In control

HBC-radiomatic
The German company is launching a new compact design for its Linus 4 joystick control range. The new design allows it be used with various bottom-slewing construction cranes, and with less frequency conflicts.

While the existing model has four linear levers, the new device features two robust HBC joysticks with up to four steps.

The Linus 4 is engineered to be compact and lightweight, with dimensions of 166 x 126 x 148mm (6.5 x 5 x 5in) and a weight of 900 grams (31.7 oz) including battery. HBCradiomatic says the remote allows for comfortable working even after long hours.

Another new feature is the standard intelligent frequency management. This means the customer can choose between 2.4 GHz technology and DECT. These systems operate automatically to prevent frequency conflicts, even in areas with many radiocontrolled machines.

The new Linus 4 includes Radiomatic iLOG as standard. If the device is damaged, the operator can activate a spare transmitter within seconds by removing the radiomatic iLOG from the damaged transmitter and plugging into a spare one.

Optional features include user identification based on a personalized login card, the HBC Smart Card, that enables control of one crane by several users. It is available with shock-off or zero-g and a catch-release function. A HBC data logger stores different types of usage data of the radio system, such as overall usage time.

The transmitter is suitable for control of diverse cranes and machinery with AC or DC power supply and compatible with many common interfaces, for example CAN-Bus or Profibus-DP.

Ikusi
The company will this year launch the MP20 and MP08 receivers. They have been designed for the mobile sector, intended for use with truck mounted or hydraulic cranes.

With a robust and compact design, the receivers have better error diagnostics and easy setup and maintenance, said Ikusi. Both receivers will be based on the Ikusi Radio System TM70/1.13 technology and will be fully compatible with all the transmitters in the range.

The MP20 receivers include a display that is used for showing all the analogue and digital inputs and outputs configured in the receiver, as well as for error diagnosis. Additional features of MP20 include, 8 analogue or 12 digital outputs. It has a 70-pin connector made by Deutsch.

The MP08 has up to 4 analog and 4 digital outputs, and an LED display for fault diagnosis. It has a 24-pin connector manufactured by Deutsch.

They both feature an externally accessible SIM EEPROM module, emergency stop, multiband radio TR800CE, robust plastic housing, feedback capability that may be digital, analogue or CANbus.

They are suitable for all market proportional valves. Both are powered with a 6-35 VDC supply.

Jay Electronique
Jay Electronique, a manufacturer of controls and other devices, has launched several radio remote controls including new handsets, for all markets including construction cranes.

The company now offers new ranges of handsets. The new ranges are called Radi crane, Radi green, Radi drive, Radi build, Radi safe, Radi farm, Radi lift, and Radi motion.

The new models are Orion, Beta, Gama, Pika and Moka.

These new ranges have models of different sizes starting from a small, lightweight, simple, two-button handset up to a larger bucket.

They also include rugged industrial units with backlit, anti-reflection, shockproof, scratch proof screen displays and SIL3, PLe certified levels of safety as well as ATEX certified systems.

In addition to having crane applications, the models have applications with industrial lifting and handling, waste processing equipment, industrial equipment, building equipment, industrial safety applications, agriculture and forestry machinery and hoists.

Jay Electronique has been in the field of radio control and industrial automation for 40 years. It distributes all over the world, with locations in France. It has a customer service line for the Engilsh and Nordic Markets.

Potain
Manitowoc has introduced two new variable frequency hoists for Potain tower cranes, 30kW (40 hp), Potain 40 LVF 15 and the 40 LVF 13, manufactured at its Zhangjiagang, China factory.

These are the first variable frequency hoists Potain has produced in the country. It will be fitted to the smaller range of towers built at the factory, for Potain's MC 125 and MCi 85 A tower cranes. It is available to buy in Asia as well as in emerging markets such as India and Brazil.

The 40 LVF 15 provides lift speeds of up to 85m per minute and the slightly smaller 40 LVF 13 provides lift speeds of up to 81.5m per minute.

These LVF frequency-controlled hoists are designed to automatically optimise its speed to the weight of the load on the hook to increase job efficiency.

Raymond Tang, regional product manager for tower cranes at Manitowoc, said the cranes manufactured at Zhangjiagang were sold across Asia, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East. He hopes that the hoists can meet increasing productivity needs of clients in countries such as China, India and Brazil.

He said that frequency-controlled hoists currently available in China are rated around 22 kW(30 hp), and that Potains would be over 30 percent stronger. They also offer smooth speed change, low current surge and quiet operation.

The company designed the winch to be able to adjust to different power sources and it is capable of adjusting to either 50 Hz or 60 Hz power currents, protecting components and making set up easier. This allows it to function on a wider range of job sites or in locations where power supply is limited. Precision control is assured through close monitoring of motor speed, brake status and wire rope release limit.

Designed for durability and long life, the hoists feature large diameter components including splined motor shaft and splined sleeve, a support structure for the drum and oil bath lubrication.