R1 gauge – Remote crackmeter

Advantages of the smart remote crackmeter for monitoring cracks remotely

Technical specifications

Introducing the R1 gauge – smart remote crackmeter

An all-inclusive standalone wireless crackmeter

The R1 gauge is a ready-to-use IoT (Internet Of Things) wireless crackmeter for remote crack monitoring. The gauge is supplied with:

• Three sensors: linear measurement, temperature and humidity level
• An application accessible on smartphone or PC without limitation
• A one-year subscription: included with the gauge (the subscription only takes effect when the gauge is first used. Once the subscription has expired, the data remains accessible in the application)
• Screws and bolts for mounting on solid or hollow supports, for flat or angled mounting

Easy to set up

The wireless crackmeter requires just two holes to mount, so it can be installed in most configurations without the need for additional accessories. A system allows the amplitude to be adjusted to +/- 5mm after fitting.

The case is designed with reduced dimensions and contains all the sensors and the communication module with its antenna. No additional equipment is required for data transmission. No special computer skills are required to install the R1 gauge.

  Easy to use

Depending on the configuration set, the gauge wakes up at regular intervals, measures the data using its three on-board sensors and saves the data in its local memory. The wireless crack-meter then wakes up according to the defined sending frequency to transmit the data stored in the application.

The R1 gauge is reusable. At the end of a series of measurements, the gauge is switched off and stored in its box. An ‘archive’ function in the application validates the end of monitoring. Then all you have to do is reinstall it on the new site and configure it in the same way as when you first used it. All the old data is retained and remains accessible.

Connectivity covering the whole of Europe and most of the world

The R1 gauge connects to the LTE-M / Nb-IoT network. This is a network based on 4G antennas and specially designed for connected objects, with a protocol that gives greater range in terms of distance and through walls (it is possible to pick up signals underground where a telephone cannot).

Connectivity is multi-operator and works in all European countries and the main countries of the world.

The subscription starts the first time the gauge is activated: until the gauge is activated, the subscription does not start.

Over 7 years of autonomy possible

The gauge is powered by the 3.6 V battery supplied. Under normal conditions of use and depending on the settings, the battery life varies from over 2 years to over 7 years. The estimated lifetime is indicated when the settings are made in the application. An alert is sent at the end of the battery’s life to warn you to change the battery.

Flexible configuration that can be adjusted remotely

Measurements are set up in the application, enabling you to define the frequency with which measurements are taken, the frequency with which measurements are sent and the time at which measurements start.

The measurement frequency can be set every: 4h (6 times a day); 6h (4 times a day); 8h (3 times a day); 12h (2 times a day); and 24h (1 time a day).

The frequency with which measurements are sent can be every day, every 2 days, every 3 days or every week.

For example, measurements can be taken twice a day, starting at 2pm and sent every 2 days. This means you can take a measurement at 2pm and 2am (12 hours later) every day and receive the data every 2 days.

The configuration can be changed remotely, so you can adjust the settings later, if necessary, without having to travel.

4-step sensor installation

Designed to be very easy to install by drilling just two holes, the R1 gauge can be set up in just a few clicks using a smartphone or PC with internet access. All the steps are described in detail in the instructions supplied:

1. Add the R1 gauge to the Saugnac application by scanning the QR code on the R1 gauge or by entering the identifier under the QR code. In the same way as all our other gauges, each R1 gauge is uniquely identified.
2. Define the gauge activation parameters in the application:
   • Time of first measurement
   • Measurement frequency: every 4h (6 times a day), 6h (4 times a day), 8h (3 times a day), 12h (2 times a day) or 24h (1 time a day)
   • Sending frequency: every day, every 2 days, every 3 days or every week. The further apart you send the messages, the greater the autonomy.
3. Switch on the gauge by turning the piston: By turning the piston a quarter turn, it will open and automatically light the gauge.
   
   The gauge will then start up, connect to the mains and initialise. An LED lights up to indicate the status of the settings. Once initialised, the gauge will go into standby mode until the time set for the first measurement.
4. Fix the gauge to the crack: on a solid support, using the brass plugs; on a hollow support, using the EPDM plugs; at an angle, using the articulated bracket provided.

Fixing the remote crack meter

The R1 gauge can be positioned either with the plunger on the right or left (‘upside down’ in relation to the sticker). The gauge is supplied with 2 types of plugs:

Brass plugs for solid support requiring Ø8 mm holes
Required equipment not supplied for fixing to a solid support with brass plugs: drill, Ø8 mm drill bit, 6 pan 3 mm spanner, Torx T10 spanner.

EPDM plugs with nuts and washers for hollow supports (can also be used for solid supports) requiring Ø13 mm holes.
Equipment not supplied for fixing to a hollow (or solid) support with EPDM plugs: drill, Ø13 mm drill bit, 6 pan 3 mm spanner, Torx T10 spanner.

Two grub screws are supplied:

• a shorter screw onto which the joint is screwed for conventional or angled mounting. This joint is then fixed to the piston.
• a longer screw that inserts into the ball joint, with 2 nuts to hold the ball joint in place.

Classic flat fixing

To fix the gauge, drill the holes, screw in the grub screws, add a nut to the longer grub screw and screw the joint with lugs onto the shorter screw.

Then insert the piston into the lugs of the joint and secure the assembly with the 2nd part of the articulated bracket.

