Smarttune 5/8" load sensor turnbuckle

The Smarttune 5/8" is a wireless ridgetune sensor designed for precise, real-time measurement of rigging tension. It integrates Bluetooth technology and is intended to replace existing ridgetunes to provide live load data. This device helps sailors optimize sail shape, improve boat performance, and enhance safety by monitoring rigging loads.

Thread: 5/8" (15.88 mm)Calibrated load: 3,800 kgBreaking load: 9,500 kgAccuracy: ±1% of maximum working load within a temperature range of 0 to 40 °CWeight: 620 gDimensions: 65x230x31 mmMaterials: Acetal, 316L stainless steel, and brass threaded insertsSealing: IP67

Installing the Smarttune 5/8" requires replacing an existing turnbuckle. Main steps:

Fully release the backstay and mainsheet, remove mast wedges, and un-crick the mast if applicable. Secure a halyard to a strong point near the chainplate and tension it to create visible slack in the forestay. Attach another halyard as a safety line. Remove split pins or Velcro from the turnbuckle studs. Measure the forestay length for reference (e.g., distance between the inside ends of the turnbuckle studs). Secure the forestay with a line to a strong point. Unscrew the existing turnbuckle. Apply anti-seize paste to the Smarttune threads. Orient the Smarttune correctly toward the chainplate (model/series numbers must be readable). Screw the Smarttune onto the forestay stud counterclockwise, then onto the chainplate stud until reaching the reference measurement. Reinstall split pins or Velcro, then remove the securing line and safety halyards.

The Smarttune 5/8" uses two AAA batteries. Their runtime is approximately 16 months. It is recommended to replace them in a dry and enclosed space, such as under the deck, and to use standard AAA batteries. The sensor will display 0.00 as the charge level when the batteries need to be replaced.

The Smarttune 5/8" is calibrated for a maximum load of 3,800 kg (3.8 tonnes). Its breaking load is 9,500 kg. It is critical not to exceed the maximum working load to avoid damaging the sensor.

Yes, the Smarttune 5/8" housing is rated IP67, meaning it is resistant to temporary immersion and protected against dust. However, it is essential to maintain the integrity of the battery cover gasket to ensure its watertightness.

Exceeding the maximum working load (MWL) of the Smarttune 5/8" can cause permanent damage to the sensor's internal instrumentation. Exceeding 150% of the calibrated load may require recalibration. Such damage or recalibration due to overload may void the product warranty.

The Smarttune 5/8" is particularly suited for stays, backstays, shrouds, and diagonals. It is designed to operate under tension only, with load applied via the threaded studs in the turnbuckle. Any load applied to the plastic body (e.g., compression from sails tightly wrapped around the sensor) may cause unexpected or incorrect readings. The sensor will continue to report loads correctly once compression is removed, provided the plastic body has not sustained physical damage.

The Cyclops Marine application (Smart Fittings Manager) for iOS and Android lets you:

View loads in real time.Save load data for post-sailing analysis.Use the 'Load Talk' feature to hear loads through headphones.Reconfigure sensors for higher update rates (up to 10Hz).Enable or disable a sensor.Change display units and the number of significant digits.Export recording files in .csv format, including local time and GPS data.