In environments where heavy loads, moving equipment, and limited accessibility come into play, wireless force measurement has become more than a convenience — it’s a necessity. Whether you're monitoring a crane on an offshore platform, running load tests in the field, or replacing outdated measurement systems in lifting equipment, going wireless brings freedom, safety, and flexibility.
At Althen, we’ve recently expanded our range of wireless load sensors from LCM Systems, including wireless load pins, load links, and compression load cells. This article explores why wireless solutions are ideal in harsh environments, how they work, and where they make the biggest difference.
When wires get in the way
Traditional weighing systems often rely on cabled sensors. These offer excellent performance in controlled setups, but in dynamic or harsh conditions, cables can quickly become a liability. They may get damaged by moving parts, affected by moisture, or simply be too cumbersome for mobile or rotating equipment.
That’s where wireless weighing systems come into their own. They eliminate the cable and with it, the risk, the hassle, and the limitations.
Instead of sending signals through a wire, wireless load sensors transmit their data via secure radio to handheld devices, displays, USB base stations, or directly into control systems. The result? Real-time measurement of loads without compromising mobility, safety, or durability.
Built for tough conditions
Wireless load sensors are built with ruggedness in mind. Housings are made from stainless steel or aerospace-grade aluminium, and most units are rated to IP67, making them dustproof and waterproof ready for offshore, industrial, and outdoor use.
With internal antennas, protected electronics, and battery lives of 1200+ hours, they’re designed to perform reliably without intervention. Wireless transmission ranges can reach up to 700 meters, making them suitable even for large-scale lifting setups or distributed weighing systems.
Why wireless weighing is ideal for harsh environments
Wireless force sensors are now widely used in industries like marine and offshore, construction, transport, aerospace, and industrial testing. Their ability to function reliably in rugged outdoor environments makes them the go-to solution for applications where conventional wiring is not an option.
Imagine a crane lifting several tonnes of equipment on a wind turbine installation vessel. There’s constant movement, vibration, saltwater spray, and absolutely no room for trailing cables. A wireless load link like the RILL or WLL provides accurate real-time load data directly to the crew — safely and reliably.
The same applies to structural testing rigs in the field, or mobile lifting gear that needs to be weighed on-site. The flexibility to quickly install a wireless load cell or pin, measure, and move on, saves both time and cost.
Wireless weighing Ssensor types
The sensor you choose depends on your mechanical setup and weighing goal. Here are three main types in our portfolio:
Wireless load links
These are placed between shackles or lifting points and are ideal for inline load monitoring during lifting and weighing operations. They’re often used during crane overload protection, offshore equipment lifts, or load testing with water bags.
Wireless load measuring pins
These replace a structural pin in your equipment and measure shear force directly at the load-bearing point such as a crane pulley, sheave, or winch drum. They’re ideal for retrofit applications or hidden installations.
Wireless Load Measuring Pins
These replace a structural pin in your equipment and measure shear force directly at the load-bearing point such as a crane pulley, sheave, or winch drum. They’re ideal for retrofit applications or hidden installations.
Wireless compression load cells
These are suited for vertical load measurement in compact spaces or on structural supports. With their low profile, they’re easy to install in tight areas, making them ideal for test benches and support load monitoring.
Seamless integration with T24 wireless telemetry
All of these sensors are compatible with the LCM Systems T24 wireless telemetry ecosystem, which includes handheld displays, base stations, analog/digital outputs, data loggers, and software dashboards.
This makes integration with control rooms, PLC systems, or mobile devices straightforward — whether you're monitoring a single sensor or a multi-point weighing system with several measurement nodes.