The Vibrating Wire Sensor interface range brings a wide variety of vibrating wire sensors into our systems. It is a highly integrated system which is capable of exciting and sampling vibrating wire sensors and reporting measurements through Senceive’s wireless communications network to a Gateway.
Examples of the sensors supported:
- Piezometers
- Strain Gauges
- Load & Pressure Cells
- In Place Inclinometers
- External Temperature
- Extensometers
- Tiltmeters
- Crack Gauges
- Soil Moisture Sensors
Key benefits
- High performance, easy to connect multichannel connectors
- Waterproof, robust connectors for simple installation
- Resolution of 0.001 Hz and repeatability of ±0.02 Hz
- Integrated long life battery
- 12-15 years’ battery life, including when acting as a relay node within the mesh communications network
- Integrated temperature sensor
- Versatile mounting options
- Waterproof to IP66 / IP67 / IP68
- Firmware is remotely upgradeable over the air via the gateway reducing costly site visits
Channel Combinations
| Model | Ports | Applications |
|---|---|---|
| FM3N-VW11 | 1 VW and 1 Thermistor Channel | Single sensor |
| FM3N-VW41 | A: 1 VW and 1 Thermistor Channel
B: 1 VW and 1 Thermistor Channel C: 1 VW and 1 Thermistor Channel D: 1 VW and 1 Thermistor Channel |
Four strain gauges in an array
2+ sensors in close proximity |
| FM3N-VW17 | 7 VW and 1 Thermistor Channel | Single load cell |
Physical Specifications
| Parameter | FM3N-VW11 / VW17 | FM3N-VW41 |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions excluding antenna and vent | 90 x 90 x 60 mm | 90 x 130 x 50 mm |
| Dimensions excluding antenna | 90 x 96 x 60 mm | 90 x 136 x 50 mm |
| Total Mass | 0.57 kg | 0.75 kg |
| Housing Material | Die cast aluminium | Die cast aluminium |
| Protection (BS EN 60529: 1992 + A2: 2013) |
IP66 / IP67 IP68 at 1m for 24 hours |
IP66 / IP67 IP68 at 1m for 24 hours |
| Mounting Options | Clearance holes for M4 socket head screw in bottom M4 blind holes in side | Clearance holes for M4 socket head screw in bottom |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40°C to +85°C | |
FlatMesh Radio Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| * Consult with Senceive for your application | |
| Communication Type | Proprietary FlatMesh v3 Mesh Networking Protocols IEEE 802.15.4 compliant |
| Frequency Band | 2400 – 2485 MHz ISM Band |
| Maximum Transmit Power (EN 300 328 v1.8.1) | 6.5dBm |
| Maximum Permitted Antenna Gain | 2.2dBi |
| Range | Up to 300m depending on the environment and fitted antenna * |
GeoWAN Radio Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| * Consult with Senceive for your application | |
| Communication Type | Star Topology |
| Frequency Band | 863MHz – 928MHz ISM Band |
| Maximum Transmit Power | 20dBm (actual transmit power depends on geography) |
| Range | Up to 15km depending on the environment and antenna* |
| Maximum Reporting Frequency | 30 Seconds |
| Sample Storage | Stores the latest 36 days of samples at a reporting interval of 30 minutes |
Vibrating Wire Interface
| Parameter | FM3N-VW11 / VW17 | FM3N-VW41 |
|---|---|---|
| Connector | M12 Female 5-pole A-coded Screw-in Type |
M12 Female 12-pole A-coded Screw-in Type |
| Frequency Resolution | 0.001 Hz | |
| Frequency Repeatability | ±0.02 Hz | |
| Frequency Range | 200-6500Hz | |
| Stimulus Type | Swept Sine Wave, typ. 6V peak to peak | |
| Thermistor Type | 3kΩ NTC | |
| Temperature Resolution | 0.05 | |
| Temperature Accuracy | ±0.1°C | |
| Temperature Range | -40°C to +85°C | |
Internal Battery
| Parameter | FM3N-VW11 / VW17 | FM3N-VW41 |
|---|---|---|
| *consult with Senceive for your application | ||
| Battery Type | Lithium Thionyl Chloride | |
| Nominal Voltage | 3.6V | |
| Nominal Capacity | 19000mAh | 34400mAh |
| Typical Battery Life | 12-15 years at 20/30 minute reporting intervals, including when acting as a relay node* | |
Certifications
- Tested to conformity with all the essential requirements of R&TTE Directive 1999/5/EC and RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU
- Network Rail Acceptance PA05/04146
- London Underground Approved Product ID 2073
Ordering Information and Accessories
| Model | Description |
|---|---|
| FM3N-VW11 LR3N-VW11 |
FlatMesh 3 Vibrating Wire Sensor Node (1x 1-wire port) GeoWAN Vibrating Wire Sensor Node (1x 1-wire port) |
| FM3N-VW41 | FlatMesh 3 Vibrating Wire Sensor Node (4x 1-wire port) |
| FM3N-VW17 | FlatMesh 3 Vibrating Wire Sensor Node (1x 7-wire port) |
| FS-VWCON11 | Sensor Connector for 1-wire sensor
Screw terminals for easy installation Sensor cable outside diameter 5.0-8.0 mm Suits FM3N-VW11 or FM3N-VW41 |
| FS-VWTRM17 | Terminal Block and Cable for multi-wire sensor Screw terminals for easy installation Suits FM3N-VW17 |
| FT-VW-TH11 | Test Harness for 1-wire sensors
Mates to FS-VWCON11 for easy connection to hand-held vibrating wire readout device (not supplied) |
| FT-VW-TH17 | Test Harness for multi-wire sensors Mates to FS-VWTRM17 for easy connection to hand-held vibrating wire readout device (not supplied) |
| FA-FM-WPS | Waterproof straight antenna
Overall node height – 168mm (approx) when fitted to FM3N-VW11 or FM3N-VW17 – 158mm (approx) when fitted to FM3N-VW41 Maximum gain +1.1dBi |
| FA-FM-LPS | Waterproof low profile straight antenna Minimum overall node height, perfect for track bed and tight spots Overall node height;
|
| FA-FM-ADJ | Adjustable angle antenna
Flexible installation, perfect for use in tunnels and indoor environments Overall node height when upright;
Overall node height when at 90-degree angle;
Maximum gain +2dBi |
| FC-NC | Antenna cover kit Fits FM3N-VW11 and FM3N-VW17 only Use with FA-FM-LPS antenna Overall node height 96mm (approx) when fitted |


