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access
INTERNATIONAL
MARCH-APRIL 2014
“We will continue listening to the customer
and aiming to form partnerships with OEMs.
Our goal is to be more than a mere supplier
of remote controls; our vocation is to be a
technology partner.”
Remote monitering
Autec is expanding the display capabilities
of its transmitters to adapt to the growing
demand in many applications to remotely
monitor and manage information coming
from controllers and sensors.This requires
an increase in the size and resolution of
the graphical interfaces, and advanced
configurability to adapt to specific OEM
requirements. New ergonomically designed
control actuators and the option of connection
to more fieldbuses will further expand the use
of safety remote controls.
Expanding on the benefits of remote
controls Mr Hemming says safety is a primary
consideration in hard to access areas, when
loading onto transportation vehicles or while
tilting the machine. “If, for example, a scissor
lift has to be navigated into a working area
with limited view, wireless control technology
has decisive advantages.The operator can
move around freely and control the machine
with a perfect view of the situation from a
safe distance and out of harm’s reach. When
working in the cage or on the platform,
the radio transmitter is simply locked in
the appropriate bracket.This transforms
the radio control into a firmly installed
control panel, perfectly meeting all legal
requirements for the transportation of
personnel and offering maximum safety.”
Mr Martin says customers increasingly
require a global solution. “The market
is demanding flexible products and for
standard products to be easily adapted in
order to allow distributors to supply them at a
reasonable price. Similarly, it is important for
configurations to be easily customisable.”
Inter Control has launched the disgsyfusionS. It
meets the latest requirements of EN 280 and has
a 32 bit Dual Core safety processor operating in
lock step mode with 200 MHz computing power
available to the user.
In addition, the redundant CPU and FPU are
managed internally. Thanks to its scalability a wide
range of different machines can be automated
using one single controller system.
The system supports two programmes in the
same controller; the safety programme and the
standard programme for a range of functions e.g.
comfort functions.
Four CAN-Bus interfaces supporting CANopen,
J1939, CANopen Safety and CLLI as well as
Ethernet and USB interfaces are available.
NBB will launch a new generation of NBB remote
systems in coming weeks: the Nano-M SMJ
(surface mounted joystick). It has three parts: The
upper part comes with or without display, the
middle part is available in many different versions
and has a wide scope of assembly, while the lower
part has a range of connection possibilities.
The Nano-M SMJ works with two 7.2 V
rechargeable batteries, the user of the machine
can change one of the two battery packs without
interrupt the workflow of the machine, a battery
back-up is assured. The battery is locked on the
housing and cannot drop out when knocked etc.
The individual battery status could be monitored
with the help of colored LEDs.
As the name implies, the transmitter is fitted with
the patented SMJ, which enables the easy change
of the joysticks without opening the transmitter
housing. It a 4.3 inch colour display with brightness
value of 800 – 1000 cd/m².
LONG LIFE
NEW GENERATION
Mr Silvestri explains that AWPs’ control
systems find themselves in, “aggressive
mechanical, electrical, and environmental
conditions”. As a result, Autec’s controls are
tested up to IP66 and conform to all standards
for vibration, temperature, and chemical
exposure. “The use of our controls offer special
advantages to the designer of insulated-boom
platforms. Complete electrical isolation is
easily achieved while maintaining the highest
levels of functional, while greatly simplifying
maintenance.”
These control systems are also useful with
hybrids, which are becoming more common
in the access industry, adds Mr Silvestri, “The
radio control directly drives some parts of the
machine, but also shares information over
CANOpen with the PLC or onboard control
system.”
Harmonisation
While technology makes great strides, remote
control suppliers will have to keep up with
the trends. Mr Martin continues, “[The
challenges are to find alliances with OEMs
as a technology partner. To be more than just
a simple remote control supplier and to grow
together.”
Another challenge, according to Autec, is
that the industry is not harmonised globally.
“In terms of radio communication, the
2.4GHz band is a defacto global standard,
but one not capable or reliable enough for
safety-critical applications,” says Mr Silvestri,
“Consequently, high-reliability radios must be
designed to suit many different requirements
in countries around the world.”
As an example of harmonisation HBC-
Radiomatic has been a member of the
International Powered Access Federation
(IPAF) since last year.
AI
M
traditional analogue, or optional CANOpen
interface.
Ikusi has launched the I-Kontrol IK2, IK3
and IK4 range, which has been designed to
meet the needs of customers with a high level
of ergonomics.The Ikusi spokesman said,
CONTROLLERS
Autec controler being used with a
Chinese tracked mounted platform.
