Portable Cable Reels That Deploy Up to 2,600 m of Cable
Rugged, hand-cranked cable and tether reels built for the toughest conditions. Store, deploy and recover cable for ROVs, drones, crawlers, sensors and field communications, whether you're on a remote job site, running underwater operations or managing an emergency response.
- 3 mm to 19 mm cable compatibility
- Housed in rugged Pelican™ Cases
- Custom rotary joint configurations
- Three capacity options available
- Made in the USA
Two Series. Three Sizes.
Every Portable Cable Reel comes in a small, medium or large Pelican™ case, as a storage reel or a dynamic reel with a rotary joint. Both series share the same case and cable capacity. The last two digits of the model number tell the story: 10 = without rotary joint and 20 = with rotary joint.
Deploy the cable first, then connect.
- Supplied without a slip ring, so you can install most any cable regardless of connector type
- Ships in 5 business days from receipt of order, at current inventory
- Upgradable to a 20 Series reel, even after purchase
Stay connected while the drum turns.
- A rotary joint passes power, data or optical signals while the drum rotates
- 100 Mbps Ethernet, 1 Gbps Ethernet, single mode fiber optic, or custom
- 10-week lead time from order to ship
Which one do I need?
If it's feasible to pull out the working cable before connecting the stationary end, choose a 10 Series. You'll save money and receive the reel sooner. If you need both ends connected with signal or power flowing while the drum rotates, choose a 20 Series.
Pick Your Size
Same drum, same case and same capacity in either series. Capacities include an 80% real-world winding factor.
PCR-610 / PCR-620
607 ft of 1/4 in cable
or 209 m of 6 mm cable
PCR-1210 / PCR-1220
1,341 ft of 1/4 in cable
or 452 m of 6 mm cable
PCR-1810 / PCR-1820
1,863 ft of 1/4 in cable
or 627 m of 6 mm cable
Applications
From underwater exploration to aerial surveillance, PCRs deliver reliable cable management in demanding environments where traditional solutions fail.
Remote Vehicles
Maintain stable power and data transmission to vehicles operating in extreme conditions.
Typical deployments
- ROVs (Underwater Vehicles)
- Terrestrial Vehicles (UGVs)
- Pipe Crawlers and Tank Inspection
- Side Scan Sonar/Sub Bottom Profilers
- Towed Oceanographic Systems
- Semi AUVs
Mobile & Field Use
Enable rapid deployment wherever portable, organized cable management is essential.
Typical deployments
- Power Delivery
- Antenna Deployment
- Video Production
- Mine and Tunnel Communications
Surveillance & Remote Monitoring
Support extended operations with reliable cable systems for continuous monitoring and communication.
Typical deployments
- Remote Sensors & Cameras
- Tethered Drones & Aerostats (UAVs)
- Drop Cameras and Sensors
- Communication Systems
Key Features
Built for demanding industrial and field applications with attention to durability and ease of use.
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1Transportation Wheels
Integrated wheels for easy maneuverability across job sites
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2Folding Drum Rotation Handle
Ergonomic handle folds away when not in use
-
3Generous Cable Storage on Flange
Extra capacity for cable slack and accessories
-
4Variable Drag Brake
Adjustable tension control for consistent payout
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5High Load Axle Support
Reinforced axle handles heavy cable loads
-
6Impact Resistant Case
Rugged construction protects against field damage
-
7Inside Storage with Drain Holes
Interior compartment with drainage for wet conditions
-
8Slide-Down Legs
Deployable legs provide stable operation on uneven surfaces
-
9Slide-Out Handle
Extendable handle for easy rolling transport
-
10Lockable Cable Access Door
Secure entry point protects cables during deployment
-
11Customer Supplied Cable up to 19 mm
Compatible with various cable types and diameters
Sizing & Selection
Enter your cable and see which reels fit. All capacities include an 80% real-world winding factor.
Size Calculator
Power, RF, serial data, mixed conductors or special connectors? Calculate to size your reel, then send us your cable details on our request form.
Results for all three reel sizes appear below the chart.
Any line above your marker is a reel that fits. Hover or tap the chart for exact values. The vertical axis is logarithmic.
The 10 Series and 20 Series hold the same amount (PCR-610 = PCR-620, PCR-1210 = PCR-1220, PCR-1810 = PCR-1820).
