Frequently Asked Questions: Smart Slings
Answer:The Smart Sling™ system will immediately alert users of the situation. First through the base station, the laptop will display a red “Overload” alert on the screen. Since there is a direct connection between the sling and the base, this alert will be seen even if there is no internet connection available on site. In addition, if there is an internet connection, the alerts will also immediately be transmitted through text message and email to any registered users on the system. They will receive this alert no matter where they are located, as long as they have access to the device registered.
Once the sling has been overloaded, it will show the Overload status on the system even after the load has been removed. This ensures that a severely overloaded sling will not be used again in a questionable state. The sling must be returned to an authorized Slingmax® repair station. If the sling passes inspection and proof load, then the Smart Sling™ system will be reset and the sling can be put back into service.
Answer: All wireless equipment must be tested and certified to meet government regulations on interference. In the United States this is regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and in Canada the agency is Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada (ISED). Smart Sling™ has been certified to comply with all regulations in both countries. As Smart Sling™ is expanded to other nations, all appropriate certifications will be obtained.
In addition, Slingmax® has taken some extra steps to decrease the chance for interference. One is Smart Sling™ operates on the 915 MHz band, rather than the more crowded 2.4 GHz that is used for most Wifi and equipment remote controls. The other is Smart Sling™ constantly hops between different frequencies in the assigned band. If there is interference on one frequency, it will only be on that for seconds before moving to the next.
FCC
ISED
Answer:The batteries will last approximately 2 years in normal use. The batteries are sealed within the Sling Overload Sensor which is inside the cover of the sling and are not accessible by the user. Slingmax® recommends replacement at an authorized repair station during the sling’s normal annual inspection.
Answer:The Sling Overload Sensor and its components are built into the sling to make using a Smart Sling™ as easy to use as a normal Twin-Path® high performance roundsling. There are no external or exposed parts, and the electronics are secured within an IP67 rated weather and impact resistant enclosure to protect from the environment. Smart Slings™ are clearly marked with an orange “No Rig Zone” that protects the sensor from being crushed during use. There are no additional restrictions added by using a Smart Sling™. The electronics can survive Twin-Path® temperature limits and are also shock tested to 10g. Damage to a Twin-Path® sling that results in destruction of the Sling Overload Sensor may indicate hidden damage and elevated risk to the load bearing fibers as well.
Answer:Yes! The enclosure of the Sling Overload Sensor is sealed and has been tested to a water depth of over 1 meter. When the sensor is underwater, it is unlikely to be able to maintain a connection to the base station, but once it is taken back out, it will reestablish communications. Smart Slings™ are designed for incidental contact with water such as using slings in the rain or being placed in a puddle. Contact Slingmax® before using Smart Sling™ in depths exceeding 1 meter (3 ft) for further information.
Answer:Smart Sling™ is designed to react at 50% of the breaking strength of a Twin-Path® roundsling.
