New - Wireless Structural Testing System (STS-WiFi)

Description

The NEW Wireless Structural Testing System (STS-WiFi) is the latest development by Bridge Diagnostics, Inc., the leader in load testing technology. Based on the design of our very successful BDI-STSII data acquisition systems, the STS-WiFi operates on standard 802.11 b/g broadband wireless communications, eliminating the need to run cables to each 4-channel node and back to the computer!

Developed through the experience of testing more than 300 structures, the STS-WiFi is very portable, lightweight, and highly efficient. This means that short– to medium-span bridges can be instrumented and tested in less than one day with only a crew of two!

The STS-WiFi operates on the same principle as the previous BDI-STS in that multiple four-channel “nodes” are mounted on the structure near the gage locations, and the extremely easy-to-use WinSTS testing software allows the user to view the response data in real time, monitor signal strength, and control power consumption.

Each 4-channel STS-WiFi node is powered by readily-available, rechargeable batteries and uses broadband wireless technology to communicate with the wireless STS Base Station which, in turn, communicates wirelessly with the user’s PC. The signal range is several hundred feet and can be extended with additional STS WiFi Base Stations. The system is not limited to using the standard BDI Intelliducer™ strain transducers, meaning that a wide range of sensors can be implemented including LVDT’s, load cells, accelerometers, and foil strain gages.

A Complete "Turnkey" System

The STS-WiFi system comes complete with all hardware and software required to run a load test including batteries, chargers, antennas, one wireless Base Station, multiple 4-channel nodes, and BDI Intelliducers™. Complete STS-WiFi systems can be configured to include communication radios and the BDI AutoClicker for wireless tracking the position of the test vehicle. Many customers start out with 8 or 12 channels and then expand the size of their systems as needed.

You’ll be amazed at how simple the STS-WiFi system is to implement!

STS-WiFi Base Station

Accessories

• Additional STS-WiFi Base Stations
• Different gain antennas for various testing situations
• Gage extensions for reinforced concrete structures
• Accelerometers, LVDTs, Load Cells and other sensors
• Custom cable types and lengths for all sensors

Applications

Even though the STS-WiFi was originally developed for running load tests on highway bridges, it has been used for many other applications including:

• Short-Line and Main-Line Railroad Bridges
  Through-Trusses, Through-Girders, Guide-Rail and Tie tests
• Hydraulic Structures
  Lift, miter and tainter style gates
• General Laboratory & Structural Testing
  All types of steel members, pre-stressed and reinforced concrete members, Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) members, timber members

Features

• Standard 802.11b/g wireless protocol - no cables!
• System can run continuously up to six hours on single battery charge, or for several days with Stand By Mode.
• Intelliducer sensors automatically identify themselves to the system – no tracking of channel numbers! Just note the gage number and its location on the structure!
• WinSTS software is extremely simple to operate: no programming required!
• Automatically monitors STS-WiFi node signal strengths and battery power levels
• Existing STS owners can re-use their BDI Intelliducers and AutoClicker
• Additional Base Station units can be used to increase communication range

BDI Wireless STS Specifications

Channels	4 to 128, Expandable in multiples of 4
Hardware Accuracy	±0.2% (2% for Strain Transducers)
Sample Rates	Max 500 Hertz
	(Internal over-sampling rate is 19.5-312 KHz)
Max Test Lengths	21 minutes at 100 Hz.
	128K samples per channel maximum test length.
Gain Levels	1, 2, 4, 6, 16, 32, 64, 128
Digital Filter	Fixed by selected sample rate
Analog Filter	200 Hz, -3db, 3rd order Bessel
Power	9.6V NiMH rechargeable batter
	(Programmable low-power sleep mode)
Alternative Power	9-48 VDC input
Excitation Voltages
Standard:	5 Volts DC
LVDT:	5.5 Volts DC
A/D Resolution	0.3uV bit (24-Bit ADC)
PC Requirements	Windows 2000 or higher
PC Interface	Wi-Fi Ethernet 802.11b: 10/100 Mbps
Auto Zeroing	Sensor automatically zero before each test.
Enclosures	Aluminum splash resistant.
Sensor Connections	All aluminum military grade, circular bayonet “snap” lock.
Vehicle Tracking	BDI AutoClicker, switch closure detection
Sensors	BDI Intelliducer Strain Transducers
	Also supports LVDT’s, foil strain gages, accelerometers, various DC output sensors.
	Single RS232 serially-interfaced sensor.
On-board PC
Processor:	520 MHz Intel XScale PXA270
RAM	64MB
Dimensions
Base Station:	10”x 6”x 4”
STS 4 Channel Unit:	11” x 3.5” x 3.25”