Machine/Crane Control enables movement-based operation.
Press Release Summary:
Based on integrated inclination function, radiomatic® pilot promotes intuitive machine control and offers diverse individual configuration options. By horizontal and vertical inclination of transmitter, operator can control 2 machine or crane drives. Inclination function can be configured for analog as well as single- or 2-step drives, and same applies to HBC Micro Joystick. Along with single-step pushbuttons, control offers multiple safety features and personalized radio operation.
Original Press Release:
HBC-Radiomatic Presents Revolutionary Operating Concept
radiomatic® pilot: machinery control by hand movements
radiomatic® pilot: this name stands for a newly-developed operating concept for machinery and cranes that is now being presented by HBC-radiomatic. This latest innovation by the radio specialists brings intuitive movements from everyday life to the industrial workplace, thus allowing for a completely new operating experience.
The concept is based on an integrated inclination function. "By the horizontal and vertical inclination of the transmitter, the operator can control two machine or crane drives", explains Christian Kugler, International Key Account Manager at HBC-radiomatic. "The speed of the drives can be controlled by the inclination angle.
The more the transmitter is inclined, the higher the speed. This offers a completely new operating experience."
Machine control that can be learned intuitively
With this new concept, machine control becomes intuitively clear and can be learned much easier. As one example, Christian Kugler lists the operation of transport vehicles in intralogistics: "If you want to drive left, you shortly move your hand to the left. The vehicle then follows your movement. And if you want to accelerate, you move your hand further in the desired direction. For slowing down or changing the driving direction, you easily move your hand back to the other direction. This principle works just the same when you control cranes or diverse other applications."
Customized configuration
radiomatic® pilot offers diverse individual configuration options. For example, the inclination function can be configured for analog as well as for single- or two-step drives. The same applies to the HBC Micro Joystick. This new operating element can be conveniently operated by the thumb and enables the control of two additional machine drives. Four single-step push buttons complete the operating concept. Two of these buttons can be used for the pre-selection of machine functions, hoist equipment, and crane trolleys or for additional features. "As a single-hand control, radiomatic® pilot offers an ideal function range for standard industrial cranes, different kinds of vehicles, and much more", stresses Christian Kugler.
Comprehensive safety package
During the development of the new operating concept, the HBC engineers paid special attention to safety. As a result, radiomatic® pilot is equipped with a comprehensive safety package that guarantees safe working and reliable protection for man and machine, even in very specific and demanding situations. A good example is the release button. "In order to activate machine functions by the inclination of the transmitter, the operator needs to keep this operating element on the lower side of the transmitter pressed", explains Christian Kugler. "As soon as the button is released, the respective function is stopped. When the release button is not pressed, no control commands can be activated by the inclination function when the transmitter is moved."
Haptic-acoustic feedback
The integrated haptic-acoustic feedback provides additional safety. When the release button is pressed, the transmitter vibrates and emits an acoustic signal, informing the operator that the inclination function has been unlocked. In addition, the vibration and the signal tone indicate speed changes of the respective drive. "The more the operator inclines the transmitter and the higher the speed of the drive, the more the transmitter vibrates and the louder the signal tone", Christian Kugler says.
Micro drive - the safe speed limit
radiomatic® pilot comes standard with the micro drive function, which can be activated and de-activated. If the function is active, a pre-determined speed cannot be exceeded, even if the inclination function and / or the HBC Micro Joystick are fully operated. This clever safety feature is ideal for complicated drive maneuvers or inexperienced users.
Orthogonal drive - precisely on the right track
The inclination function and the HBC Micro Joystick both have a horizontal and a vertical axis. For demanding drive maneuvers, such as through very narrow, straight ways in a factory hall, an accidental operation of two drives - such as crane and trolley travel - can lead to dangerous situations. This is exactly where the orthogonal drive, which also comes standard, can be helpful. With the HBC innovation, the operator can only work on the axis that was first operated. The other axis remains electronically blocked until the HBC Micro Joystick has been returned to zero position or the release button for the inclination function has been released. Only then is a direction change to the other axis possible.
Christian Kugler gives the following practical example: "The operator has to precisely maneuver a transport vehicle into a machine. He inclines the transmitter vertically for the forward movement. If during the operation he should accidentally incline the transmitter vertically, the vehicle stays on track without changing the direction. Unintended diagonal movements are prevented and the operator can rely on safe working during such demanding tasks." The function can be configured permanently or selectable.
radiomatic® shock-off / zero-g - safety in emergencies
Two other valuable features in regards to safety are radiomatic® shock-off and radiomatic® zero-g, both of which come standard. These elaborate features can trigger an automated de-activation of the radio control in various emergencies - for example if the activated transmitter falls down. "With this feature, you can prevent the unintended activation of crane or machine function and efficiently protect the operator from dangerous situations", Christian Kugler emphasizes.
Efficient features cost-efficient
The operating comfort and safety that radiomatic® pilot offers are complemented by the profitability and efficiency of the new HBC product. The integrated electronic key radiomatic® iLOG for example offers the quick activation of a spare transmitter without downtime if the original transmitter is damaged. The necessary power is provided by a newly developed NiMH exchange battery. It is harmonically integrated into the overall design and enables long operations with more than 11 hours of continuous use. Thanks to its clever magnet holder, it can be replaced in two easy steps and work can continue immediately.
For working environments with intensive radio operation, radiomatic® pilot is equipped with an intelligent frequency management. The 2.4 GHz technology works with a fully automated frequency coordination and makes sure that the operator can work uninterrupted in areas with many radio users. With its worldwide frequency band, the technology can be used around the globe.
Personalized radio operation with the HBC Smart Card
Another useful HBC feature is the user identification. This innovation is based on a login card (HBC Smart Card) in a handy credit card size format. It is used to activate the control and protects the system from unauthorized use. In addition, the Smart Card can be configured individually. For each operator, safety-relevant functions (such as driving into prohibited areas) can be enabled or blocked without additional effort. The owner of the machine also has an advantage with this new feature: "In combination with an HBC data logger, many different information items, such as the operating hours of the drive commands and the login times of individual operators, can be stored", explains Christian Kugler. "This can considerably facilitate maintenance and service work."
Depending on the required function range, interfaces, power supply, or other criteria, radiomatic® pilot can be combined with several HBC radio receivers and can thus be perfectly tailored to the specific needs of the customer.
Press contact:
HBC-radiomatic, Inc.
Jef Allan
1017 Petersburg Road
Hebron KY 41048 USA
Phone (859) 689-6400
Fax (866) 266-7227
E-Mail jallan@hbc-usa.com
Internet www.hbc-usa.com
