Apr 19

Making Corner Weighing Accessible

How an electronics engineer and motoring hobbyist used weigh monitoring capabilities on a Nissan Skyline using a cost-effective wireless telemetry system.

Performance monitoring is a key part of Formula One and top teams, like McLaren, Mercedes and Red Bull invest millions each year in gathering and analysing data. However, for motoring hobbyists without the budgets and staff of an F1 team, gathering performance data is not so simple. So, when, Mantracourt Electronics engineer and motoring hobbyist, Marek Gmitro wanted to gather weight distribution data on his Nissan Skyline, he used wireless telemetry systems made by Mantracourt and fitted it with the company’s T24 high-precision sensor system to monitor the weight and analyse performance. 

“I always enjoyed how well my Nissan Skyline handled, but wanted to drive a vehicle with a bit more power. So, I set about replacing the car’s original 3.5 litre V6 engine with a larger, more powerful 4.5 litre V8 engine. The Nissan V8 boasts higher horsepower and higher torque than the V6 and with the extra two cylinders and larger displacement adds more low end torque which improved driveability. However, replacing the car’s engine created a few challenges that I had to solve,” explained Marek. 

Because of the extra two cylinders on the V8 adding overall length of the engine, fitment to the original location of the V6 was not ideal. Because of the potential weight shift that might occur, the V8 had to be relocated further inside towards the firewall. Any change in weight distribution changes the handling, centre of gravity and suspension performance.  

For instance, when a vehicle brakes around a corner the force of the turn transfers the vehicle weight forward and there is less weight over the rear wheels which in this case are transferring power to the road. If the car has altered weight distribution, it may create excessive oversteering or understeering and cause major risks to safety. Due to weight distribution changes, suspension that isn’t aligned properly will cause tyres to wear down more quickly and unevenly, leading to costly and frequent replacements. 

“Surprisingly the new engine had only increased the Skyline’s weight from 1413 kg to 1445 kg, adding 0.3% of weight distribution towards the front axle . Without access to any data of similar swaps, guesswork would be the last option as an engineer. It is important to have as much data to hand as possible and make decisions based on proof rather than assumptions,” continued Marek. 

“Fortunately, I had access to Mantracourt’s T24 wireless telemetry weighing systems and with the help of my colleagues I was able to collect good data of the original weight distribution. This allowed me to align the engine correctly to minimise changes to an already well performing vehicle,” added Marek. 

“Our T24 series includes a wide range of acquisition modules, transmitters, receivers, displays, enclosures and base stations, so it was simple to find a system for Marek to work with. Furthermore, as this was for a hobby application, it felt like a good idea to make it as easy to deploy as possible. T24 can be as simple or complicated as required,” explained Tom Lilly, application engineer at Mantracourt. 

“The system we provided for monitoring the Nissan Skyline’s power and weight distribution was a 2.4 GHz T24 system comprising of two axle weigh pad scales that sit underneath the car’s tyres. We used corner weighing jigs with wireless loadcells mounted on the wheel supports to record the precise weight. We were then able to display the data from these load cells wirelessly using our free LOG100 software. This also allows constant logging of real time data,” continued Lilly. 

“Because I am a huge car enthusiast, joining my career with my hobby in this project was a fantastic opportunity. From a hobbyist perspective, operating our weighing system used in high end motorsports was surprisingly easy. After all, for us hobbyists, working on the car is as much fun as driving it,” concluded Marek. 

This project proved that you do not have to have the team, facilities and budget of a Formula One team for a vehicle to take advantage of performance monitoring technology.  

Click here for infographic

May 11

Remote monitoring key performance data across an industrial site

In the last decade, advances in performance monitoring capabilities have improved industry’s ability to analyse large volumes of data in real-time. However, what approach should businesses take when maintaining physical data records and backups becomes too costly or time consuming? This whitepaper breaks down how site managers can use cloud-based platforms to optimise their data monitoring systems, reduce operating costs and save time. Furthermore, it explains how to achieve the best results from a wireless sensor installation.

Optimising data monitoring protocols using cloud-based a platform

Research company Fortune Business Insights predicts that the global market size for IoT-connected devices will reach $1,463.19 billion by 2027, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 24.9 per cent. It also estimates that the industrial automation market worldwide will reach $296.7 billion by 2026 — almost double the value in 2019. These market growths have been accelerated by companies being forced to adjust to a new digital reality much earlier than expected because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Wireless sensors, particularly those monitoring large or complex processes, can gather lots of data, which is then stored in a format such as CSV for analysing in a spreadsheet.  Manually analysing all this data can sometimes be laborious and time consuming.

It’s clear that asset managers need a better place to store, visualise and monitor their data repository, combined with a customisable automated alerts system to let them know when there is a problem so they can act immediately to protect key assets.

Taking data to the cloud

In the era of Industry 4.0 and the widespread adoption of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technologies, the benefits of installing cloud-based remote monitoring systems across a facility are more compelling than ever.

“It is becoming increasingly clear that remote monitoring is the most convenient and cost-effective way of managing system performance across an industrial facility.”

By remotely monitoring and managing assets over long periods of time, industry reaps the rewards in the form of lower operating costs, faster response times and better service levels.

