Q & A
Spelling Tyre/Tire?
We are a UK based company and spell words using UK English and we spell it TYRE. However, our tyre pressure monitoring system is helpful to people all over the world and we find that the spelling TIRE is used more frequently. In fact the spelling TIRE is three times more popular on a Google search than TYRE. The reason for explaining all this is that we use both spellings and you may see them both used on our web site, literature and correspondence, it is not a spelling mistake just an alternative.
What environment can the sensor withstand?
Inside the tire is a very harsh environment, with possible temperatures from -40 to +125°C, and exposure to moisture, tire mounting grease, and a variety of other potentially corrosive materials. Careful package design is necessary to allow a broad temperature range and robust media compatibility. The TMS pressure transducer is rated for operation with clean dry air but we have had sensors operate in such harsh environments successfully although the life of the sensor may be compromised.
How do you interface to the receiver?
Some customers are integrating TMS into their existing product, for example track and trace, communications and vehicle telemetry using the RS232 serial interface.
The TMS operator interface enables the system to be stand alone as it displays the tire pressure data and alarms. TMS operator interface connects to the receiver via the cable harness supplied.
What is the FAULT output on the receiver vehicle interface used for?
This output can be used to drive an externally wired relay and buzzer and is useful where no data is to be presented to the driver just a go/don’t go. The FAULT alarm is set via TMS Manager. More technical detail can be found in section 3.5 and 5.4 of the data sheet.
How are the sensors fitted inside the tire?
TMS internal sensors are patched to the side wall of the tire. Earthmovers and OTR wheels are not removed in the event of a tyre change. Instead, the tyre is removed directly from the wheel. To enable this, the rims are made of multiple elements and the tyre is fitted by pushing it onto the rim and the rim flanges fitted. This means that TMS cannot be sited anywhere on the rim. Attaching it to the side wall of the tyre overcomes all these issues.
Can the system be used on commercial fleet vehicles?
In theory there is no reason why it cannot be used on any type of tire. However, patching the sensor to the side wall is not recommended as the side wall on commercial tyres has too much flex.
What about tyres with inner tubes?
Internally fitted TMS sensors cannot be used with tires with inner tubes. TMS external canister is being developed to fit directly onto large bore valve stems and offer a solution for this market.
How do I test the installation to get the best out of TMS?
The vast majority of OTR vehicles operate successfully with one or two receive antennas placed at the front and rear of the vehicle. However some applications require RF testing and to assist in this we can supply the SSMR and test units
The sensors are supplied in “hibernation” mode. What does this mean?
This prevents transmissions and reduces battery consumption while the sensor is being shipped or on the shelf. While hibernating the sensor is still able to measure pressure so that when used it will automatically wake up. If necessary it can be returned to hibernation mode by placing it in a partial vacuum. While in hibernation mode the rate of battery use is typically reduced to less than 1/3 of the normal rate.