FAQs
Spelling Tyre/Tire?
We are a UK based company and spell words using UK English and we spell it TYRE. However, we sell our tyre pressure monitoring system 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 website, literature and correspondence, it is not a spelling mistake just an alternative.
What environment can the sensor withstand?
Inside an OTR tire is a very harsh environment, with possible temperatures from -40 to +80°C. Careful package design is necessary to allow a broad temperature range and robust media compatibility.
Field data has shown that the temperature inside some OTR tires is getting to such extremes of temperature up to 90 to 95°C. TMS® sensors continue to operate at these temperatures.
Some OTR tires use liquid additives such as as tire lubricants and rust inhibitors. These liquid additives can create an extremely harsh chemical environment for an electronic control device and our regular TMS® sensors are not suitable. In these situation, we recommend our liquid-proof TMS® sensors.
How do you interface to the receiver?
The TMS® operator interface enables the system to be stand alone as it displays the tire pressure data and alarms. The TMS® operator interface connects to the receiver via the cable harness supplied.
Some customers are integrating TMS® into their existing product, for example track and trace, communications and vehicle telemetry using the TMS® serial data interface.
What is the function of the FAULT output on the receiver vehicle interface?
This output can 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 TMS® Manager sets the FAULT alarm. For more technical detail, this get in touch with us via our contact form.
How do the sensors fit inside the tire?
TMS® internal sensors stick to the side wall of the tire using a special patch. A tire change on an Earthmover or OTR vehicle does not involve removing the wheel. Instead, the mechanic removes the tire from the wheel. To enable this, the rims are made of multiple elements and the tire is fitted by pushing it onto the rim and the rim flanges fitted. For this reason the sensor installation is always on the tire itself. Hence attaching it to the side wall of the tire overcomes all these issues.
Can commercial fleet vehicles use the system?
In theory there is no reason why the system would not work on any type of tire. However, we do not recommended patching the sensor to the side wall. Because the side wall on commercial tires has too much flex.
What about tires with inner tubes?
Internally fitted TMS® sensors do not work with tires with inner tubes. The TMS® external canister fits directly onto large bore valve stems and offers 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 receiver antennas placed at the front and rear of the vehicle. However, some applications require RF testing and to assist in this by providing guidance and tools. For more information please contact us.
The sensors deliver 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 required, placing it in a partial vacuum will set it back to hibernation mode. While in hibernation mode the rate of battery use is typically less than a third of the normal rate.
