Oarlock features

Drop-in replacement for standard oarlock. The force and angle measurements are both completely contained within the sensor. The metal body of the sensor is secured to the pin by means of two grub-screws in its base. An integral black plastic swivel (a modified Concept II swivel) is retained by a clip and rotates freely about the sensor body. A single electrical cable exits from the base of the sensor for connection to the rower's junction box. The oarlock is approximately 5mm taller than a standard oarlock, necessitating the removal of one or two washers from underneath the sensor during installation.

Force measurement. The sensor measures the force in a fixed direction. By aligning the base of the sensor towards the hull, you ensure that only the effective propulsive force is measured (i.e. in the direction of travel of the boat). The sensor is completely insensitive to lateral forces. A typical force application for heavyweight men is 120kgf (rowing) or 70kgf (sculling): the sensor is accurate to 2% of full scale, and can be overloaded to 200%.

Angle measurement. The angle is measured between the swivel and the body of the sensor with an accuracy of better than 0.5°.

Sizes. The sweep oarlock is available in two bore sizes corresponding to the pins most commonly used in Europe and the US - 13mm and 9/16" respectively. The larger of the two sizes (9/16"=14.3mm) can be used on the smaller 13mm pins by means of an adaptor. Fleets of boats with mixed pin sizes may therefore consider this arrangement.

The sculling oarlock is available just for 13mm pins, although a 1/2" is available as a special.

Pitch. The sensor currently comes with a fixed stern pitch of 4°. A change in pitch can be effected by wrapping tape around the base or the top of the working face of the swivel. A range of varying pitch swivels is under consideration.

Force autozero. During operation, there is naturally some slow drift on readings, primarily due to fluctuations in temperature. An intelligent algorithm ensures that this factor is removed from the sensor readings.

Angle zero via logger. After installation, it is necessary to confirm the alignment of the sensor on the pin. By placing a bar across the boat to the work-face of the swivel, the user can carry out this procedure using a simple routine in the logger.

Replaceable swivel. The black plastic swivel can be replaced when worn. A simple clip at the top of the sensor releases the swivel, which slides off the cylindrical body of the sensor.