This gate design was created in 2010 and represents the fifth generation of our Instrumented gate developments (see “History of rowing force measurements”, RBN 2018/01). In 2013-4, it was used as a prototype for development of Nielsen-Kellerman EmPower oarlock, which is wirelessly connected to NK SpeedCoach.

In 2018, our wired version was renewed, because requested demand for on-water immediate feedback on Catch and Rowing Style factors, which is possible only with wired data synchronisation. The sensors of BioRowTel system could be used for this purpose as well, but this instrumented gate is much more convenient for every day usage, because a rower can use it the same way as normal gate, without extra cable attached to the oar. Therefore, BioRow Glance system was developed, which consists of (a version for a single scull) the Master electronic unit, two instrumented gates, seat sensor and tablet PC with BioRowTel software installed.

The gate design uses the standard plastic oarlock with inbuild miniature load cell for force measurements and magnetometer to measure the angle, which makes it very lightweight and compatible with all riggers types. A small magnet (only 6mm thick) is mounted at the bottom of the gate to create magnetic field for the magnetometer.

It take only a minute to replace the original gate with this instrumented version, keeping rigging dimension unaffected, so no problems for rowers created.

Two instrumented gates could be connected to BioRow Master unit, which is enough for a single or pair. In bigger boats, slave extension units should be used. The connector of the gate has an extension for connecting the seat position sensor, which is necessary for calculation of Catch and Rowing Style factors (see BioRow Glance system).

BioRow instrumented gate has sculling and sweep versions of the same price. Both versions fit the standard 13mm pin of a rigger of any type and supplied with BioRow 7pin connector, which fits to the Master or slave unit. Different mounting dimensions and connectors could be ordered upon request.