Cloud-based remote monitoring systems, like Mantracourt’s SensorSpace® platform, are becoming increasingly popular across a variety of industrial sectors including agriculture, food and beverage and construction. SensorSpace® is a bespoke cloud-based platform that allows customers to login from anywhere in the world using a desktop or mobile device and remotely monitor system status and asset performance information relayed by Mantracourt’s T24 wireless telemetry system. The system’s dashboard can be as simple or as complicated as users need it to be, from a simple numerical display of operational parameters to in-depth overlays, charts and graphs showing live and historical data.

SensorSpace® is already making an impact across key industrial sectors. For example, it allows site managers in an agriculture setting to monitor for humidity or pressure changes in a grain silo. Any undetected change to the conditions in a silo may threaten the integrity of the product, as well as the safety of the container. In the event of a problem, the appropriate personnel can be notified immediately via SMS, email or app-based alerts so appropriate action can be taken quickly.

Site managers are also recognising the benefits of being able to store and analyse all their data in one easy-to-use umbrella platform, rather than having to consolidate several complex spreadsheets. Having the ability to customise your data dashboards, from simple numerical displays of operational parameters to in-depth graphical summaries, will inevitably save a lot of time.

Furthermore, there are financial benefits associated compared to data monitoring methods. For example, a company who provides heavy industrial jacking applications for the construction industry must precisely pre-set an array of hydraulic jacks to a specific stroke length at a specific pressure. The static data from these installs can be fed directly to SensorSpace for round the clock remote monitoring. Financially, the installation can be quicker because a wireless system removes the need for running cables and the company removes the need for sending personnel to site for data monitoring and extraction. There may also be cases where the number of jacks were able to be reduced on site.

While most of the world was under strict restrictions because of the coronavirus pandemic, site visits and manual system inspections could not proceed as normal. In many cases, businesses that relied on these to capture operational data across their facility were unable to regularly collect system data over that time.

“SensorSpace® provides asset managers with the ability to monitor and analyse system performance 24/7, even if they’re working from home.”

Top tips for a successful wireless sensor installation

In many cases, remote monitoring technology goes hand-in-hand with wireless sensor technology. Modern wireless sensors provide precise test and measurement capabilities in a portable and flexible package, making them an appealing choice for asset managers looking to easily gather data from manufacturing equipment. However, to reap the full benefits of wireless technology, there are a few important steps to follow during set up.

Undertake a site survey

A sensor’s signal strength and data capture capabilities should be assessed on-site. To do this, after ensuring that the sensor is in place and transmitting, the site can be explored with a receiver, such as one of Mantracourt’s T24 handheld receivers.

This allows users to identify any dead spots and plan their layout accordingly. It’s important to remember that the ground can absorb a large portion of the signal, so both the transmitter and the receiver should be located above ground.

Other obstacles, such as concrete or brick walls, metal cladding, ironwork, metal meshes up to 100 mm thick, and, surprisingly, trees in leaf that contain a lot of water, can impact the signal strength. If additional coverage is required, a repeater can help extend the sensor’s range and bypass obstacles. It’s also important to consider the presence of future obstacles that might not be present during the installation — for example, you wouldn’t want to position a wireless sensor behind a spot where lorries often park, or along a train track.

Radio interference is usually not a concern, because licensed low power devices that use transmission formats such as 2.4 GHz are surprisingly tolerant to common interference sources. However, having multiple sensors can block or slow transmission data, particularly if they are on the same channel. For these reasons, Mantracourt’s T24 products have an error checking function to ensure that data is transmitted correctly. As well as using a clear channel, users can easily configure the rate at which data is sent to reduce the competition for bandwidth between transmitting sensors.

Extend your sensor’s lifespan

Wireless sensors can spend most of their life in low power mode and activate to record measurements and transmit data when needed, meaning that their internal battery can last for several years. However, in some instances when faster transmission rates are necessary and no permanent supply is available,  manufacturers can use a solar panel or energy harvesting system such as Mantracourt’s Power Pack 1 and Solar Panel 1.

For sensors that operate in particularly harsh environments, an enclosure can prevent damage from water or aggressive chemicals. This is why each of Mantracourt’s wireless transmitter modules can be ordered in one of three IP rated enclosures. When choosing or designing an enclosure, it’s important to remember that the radio signal will need an aperture to escape, such as a small fiberglass window. Users should also remember to tighten up any cable glands and use a drip loop when connecting cables to sensors, transmitter and repeaters to prevent moisture from entering.

Think about your data

Storing raw data locally is simple but limits live analytical capabilities. However, thanks to cloud-based remote monitoring platforms like SensorSpace® data can be analysed in real-time, allowing you to quickly identify trends and take action when needed.

“Following these steps, manufacturers can easily measure variables such as linear movement, wind speed, temperature, loads or torque.”

The flexibility and ease of installation of wireless sensors means that data can be collected efficiently and cost-effectively, saving money and improving processes in the long run. Also, it allows for more flexibility in ongoing projects where you might only begin with a small number of sensors and increase this down the line. In these situations, you can easily add more wireless sensors, connected to the cloud-based monitoring system, without the need for costly and disruptive cable installations.

To find out more about Mantracourt’s T24 wireless telemetry system or SensorSpace cloud platform, visit the Mantracourt website at http://www.mantracourt.com or contact our technical sales team today.

Mar 31

Optimising Remote Monitoring

Remote monitoring key performance data across an industrial site. Optimising data monitoring protocols using cloud-based a platform.

