FSG Fernsteuergeräte has been active as a manufacturer of sensor technology for over 75 years. The company develops and manufactures innovative products for angle, inclination, length and position sensors at four locations in Germany.

They are used worldwide in construction machinery, in industrial production, in vehicles and rail transportation systems, in shipbuilding and in numerous other sectors. Some of FSG's developments have set the standard in their class - for example the draw-wire encoders for length measurement.

Length measurement

Draw-wire encoders are indispensable as reliable sensors for measuring the length of linear motion sequences. FSG remote control devices offer three standard series of draw-wire encoders for a wide range of applications in the most diverse environments.

The robust SL3000 premium series with aluminum housing (optionally also V4A) is designed for industrial applications with measuring lengths of up to 60 meters. The movable cable drum in the housing is a mechanical masterpiece: it ensures that the cable is wound up again cleanly when the spring pulls it back.

The lower-priced Compact series SL0 is designed for measuring lengths of up to 15 meters. Like its big sister, this series has a sturdy housing made of anodized aluminium, but no movable measuring drum. The SL0 models are therefore narrower than the SL3000 series. They are equipped with a bellows on the cable pull-out as standard to protect against dust and corrosion.

The SL00 (Basic) series completes the range as a compact, yet high-precision and, above all, cost-effective version with measuring lengths of up to 10 meters. Thanks to their durable plastic housing and slim design, these draw-wire encoders are particularly lightweight and can be installed in the tightest of spaces.

Variety of variants

This standard range forms the basis for the almost countless variants with which FSG remote control units can realize individual customer requirements - also in small series or even as individual items. The spectrum ranges from certain materials (V4A, aluminum, plastic) or special colors for the housing to special designs such as the SL5 (Heavy Duty) model. This means that FSG draw-wire encoders are also suitable for use under difficult conditions such as heavy soiling, extreme heat or cold, risk of corrosion due to seawater, in the vicinity of high-voltage power lines or in places where there is a risk of explosion.

Originally, FSG's own potentiometers and rotary encoders with their wide range of signal outputs, connection and combination options (e.g. CAN, PROFINET, HART protocol and others) were installed as standard in all series of FSG draw-wire encoders. However, all FSG draw-wire encoders can now also be combined with rotary encoders from other manufacturers and other accessories.

The experts at FSG Fernsteuergeräte not only have the necessary know-how for the best solution in each case: thanks to the high level of vertical integration of 90 percent, the manufacturer is also able to produce practically all components of a special version (including electronic components) itself within a short period of time. In-house measuring and testing facilities as well as seamless quality control ensure that the products leave the company in perfect condition.