Sprague Instruments CTR-BCWL-60 - Gripper Wireless Bridle Digital Cable Tension Meter - 10-60lbs

The Sprague Instruments CTR-BCWL-60 is a wireless digital bridle cable tension meter purpose-built for the specific demands of autopilot servo bridle cable inspection and rigging. Where the CTR-GAWL-150 is optimized for primary flight control cables at up to 150 lbs, the CTR-BCWL-60 is calibrated for the light, small-diameter bridle cables that autopilot servos use — covering 10–60 lbs across 1/16", 3/32", and 1/8" cable sizes, with the same wireless Bluetooth 4.2 two-unit platform transmitting real-time tension data to a handheld display up to 10 meters (33 feet) away. It is the successor to the CTR-BCWL-30, doubling the upper range from 30 to 60 lbs to cover the broader spread of bridle cable tension specifications found across current aircraft platforms.

Why Bridle Cables Need Their Own Instrument

Bridle cables are typically short, small-diameter, and tensioned to tight specifications in confined areas of the aircraft — a combination that creates real measurement challenges. On a 10–150 lb instrument like the CTR-GAWL-150, a 25 lb bridle cable reading represents only one-sixth of full scale — a position on the dial or display where small absolute errors represent large percentage errors relative to the actual tension. The CTR-BCWL-60's 10–60 lb range fills the display with the tension zone where bridle cables actually operate, providing far better resolution and confidence at the tension values that matter. The compact sensor head (2.5"L x 1.25"D x 1.5"H) fits into the tight spaces where bridle cables are routed. And the wireless link means the technician can monitor tension in real time while adjusting the servo — watching the reading change as the adjustment screw turns — without ever moving away from the work to check a dial. The live temperature display in selectable °C or °F integrates directly with the tension readout, supporting temperature-corrected tension specifications without a separate thermometer. With ±3% full-scale accuracy, no calibration chart, and no riser selection, the CTR-BCWL-60 is the straightforward digital answer to a task that mechanical instruments complicate.

Purpose-Built for Bridle Cable Work

• 10–60 lb range — calibrated for bridle and autopilot servo cable tension specifications; successor to the 10–30 lb CTR-BCWL-30
• Three small cable sizes: 1/16", 3/32", 1/8" — covers the diameters used in bridle systems
• Bluetooth 4.2 wireless — real-time tension data up to 10 meters; watch tension change while adjusting servo
• ±3% full-scale accuracy — digital readout, no chart conversion, no riser selection
• Live temperature display — selectable °C or °F for temperature-corrected tension specifications
• Compact sensor head — 2.5"L x 1.25"D x 1.5"H; fits confined bridle cable access areas
• ~4,000 sensor readings per charge; ~10,000 display readings (backlight off); single 5V adapter charges both
• Auto-sleep after 5 minutes idle — preserves sensor battery during extended rigging sessions
• Factory pre-calibrated — ready for immediate use out of the box
• Padded carrying case included

Technical Specifications

• Tension Range: 10 – 60 lbs
• Scale Resolution: 1 lb
• Accuracy: ±3% of full scale
• Cable Sizes: 1/16", 3/32", 1/8"
• Wireless Technology: Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) 4.2
• Wireless Range: Up to 10 meters (33 ft)
• Display: 160 x 128 dot matrix LCD with selectable backlight
• Display Readings: Tension (lbs or metric), cable size, temperature, battery strength
• Temperature: Selectable °C or °F
• Operating Temp Range: 14°F to 100°F (-10°C to 40°C)
• Storage Temp Range: -4°F to 122°F (-20°C to 50°C)
• Humidity: 5–95%
• Sensor Housing: 6061 aluminum
• Display Housing: ABS plastic
• Sensor Battery: 500mAh Li-Po rechargeable; ~4,000 readings; sleep after 5 min idle
• Display Battery: 1,500mAh Li-Po rechargeable; ~10,000 readings (backlight off); ~3,000 (backlight on)
• Charging: 5VDC; one adapter charges both units
• Sensor Dimensions: 2.5"L x 1.25"D x 1.5"H
• Sensor Weight: ~240g (~8.5 oz)
• Display Dimensions: 164 x 80 x 29mm
• Display Weight: ~160g (~5.6 oz)
• Calibration Interval: Annual (12 months)
• Factory Calibration: Yes — pre-calibrated; ready for immediate use
• Included: Display unit, sensor unit, batteries, 5V adapter, user manual, carrying case
• Predecessor: Replaces CTR-BCWL-30 (10–30 lb bridle cable model)
• Manufacturer: Sprague Instruments, San Jose, CA

Typical Applications

• Autopilot servo bridle cable tension inspection and rigging
• Autopilot system cable checks during installation, maintenance, and sign-off
• Any light-tension small-diameter cable application where the CTR-GAWL-150's 150 lb range is too broad
• Aircraft types with 1/16"–1/8" bridle cables at 10–60 lb tension specifications
• General aviation, business jets, and helicopters with autopilot servo cable systems
• Flight school and MRO technicians needing a dedicated bridle cable measurement tool

Sprague CTR-BCWL-60 Calibration

The CTR-BCWL-60 ships factory pre-calibrated and ready for immediate use. Annual recalibration — every 12 months — is the required interval to maintain accuracy and compliance with aviation maintenance standards. The CTR-BCWL-60 is designed so that local calibration shops can certify the instrument using the procedure detailed in the user manual, which guides the technician through a multi-point dead weight calibration for each supported cable size. Pilot John International performs calibration services for the Sprague CTR-BCWL-60 and related Gripper wireless digital tensiometers, ensuring each unit meets its full-scale accuracy specification and issuing the documentation your maintenance program requires. PJi's ISO 17025-accredited calibration laboratory provides traceable calibration certificates that support FAA-regulated maintenance programs, AS9100 quality management systems, and DOD contract requirements. Learn more about PJi's Calibration Services for the Sprague CTR-BCWL-60 →