In the last decade, advances in performance monitoring capabilities have improved industry’s ability to analyse large volumes of data in real-time. However, what approach should businesses take when maintaining physical data records and backups becomes too costly or time consuming? Here Stephen Hosgood, sales manager at signal conditioning and wireless telemetry specialist Mantracourt, discusses how site managers can use cloud-based platforms to optimise their data monitoring systems, reduce operating costs and save time.

Research company Fortune Business Insights estimates that the industrial automation market worldwide will reach $296.7 billion by 2026 — almost double the value in 2019. This increase is made more likely by companies being forced to adjust to a new digital reality much earlier than expected because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Wireless sensors, particularly those monitoring large or complex processes, can gather lots of data, which is then stored in a format such as CSV for analysing in a spreadsheet.  Manually analysing all this data can sometimes be laborious and time consuming.

It’s clear that asset managers need a better place to store, visualise and monitor their data repository, combined with a customisable automated alerts system to let them know when there is a problem so they can act immediately to protect key assets.

Taking data to the cloud

In the era of Industry 4.0 and the widespread adoption of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technologies, the benefits of installing cloud-based remote monitoring systems across a facility are more compelling than ever. It is becoming increasingly clear that this is the most convenient and cost-effective way of managing system performance. By remotely monitoring and managing assets over long periods of time, industry reaps the rewards in the form of lower operating costs, faster response times and better service levels.

Cloud-based remote monitoring systems, like Mantracourt’s SensorSpace® platform, are becoming increasingly popular across a variety of industrial sectors including agriculture, food and beverage and construction. For example, site managers in an agriculture setting may use it to monitor for humidity or pressure changes in a grain silo. Any undetected change to the conditions in a silo may threaten the integrity of the product, as well as the safety of the container. In the event of a problem, the appropriate personnel can be notified immediately via SMS, email or app-based alerts so appropriate action can be taken quickly.

Site managers are also recognising the benefits of being able to store and analyse all their data in one easy-to-use umbrella platform, rather than having to consolidate several complex spreadsheets. Having the ability to customise your data dashboards, from simple numerical displays of operational parameters to in-depth graphical summaries, will inevitably save a lot of time.

Furthermore, there are financial benefits associated compared to data monitoring methods. For example, a company who provides heavy industrial jacking applications for the construction industry must precisely pre-set an array of hydraulic jacks to a specific stroke length at a specific pressure. The static data from these installs can be fed directly to SensorSpace for round the clock remote monitoring. Financially, the installation can be quicker because a wireless system removes the need for running cables and the company removes the need for sending personnel to site for data monitoring and extraction. There may also be cases where the number of jacks were able to be reduced on site.

With much of the world still under restrictions because of the coronavirus pandemic, and with a long road to recovery ahead, site visits and manual system inspections have not been able to proceed as normal. In many cases, businesses that rely on these to capture operational data across their facility have been unable to regularly collect system data over the last year.

Cloud-based remote monitoring systems are no longer just the most cost-effective way of collecting system data, they are now the only way to do so in many cases. SensorSpace® provides asset managers with the ability to monitor and analyse system performance 24/7, even if they’re working from home.

To find out more about how you can take advantage of remote monitoring technology to manage key assets and overall system performance, or to enquire about SensorSpace®, call +44 (0) 1395 232 400 or visit the Mantracourt website today.

Mar 15

Three steps for a successful wireless sensor installation

As the number of devices connected to the Internet of Things (IoT) grows, so does the need for reliable yet easily deployable sensors. Luckily, wireless sensor technology is evolving, providing manufacturers with practical and cost-effective solutions to monitor the performance of their equipment. Here Tom Lilly, application engineer at signal conditioning and sensor systems specialist Mantracourt, explains how to achieve the best results from a wireless sensor installation.

Research company Fortune Business Insights predicts that the global market size for IoT-connected devices will reach $1,463.19 billion by 2027, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 24.9 per cent.

Wireless sensors for precise test and measurement play a central role in this growth — portable, flexible and simple to install, they allow users to easily gather and analyse data from their manufacturing equipment. However, to reap the full benefits of wireless technology, there are a few important steps to follow during set up.

Undertake a site survey

A sensor’s signal strength and data capture capabilities should be assessed on-site. To do this, after ensuring that the sensor is in place and transmitting, the site can be explored with a receiver, such as one of Mantracourt’s T24 handheld receivers.

This allows users to identify any dead spots and plan their layout accordingly. It’s important to remember that the ground can absorb a large portion of the signal, so both the transmitter and the receiver should be located above ground.

Other obstacles, such as concrete or brick walls, metal cladding, ironwork, metal meshes up to 100 mm thick, and, surprisingly, trees in leaf that contain a lot of water, can impact the signal strength. If additional coverage is required, a repeater can help extend the sensor’s range and bypass obstacles. It’s also important to consider the presence of future obstacles that might not be present during the installation — for example, you wouldn’t want to position a wireless sensor behind a spot where lorries often park, or along a train track.

Radio interference is usually not a concern, because licensed low power devices that use transmission formats such as 2.4 GHz are surprisingly tolerant to common interference sources. However, having multiple sensors can block or slow transmission data, particularly if they are on the same channel. For this reasons, Mantracourt’s T24 products have an error checking function to ensure that data is transmitted correctly. As well as using a clear channel, users can easily configure the rate at which data is sent to reduce the competition for bandwidth between transmitting sensors.

Extend your sensor’s lifespan

Wireless sensors can spend most of their life in low power mode and activate to record measurements and transmit data when needed, meaning that their internal battery can last for several years. However, in some instances when faster transmission rates are necessary and no permanent supply is available,  manufacturers can use a solar panel or energy harvesting system such as Mantracourt’s Power Pack 1 and Solar Panel 1.

