Radio Remote Control Systems for Industrial Lifting & Automation by Autec

Autec manufacture radio remote controls for industrial lifting and automation applications: standard or process overhead cranes, winches, magnets, shear balers, conveyor belts, forklifts, material lifts and many more. Autec radio remote control systems are designed to meet challenging usage conditions (i.e. for uninterrupted use during different working shifts) and difficult environments (high temperature, presence of dust or chemical agents). The management of different lifting machines is possible with safe solutions employing multiple machines and/or multiple control units.

The AIR series is an Autec radio system and has a wide range of transmitting and receiving units that meet any need in the sector of industrial lifting and automation. The Autec radio A8, Autec radio A6 and Autec radio A4 push button handsets are the lightweight and compact solutions for the control of lifting, automation and material handling applications. They resist fall tests from 1.5 metres, are equipped with multi-function push button (latching, momentary, switch, 1, 1+2, 2, 1/2) and a browsing menu for optimisation of functions and performance according to the application.

The Autec radio AJM, Autec radio AJR and Autec radio AJS joystick controllers are ergonomic handsets that can mount a wide array of switches and 2 to 6 joysticks:
This enables countless configuration options both in the version with digital commands only or inclusive of proportional commands. All the push button handsets come with a Li-ion battery as a standard, whereas the joystick models have a standard NiMH battery or an optional Li-ion battery, which does not suffer any memory effect and ensures twice as long run time compared to NiMH technology, better performance even at low temperatures and reduced charging time.

The receiving units are developed for a vast range of applications and have the following characteristics:

  • Extended power supply range is supported, with all supply values managed with a single input
  • terminals and terminal blocks are easy to install, to facilitate wiring operations
  • relays may be programmed through software.

Strengths of the Autec Radio AIR series:

  • Automatic search for the working frequency at start-up
  • Dual-band radio (434 MHz and 915 MHz)
  • PL d category for the STOP function (EN ISO 13849-1)
  • System configuration customisable through the AIR TOOL software
  • Data log to record radio remote control operations
  • Li-ion battery: 40-hour run time, no memory effect, no ageing
  • CAN and serial communication
  • The removable AIR-key (on joystick units) contains the unique and univocal code of the radio remote control

Functions
The whole AIR series offers many functions for better customisation of working settings.

Low Power Start-Up
It restricts the start-up working range.

Range Limiting
It restricts the work area of the radio remote control. The radio link is maintained only if the transmitting unit is working within the area limited by the working range. The typical range of the unit is 70 – 100 m.

AIR Programming Tool
Connectable to a pc or tablet to customise installation and operation settings (activation of start-up PIN, PIN code customisation, radio parameters, switch-off time, etc.).

Multiple systems
All AIR series radio remote controls are designed also for applications requiring multiple systems: they consist of several transmitting and/or receiving units, which may constantly control the radio link of the receiving units selected and consequently stop the system if it loses the link with one of them.

Digital inputs are available to stop the transmitting unit if control sensors (e.g. limit switch, overload, etc.) linked to a receiving unit activate.

The multiple systems are:

  • Multi Units: consists of up to four transmitting units and four receiving units
  • Take & Release: consists of up to fifteen transmitting units and one receiving unit
  • Multi Receiver: consists of up to fifteen receiving units and one transmitting unit Data feedback

Thanks to the two-way radio communication which is always active, all receiving units can transfer information about the controlled machine to the transmitting unit and show it on 4 LEDs and/or a high-performance display with 16 LEDs (for joystick controllers). A 1.54” display is mounted on the AJS transmitting unit, whereas the AJR and AJM units may also mount a 2.7” display, for indoor (OLED display) and outdoor use (transflective display). In both cases, information appears as icons, descriptions or measurements, depending on the desired settings.

Autec Radio | Air A8

Light and compact Autec radio push button handset with 8 push buttons. Frequency scan enables to identify free frequencies at startup. Bi-directional radio communication enables the reception of information about the machine status on the transmitter. Radio frequency communication parameters can be programmed to improve reliability and safety in use. A rechargeable Lithium-ion battery allows long operation, no memory effect, and no ageing.

Characteristics

  • High-sensitivity two-step push button.
  • Multiband Radio with Full-Duplex communication.
  • Highly customizable.
  • LCD display.
  • External removable EEPROM SIM module.
  • Easy and fast maintenance.
  • High resistance to impacts.
  • Frequency management against interferences.

