New compact, robust draw wire sensor measures up to 5m

A new range of draw wire (string pot) sensors is now available, which offers users an unrivalled combination of compactness, low cost and large measuring range. The sensor was developed specifically for high volume OEM applications such as mobile cranes, working platforms and scissor lifts.

Micro-Epsilon's new wireSENSOR MK88 is an extension of the company's existing MK Series of draw wire sensors. The MK88 weighs just 400g (including cable) and has a very compact sensor housing that measures just 88x90x90mm. The sensor is available in three measuring ranges: 2300mm, 3500mm and 5000mm, each with output options of potentiometric (P), 0-10V (U) or 4-20mA (I). The MK88 comes with an integrated cable, but this can be changed to a connector in OEM applications if required. The sensor can also be supplied as a mechanical-only option for mounting to the user's own encoder. A universal encoder mounting plate is used to mount the sensor to the encoder. The MK Series of draw wire sensors all benefit from a PA-coated stainless steel wire and a high strength, glass fibre-reinforced plastic housing. This results in an extremely robust sensor that is suitable for all outdoor applications, with a maximum protection class of IP65. Operating temperature is from -20 deg C to +80 deg C, although a special version can be requested down to -40 deg C. Micro-Epsilon now offers one of the largest ranges of draw wire sensors in the world. The company's rapidly growing wireSENSOR family has been re-designed into modular components, enabling more compact, lightweight, low cost solutions for OEMs. These modular designs also mean that Micro-Epsilon is able to supply direct to customers from stock, on rapid deliveries for virtually any measurement range from 50mm up to 50m, as well as any output from analogue (pot, current or voltage), to digital encoder (incremental, absolute, SSi, Profibus or CANopen). Draw wire sensors can also be custom engineered by Micro-Epsilon to suit specific high volume OEM applications.