For sensors that operate in particularly harsh environments, an enclosure can prevent damage from water or aggressive chemicals. This is why each of Mantracourt’s wireless transmitter modules can be ordered in one of three IP rated enclosures. When choosing or designing an enclosure, it’s important to remember that the radio signal will need an aperture to escape, such as a small fiberglass window. Users should also remember to tighten up any cable glands and use a drip loop when connecting cables to sensors, transmitter and repeaters to prevent moisture from entering.

Think about your data

Storing raw data locally is simple but limits live analytical capabilities. However, thanks to cloud-based remote monitoring platforms like SensorSpace® data can be analysed in real-time, allowing you to quickly identify trends and take action when needed. SensorSpace® can be used to remotely monitor the live feed from Mantracourt’s T24 wireless telemetry system 24/7, facilitating on-going customer support. Furthermore, the system can be configured to send direct push notifications via SMS and email where necessary.

Following these steps, manufacturers can easily measure variables such as linear movement, wind speed, temperature, loads or torque. The flexibility and ease of installation of wireless sensors means that data can be collected efficiently and cost-effectively, saving money and improving processes in the long run. Also, it allows for more flexibility in ongoing projects where you might only begin with a small number of sensors and increase this down the line. In these situations, you can easily add more wireless sensors, connected to the cloud-based monitoring system, without the need for costly and disruptive cable installations.

Mantracourt’s T24 series includes a wide range of acquisition modules, transmitters, receivers and enclosures. For advice on how to choose and implement the best solution for your application, contact our technical sales team today.

Mar 14

Meet The Team – Sales Manager

Steve Hosgood, Sales Manager talks about the Mantracourt roadmap for 2021, what has surprised him about the company since joining in 2019 and reveals how he lets off steam when he is away from the office.

As we kick off 2021 what strategies are you concentrating on to build momentum and advance the Mantracourt road map? 

Fundamentally our roadmap for 2021 is to build where we left off last year and make sure we are at the forefront of where we need to be. The momentum of a sales team is multifaceted and built through communication and a knowledgeable understanding of what our customers need. Modern communication channels such as Zoom and Teams have allowed us to touch base with customers and improve accessibility; facilitating meetings to be time and environmentally efficient. Of course, we’re still available via email and telephone! We have a new direct phone number through to the sales team also. A collaborative focus from the sales team has made us slicker and more knowledgeable, coupled with exciting new products in the pipeline I am ambitious for  2021.

What has surprised you about Mantracourt since you joined the company?

The first thing which struck me when I joined Mantracourt was the amount of retained knowledge. It was obvious the company and the people who work here have a real passion for who we are and what we do. Some employees have worked for the company for over 40 years, providing a unique access to the people who designed or built products. It is a bit of a cliché, but Mantracourt have an eco system of employing slowly, finding the right person a position, and looking after them within the company. In return employees have a buy-in for what we do and become part of the ‘Mantra-family’.

What is the biggest thing you are learning now and why is it important?

Change in trading conditions following the UK’s departure from the European Union are an ongoing education. I think the ease of trading was something some took for granted as there are now delicacies which have altered billing, shipping, and the effect of tariff codes on VAT. Presently, I am studying for an International Trade Diploma which has primed my understanding of the ‘new normal’ and the sales team at Mantracourt are on hand with any assistance customers might need.

What are you most likely to be doing at the weekend to let off steam?

Anyone who knows me knows I am a family man through and through and I enjoy spending time with my wife and two young children. Living near the coast we make the most of it and weather permitting, we enjoy walks and picnics on the beach. I am enjoying being able to get some father/son time on our bikes as my son has recently progressed to cycling without stabilizers. On other days I enjoy a different father/son relationship hanging out with my dad. Such is the inspiration my dad has been; he is the person given the opportunity I would swap place with for 24 hours. His attitude to work, life and family have made me the man I am today.

What three words would your friends use to describe you? 

  • Darf – nickname, don’t ask!
  • Loyal
  • Dependable – when I make a plan, I stick to it.

Connect with Steve

Apr 17

Carrying Out A Wireless Site Survey

Introduction

There are two main parts to a site survey. Firstly, a check of local conditions, secondly, a check of performance of the T24 equipment in the local conditions. This technical document is designed to guide you through the process to achieve optimal conditions.

Local Conditions

The first thing to do is to look around. Problems that you are looking for are physical obstructions and local 2.4 GHz radio use.

Obstructions

This could be anything either in between or near to the transmitter(s) and the receiver. Materials such as concrete and steel absorb and reflect radio signals. Also remember that water is a very good absorber of radio which means that trees in leaf can be very good at blocking the signal. Also, find out what may change when the transmitters are actually going to be used. Is there going to be a lot of vehicle traffic and will that create a moving obstruction leading to data loss?

Local 2.4 GHz radio use

To do this use the Spectrum Analyser part of the T24 Toolkit (ver 2.5.0 and up). You should monitor the local radio conditions both where the receiver is going to be positioned and where the transmitters are going to be positioned. The Toolkit uses the radio signal received by the base station so you can change the orientation to see if that has any effect.

