Smarttune² 1/4" rig tension sensor

The CYCLOPS Smarttune² 1/4" is a wireless ridgetension sensor designed for racing and cruising sailboats. It provides accurate, real-time measurements of rigging tension. Its primary purpose is to optimize sail shape, improve regatta performance, and enhance onboard safety by helping to prevent rigging overloads.

Installing the Smarttune² 1/4" is designed to be simple and quick. It directly replaces existing turnbuckles with imperial threads. Here are the general steps:

Fully loosen the backstay and mainsheet, then remove mast wedges if necessary. Attach a halyard to a strong point near the chainplate and tension it until the luff sag of the stay is visible. Attach another halyard as a safety line. Measure the length of the existing stay as a reference. Unscrew the existing turnbuckle using wrenches. Ensure the stay is secured before fully disconnecting it. Apply anti-seize paste to the Smarttune² threads. Screw the Smarttune² onto the stay stud counterclockwise, then onto the chainplate stud until reaching the reference measurement. Remove the safety lines and halyards. The sensor is ready for data display.

The Smarttune² 1/4" has the following specifications:

Accuracy: ±1% of calibrated load.
Calibrated load: 500 kg.
Operating temperature range: 0 to 40°C.
Dimensions: 55 x 112 x 18 mm.
Weight: 180 g.
Materials: 316L stainless steel body, brass threaded inserts, Acetal housing.
Protection: IP68 rating (protection against prolonged immersion and dust).
Data frequency: 1 Hz (customizable on request).

The Smarttune² 1/4" offers versatile connectivity:

Mobile app: It connects directly via Bluetooth to the Cyclops Marine mobile app, available on iOS and Android. This app enables real-time data visualization, recording, and post-sailing analysis.Electronic systems: To integrate with onboard electronic systems (NMEA 2000, NMEA 0183, NKE, UDP, MQTT), an optional Cyclops gateway is required. This gateway enables load display on compatible screens from leading marine electronics brands.

The Smarttune² 1/4" model includes an internal LiPo battery. This battery provides up to 2,000 hours of continuous use, equivalent to approximately 80 days. The battery recharges wirelessly, simplifying maintenance.

The Cyclops Marine mobile application (Smart Fittings Manager) is available for iOS and Android and allows you to manage your Smarttune² 1/4" sensor. It offers the following features:

Live visualization: Display loads in real time.Data recording: Record sailing sessions for later analysis.Analysis: View load statistics (minimum, maximum, average) and averages over 1, 10, and 30 minutes.Settings: Adjust load display units and the number of significant figures.Control: Turn the sensor on or off and reconfigure it for higher update rates (up to 10Hz).

Yes, the Smarttune² 1/4" is designed to withstand harsh marine environments. It has an IP68 rating, providing full protection against prolonged water immersion and dust. Its body is made of 316L stainless steel with brass threaded inserts, and its housing is Acetal, materials chosen for their durability and corrosion resistance.

To ensure proper operation and longevity of your Smarttune² 1/4", follow these guidelines:

Maximum Working Load (MWL): Never exceed the sensor’s maximum working load (500 kg for this model), as this could damage internal components. Overload: An overload of 150% of the calibrated load (750 kg) may cause permanent damage to the sensor and require recalibration. Load application: The sensor is designed to operate only under tension, with the load applied via the threaded studs in the turnbuckle. Avoid applying loads to the plastic body (e.g., tightening sails around the sensor), as this may result in incorrect readings.

The Smarttune² 1/4" is specifically designed to replace standard 1/4" imperial-thread turnbuckles. It is ideal for stays, allowing tension measurement to optimize the shape of headsails and assess the impact of the backstay and mainsheet on the mainsail. It can also be used on shrouds for refined rigging balance.

Yes, the Smarttune² 1/4" model is equipped with a power on/off button. It can also be controlled remotely via the Cyclops Marine mobile app, providing additional flexibility for managing the sensor's power.