CONTROLLERS
>
The use of remote
controls is more
widespread than ever
in the AWP industry.
AI
reports
demand, more and more operators understand
the benefits of radio controls when it comes to
safety, efficiency and operating comfort.”
Safety message
Mr Silvestri expands on the point. “[The
standard] has recently introduced for the
first time requirements for the use of Safety
Radio Remote Control (SRRC) and control
systems. So we expect a growth of demand
for new EWP applications, as manufacturers
increasingly turn to safety electronics to
address these requirements.”
The selection of components to satisfy
the functional safety standards remains a
process requiring extremely careful analysis
for any OEM, adds Mr Silvestri. “A good
starting point is to look for control system
manufacturers that can demonstrate a long
track record of rigorous functional safety
certification with the most demanding bodies,
such as TUV.”
HBC’s latest innovation is the technos
2 and spectrum E radio controls.
They are ideally suitable
for the powered
access market.
Another launch
is the radiomatic
photon.This new
feature enables the clear
display of live camera
images on the radio control
and can work with several
cameras simultaneously. With
radiomatic report, a personalised login card
(HBC Smart Card) is the key to the system.
The card protects the control and machine
from unauthorised use, identifies the operator,
including their individual access level and
collects operational data on the radio control.
The data can be used to determine costs
accrued to those who rent the equipment.
Autec has launched the Supervised
Operator System (SOS), specifically
developed for AWPs performing live-line
work or other high-risk tasks.These systems
include a second supervisory transmitter
that allows a safety observer to continually
monitor the safe operation of the machine,
and intervene and take control in the event
of an emergency.The SOS system integrates
into the receiver a complete solution for
the supervised operation of the EWP.The
special receiver automatically manages the
two transmitters and passes commands to the
machine from the operator in control.
In the Dynamic series Autec
is currently launching the
compact ARX receiver,
specifically designed
for small to medium
hydraulic machines.
The company is also
designing a new series of
cabled control consoles
which will combine a
fail-safe emergency stop with
Åkerströms has become the main supplier to
Australian AWP manufacturer GMJ Equipment,
producing models from 10 to 70 m working heights.
“There are many advantages to using remote
controls,” says an Åkerströms spokesman, “such
as much better precision and a better overview,
since you can basically move without inhibition.
With the transmitter strapped around you there is
no tripping over cables or, as previously, having to
stand at a fixed point to control the object.”
GMJ uses dual transmitters for extra safety. The
operator has a transmitter and if something should
happen, a second operator on the ground can take
over the remote control with the other transmitter.
The transmitter controls all movements of the
platform.
Together with GMJ, Åkerströms developed a
configuration tool with which the manufacturer can
manage all system settings and functions required.
The system is designed for easy start up, with its
plug-and-play solution and a removable CIM card.
IN AUSTRALIA
Wide spread
R
emote controls are becoming
increasingly sought after by access
platform operators. As Antonio
Silvestri, Autec Safety Remote Controls
product development manager, explains
such systems have become more flexible to
accommodate machines across the sector, from
self-propelled to large truck mount units.
“The flexible interface and a wide selection
of transmitters and receiver models of the
Autec Dynamic series easily adapt to different
machine control configurations, so there are
few limits,” says Mr Silvestri.
Customers also require control systems
unique to them. Paul Martin, Ikusi product
manager, says, “We customise the systems
according to the needs of the customers and
the particular machine. All this whilst strictly
complying with Annex-F of the EN-280:2013
standard specific to this application, which
regulates safety and obliges us to evolve with
the OEMs.”
Alexander Hemming, head of product
management at HBC-radiomatic agrees,
“There are no changes noticeable regarding
the types of equipment but regarding the
HBC-radiomatic
control in
action.
The I-Kontrol from Ikusi.
51
MARCH-APRIL 2014
access
INTERNATIONAL