Planar View Parts

Real-time Detected Signal The white trace shows the real-time level of detected signal. On its own this information only really indicates where other radios are operating. T24 works fine with other transmissions but you may want to stay away from channels that have a lot of activity when there are other quiet channels available.
Peak Detected Signal The shaded background shows the peak signal detected across the band. This is more useful than the real-time trace because, over time, this build a picture of where the traffic has the highest power.
Minimum Detected Signal The red trace is very important and shows the minimum signal level detected across the band. In a good, quiet RF environment these red traces will not be visible but where there is a high level of broadband noise or very high amounts of radio traffic you may see channels that show red areas. As long as these remain below the CCA (Clear Channel Assessment) thresholds for the T24 radio modules deployed (<=v3.x or >=v4.0) the T24 radios will still operate but given the choice select a channel that does not show a high minimum signal level. As levels start to increase above -95 db this will reduce maximum achievable radio range.
Band Noise Floor This indicates the lowest signal level across the entire band. Usually this will be off the bottom of the chart but when this is visible it can indicate underlying issues with the environment that could affect the T24 radio operation. As levels start to increase above -95db this will start to reduce maximum achievable radio range.
Radio v3.x CCA Threshold This orange dotted line indicates the signal level at which the version 3.x (and below) radio firmware will not transmit. Any signals detected larger than this level will stop the module from transmitting. Usually this is not a problem as T24 radio works in harmony with other radio systems and will transmit in the gaps between other radio transmissions. However, if the Minimum Detected Signal is close to, or above, this level then the T24 radio system will cease to function.
Radio v4.0 CCA Threshold Version 4.0 radio modules have a revised CCA threshold to allow them to work better in high noise RF environments.

Examples of RF Environments


This shows a good RF environment. The Band Noise Floor is low and there are no red traces indicating that there are plenty of signal free gaps to enable T24 to transmit. There is traffic across the whole band with higher signal traffic between channels 11 to 15, but there is nothing that would affect T24 operation.



Here we can see some visible red traces indicating the minimum signal levels. Around channel 2 there is something transmitting constantly but the signal is so low that T24 would operate fine anyway. However, channel 12 shows that there is a constant transmission that is above the v3.x radio CCA threshold so those T24 radios would not function on channel 12. Version 4.0 and above T24 radios would function but communications may be erratic and certainly the range and coverage would be reduced. It would not be a good idea to use channel 12.

Here we can see a scenario where the entire band noise floor is high. This means that across all channels the range achievable will be reduced because T24 transmissions from distant modules will be swamped by the constant signal from the noise floor. For most channels the minimum signal level is below the CCA threshold, so as long as the T24 signal is strong enough the system will still work. However, note the sloping nature of the red trace. At around channel 16 the minimum signal level is at the level of the v3.x radio CCA threshold so version 3.x radios would not be able to pair because channel 16 is used in the pairing negotiation. V4.0 radios would still operate successfully.

This shows how the display would look if the band noise floor slowly crept up. The red trace is only visible on channel 12 but other channels that were once OK (Having a very low minimum signal level) now have a viewable level of minimum signal noise. A double-click on the planar chart would reset the peak and minimum calculations so the minimum red trace would then follow the more recent higher noise floor – see image below.

Whilst you are doing this, it is a very good idea to take screen shots of the whole window (the spectral view can give a useful history as well). This will be a useful record and could help Mantracourt with fault finding. It will also be useful to note down what the noise floor was as this could limit the possible range.

Now it is a good idea to check how good the link is between the transmitter and receiver. There are two ways to do this. If you want to monitor multiple transmitters, go to the monitor page of the toolkit.

This allows you to monitor all transmitters on the selected channel. It is useful to check how many transmissions are getting through (with the Total column); you can compare the detected transmission rate with what you are expecting (big differences would suggest high radio traffic blocking sending the signal) The LQI column shows the link quality index which is essentially how good the radio signal is. This is in the range 0-100 where 100 is the best. Getting a reading of 80 will still give some headroom.

Double click the LQI heading to see RSSI/CV which gives some more detailed info.

Alternately you can pair to the module and look at the LQI and battery page. This will give you a historic graph of the LQI. Clicking the Advanced button also shows the RSSI and CV.

For more information contact us

Download PDF

Feb 27

Keeping our Fingers on the Pulse!

Recently we have been working hard to update the T24 pulse acquisition module. Our purpose with this update was to ease usability with sensors and improve upon the battery life when used as a counter.

Our initial brief was to look at the types of sensors that would generate a pulse output. The majority of these sensors seemed to have a 10 V minimum supply. They also tend to be open collector outputs (both npn or pnp). Another common use of the pulse module is to measure pulses from a reed switch and these switches don’t need the power supply to be anything more than the battery voltage.

One of the biggest improvements we have made is to improve the counter modes. The count mode is now interrupt driven and does not need the excitation to be on at all.

To complete our update we added some extra measurement modes. We have retained all of them from the previous module (frequency, count, rpm, interval) and added some extras:

  • Quadrature. We have added a second input line to the board and we now accept quadrature inputs.
  • Digital State. This mode has been designed to deliver the digital state of the input pin. The value is sent immediately on change and at the configured transmit interval. This is ideal for button press applications where occasional state change is sent to a controller.
  • Mark (Space). The input is now able to report the mark space ration of the incoming signal.

To meet these challenges in sensor types we have made all these settings configurable from within our T24 Toolkit without the need for any external components.

Configuration is simple, just select:

  • The type of measurement you need
  • Excitation – Choose between Off, 3, 5 or 12 Volts DC.
  • Pull Resistor – Choose to provide an on-board pull up or pull down (56 kΩ).

