Explore The Latest Advances In Radio Crane Control

Since the initial advent of wireless, radio frequency (RF) based crane control that relied on one-way communication from an operator-held transmitter to a crane-mounted receiver, there have been significant advances — particularly on the receiver end of the technology. Over the past decade, today’s receivers have evolved to now provide two-way communication, as well as the ability to interface with larger, host networks. The advantage? The ability for an operation to collect a variety of crane performance data points for immediate action, as well as for further analysis to identify usage trends and maintenance needs.

In terms of two-way communication, receivers no longer simply accept messages from a transmitter to direct movement as guided by the operator. Instead, they can now communicate back to the transmitter. When equipped with a display, the handheld transmitter device shares the information with the operator. For example, cranes equipped with a load cell to measure the weight of the load can pass the data about the number of pounds on the hook to the transmitter for safety. If the detected weight surpasses a pre-determined set limit, the operator would be alerted with visual, haptic (vibration), and/or audible alarms from the transmitter.

Further, certain receivers today are able to take the place of programmable logic controllers (PLCs), which have historically been used in remote controlled crane installations to handle the process of responding to certain situations, prompts, or faults. Instead, the receivers themselves can determine and direct the appropriate response. This simplifies the design of the crane’s control package, saving time and cost in installation.

The advent of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and the increasing importance of collecting data from multiple pieces of equipment throughout a facility for remote monitoring also encompasses overhead lifting technologies. Made possible by the latest receivers — which can be hardwired into an operation’s host network — their onboard technologies allow them to communicate performance data via common serial protocols, including CAN bus, Ethernet, or RS-485. In turn, that connectivity gives an operation access to information about each unique crane’s operation in real-time. Data points of particular interest include hours of operation, start-stop cycles, condition monitoring, and safety issues such as an overload condition.

Additionally, the data can be shared via Cloud computing with the crane’s original equipment manufacturer (OEM), giving them the ability to more accurately recommend timing for scheduled maintenance or repairs. This enables service to occur when it is actually needed (as opposed to simply following a pre-determined schedule). It also permits scheduling of downtime in better alignment with an operation’s needs, limiting interruption to operations.

Although some crane owners have concerns about IIoT increasing the need to take cybersecurity measures to minimize the risk of an outsider compromising their network, the potential of disrupting the connection between a crane transmitter and receiver from the network is non-existent. That’s because radio control OEMs always design the communication between the transmitter and receiver to pass through a proprietary, secured RF link that does not appear on a host network.

In addition to their ability to accept communications from the receiver and to signal an alarm that alerts the operator to an unsafe condition, transmitters’ form factors have evolved as well. The latest devices are rugged and lightweight, as well as ergonomic, enabling an operator to hold them for extended periods of time with minimal physical strain or fatigue. They also have been streamlined and simplified with buttons and switches that can easily be manipulated by a gloved hand.

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