When weighing applications demand a rugged high-capacity load cell that takes up minimal space, the 300 Series from Richmond Industries is tough enough and small enough for the job. Available with standard ranges up to 0-200kN, these compact button-style load cells are ideal for heavy-duty tasks such as measuring loads on bearing supports, structural monitoring and silo weighing.

Lower capacity devices come with a tiny 32mm-diameter circular footprint and a low profile of just 25mm. And even the largest load cells in the series measure just 50mm diameter by 55mm high.

All 300 Series load cells feature onboard electrical calibration so that they can be commissioned in the field without recourse to physical standards. They are low-deflection devices, and are amply protected against overloads, tolerating 150% of rated load with no loss of calibration, and at least twice rated load without structural failure.

Accuracy is respectable for such high-capacity devices, with maximum combined nonlinearity and hysteresis errors of just 0.3% of full-range output and a sensitivity of 2.0mV/V +/-0.05%.

Easy integration is ensured by a generous 2m-long integral screened cable (with other lengths available by special request) and an optional loading pad to ensure the forces to be measured are fully centred on the load cell.

The operating temperature range is a generous -20 to +70C as standard (with even wider ranges available), ensuring that the 300 Series can be used in outdoor applications in a wide range of climates. Temperature compensation is provided between +20 and +70C as standard, and this can be extended for extreme applications. Also, devices can be supplied with fully traceable NAMAS calibration.

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When cost and accuracy are both important, the C01 pressure transmitter comes into its own. Featuring a ceramic element in an all-stainless-steel housing sealed to IP65, the C01 is available in both absolute and gauge versions, and with a wide range of models covering pressure ranges from 0-1bar to 0-400bar.

Despite its low cost, the C01 pressure transmitter promises linearity of better than 1% full-scale, and maximum pressure hysteresis and repeatability at 0.3% of full scale. The device is also particularly robust, with an overload pressure rating as high as five-times rated pressure, and burst pressure ratings up to seven-times rated pressure. What’s more, the C01 will operate over a wide temperature range, maintaining its performance with both media and ambient temperatures from -10 to +85C.

Industry-standard connections make the C01 pressure transmitter easy to incorporate into a wide range of hydraulic and process applications. The pressure connection is via a standard G1/4″ thread, and all electrical connections are via a single M12 connector. Both current (4-20mA) and voltage (0-10V) output options are available, with excitation supply ranges of 9-30V and 14-30V DC, respectively.

Full compliance with EN50081-1 and EN50081-2 EMC standards adds to the all-round appeal of this cost-effective component, which answers a broad spectrum of requirements for all spheres of pressure measurement.

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With its choice of either liquid crystal or LED display and a wide choice of inputs, the PReview 5511 can truly claim to be a universal indicator, applicable with almost any sensor system.

The 4.5-digit display features high-visibility 14mm-high characters within a display area of 48 x 96mm. Maximum display readout is +/-19999, with decimal point and relay on/off indication. Front-panel function keys offer direct access to display parameters, and all functions can be programmed via PC, or can be factory set to customer specifications. These options include the input type, relay limit values and a linearization algorithm to enable the use of nonlinear input types.

The PReview 5511 will work with a wide choice of inputs, offering 15bit resolution for thermocouple, current and voltage inputs and 16bit resolution for RTD and resistance inputs.

Ease of integration is also assured by the indicator’s wide supply tolerance with operation capable from 24 to 230V AC or 24 to 250V DC. And what ever the supply, the PReview 5511 can generate a 20V DC/20mA auxiliary supply for a two-wire transmitter, a 2.5V DC/15mA reference voltage for three-wire potentiometers and a 8V DC/25mA excitation voltage for load cells and the like. Programmable outputs offer options of voltage, current and one or two relay signals.

The PReview 5511 indicator is protected both electrically and physically, with 3.75kV AC galvanic isolation and sealing to IP65 ensuring a long and reliable operating life.

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The Graf-Syteco AT62 is a compact and stylish operator panel designed for simple and efficient machinery control, and is particularly suitable for vehicle-mounted systems. With eight freely programmable short-stroke tactile keys and a 240 x 64 pixel backlit liquid crystal display (LCD), the AT62 offers the flexibility of a graphical HMI with the power of a CANbus controller.

Within a panel area of 196 x 110mm, the AT62 gives designers the chance to create clear and concise interfaces for all manner of machines. The eight function keys are fully programmable using software supplied with the unit via its RS232 serial interface, and the key legends can be customised to match using a retractable strap. If required, the keys can also be backlit for day/night operation, and each key has a status LED, which can be specified in green or red.

The display is similarly customisable using the same software, with the further option of loading bitmapped images to enable the design of graphical machine interfaces. The display comes with LED backlighting, which offers the twin benefits of low power consumption and long life, with a typical MTBF of 100,000 hours.

One of the major problems for any display that is to be mounted on the dashboard of a vehicle is the wide temperature range encountered in the cab, ranging from sub-zero temperatures on winter mornings to the “cooking” effect of direct summer sunlight. To this end, the AT62 has a wide operating temperature range from -20 to +65C, and the LCD is temperature compensated to maintain constant contrast over this range.