Autec Radio | Air AJS

Customisable versions with 2 to 3 dual-axis joysticks and up to 7 additional actuators + Start and Stop. Available with digital commands or also including proportional commands. Polyammide + fiber glass housing for greater resistance to external agents, IP65 protection degree, comfortable design for easy cont

Characteristics

  • High-sensitivity two-step push button.
  • Multiband Radio with Full-Duplex communication.
  • Highly customizable.
  • LCD display.
  • External removable EEPROM SIM module.
  • Easy and fast maintenance.
  • High resistance to impacts.
  • Frequency management against interferences.

Autec Radio | Air AJR

Customisable versions with up to 3 dual-axis joysticks and several additional actuators. Available with digital commands or also including proportional commands. Polyammide + fiber glass housing for greater resistance to external agents, IP65 protection degree, comfortable design for easy control.

Characteristics

  • High-sensitivity proportional push button.
  • Multiband Radio with Full-Duplex communication.
  • Highly customizable.
  • LCD display.
  • External removable EEPROM SIM module.
  • Easy and fast maintenance.
  • High resistance to impacts.
  • Frequency management against interferences.

Autec Radio | Air AJM

Customisable versions with up to 4 dual-axis joysticks and several additional actuators. Available with digital commands or also including proportional commands. Countless customised solutions are possible. Suitable for a wide range of machinery, including complex applications and special industrial lifting machines. Frequency scan at startup. Customizable configuration system. Removable AIR key for safer access. Dual-band radio; CANopen 2.0 A communication bus. Polyammide + fibreglass housing for greater resistance to external agents, IP65 protection degree, comfortable design for easy control.

Characteristics

  • High-sensitivity proportional push button.
  • Multiband Radio with Full-Duplex communication.
  • Highly customizable.
  • LCD display.
  • External removable EEPROM SIM module.
  • Easy and fast maintenance.
  • High resistance to impacts.
  • Frequency management against interferences.

For more information on our Autec range of radio remote control systems, please visit their website. Alternatively, get in touch and we’ll be happy to assist.

Modular, fail safe radio remote controls

MK Autec radio push button handsets are “Fail Safe”: their safety functions are always available, even in the event of radio remote control failure. The neutral position of movement actuators is controlled by the SNP (Safe Neutral Position) safety system which prevents dangerous situations caused by their breakage; this means that, in the event of a failure, no unintended movement is carried out and the push button’s release always results in the interruption of the operation. The Stop function is protected against single failure. The system fully meets the protection requirements of EN 60204-32 and EN 13557, as established for lifting devices. The “Data Feedback” function allows to receive and visualise on the display and/or LEDs data coming from the sensors installed on the controlled machine (load cells, anemometers, PLC, limit switch, alarms). Texts, measurements and graphic icons can be displayed (dimensions 20×38 mm).

ACS function (Automatic Channel Search)

ACS (Automatic Channel Search) electronics is a cutting-edge radio technology available for remote controls of the Modular series. It works in a very easy way: when powering the transmitting unit, it chooses a free working frequency. If radio interference occurs during normal operation, the radio communication automatically moves to a free channel, while the operation is not interrupted.

Advantages:

  • Safety: continuous radio link, control over the machine is constant;
  • Simplicity: no need to remember frequency change procedures; no need to plan frequency usage;
  • Reliability: high resistance to interference;
  • New European Standard: wider radio spectrum (up to 256 available frequencies).

Range limiting and low power functions

The Range Limiting function allows limiting the area within which the transmitting unit can start up the system. The Low Power function enables transmission at reduced power. By enabling the two functions at the same time, it is also possible to reduce the radio remote control working range. Such functions are available in radio remote controls with ACS technology.

Multiple systems

These Autec radio remote controls share the control of more than a machine through an Autec safety system.

  • Master – Slave: Used to control two machines simultaneously or individually with the Master transmitter; another transmitting unit, called Slave, can only control the second machine.
  • Take & Release: Take and Release is used when the transfer of the transmitting unit between two different working positions is difficult; the system consists therefore of two transmitting units and one receiver.
  • Tandem: Used whenever two machines are operated independently and coupled (A, B, A+B) by the same user; it consists of one transmitting unit and two receivers.

Autec Radio | MK 6

The Autec radio Push button handset with 6 main keys and up to 4 different actuators types (push buttons, toggle switches, rotary and removable key switches). Integrated safety system with protection from failure (safe active stop providing performance level PL d/cat. 3 EN ISO 13849-1 and UMFS protection against unintended movements of actuators from standstill providing performance level PL c/cat. 3 EN ISO 13849-1). Radio modules are fully compliant with the requirements of class 1 of EN 300220-1, that defines them as “Highly reliable short-range communication media”. Automatic frequency change can be performed from the transmitter. Waterproof, resistant casing material (IP65 protection degree).

