Interview with Ash Holmes of Spinlock about the new Rig-Sense device
by Mark Jardine 23 Nov 2015 13:44 GMT
23 November 2015
We spoke to Ash Holmes of Spinlock at the METS Trade Show in Amsterdam about the new Rig-Sense rig tension device for measuring the loads in wire or rope on dinghies and small keelboats.
Mark Jardine: Ash, can you tell me a bit about the product and why you decided now was the time to bring out a new tension gauge?
Ash Holmes: Our new Rig-Sense gauge falls in line with our Sense range, we manufacture digital and wireless Load Cells which can be utilised in rigging in larger yachts. The trend we are seeing at the moment is more actuate data in rig tuning and we know the current rig gauges on the market have not been developed for a number of years. So now was the time to design and produce something sailors could easily work with.
MJ: With other products in sailing having recently taken a big leap forward, the tension gauge seemed to be something, for such a technical product, using very old technology. How have you changed things to give more repeatable settings and better measurements?
AH: We looked at the rig gauges currently available and have taken on a lot of feedback from sailors, riggers and the issues they were having. One of the problems was repeatability, so we made sure every time they attach a Rig-Sense and tune their rigs, they're getting that same setting. We've achieved this by utilising a composite leaf spring, which is only under tension when attached to a rig, the rest of the time it will be under no tension and protected in its own bag. We recommend the Rig-Sense is not left on the rig or in direct sunlight for extremely long periods.
MJ: With people having to get used to a new scale and system, I see you've brought out the Rig-Sense app as well. How does this work and how does it help crews to start sharing their data and keeping a track of what settings they're using on a boat?
AH: Data sharing is, as we all know, a big thing at the moment and the recording of rig tuning hasn't progressed much beyond a wet notepad. We wanted to design a mobile app where you could record and share your data, anywhere, anytime. The Rig-Sense measures in KG, so sailors remembering the numbers initially is going to be different.
The Rig-Sense app is a very simple logging table with the ability to download settings from the likes of sailmakers, boat manufacturers, classes and pro sailors. The app uses Dropbox to import the data to an Apple or Android device. From there, they can adjust the tuning file from within the app and customise it completely how they want it look - from editing the wind settings, to their boat controls, with the ability to add or remove more fields if they like.
We've tried to keep it as simple as possible, however we are gathering feedback all the time so we can develop a Rig-Sense app that sailors will want to use. It's free, no login required, we don't share sailors information, we just want sailors to use it, with a Rig-Sense or not. The more sailors and companies using the app, sharing information, the more accessible the information will be to new sailors joining a class.
MJ: I see the Rig-Sense was recognised in the prestigious DAME Design Award with a Special Mention, alongside your win for the Lume On™ LED light. That must be another great moment for Spinlock?
AH: Yes, we're very proud of our Special Mention. We think it's a great product and the feedback we've had from sailors using the Rig-Sense has been very positive. The Rig-Sense follows Spinlocks tradition of designing and producing innovative quality products.
MJ: What size boats is this aimed and what range of rigging can the Rig-Sense work with?
AH: It works with 2mm to 5mm diameter wire and fibre, with an error of +/- 5% due to the different flex in wire diameter and construction. We are seeing the Rig-Sense used on dinghies to small keelboats, as well as being used on new materials. Unfortunately the Rig-Sense doesn't work with rod rigging due to the stiffness of the material, however we have plans to develop a larger Rig-Sense for bigger keelboats in the near future.
MJ: Ash, many thanks for your time and for a product that I'm now using for my own sailing.
AH: Thank you very much.
www.spinlock.co.uk