Then simply start using it.

For further details, advise and support please contact us at mantracourt.com

 

This article was written by Dr. Clive Vallance, Senior Electronics Engineer, Mantracourt Electronics Ltd

Jan 04

Introduction to Digital Devices – Part 2

INTRODUCTION

The previous instalment focused on the physical communication interface between digital devices and a receiving station. This time I would like to step up a layer and look at the information that is sent along the physical wires. This is often described as the communication protocol and is essentially the ‘language’ that is used to communicate.Print

I would like to maintain our analogy with the mobile phone interface a little longer. Recall last time we had two phones that were able to communicate and send audio information. This is akin to the physical wires in a digital conditioner. This audio connection does not care about whether the two individuals at each end of the phone understand each other, only that the connection is made. So, this extends a little further if we introduce a language that is being used to communicate. As long as the language is the same, the two parties are able to communicate and understand one another. This is exactly the same in the digital conditioner scenario.

Of course in our discussion we have not spoken about how people negotiate the use of the physical connection. If you have ever made a conference call you will understand how the complexity of getting onto that communication channel increases with the number of participants. If two people try and speak at the same time there is a collision, the information is lost or garbled and we instinctively cease communication and retry at a later point. In extreme circumstances someone may be allocated to control the access of the rest of the group to the communication channel which removes the chance of a collision. Alternatively, there may be one person requesting information from a number of participants in turn. All of these possibilities of negotiating access to a channel exist with a digital communication scenario.

In digital systems there is often one master who controls the communications between entities. This relationship is often referred to as master slave and is itself a mechanism of stopping collisions in the data. These systems often rely on the fact that there is only one master. Another arbitration scheme used in CAN relies on the priority level of a message. This is a little more involved but to be as simple as possible any message on a CAN BUS has a priority level. When a message is sent the message with the highest priority is allowed to transmit data by winning the arbitration phase. This is non-destructive and in a well designed system eliminates collisions. The CAN arbitration method does mean that a master is not required to control the access to the BUS. There are other access schemes which involve allocated time slots and tokens but I won’t dwell on those at this time.

At Mantracourt we maintain communication languages for different purposes and applications. Some are quick and others are easy to understand without a translating tool. Some are industry standardised and others are proprietary. In general we provide 5 main protocols.

 

MODBUS RTU

ModBUS is a standardised protocol originally designed for communication between programmable logic controllers. It is versatile and robust and commonly used for industrial communication systems. It is simple to implement, openly published and royalty free. ModBUS RTU is probably the most commonly implemented variant of ModBUS and is used for serial communications. ModBUS TCP is now gaining momentum and is used across Ethernet networks although the real time performance is slightly more limited. ModBUS in general is quite efficient in its use of the communications channel as it is a binary protocol. Unfortunately it is not the easiest to read without a software tool to translate it. The protocol itself operates on a request response basis, so it is an example of our master slave implementation. We at Mantracourt offer digital devices that use ModBUS RTU on 232 or 485 serial interfaces.

I would also like to bring your attention to something we often come across in Modbus tools. Although it is standardised, the offset applied when parameter locations are read is a little ambiguous. I have come across numerous incarnations of PC and logic controller interfaces and they do have a tendency to vary the offset applied to a parameter. This is often the result of confusion between number starting from zero or starting from one. To be honest the pros and cons of zero and one addressing is a rant that I think I should keep for another day.

In conclusion, when the offsets are resolved the data across these networks is delivered reliably, robustly and efficiently. It is a protocol that I like to use. I think the greatest difficulty comes with readability which is often overcome with these translating tools.

MANTRA-ASCII

This proprietary protocol is designed for simplicity of integration and debugging. The data can be connected through to a PC and displayed without any special software. A simple terminal program allows the user to evaluate the operation quickly and easily. This does come at the cost of overhead. The transmission of ASCII characters is not as efficient as the binary based protocols and as such it is limiting in terms of throughput. It is able to operate in two modes. Primarily the interface is request response, but there is also a streaming mode that exists. This then reduces the overhead in communication to increase the data rate but it does limit the operation to only a single sensor on the physical channel. As such it is not used often and has its limitations. Mantra-ASCII is available for use on 232 or 485 serial interfaces.

In conclusion the Mantra-ASCII communication is easy to debug and evaluate. As long as the data rate is not particularly high (circa 120 sample per second) it is a very simple and reliable protocol.

MANTRA-BUS

MantraBUS is one of our proprietary binary protocols designed to be efficient and flexible. It has much less overhead than the ASCII protocol and as such uses the physical layer bandwidth more efficiently. This leads to greater throughput on busy BUS interfaces. Of course as a manufacturer it is very useful because we have control over the interface and optimise it for our applications. This also means that it is much easier for us to support.

Unfortunately in most cases proprietary protocols do not play well with others (i.e. all the devices on the bus should communicate using the same language). As such system integrators have a choice. In the event that they are designing the entire system using the BUS then a proprietary protocol is fine and the protocol designer is able to offer lots of support. The flip side of this is that when the BUS is shared a standardised protocol is required and all the devices must use that same protocol.

CANOPEN

CANopen is a data format that may be used on a CAN BUS. Often people are unsure of the difference between the CAN physical and protocol layers as the lines are a little blurred. CAN open is maintained by the CiA (CAN in Automation) and is one of a number of higher layer CAN protocols. It essentially adds network management controls on top of the CAN network. It is gaining wider usage within industry but does tend to be restricted to certain industry applications at the moment.