As a CANbus controller, the AT62 comes with ample program and data memory, with up to 1.2Mbyte of Flash memory, 256Kbyte of static RAM and 2Kbyte of EEPROM. The unit can be specified with up to 16 digital I/Os, and the option for a second CANbus interface enables the AT62 to be integrated with vehicle systems as well as the equipment it controls.

The AT62 is designed for easy integration. Its slimline design requires only 56mm behind the panel, and its front is sealed to IP65, providing environmental protection in the testing off-highway environment. And, as the unit runs from a wide 10 to 32V DC power supply, it can easily be used in vehicles with either 12 or 24V battery systems. The supply is protected against reverse polarity, and the whole unit complies with international standards for EMC, vibration and shock, enabling its application as an interface in vehicles for worldwide markets.

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The Richmond Industries 400 Series load cell is a miniature “button-type” device that is big on performance. Ideal for compression measurement in industrial machinery and process engineering, the low-profile 400 Series is available with a range of capacities from 0-500N to 0-20kN.

The load cells come in miniature packages measuring just 15mm diameter by 8mm high for the low-range devices, with 30mm diameter and 11mm high for the largest. And with worst-case nonlinearity and hysteresis both at just 0.25% of full-range output, machinery designers can rely on the 400 Series to produce accurate results even in the most arduous of industrial environments.

Generous overload capabilities mean that 400 Series load cells can tolerate 125% of rated load without loss of calibration, and 150% of full rated load without mechanical damage. All devices perform over a wide -20 to +70C ambient temperature range, with temperature compensation provided between +20 and +70C as standard, or over a wider range to special order.

The compact and rugged package is easy to mount in even the most space constrained compression measurement applications such as inline weighing within machinery. And a 2m integral screened cable provides flexible interfacing and enables designers to separate the sensor from its measurement electronics.

Options available for 400 Series miniature load cells include loading pads to assist mechanical stability, longer cables for applications where the load cell needs to be mounted even further from the data acquisition hardware, and all devices can be supplied with the reassurance of NAMAS-approved calibration.

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The ESX-C2C is a compact CANbus module that combines extensive data logging functions with mobile communications to provide a complete solution for vehicle-based telemetry. Offering up to five I/Os, which can be specified in combinations of analogue inputs, digital inputs, frequency inputs, digital outputs and PWM outputs, the module bristles with communications capabilities to provide teleservice, gateway and data-logger functions to connect vehicle-mounted systems with the wider world.

At the heart of the ESX-C2C lies a powerful 16bit microcontroller, with 128Kbyte of static RAM, up to 2Mbyte of Flash memory and 4Kbyte of EEPROM. Its battery backed real-time clock will run for 15 years without power, and can be used to provide a wake-up call to the rest of the controller when in power saving mode.

The unit can be specified with one or two CANbus interfaces, one or two RS232 serial interfaces and there are even options for Bluetooth communications and GPS location services. But the key component in the ESX-C2C’s armoury is its dual-band GSM/GPRS module, providing a choice of telemetry facilities for vehicle systems.

Using this interface enables a huge range of applications, including remote control of vehicles-mounted systems, remote diagnostics using SMS text messages, data telemetry and even sophisticated security systems such as theft prevention and vehicle tracking (when used in conjunction with the GPS option).

The compact module comes in a rugged die-cast aluminium housing measuring 97 x 125 x 45mm and weighing in at around 500g. It is protected against electromagnetic interference, shock and vibration in accordance with international automotive, construction industry and agricultural standards. Sealing to an IP65 ingress rating is assured using a Gore-Tex breathing filter, which provides fanless operation over a wide -40 to +85C ambient temperature range while protecting the sensitive electronics from the environment typical in construction and agricultural applications.

The ESX-C2C runs from a similarly wide power input range from 9 to 32V DC, allowing its use in all standard vehicular electrical systems. Power consumption is low, with a typical operational current drain of 300mA, and a variety of power saving modes to reduce this to as little as 0.5mA.

With all these capabilities, the ESX-C2C is an ideal choice for monitoring and controlling a wide range of electrical and hydraulic systems mounted on all manner of vehicles, from the smallest delivery vehicle to the largest off-highway equipment.

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The S01 pressure transmitter is especially designed with high shock and vibration resistance for off-highway vehicles. Available with pressure ranges from 0-60 to 0-800bar, this absolute or gauge pressure sensor is ideal for vehicle-mounted hydraulic systems, but also has the accuracy and stability required for a wide range of research and process industry applications.

The device is based on a piezoresistive measuring element, which is housed within a compact all-stainless-steel package that is just 62.5mm long and 25mm in diameter. The housing is sealed to IP65 and will tolerate ambient temperatures from -20 to +80C, making the S01 pressure transmitter rugged enough to survive the off-highway environment, while also being suitable for washdowns in the process environment. Also useful in process applications, the S01 will operate with media at temperatures from -40 to +120C. Vibration resistance is an impressive 20g from 100Hz to 1kHz, further ensuring reliability under arduous conditions.

