1-877-4-SPRUCE | info@aircraftspruce.com
Aircraft Spruce & Specialty Co.
Aircraft Spruce & Specialty Co.
Contact Us
Call Us
Sign In FREE SHIPPING ON ORDERS OVER $350 (SOME EXCLUSIONS APPLY) | 877-4-SPRUCE
- Photo may represent series and not specific product
- SHARE
The Gripper II Wireless Cable Tension Meter For Auto Pilot-Bridal Cables
$1395.00/Each
Part# 12-06999
MFR Model# CTR-BCWL-60
MFR Model# CTR-BCWL-60
FREE Shipping
Overview
|
The Sprague Instruments CTR-BCWL-60 is a wireless digital bridle cable tension meter purpose-built for the specific demands of autopilot servo bridle cable inspection and rigging. Where the CTR-GAWL-150 is optimized for primary flight control cables at up to 150 lbs, the CTR-BCWL-60 is calibrated for the light, small-diameter bridle cables that autopilot servos use — covering 10–60 lbs across 1/16", 3/32", and 1/8" cable sizes, with the same wireless Bluetooth 4.2 two-unit platform transmitting real-time tension data to a handheld display up to 10 meters (33 feet) away. It is the successor to the CTR-BCWL-30, doubling the upper range from 30 to 60 lbs to cover the broader spread of bridle cable tension specifications found across current aircraft platforms.
Why Bridle Cables Need Their Own Instrument Bridle cables are typically short, small-diameter, and tensioned to tight specifications in confined areas of the aircraft — a combination that creates real measurement challenges. On a 10–150 lb instrument like the CTR-GAWL-150, a 25 lb bridle cable reading represents only one-sixth of full scale — a position on the dial or display where small absolute errors represent large percentage errors relative to the actual tension. The CTR-BCWL-60's 10–60 lb range fills the display with the tension zone where bridle cables actually operate, providing far better resolution and confidence at the tension values that matter. The compact sensor head (2.5"L x 1.25"D x 1.5"H) fits into the tight spaces where bridle cables are routed. And the wireless link means the technician can monitor tension in real time while adjusting the servo — watching the reading change as the adjustment screw turns — without ever moving away from the work to check a dial. The live temperature display in selectable °C or °F integrates directly with the tension readout, supporting temperature-corrected tension specifications without a separate thermometer. With ±3% full-scale accuracy, no calibration chart, and no riser selection, the CTR-BCWL-60 is the straightforward digital answer to a task that mechanical instruments complicate. |
 |
WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.P65Warnings.ca.gov. |
Features
- 10–60 lb range — calibrated for bridle and autopilot servo cable tension specifications; successor to the 10–30 lb CTR-BCWL-30
- Three small cable sizes: 1/16", 3/32", 1/8" — covers the diameters used in bridle systems
- Bluetooth 4.2 wireless — real-time tension data up to 10 meters; watch tension change while adjusting servo
- ±3% full-scale accuracy — digital readout, no chart conversion, no riser selection
- Live temperature display — selectable °C or °F for temperature-corrected tension specifications
- Compact sensor head — 2.5"L x 1.25"D x 1.5"H; fits confined bridle cable access areas
- ~4,000 sensor readings per charge; ~10,000 display readings (backlight off); single 5V adapter charges both
- Auto-sleep after 5 minutes idle — preserves sensor battery during extended rigging sessions
- Factory pre-calibrated — ready for immediate use out of the box
Technical Specifications
- Tension Range: 10 – 60 lbs
- Scale Resolution: 1 lb
- Accuracy: ±3% of full scale
- Cable Sizes: 1/16", 3/32", 1/8"
- Wireless Technology: Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) 4.2
- Wireless Range: Up to 10 meters (33 ft)
- Display: 160 x 128 dot matrix LCD with selectable backlight
- Display Readings: Tension (lbs or metric), cable size, temperature, battery strength
- Temperature: Selectable °C or °F
- Operating Temp Range: 14°F to 100°F (-10°C to 40°C)
- Storage Temp Range: -4°F to 122°F (-20°C to 50°C)
- Humidity: 5–95%
- Sensor Housing: 6061 aluminum
- Display Housing: ABS plastic
- Sensor Battery: 500mAh Li-Po rechargeable; ~4,000 readings; sleep after 5 min idle
- Display Battery: 1,500mAh Li-Po rechargeable; ~10,000 readings (backlight off); ~3,000 (backlight on)
- Charging: 5VDC; one adapter charges both units
- Sensor Dimensions: 2.5"L x 1.25"D x 1.5"H
- Sensor Weight: ~240g (~8.5 oz)
- Display Dimensions: 164 x 80 x 29mm
- Display Weight: ~160g (~5.6 oz)
- Calibration Interval: Annual (12 months)
- Factory Calibration: Yes — pre-calibrated; ready for immediate use
- Predecessor: Replaces CTR-BCWL-30 (10–30 lb bridle cable model)
- Manufacturer: Sprague Instruments, San Jose, CA
Typical Applications
- Autopilot servo bridle cable tension inspection and rigging
- Autopilot system cable checks during installation, maintenance, and sign-off
- Any light-tension small-diameter cable application where the CTR-GAWL-150's 150 lb range is too broad
- Aircraft types with 1/16"–1/8" bridle cables at 10–60 lb tension specifications
- General aviation, business jets, and helicopters with autopilot servo cable systems
- Flight school and MRO technicians needing a dedicated bridle cable measurement tool
In The Box
- Display unit
- Sensor unit
- Batteries
- 5V adapter
- User manual
- Carrying case
Q&A
Please note, Aircraft Spruce ®'s personnel are not certified aircraft mechanics and can only provide general support and ideas, which should not be relied upon or implemented in lieu of consulting an A&P or other qualified technician. Aircraft Spruce ® assumes no responsibility or liability for any issue or problem which may arise from any repair, modification or other work done from this knowledge base. Any product eligibility information provided here is based on general application guides and we recommend always referring to your specific aircraft parts manual, the parts manufacturer or consulting with a qualified mechanic.