- What does the Datum SPMK measure?
The Datum SPMK measures shaft torque and rotational speed directly on a rotating shaft, with shaft power calculated in real time using the supplied software. This provides true mechanical power measurement under actual operating conditions.
- Is the Datum SPMK suitable for temporary installation?
Yes. The SPMK is specifically designed for temporary and repeat installations. It can be fitted to an existing shaft without permanent modification and removed once testing is complete, making it suitable for trials, inspections, and short‑term measurement campaigns.
- How can I confirm the power output of my boat’s engine?
Many ship owners and operators want to verify whether their engine is delivering the expected power, especially when diagnosing performance issues or looking to improve fuel efficiency.
The Datum SPMK can be installed directly onto the propeller shaft in under 30 minutes, taking up minimal space. The simple kit allows end users to quickly and accurately measure shaft power with ease.
- Can it be fitted and removed as many times as we want for several sea trials and on several vessels?
Yes, the core hardware is reusable apart from consumables and strain gauges.
Answer provided by Dave Wheatley - How can I verify and prove my fishing vessel’s declared engine power to ensure licence condition compliance?
This can be achieved using the Datum SPMK, a temporary shaft power measurement kit that installs directly onto the vessel’s propulsion shaft, with the test data logged and stored for use as evidence.
The SPMK system is designed to be easily installed by the end user in under 30 minutes, then quickly removed again after running an engine test to full power and logging the results in kW. The Datum SPMK generates test results accepted by the MCA, MSEVT and many other EU fishery agencies for the purposes of fishing vessel licencing.
- How can I verify and prove my engine power for my EU fishing licence?
This can be done temporarily using a temporary shaft power measurement system which installs direct to the propulsion shaft and running engine tests to full power. The data can be logged and stored as evidence. The Datum Electronics Shaft Power Measurement Kit is the kit of choice by many EU fishery agencies and is simple, easy to install to prove your engine power unobtrusively and without the need of a team of technicians as it has been designed to be installed direct by customer. The SPMK system can be installed in less than 30 minutes and removed from shaft after your tests are done with a log file for you to keep.
- What are the upper and lower limits in terms of shaft diameter?
There is only a minimum diameter of Ø 30 mm that we recommend.
For larger shafts you need to consider the consumables that you have in stock to affix the hardware to the shaft – for example the main restraining equipment is the fibre weave tape, so you’ll want to make sure there is enough to secure the hardware onto that shaft diameter.
Answer provided by Dave Wheatley
Datum SPMK
Temporary Torque & Shaft Power Measurement Kit
The Datum SPMK Shaft Power Measurement Kit is a compact, non‑intrusive system for measuring torque, rotational speed, and power directly on rotating shafts.
Designed for temporary installations and repeatable field use, it supports controlled trials, in‑situ diagnostics, and validation testing across marine, automotive, and industrial environments.
The system is installed directly onto an existing shaft without permanent modification, enabling true shaft power measurement under real operating conditions.
Typical applications include:
- Sea trials and vessel performance testing
- Automotive and drivetrain development
- Industrial machinery diagnostics and condition assessment
- Test rigs, R&D, and prototype validation