In terms of accuracy, the S01 pressure transmitter boasts linearity better than 0.3% of full scale, and this is maintained over time, with stability of better than 0.4% of full scale per year, ensuring long maintenance intervals for any equipment in which it is installed.

In addition to being compact and lightweight (weighing in at less than 90g), the pressure transmitter is also low in power consumption, drawing a maximum 20mA current from its wide 9-16V DC supply. The output is 0.5-5V DC, simplifying integration with standard indicators and data acquisition systems. Electrical connection is via a Lemo size 0B cable connector, which provides protection against both reverse polarity and short circuits. The pressure connection is via an industry-standard 3/8-24UNF thread, with other threads available as options.

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The 900 Series of high-accuracy low-capacity load cells is manufactured by Richmond Industries for tension and/or compression testing in a wide range of applications. These bidirectional devices feature an S-beam construction that creates a compact device outline regardless of capacity.

The series comprises load cells with full range capacities from 0-10N to 0-500N, each with the high accuracy required for use in materials test machines, component test rigs and any inline load-measurement application. Maximum nonlinearity is specified as 0.05% of full-range output, and hysteresis is also specified as 0.05% of full-range output or better. Zero balance is 0.50% of full-range output. And as all devices share a common cylindrical outline with a width of 12.5mm and a diameter of 50mm, manufacturers can produce a range of end products with different measurement capabilities without having to re-engineer the design for a differently shaped load cell.

As is typical of Richmond Industries load cells, the high accuracy of the 900 Series does not come at the expense of practicality. Onboard electronic calibration circuitry means that the load cells can be commissioned and kept accurate without recourse to physical standards. And each load cell will handle 150% of its rated capacity without any affect on its calibration. In cases of severe overload, the load cells are guaranteed to tolerate 200% of rated load without physical damage.

A wide operating temperature range of -20 to +70C allows the 900 Series to be used in most operating environments. Temperature compensation is provided between +20 and +70C, with sensitivity of just 0.005% per degree outside that range.

The 900 Series runs from a nominal 10V DC supply (15V maximum), and comes with an integral 2m-long 4-core cable as standards. Accessories include load buttons and rod ends for compression testing and eye rings to enable tension testing. Further options include longer cables, improved thermal characteristics and/or performance specifications, and devices can be supplied with fully traceable NAMAS calibration.

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Manufactured by Richmond Industries, the 100 Series of low-profile load cells are versatile devices that combine the robustness, accuracy and reliability required for applications ranging from laboratory force measurement to load weighing and fatigue testing.

There are six standard models in the series, offering ranges from 0-5 to 0-200kN, and all feature onboard electronic calibration, which allows instrumentation to be commissioned and verified without reference to physical weights. What’s more, these rugged low-deflection devices will handle 150% of rated load with no loss of calibration, enabling them to keep working reliably after an overload. They will even tolerate 200% of rated load without physical damage.

In terms of accuracy, the 100 Series boasts a maximum nonlinearity of 0.05% of full-scale output, hysteresis of 0.03% of full-scale output and zero balance of 0.5% of full-scale output. Operating over a wide temperature range from -20 to +70C, this compact load cell is suitable for outdoor applications, such as on vehicles and other structures exposed to the elements. Temperature compensation is provided from +20 to +70C as standard, with thermal sensitivity of 0.005% of full-range output per degree Celsius outside this range.

All devices in the 100 Series are physically compact: load cells rated up to 50kN feature a diameter of 107mm and a low profile of 35mm; and even the largest 100 and 200kN rated units measure just 155mm diameter by 48mm high.

Easy application is aided by a choice of electrical termination, with a choice of 2m-long captive cable or MIL-spec connector. Other options include improved accuracy, improved thermal characteristics and NAMAS calibration.

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The Graf-Syteco AT13 Series is a low-cost universal operator panel for machinery or vehicle systems that do not need the expense of a full graphical interface. With six function keys, each with its own programmable status LED, this manual operator panel provides an easy-to-use front end for a variety of systems, with the flexibility of an onboard CANbus interface for ease of integration.

The panel is ideal for equipment that requires both day and night-time operation. Each of the six function keys has halo lighting, and the backlight also illuminates the function labels, improving operator safety in low light conditions. An integrated buzzer can be used to provide an alarm under fault conditions.

The unit is easy to customise: the legends for all six function keys can be affixed to a single removable strip, and four DIP switches enable a range of different parameters to be programmed. Setup software is supplied free of charge for further programming of options, including the backlights.

The AT13 comes as an IP65 sealed unit, measuring 204 x 49 x 45mm and weighing 320g, and is supplied with brackets for mounting on a dashboard or panel. All electrical connections are via a single plug, and the unit will run from a wide-ranging supply between 10 and 32V DC, which includes coverage of both 12 and 24V automotive supplies. Current drain is a low 70mA from a 24V supply.

The AT13 Series is designed to handle the rigours of the off-highway machinery environment. Operating temperature range is a wide -20 to +70C, and the unit is certified to international standards for shock, vibration and electromagnetic compatibility – including the all-important 70V level I load dump resistance.

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