Autec MK 06 DF

The Autec radio Push button handset with 6 main keys; up to 4 actuators can be added, choosing amongst push buttons, toggle switches and removable key. The “Data Feedback” function allows to receive and visualise on the display and/or LEDs data coming from the sensors installed on the controlled machine (load cells, anemometers, PLC, limit switch, alarms). Texts, measurements and graphic icons are shown on the display (dimensions: 20×38 mm). This radio equipment works with ACS (Automatic Channel Search) technology, that enables automatic frequency change: the system selects the best available frequency, adapts to the specific situations at each time, and thus benefits from a wider radio spectrum (up to 256 available frequencies) and from higher working effectiveness and reliability. Integrated safety system with protection from failure (safe active stop providing performance level PL d/cat. 3 EN ISO 13849-1 and UMFS protection against unintended movements of actuators from standstill providing performance level PL c/cat. 3 EN ISO 13849-1).

Autec Radio | MK 8

Autec radio Push button handset with 8 main keys and up to 4 different actuators types (push buttons, toggle switches, rotary and removable key switch). Integrated safety system with protection from failure (safe active stop providing performance level PL d/cat. 3 EN ISO 13849-1 and UMFS protection against unintended movements of actuators from standstill providing performance level PL c/cat. 3 EN ISO 13849-1). Radio modules are fully compliant with the requirements of class 1 of EN 300220-1, that defines them as “Highly reliable short-range communication media”. Automatic frequency change can be performed from the transmitter. Waterproof, resistant casing material (IP65 protection degree).

Autec Radio | MK 10

Autec radio Push button handset with 10 main keys; up to 4 actuators can be added, choosing amongst push buttons, toggle switches and removable key. Integrated safety system with protection from failure (safe active stop providing performance level PL d/cat. 3 EN ISO 13849-1 and UMFS protection against unintended movements of actuators from standstill providing performance level PL c/cat. 3 EN ISO 13849-1). Autec Radio modules are fully compliant with the requirements of class 1 of EN 300220-1, that defines them as “Highly reliable short-range communication media”. Automatic frequency change can be performed from the transmitter. Waterproof, resistant casing material (IP65 protection degree).

Autec Radio | MK 10 DF

Autec radio Push button handset with 10 main keys; up to 4 actuators can be added, choosing amongst push buttons, toggle switches and removable key. The “Data Feedback” function allows to receive and visualise on the display and/or LEDs data coming from the sensors installed on the controlled machine (load cells, anemometers, PLC, limit switch, alarms). Texts, measurements and graphic icons are shown on the display (dimensions: 20×38 mm). The 870 MHz radio equipment works with ACS (Automatic Channel Search) technology, that enables automatic frequency change: the system selects the best available frequency, adapts to the specific situations at each time, and thus benefits from a wider radio spectrum (up to 256 available frequencies) and from higher working effectiveness and reliability. Also available with 433 MHz radio modules, compliant with the requirements of class 1 of EN 300220-1, that defines “Highly reliable short-range communication media”. Integrated safety system with protection from failure (safe active stop providing performance level PL d/cat. 3 EN ISO 13849-1 and UMFS protection against unintended movements of actuators from standstill providing performance level PL c/cat. 3 EN ISO 13849-1).

Autec Radio | MK 12

Autec radio Push button handset with 12 main keys; up to 4 actuators can be added, choosing amongst push buttons, toggle switches and removable key. Integrated safety system with protection from failure (safe active stop providing performance level PL d/cat. 3 EN ISO 13849-1 and UMFS protection against unintended movements of actuators from standstill providing performance level PL c/cat. 3 EN ISO 13849-1). Autec Radio modules are fully compliant with the requirements of class 1 of EN 300220-1, that defines them as “Highly reliable short-range communication media”. Automatic frequency change can be performed from the transmitter. This Autec radio is Waterproof, resistant casing material (IP65 protection degree).

For more information on our Autec range of radio remote control systems, please visit their website. Alternatively, get in touch and we’ll be happy to assist.

Autec radio MJ joystick controllers are “Fail Safe”: their safety functions are always available, even in the event of radio remote control failure. The neutral position of movement actuators is controlled by the SNP (Safe Neutral Position) safety system which prevents dangerous situations caused by their breakage; this means that, in the event of a failure, no unintended movement is carried out and the push button’s release always results in the interruption of the operation. The Stop function is protected against single failure. The system fully meets the protection requirements of EN 60204-32 and EN 13557, as established for lifting devices. The “Data Feedback” function allows to receive and visualise on the display and/or LEDs data coming from the sensors installed on the controlled machine (load cells, anemometers, PLC, limit switch, alarms). Texts, measurements and graphic icons can be displayed (dimensions 20×38 mm).