Finally, slide the gauge ball into the 2nd grub screw and secure with a washer and the 2nd nut.

To make it easier to adjust the measurement range, the piston head can be moved by +/- 5 mm.

There is a mark on the piston. When this mark is level with the housing tube (see 2nd photo), the possible range is approximately -7 mm when closing and +15 mm when opening.

Corner mounting

With the articulated bracket supplied, the wireless crackmeter can easily be fixed at an angle without the need for additional accessories.

Fixing with extension

By using a 20cm extension sold separately, it is possible to fix the R1 gauge in cases where the fixing centre distance is greater than 18cm and up to 32cm.

For extensions greater than 20cm and up to 40cm, please contact us.

Shear tracking (Y movement)

With the shear kit for the R1 gauge, it is possible to remotely track movement on the Y axis using the screws supplied in the kit and an R1 gauge.

So with an R1 gauge positioned in the conventional way and an R1 gauge with a shear kit, it is possible to remotely track movement on the 2 X and Y axes.

Misalignment tracking (Z movement)

With the misalignment kit for the R1 gauge, it is possible to remotely track a misalignment or tapping movement on the Z axis of the plane. The principle is to use the R1 gauge fixed in such a way as to measure the movement on the Z axis.

The square supplied for the mounting is 25cm long, so the necessary space must be provided.

Subscription and network coverage

The subscription included with the wireless crackmeter is multi-operator and works throughout Europe. When powered up, the gauge performs a network attachment phase and connects to the network with the best connectivity.

The R1 gauge works with the LTE-M and Nb-Iot protocols, which are specific protocols for communicating connected objects that use operators’ 4G antennas.

In France, you can check the coverage of an address using the service provided by the government at: https: //monreseaumobile.arcep.fr/. After selecting ‘Mobile Internet’ and ‘4G network’, you can select the operator (Orange, Bouygues or SFR) and then enter an address in the search bar to check network coverage.

In the event of a one-off problem with the network, the data is saved and sent on to the next measurement. If the problem persists, the gauge will automatically restart a network attachment procedure to change operator if necessary.

The default subscription is valid for 1 year. At the end of the subscription, the old data remains visible but the new measurements are no longer sent. Email alerts are sent before the end of the subscription to warn the user. Subscriptions can be extended directly from the application by paying by credit card or by using an order form generated directly from the application. The price of a 1-year subscription is €49 excluding VAT.

Monitoring cracks remotely with the application

All the data collected by the 3 sensors (distance, temperature, humidity) can be accessed via the https://saugnac.app application, available on smartphone or PC. As with all our gauges,access to the application is free. Even if the subscription for sending data from the gauge ends, your account and the data remain accessible.

Graphs can be configured and downloaded directly in image format for integration into your reports. Raw data can be downloaded in Excel or CSV format for further processing. You can also easily share a report, with access to the data via a link generated in the application. The report is dynamic, with data updated the moment the user clicks on the link.

The application offers the option of setting an alert based on whether a threshold has been exceeded or fallen below in relation to the first measurement. When this threshold is exceeded, an email is automatically sent.

Frequently asked questions

• How do I know if the remoted crackmeter fissurometer will pick up the network at the installation site?

The R1 gauge uses the LTE-M or Nb-IoT protocols, which rely on operators’ 4G antennas. Generally speaking, if you can pick up 4G with your phone, the R1 gauge should be able to connect to the network. You can also check whether the area you want is covered by 4G to see whether the gauge will be able to work.

Europe and most of the world are covered: to find out if your country is well covered, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Note that the gauge is also able to pick up signals where a phone is not receiving the network (car park, cellar, etc.). In these particular cases, it is not possible to know in advance whether the gauge will be able to connect. The only way is to test the connection with the gauge at the exact location where it is installed (in enclosed or underground areas, moving a few metres can change the connectivity).

• What happens if the remote crackmeter can no longer connect to the network to send data?

In the event of a one-off problem with the network, the R1 gauge saves the data and sends it on to the next measurement. Depending on the settings, the gauge stores between 5 days and 1 month of data.
In the event of a prolonged problem, the R1 gauge tries to change operator in order to reconnect. Unless there is a major and lasting problem, the connected fissurometer must be able to communicate. If this happens, however, an alert is sent to indicate that the crackmeter is no longer able to communicate.

• What happens at the end of the subscription?

At the end of the subscription, the measurements are no longer sent. However, in order to check that the subscription is up to date, the gauge will continue to connect to the network regularly and therefore consume battery power. If you no longer need the gauge at the end of your subscription, we recommend that you switch it off to conserve battery power.

The application and data remain accessible even if the subscription is terminated. The subscription can be reactivated at any time.

• How do I renew a subscription?

You can renew your subscription directly in the application, either by paying by credit card, or by sending us your order form.

• Is it possible to order a subscription for more than 1 year?

It is possible to order a subscription for more than 1 year. Please contact us for details.

• Is it possible to reuse the remote crackmeter in another location?

The R1 gauge is designed to be reusable. You need to use the archive function in the application, then switch the gauge off and put it away. Installation on a new site is carried out in the same way as for the first installation. The installation guide supplied with the R1 gauge describes the steps step by step.

• How do I change the battery in my smart remote crackmeter?

The battery is easy to change if you are careful. It is explained in the instructions. However, if you don’t want to carry out this operation, you can order the battery, send us back your gauge and we’ll do the change free of charge by sending you back the gauge with the new battery.