With much technology today incorporating wireless and tele-application features, wireless load cells provide a state-of-the-art weighing solution. Combining wireless functionality with load cell weighing technology offers solutions to logistic challenges and enhances efficiency.
What is a Wireless Load Cell?
Wireless load cells are load cell systems designed or outfitted with internal or external wireless technology to transmit electrical readings of force measurement into readable outputs. Opting for a wireless load cell can be beneficial in any application but are especially advantageous in applications where wired options are impractical or potentially dangerous. There are three ways to achieve a wireless load cell system:
- Internal/integrated wireless transmitters paired with any wireless load cell receiver or indicator
- Convert traditional load cells into wireless load cell systems using an external wireless bridge device or transmitter module
Multi-Point Wireless Load Cell Systems
Multi-point wireless load cell systems use multiple load cells in an application to address distance and size challenges. Large structures, like bridges, building foundations, or vessels, benefit from multi-point load cell systems because of their ability to produce highly accurate measurements for multiple points of kinetic force. Wireless technology can easily connect several load cells to one wireless load indicator.
Benefits of Using a Wireless Load Cell System
Choosing a wireless load cell over a conventional cell option provides many advantages. Considering the applications of wireless technology, selecting a wireless option for load cell systems addresses industrial challenges of size, distance, and safety. Benefits of wireless load cell systems include:
- Interface flexibility: Wireless load cell data transmission is achieved with many solutions, including phone and tablet apps. Using apps can also streamline data processing, making weight monitoring more efficient for operators.
- User mobility: Wireless load cell systems eliminate obstruction and distance challenges. Wireless indicators can give operators access to real-time data from nearly any location.
- Range: Wireless connectivity technologies can provide ranges up to thousands of feet or kilometers, depending on technology and power limitations. A typical 3-wire cabled load cell is only capable of hundreds of feet, with 6-wire load cells having a longer range.
- Cost-effective maintenance & installation: Deciding on a wireless load cell system eliminates the need for expensive and tedious wired solutions that require extensive servicing and installation.
- Increased safety: Wireless load cells are easier to maintain and install in potentially hazardous environments. It also eliminates the risk of flammability from frayed wires.
Bluetooth Load Cells & the Internet of Things
In an increasingly connected world, wireless load cells can offer enhanced efficiency. Referring to devices that connect wirelessly to the web to improve operations, a concept known as the Internet of Things includes wireless load cell systems. Wireless load cell systems collect and report desired data processed using tele-applications to determine a course of action, increasing efficiency and safety.
Bluetooth Load Cells vs. Wireless Load Cell Systems
Bluetooth load cells are a wireless load cell system featuring application functionality from Bluetooth technologies. Designed for direct links with mobile devices, Bluetooth load cells provide a point-to-point system with one-to-one capability, many-to-one, one-to-many, and many-to-many potential.
Considering application transmitting and processing data needs, Bluetooth load cells are a potentially cost-effective solution. However, Bluetooth load cells feature a shorter transmitting range, while wireless load transmitters offer additional coverage. Depending on the needs of the operation, wireless load cell systems may offer more comprehensive solutions with deeper data processing capabilities.
High-Quality Wireless Load Cell Systems from Massload Technologies
Need help with a wireless load cell or wireless load cell indicator for your industrial application? Contact us for more information on wireless load cell systems, wireless load indicators, or other suggestions for force measurement solutions that meet your requirements. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Request a quote for a custom solution from Massload, a leader in weighing application technology since 1981.
