Conquering challenges with wireless measurement systems

BY COLIN PLASTOW, Fluke Electronics

Any type of manufacturing or industrial environment presents a number of challenges when taking measurements. Whether you need to check performance over time or run spot checks, there are many situations where physical contact with equipment and panels can present a significant risk to people and equipment. A dirty or damp environment, for example, can increase the chance of contaminants entering panels and junction boxes.

A key to successful troubleshooting is having the ability to read multiple functions simultaneously. However, traditional data recorders tend to have limited input capability and memory, and correlation of data is often difficult.

Wireless measurement systems, on the other hand, are a very cost-effective way to measure and log data from multiple variables simultaneously when validating equipment. Today’s wireless test tool systems offer a selection of units that are customized for specific applications such as industrial, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) or general maintenance, or current or voltage measurements.

With these systems, technicians can use a central meter that receives wireless voltage, amperage and temperature readings from remote modules placed in a variety of locations up to 20 meters away.

With wireless systems, technicians can set up to four measurements on a single screen including three remote readings. In addition, when technicians use their PC software, they can view and analyze readings from 10 tools including single or multiple logging sessions of up to 65,000 measurements per unit to get a comprehensive picture of a situation.