Our greatest struggle with CAN protocols is that each of the hardware vendors put together their own proprietary interface for a PC. As such configuration software, including our own, is often limited to specific hardware interfaces. There is another separation between CAN and the other BUS technologies that ought to be raised here. CAN is slightly separated from our analogy of phones and languages. We discussed briefly what the complexities are of gaining access to the BUS and how CAN systems achieve this. The fact that you have a CAN device will mean that it will cohabit on a CAN BUS and not cause any damage to the communications. However this does not mean that out of the box the system nodes will understand one another or know what they need to communicate and to whom. Effectively you will need to tell each node who it reports to and how that is done. This is where all the knowledge and expertise of the integrator is required as the efficiency of the entire system depends upon this configuration stage.

MANTRA-CAN

Mantra-CAN is our CAN based proprietary protocol designed to be flexible for end users. The key benefit to this is that it can be configured to deliver data onto CAN networks in a format chosen by the user. This is also a limitation as it can never be fully compliant with other protocols but is great at delivering data onto proprietary networks. Essentially it is a protocol designed to play nicely with others without really interacting fully. One thing to note is that the configuration of the device must take place before connecting to the BUS.

We have customers who swear by it and others who are nervous about designing a system that uses it. In general this all comes down to understanding what this kind of protocol can and cannot do. If you understand what it is designed to do, its great.

In summary, there are binary, ASCII and CAN protocols available. Each application may require one or other of these protocols. The first thing to understand is that if speed is important to you, a binary protocol is probably the way forward and if you just want to plug in and use a terminal interface then it is probably easier to use the ASCII type interface. I personally believe that the protocol is chosen for each scenario but I understand that many vendors like to choose one and specialise in it.

 

 

There are two aspects I think you should take from this if nothing else. When using digital conditioners, before you get to the software you are using, ensure the physical wires and the protocol are the same between all of the devices you are connecting together. This is where 80% of the problems arise in digital implementations.

Next time I would like to move higher up through the layers again and look at the user interface software. This can be completely customised, use our interface drivers or even our free software. It all depends upon the complexity of the application but I will try and take you through a few options.

For more detailed advice and support please contact us at mantracourt.com

 

 

This article was written by Dr. Clive Vallance, Senior Electronics Engineer, Mantracourt Electronics Ltd

 

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Oct 20

Introduction to Digital Devices

INTRODUCTION

We are well aware that when customers begin to use digital conditioners that they start on a journey of learning a new language. There are many advantages to using digital solutions, but there is a lot to learn, and the prospect of spending time learning to use a new technology can rule out these products when timescales are a factor. This blog is the first entry of an introduction to the language used in digital conditioners.

Mantracourt provide a range of signal converter modules which take load cell or strain bridge inputs and provide a data output in a variety of bus and protocol formats.

Most of our customers are quite happy with the concept of analogue signals which are output from signal conditioners and the methods of using that signal to display or log information. With this in mind I am only discussing the output from the conditioner and the ways that this data is transferred to the user interface or display.

This entry will focus on the physical connection. This connection can be on a signal bus (i.e. multiple devices connected to the same set of wires) or a simple point to point link. The useful aspect of the physical connection is that as long as the physical connections use the same interface it doesn’t care about what the data is that is sent over the link.

As an analogy, it’s quite readily accepted that two mobile phones can connect to each other and send an audio signal. It doesn’t care about the language that you speak, just that the protocol between the handsets match. However if we try to use a handheld walkie talkie we won’t be able to communicate with the mobile phone. Essentially the two handsets are sending the same audio information but because the communication methods are different it is not possible to pass on any information. This is the same for the physical interface between digital devices. If you have an output that is of one type at the sensor, it must be the same at the receiver.

In our products, we focus on four physical interfaces:

CAN

Lots of our customers request controller area network (CAN) compatible products. Often people are unsure of the difference between the CAN serial interface and the protocol that sits on top of that interface. Physically CAN nodes communicate using a differential balanced pair of wires and it is designed to be robust and reliable in busy and noisy environments. A common observation with CAN is that users don’t realise that it requires a termination resistor at each end of the bus in order to function properly. It is heavily used in the automotive sector and is gaining traction in other sectors (i.e. control systems).

There are certain aspects of CAN that make it unique in our list of physical connections. Unfortunately the drivers required for use on a PC tend to be proprietary and this is probably the biggest drawback when supporting CAN on a PC. This means that when we provide software to configure the product it will only work with a specific hardware adapter (in our case ixxat). Of course it is still possible to use other hardware interfaces but it will require the user to develop their own custom software in order to configure and talk using that interface.

USB

USB is commonly used on PCs and mobile platform devices. It is probably the easiest platform to use but of course has its limitations. It is often used in office, test and laboratory applications as it is so simple. The interface itself allows us to provide software that can automatically connect to a device, configure and collect data. It removes many of the more difficult aspects which arise when customers are introduced to digital conditioners as many of the configuration steps in the other options are hidden away.

The problem with USB is that it will only work on cable lengths of less than 5 metres and it is not generally used to connect to industrial controllers. There is also a limit on the data rate that can be achieved but this is often related to the PC performance rather than USB. Another note of caution is in the use of USB Hubs. For reasons I won’t dwell on they often cause trouble. Be careful when using HUBS and try to avoid daisy chaining them together.

