New from Variohm Eurosensor, the Celesco ‘Outrigger’ series cable extension position sensor is available with encoder or potentiometer feedback and has a full-stroke measuring range of 0 to 5 metres. The durable and watertight IP67 rated unit features an impact and chemically resistant polycarbonate housing that is around half the size of similar performance string-pot/draw- wire style position sensors.
The 2-channel optical encoder version requires a 24 VDC supply and includes a robust TTL level line driver. Resolution over the full measuring range is 10 pulses per mm +/- 10% and the operational temperature range is -40 ºC to +90 ºC.
The potentiometric version is available for regulated 4..20 mA or 0-10 VDC output. The current output version has a working temperature range of -40 ºC to +125 ºC and the voltage output version is able to operate in even higher temperatures - up to +150 ºC.
The competitively priced Outrigger sensor has been designed to withstand the rigours of harsh industrial environments such as fork lift safety monitoring, winch and crane position feedback systems and demanding applications as diverse as theatre automation, hospital patient handling equipment and flood control systems - and many other areas where a watertight and hard wearing design with long life and low maintenance is a prime requisite.
The cable extension transducer principle, based upon a simple spring loaded spool, a flexible cable and a rotary sensor will tolerate a high level of misalignment between the cable and housing which can be mounted well away from the measured load. This makes the technology ideal for applications where excessive vibration and extreme temperatures at the load measurement point may restrict the use of LVDT, linear potentiometers and other linear measurement devices.
The compact unit uses the same space saving design as the widely specified and popular Celesco SP and SE series ‘String Pot’ sensors and can be mounted into a volume of approximately 200mm in diameter and 100mm in length with a simple two-hole mounting flange and electrical connection via a 4-pin M12 threaded plastic connector. The 5m long measuring cable is 0.86mm diameter stainless steel with a nylon coating and has an operation tension rating of 7 (+/- 2) N.