UWITEC SHW Portable Hand-Crank Winch

Overview

The UWITEC SHW Portable Hand-Crank Winch is an engineered field solution for precise, manual deployment and retrieval of scientific instrumentation in aquatic environments—including limnological samplers, water quality sondes, sediment corers, and profiling sensors. Designed around a robust mechanical winch architecture with integrated depth measurement and mechanical braking, it operates on the principle of calibrated drum rotation coupled with high-resolution encoder feedback to determine cable extension length. Unlike conventional hand-crank winches relying solely on visual or tactile estimation, the SHW employs a precision optical encoder system linked to an embedded microcontroller, enabling real-time depth tracking independent of cable stretch, spooling angle, or operator variability. Its compact, foldable frame—constructed from marine-grade aluminum alloy—meets the portability and corrosion resistance requirements of mobile research vessels, lakeside monitoring stations, and remote field sites where power infrastructure is unavailable.

Key Features

• Foldable, lightweight chassis (total mass < 8.5 kg) with ergonomic folding hinges and integrated carrying handle for rapid transport and storage
• Integrated optical encoder-based depth measurement system with ±0.1 m repeatability over full 100 m cable capacity
• Backlit LCD display showing real-time depth (m), cumulative deployment/retrieval distance, and battery status
• Mechanically actuated friction brake with dual-stage engagement: primary lock for static hold, secondary progressive resistance for controlled descent
• Modular mounting interface compatible with UWITEC universal tripod adapters, boat rail clamps, and custom-deployed fixed frames (e.g., pier-mounted or ice-hole mounts)
• Stainless steel drum with anti-kink groove geometry and 4 mm diameter stainless-steel cable (standard); optional synthetic fiber cable available for reduced weight and buoyancy control

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SHW winch supports payloads up to 25 kg under controlled deployment conditions and accommodates standard 6–12 mm diameter sensor cables and multi-conductor profiling umbilicals. It complies with ISO 9001-certified manufacturing and assembly protocols at UWITEC’s Austrian facility. While not a medical or industrial safety-critical device, its braking performance meets EN 13157:2004 (cranes and hoists – safety – non-powered winches) for manual load retention. The electronics subsystem conforms to IEC 60529 IP54 ingress protection standards for dust and splash resistance. All firmware and hardware configurations are documented per GLP-aligned traceability requirements, supporting audit-ready field log generation.

Software & Data Management

Depth data is stored locally on the onboard EEPROM memory (capacity: 1,000 timestamped depth records) and exportable via USB-C interface to CSV-compatible software tools. No proprietary software is required; raw data files include UTC timestamps, depth values, and operational mode flags (deploy/retrieve/pause). Firmware updates are delivered through UWITEC’s secure distributor portal and validated using SHA-256 checksums. The system does not transmit wirelessly and contains no cloud connectivity—ensuring full data sovereignty and alignment with institutional IT security policies governing field instrumentation.

Applications

• Lake and reservoir profiling campaigns requiring repeatable depth positioning of multiparameter sondes (e.g., YSI EXO, RBRconcerto)
• Sediment core recovery using gravity or piston corers where depth accuracy directly affects stratigraphic resolution
• Calibration and validation of autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) or ROV depth sensors against a known mechanical reference
• Long-term ecological monitoring stations deploying fixed-depth sensors in shallow littoral zones
• University teaching labs conducting hydrographic methods training with emphasis on measurement uncertainty and operator bias mitigation

FAQ

Does the SHW winch require batteries, and what is their expected service life?
Yes—it uses two standard AA alkaline cells powering both the LCD and encoder system. Under typical field use (≤4 hours/day), battery life exceeds 12 months. Low-battery warning appears on the display 72 hours prior to cutoff.
Can the SHW be used with third-party sensors that have non-standard cable diameters or connectors?
Yes—the drum accepts cables from 3.5 mm to 6.5 mm diameter. Custom adapter sleeves and strain-relief brackets are available through authorized distributors upon specification submission.
Is calibration of the depth counter required by the user?
No—factory-calibrated at production with NIST-traceable linear stage verification. A calibration certificate is included with each unit. Field recalibration is not supported nor recommended.
What mounting options are certified for marine vessel use?
UWITEC-certified stainless steel rail clamps (model RC-SHW-M) and reinforced deck-mounting plates (model DP-SHW-B) are rated for sea state 3 operations and supplied with M8 stainless fasteners and torque specifications.