Hands Free Tension Downloads
One of the many reasons we changed indicators to Mitutoyo is their host of download options. A single cable will connect the digital tool to any laptop via USB. The system is complete and fast. Best, it’s compatible with the SpokeService tension utility.
Now go one step further and incorporate a foot pedal. The foot pedal system is three components connecting the tensiometer to a computer.
Input cable is not the same as that used in the single cable download option
Recommended by Mitutoyo for this application, the component kit sells as a set.
Best used (but not only) with the SpokeService.ca utility where, once started (and until you close the tab), the software resides and runs inside your browser; no web connection required. However, any spreadsheet program will work. The advantage of SpokeService:
- Automatic (no hands) zeroing.
- Real time conversion of readings to actual tensions.
- Simultaneous building of a visual radar chart of tensions (download for your archives and customer).
This utility was created expressly to be used by any/all wheel builders. Thanks, Ryan!
© 2016 SpokeService.ca
With your cursor in the SpokeService utility active cell, place the tensiometer on a spoke. If the tool does not read zero, tap the foot pedal. Now release the tool, creating a deflection, and tap again. The program automatically sends the correct output number. This double tap routine becomes a reflex and tensions can be sensed and entered with great ease and speed. The cursor knows when to advance. If the tool does not need zeroing (often the case), just tap once. The software knows what is a number to be deducted and what is an actual deflection reading. Foolproof and fast. Watch a demo here.
Prefer not to use the SpokeService utility? Begin by placing your cursor in any spreadsheet active cell. Apply the tensiometer to a spoke, zero with the “Origin” button on the indicator, release the tool to see the reading. Tap the foot pedal once to enter the reading and the cursor advances.
Such ease of use and accuracy has only been available in industrial building systems often costing in excess of €10,000. Wheel Fanatyk is proud to be associated with a wheel building data collection breakthrough. Once you’re accustomed it will be hard to imagine building without.
To buy, check here.
This is really really cool.
It allows a communication between the wheel builder and customer, other wheelbuiders, training etc.. Tension balance exposed.
I am going to be talking a lot about this for the next few days at least.
Thank you.
Does this work with PC and Mac, both?
Yes, only requires the web at least one time. Then, any platform with USB input, running the SpokeService utility (browser-based), works. Simplest is to use it live on the web and print/save results. You can “save page as” in your browser (save a “complete web page”) and capture the utility. Anytime your browser opens the page, with or without a web connection, you will be running the utility with all features. All credit for this enlightened offering goes to Ryan Kereliuk of SpokeService.ca.
We have a P & K Lie digital wireless tension meter. Is this something we can use?
The foot pedal output system will work with P&K but the spokeservice.ca utility is not calibrated for this tool. You can quickly download the numbers into an excel program for your database, but you still need the P&K chart to know the tension numbers.