Remote radio crane controls (a.k.a. wireless pendants) for hoists and overhead cranes are quickly becoming the norm in our industry and with good reason. The cost of these devices are very reasonable and the reliability of this technology has increased over the years. By removing the operator from the area of the lift safety is increased and accidents are reduced – a win-win situation for the business and the operator.

Components Of A Radio Remote System

A remote crane control system consists of a portable transmitter unit (the remote) that generates control signals, plus receiving equipment (the receiver) permanently installed on the crane and electrically connected to the crane’s motor controls. The control can have a wide array of load handling options as well as the capability to control multiple hoists at the same time. The transmitters are built to last in harsh environments and are composed of industrial strength materials for years of service in the harshest of environments. Most are powered by two AA batteries and use very little energy, and only when in operation, ensuring a long battery life for predictable operations.

Radio Remote Crane Controls Security Concerns

Some people have expressed concerns about overlapping radio signals or hacking of the radio remote system. In terms of overlapping signals, each controller generates a unique combination of pulses that are transmitted to the receiver preventing interference of signals. At the crane, the pulses are removed from the carrier signal and activate the desired motor controllers (response time for the electronics is practically instant). The receiver has circuitry for decoding the signal sent from specific handsets and converting them into suitable signals for the crane’s motor controllers. Only the correct signal will be received by a control unit AND only a recognizable pulse code format will be decoded, preventing the accidental operation from other nearby units.

The circuits in the units and in the hoist controls are shielded against the effects of interference or unintentional code signals so these controls are quite secure from outside interference.

Efficiency And Safety

Remote control of the crane also allows for the operator to be the person who does the hooking and attaching of the load. With fixed position controls, two people may need to be involved, or one person goes back and forth between the load and the controls. With a remote portable pendant, the operator can be involved in the load lifting as well as the load handling.

Need to know more? Contact us right now to discuss how crane radio remote control systems can fit into your operation.