ACS function (Automatic Channel Search)

ACS (Automatic Channel Search) electronics is a cutting-edge radio technology available for remote controls of the Modular series. It works in a very easy way: when powering the transmitting unit, it chooses a free working frequency. If radio interference occurs during normal operation, the radio communication automatically moves to a free channel, while operation is not interrupted.

Advantages:

  • Safety: continuous radio link, control over the machine is constant;
  • Simplicity: no need to remember frequency change procedures; no need to plan frequency usage;
  • Reliability: high resistance to interference;
  • New European Standard: wider radio spectrum (up to 256 available frequencies).

Autec Radio Range Limiting and Low Power functions

The Range Limiting function allows limiting the area within which the transmitting unit can start up the system. The Low Power function enables transmission at reduced power. By enabling the two functions at the same time, it is also possible to reduce the radio remote control working range. Such functions are available in radio remote controls with ACS technology.

Multiple systems

These Autec radio remote controls share the control of more than a machine through an Autec safety system.

  • Master – Slave: Used to control two machines simultaneously or individually with the Master transmitter; another transmitting unit, called Slave, can only control the second machine.
  • Take & Release: Take and Release is used when the transfer of the transmitting unit between two different working positions is difficult; the system consists therefore of two transmitting units and one receiver.
  • Tandem: Used whenever two machines are operated independently and coupled (A, B, A+B) by the same user; it consists of one transmitting unit and two receivers.

Autec Radio | MJ

Joystick controller with 14 to 20 commands, plus Start and Stop; multifunction joysticks up to 5 steps and toggle switches for auxiliary functions. Integrated safety system with protection from failure (safe active stop providing performance level PL d/cat. 3 EN ISO 13849-1; UMFS protection against unintended movements of actuators from standstill available on demand). Radio modules are fully compliant with the requirements of class 1 of EN 300220-1, that defines them as “Highly reliable short-range communication media”. Automatic frequency change can be performed from the transmitter. Long life, anti-shock housing; bi-material structure with rubber parts for a safe grip and working comfort; Gore TM membrane. This transmitter won the Design Award in Milan in 2005 and the IF Product Design Award in Hannover in 2006.

Autec Radio | MJ 04

Waist control unit with selectors, up to 20 commands plus Start and Stop; it can be customized to meet the specific application-related needs, even with customer’s logo. Integrated safety system with protection from failure (safe active stop providing performance level PL d/cat. 3 EN ISO 13849-1; UMFS protection against unintended movements of actuators from standstill available on demand). Radio architecture is fully compliant with the requirements of class 1 of EN 300220-1, that defines these devices as “Highly reliable short-range communication media”. Automatic frequency change can be performed from the transmitter. Long life, anti-shock housing; bi-material structure with rubber parts for a safe grip and working comfort; Gore TM membrane.

Autec Radio | MJ 05

Joystick controller with to 20 commands, plus Start and Stop. It houses 2 or 3 single- or dual-axis joysticks with single steps; auxiliary selectors can be added. Integrated safety system with protection from failure (safe active stop providing performance level PL d/cat. 3 EN ISO 13849-1; UMFS protection against unintended movements of actuators from standstill available on demand). Radio architecture is fully compliant with the requirements of class 1 of EN 300220-1, which defines these devices as “Highly reliable short-range communication media”.

Automatic frequency change can be performed from the transmitter.

Long life, anti-shock housing; bi-material structure with rubber parts for a safe grip and working comfort; Gore TM membrane.

Autec Radio | MJ DF

Joystick controller with 14 to 20 commands, plus Start and Stop; multifunction joysticks up to 5 steps and toggle switches for auxiliary functions. The “Data Feedback” function allows us to receive and visualise the display and/or LEDs data coming from the sensors installed on the controlled machine (load cells, anemometers, PLC, limit switch, alarms). Texts, measurements and graphic icons are shown on the display (dimensions: 20×38 mm).

The 870 MHz radio equipment works with ACS (Automatic Channel Search) technology, that enables automatic frequency change: the system selects the best available frequency, adapts to the specific situations at each time, and thus benefits from a wider radio spectrum (up to 256 available frequencies) and from higher working effectiveness and reliability.

Also available with 433 MHz radio modules, compliant with the requirements of class 1 of EN 300220-1, which defines “Highly reliable short-range communication media”. Integrated safety system with protection from failure (safe active stop providing performance level PL d/cat. 3 EN ISO 13849-1; UMFS protection against unintended movements of actuators from standstill available on demand).

Long-lasting, anti-shock casing, bi-material structure with rubber parts and Gore TM membrane ensure a safe grip and working comfort.

For more information on our Autec range of radio remote control systems, please visit their website. Alternatively, get in touch and we’ll be happy to assist.

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