RS485

RS485 is a serial interface suitable for signal busses. As with CAN this serial format also uses a differential balanced signal pair to communicate and it needs to have termination resistors at each end of the bus (even in single point to point applications). It is capable of very long links (1200 m at 100 kB/s) and is commonly used in industry for logic controllers. Unfortunately there is an added complication with RS-485 where it can be used in either a 2-wire (Half duplex) or 4-wire mode (Full Duplex). This often changes a configuration setting on the serial interface hardware. It is widely available and the connection to a PC is standardised. Most serial port interfaces simply show up as a COM port on your PC. This means that we can be much more flexible with our configuration software on this interface. As far as a PC is concerned it is presented exactly the same as an RS232 connection.

RS485 is ideal for industrial applications as it has a good degree of fault tolerance and noise immunity.

RS232

RS232 has been the standard point to point communication channel for what seems like forever. The interface to a PC is the same as RS485 although the hardware is different (either a different setting on the hardware or a different device, depending upon the vendor). It is very simple but it can only operate as a single point to point link. As such it is often used for evaluation and doesn’t require the termination resistors we have talked about.  RS232 is suitable for short cable lengths up to 15m and is not as noise immune as RS485 or CAN interfaces.

So, we now have our communication interfaces. Each of the interfaces above can have different protocols, or in keeping with our mobile phone analogy languages, transmitted along the physical wires. As with any protocol there are pro’s and con’s associated with them. Some are very simple to implement and debug but they tend to be slow. Others are very quick but debugging and explaining their operation tends to be more challenging. We offer a number of industry standardised and proprietary protocols. The different protocols will be discussed in our next blog on this topic.

For more detailed advice and support please contact us at mantracourt.com.

 

This article was written by Dr. Clive Vallance, Senior Electronics Engineer, Mantracourt Electronics Ltd

 

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Jul 11

Torque about…Ron Joyce

Let’s “Torque about”…

Ron Joyce
Analogue electronics and PCB design.

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What is the strangest or most challenging job you’ve ever done?

I had a summer holiday job when I was at university working on the ‘new’ M5 motorway construction at Cullompton (it was about 1970!).

One of my tasks was to fill in the minute cracks in the concrete parapet on one of the bridges using water and a stone. I soon found out that I could get a much smoother finish (and enhanced job satisfaction!) by rubbing the water in with my fingers. After several hours of this, my fingerprints had all but disappeared and my fingertips were so sensitive I could have cracked any safe on the planet!

I promised myself not to do that again!


What would be your dream job?

Combining electronics and music on a full time basis.

If you had your time again, would you have followed the same career path?

Yes, I probably would. Electronics is both my career and hobby.

What are your passions outside of the workplace?

Music and guitars and guitars and guitar amplifiers and guitar effects … oh, did I mention guitars?

I’ve played in bands since I was at school and enjoyed every minute (not so much the travelling and packing up at the end of the gig though!).

However, note to younger self – practice more and GET SOME EAR PLUGS! I said GET SOME… oh, never mind….

I’ve have a close association with Manson Guitars, one of the best independent guitar makers in the UK if not the planet. This has led to me working closely with Matt Bellamy from Muse to bring his wacky ideas for new guitar effects to life (he uses Manson guitars exclusively). The most notable one being designing the X-Y MIDI controller touch screen fitted to his guitars. This always draws a great response from the audience, as does the guitar with laser beams firing off in all directions – most satisfying!

Another passion is, or rather was, motorcycling. Having ridden on and off (‘off’, quite literally a few times!) since I was 16, I’ve decided that having dodged the Grim Reaper more times than anyone could reasonably hope to, I’ve had a ‘sensible’ attack and decided to retire…. what am I saying!? Those Honda ‘Grom’ 125s look great fun!

My other passion is church bell ringing – oh, mustn’t forget my lovely wife Kim, my family, children and grandchildren – bless ‘em all.

If you could invite four people to a dinner party, living or dead, who would they be and why?

George Harrison my favourite Beatle. Anyone who dabbled in guitar playing in the 60’s wanted to be ‘George’.

Dan Denny the designer of the Vox AC30 guitar amplifier (The Beatles, Brian May, The Edge etc. etc. the list goes on and on). Arguably the most influential amplifier ever, pre-dating Marshalls by several years.

Jackson Browne, an amazing songwriter and that voice! I saw him play support in a pokey club in Plymouth in the early 70s, it was probably his first visit to the UK. There were only about fifteen people there and thirteen of them didn’t know who he was and didn’t seem that interested – their loss!

The Edge from U2. We could talk for hours about guitar effects and I could ask him why he always wears a hat – bald is beautiful, embrace it mate!

If they made a movie about your life, who would play you?

George Clooney of course.

What was the last album you bought?

Can’t really remember, it was probably something really obscure from the ‘bargain bin’. I hate to admit it but I’m a You Tube freak. The lack of top end in the audio doesn’t worry me as I can’t hear it anyway (see above passion).

Describe yourself in five words?

Peace-loving, quiet, dependable, not very good at counting…

Quick Fire Round

Tea or coffee? Both, depends on the time of day

Cat or dog? No preference. I love animals, that’s why I don’t eat them but I wouldn’t like one as a pet

The Beatles or The Rolling Stones? Both. The Beatles for their polished songs and the ‘Stones for their rough edge

Football or rugby? Rugby of course

Nightclub or restaurant? Restaurant – have you seen me dance?