| Cable diameter | PCR-610 / 620 | PCR-1210 / 1220 | PCR-1810 / 1820 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/8 in (0.125 in) | 2,616 ft | 5,660 ft | 7,821 ft |
| 3/16 in (0.1875 in) | 1,145 ft | 2,407 ft | 3,336 ft |
| 1/4 in (0.25 in) | 607 ft | 1,341 ft | 1,863 ft |
| 5/16 in (0.3125 in) | 390 ft | 864 ft | 1,204 ft |
| 3/8 in (0.375 in) | 272 ft | 583 ft | 815 ft |
| 7/16 in (0.4375 in) | 183 ft | 423 ft | 594 ft |
| 1/2 in (0.5 in) | 141 ft | 298 ft | 420 ft |
| 9/16 in (0.5625 in) | 106 ft | 237 ft | 335 ft |
| 5/8 in (0.625 in) | 78 ft | 186 ft | 264 ft |
| 11/16 in (0.6875 in) | 72 ft | 143 ft | 204 ft |
| 3/4 in (0.75 in) | 51 ft | 135 ft | 193 ft |
| Cable diameter | PCR-610 / 620 | PCR-1210 / 1220 | PCR-1810 / 1820 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 mm | 897 m | 1,902 m | 2,628 m |
| 4 mm | 493 m | 1,075 m | 1,488 m |
| 5 mm | 317 m | 676 m | 938 m |
| 6 mm | 209 m | 452 m | 627 m |
| 7 mm | 158 m | 333 m | 464 m |
| 8 mm | 118 m | 262 m | 365 m |
| 9 mm | 86 m | 203 m | 284 m |
| 10 mm | 70 m | 154 m | 216 m |
| 11 mm | 56 m | 130 m | 182 m |
| 12 mm | 44 m | 108 m | 152 m |
| 13 mm | 42 m | 89 m | 126 m |
| 14 mm | 33 m | 73 m | 103 m |
| 15 mm | 31 m | 70 m | 99 m |
| 16 mm | 23 m | 56 m | 80 m |
| 17 mm | 22 m | 54 m | 77 m |
| 18 mm | 16 m | 42 m | 61 m |
| 19 mm | 15 m | 41 m | 59 m |
Flange diameter 14.0 in (356 mm)
Drum length 4.9 in (122 mm)
Flange diameter 16.3 in (414 mm)
Drum length 7.2 in (183 mm)
Flange diameter 16.3 in (414 mm)
Drum length 9.9 in (251 mm)
How these numbers are calculated: Capacities use standard industry drum capacity formulas for a smooth drum wound to the full flange, with layers nesting into the layer below. Three dead wraps that stay on the drum at all times are subtracted, and the result is multiplied by 80% to reflect real-world, less than perfect winding. With careful, level winding you can often load more cable than shown. Figures are estimates. For cable outside the listed range, or for an exact fit check, contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about capacity, slip rings, shipping and more. Have another question? Contact us.
How much cable fits on a portable cable reel?
It depends on the cable diameter. With 1/4 in (6.35 mm) cable, the PCR-610 / 620 holds 607 ft, the PCR-1210 / 1220 holds 1,341 ft and the PCR-1810 / 1820 holds 1,863 ft. With 6 mm cable that is 209 m, 452 m and 627 m. Thinner cable fits more: the largest reel holds about 2,600 m of 3 mm cable. These are recommended working capacities (80% of the full drum). Use the Size Calculator above for your exact cable.
What is the difference between a storage reel and a slip ring (dynamic) reel?
A storage reel (10 Series) has no rotary joint. You pull out the working cable first, then connect the stationary end. A dynamic reel (20 Series) has a rotary joint, also called a slip ring, so both cable ends stay connected and data keeps flowing while the drum turns. Choose the 20 Series if your equipment must stay connected during deployment.
What cable can I put on the reel?
Most any small to mid diameter cable from 1/8 in to 3/4 in (3 mm to 19 mm), including tether, power, data and fiber optic cable. Storage reels work with almost any connector type. Reels can also be supplied with customer-selected cable and connectors.
What rotary joint options are available?
20 Series reels are offered with 100 Mbps Ethernet (FE) or 1 Gbps Ethernet (GE) with RJ45 connectors, or a single mode fiber optic rotary joint (FORJ) with ST connectors. Custom configurations for power, RF, serial data or mixed conductors are available on request.
Can I upgrade a storage reel to a slip ring reel later?
Yes. Every 10 Series storage reel can be upgraded to its 20 Series counterpart with a slip ring and connectors, even after purchase.
How fast do Portable Cable Reels ship?
10 Series storage reels ship in 5 business days from receipt of order, based on current inventory. 20 Series dynamic reels have a 10-week lead time from order to ship.
How portable are the reels?
Each reel is built into a rugged Pelican case and weighs 19 to 34 lbs without cable. All models have a one-hand lift, and the PCR-1210, PCR-1220, PCR-1810 and PCR-1820 add a slide-out handle and travel wheels.
Do you ship outside the United States?
Online orders ship within the continental United States. For international orders, contact us at info@2KRsystems.com or +1 (603) 397-3330.
Where are Portable Cable Reels made?
Portable Cable Reels are designed and built in the USA by 2KR Systems in Rochester, New Hampshire, and carry a 1-year warranty.
Questions? We're here to help.
Tell us about your cable and application and our team will reach out.
Need special conductors or connectors on a dynamic reel? Use the custom request form on the 20 Series page.