New radio remote system for hydraulic control

01 April, 2016

Complements Hy-Pro's established range of valves

The new radio remote system complements Hy-Pro's established range of solenoid operated control valves, and is aimed at small to medium OEMs. Typically, these companies need to match the technology of larger companies but do not have the necessary internal expertise to source what they require.

The system comprises a paired base unit and handset, which will control 20 solenoids or 10 valve sections at a range of up to 45m. As a major safety feature, this pairing of base unit and handset ensures that only one receiver responds to the handset, even in a yard full of identical machines.

Should a handset need to be replaced in the future, there is a rapid ‘re-pairing’ feature. The handset has an ‘all stop’ function for further safety, and the system utilises radio modules which are certified to appropriate standards, including EMC. Machinery can therefore be controlled from within the driver’s cab or from a safe distance.

The handset has a built-in rechargeable battery giving a run time of 10 hours, and accepts a 12V or 24V supply for charging. It is supplied with a removable 1m charge cable fitted with an automotive (cigarette lighter) power connector. During the last one hour of run time, a ‘low battery’ warning is displayed.

Customisation

The standard handset has a membrane keypad with LED indicators. This can be customised for the OEM, complete with their own symbols and corporate logo. Other customisations are possible, for example provision of conventional switches and/or joysticks.

The base unit is supplied pre-wired to the customer's requirements. It has been designed with safety in mind and will automatically stop all functions when the remote control is out of range or obstructed – the machine will not then re-start without operator intervention. It has auxiliary inputs which may be used for speed or position sensors, or interlock switches. The base unit can be connected to manual Emergency Stops and is protected against short-circuits and reversed supply polarity.

The real beauty of the system is that Hy-Pro can customise the functionality to suit the application. Examples include:

• Any combination of on/off or proportional solenoids.

• Linear actuator support.

• Automated cycles.

• Safety interlocks.

• Closed-loop control of speed or position.

Trials with the new remote system have highlighted the need for this technology. One dairy farmer feeding his cattle, sitting in his cab while towing his feeder wagon remarked: “It’s more convenient to use than the hard wired hand controller. When changing the feed discharge from side to side, I don’t get tangled up in the cables” and, “I can hold the unit in one hand and operate it without even looking at it”.

Can be configured for other manufacturers’ valves

The new Hy-Pro radio remote system, whilst designed with the Hy-Pro valves in mind, can also be configured for other manufacturers’ valves. OEMs looking for a remote control solution for their machinery can visit Hy-Pro’s stand AF324 at the Fluid Power & Systems exhibition for a demonstration and a chat with the company’s technical sales team.

www.hypro.co.uk