters, and it needs less space for mounting because it uses batteries rather than induction power. The CBT is more optimal for shorter term measurements, as it has a battery life between 24-48 hours. In general, the Telemetry Wheel Package is typically used for measurements at the wheel.