Tower Engineering Professionals was privileged to host an information and training session with RDI Technologies’ CEO and Founder Jeff Hay, as well as Strategic Initiatives Manager Andrew Dougherty on the company’s CableView^TM Tension Meter measurement tool.  The two demonstrated the use of the motion amplification camera as well as the data collection tool for an audience of TEP employees.  This session provided TEP employees valuable training with a new technology that allows TEP inspections to be more accurate, efficient, and safer.

Jeff Hay explaining the process

RDI Technologies was founded in 2013 by Jeff after developing and patenting the technology used to measure motions remotely with the use of a video camera.  The company initially designed the Iris M^TM to monitor the conditions of industrial plant machinery and manufacturing equipment with motion amplification.  Motion Amplification is the process of using every pixel in a camera to see motion that is not visible to the human eye.  Seeing an opportunity for this technology’s application in other industries, RDI developed the CableView^TM Tension Meter for the use in the telecommunications industry.  CableView^TM is a TIA approved method of measuring the tension of wires while utilizing approved methods and equations from TIA guidelines, allowing inspectors to be more efficient and accurate.

Andy Haldane discussing with Scott Carter

Previously, TEP would measure the tension of guy wires with swing or pulse methods and using contact tension tools.  These methods many times were prone to human or calibration errors.   With the use of the CableView^TM Tension Meter, these errors are eliminated.  For the Swing or Pulse methods, one sharp jerk or a consistent swing is applied to the guy near its connection to the anchor causing a pulse or wave to travel up and down the guy.  On the first return of the pulse to the lower end of the guy the stopwatch is started.  Several returns of the pulse to the anchor are then timed, and the guy tension is calculated from an equation.  The CableView^TM Tension Meter can make measurement readings down to 1 millisecond while the use of swing or pulse methods require human touch which has a reaction time of 15 milliseconds.   By using the camera, TEP is better equipped to make accurate measurements to better inform clients on the condition of their towers.  While being extremely accurate, the CableView^TM Tension Meter is also more reliable. Most contact tension meters require yearly calibration and are widely known to go out of calibration within that year.  Saving on calibration and maintenance fees allows TEP to focus more time and attention on providing the best service to their clients.

Another reason why Tower Engineering Professionals is excited to use this new technology is the ability to make our TIA inspections more efficient.  Prior to using the CableView^TM Tension Meter, TEP would have to spend time measuring each wire.  TEP can now use the camera to measure multiple cables at once.  This allows the for an entire anchor point to be measured in less than 1 minute.  The data can then be imported into your preferred spreadsheet for further evaluation.  This again allows TEP to focus more effort on serving the client’s needs rather than data entry.

Jeff Hay and Scott Carter looking at the results

Possibly the most important improvement that the CableView^TM Tension Meter brings to TEP is minimizing the risk involved in the work we do.  Inspecting towers is inherently risky but being able to minimize climbs allows TEP to keep our climbers safer.  Before, it would be required to climb at times to measure wires, now the CableView^TM camera can be used to shoot these wires allowing our climbers to remain on the ground.

Tower Engineering Professionals’ Inspection Division is proud to use this technology to better serve our clients.  TIA inspections are an important step in making sure that the tower is in working condition by identifying small repairs that can be made before they turn into costly large projects.  The timeline for a Maintenance and Condition Assessment is determined by multiple factors from location/ jurisdiction to severe weather or seismic events. TEP is equipped to mobilize at any time to any place required to complete inspections and repairs to keep towers operational and the RDI system helps to make that happen.  TEP can bundle TIA inspections at a discounted rate with any of our other services where we are site

If you are interested in inspection services from Tower Engineering Professionals, contact Scott Carter at smcarter@tepgroup.net.