Crosby/Straightpoint launches multi-function Insight software

Crosby/Straightpoint has launched its multifaceted Insight software that allows users to monitor up to 126 load cells from up to 700m (2300ft) away, before and during a lift.

The Insight system is a revolutionary centre of gravity tool, presented as an all-round load monitoring product offering state-of-the-art technology in four main areas: multi-channel display and data logging; load visualisation; proof load testing; and centre of gravity. Included is an SW-D USB wireless dongle; the product can be used with a laptop, tablet or other device using Windows.

Using the multi-channel display and data logging mode, users can view and log load data from connected individual and multiple load cells, live on screen and directly into a .csv file for later analysis at speeds of up to 200Hz. The visualisation mode is designed for more complicated lifts and allows import of a photo of the lift in addition to drag and drop load cell displays. In other words, it makes the screen look like the lift. Proof load testing capability allows real-time graphing of load tests and auto-generates test certificates. Finally, Insight software, load cell, monitorincan be used to weigh and calculate the centre of gravity of large items and structures.

David Mullard, business development manager at Crosby/Straightpoint, says, “Each of Insight’s main features represents cutting-edge load monitoring technology in their own right, but what really distinguishes the system is its ability to perform all of those tasks—from multi-channel data logging to centre of gravity – with one single software purchase and wireless dongle. Compared to alternative solutions on the market, Insight offers superior functionality and user-friendliness. What we’re delivering is therefore unprecedented.”

Mullard explained that Insight is used to scan for wireless load cells within a 700m (2300ft) area, which allows an entire site to be monitored, or a select number of load monitoring products on a planned critical lift. Users can select load cells within the system based on their serial numbers. “You can remotely wake-up load cells that are already rigged in the application, get the signal, and start monitoring to keep equipment, loads, and people safe.”

Insight uises Crosby/Straightpoint’s Proof Test plus software to record data gathered by a Radiolink plus load cell, load shackle or compression load cell, for example. It can create a pass or fail certificate that includes test data and graphs charting data from the load versus time throughout a test.

Another Insight feature is a visual and audible alarm that indicates overload, underload, low battery and communications errors. “The user might want to know when a 1t capacity hoist is at or approaching capacity, and/or a 5t capacity crane is nearing its working load limit. All data can be captured and presented in a report or verified on a certificate, giving users and their customers complete insight and traceability,” added Mullard.

Insight is separate from Crosby/Straightpoint’s Handheld plus device and Bluetooth app. Mullard said that the transition to Insight will typically happen when more than four load cells are being employed and monitored.