Long Ranger Watering using Tyro M2M system

, , ,
Irrigation of Dutch tulips using M2M

A well-known supplier of irrigation systems and water pumps. In addition, they also maintain agricultural machinery for farmers from the region. We had the opportunity to take a look at a recently delivered system. What we did not know beforehand was that we ended up in beautiful surroundings with stunning, colourful tulip fields.

Cogem water pump and irrigation hose reel from AP

The mechanisation firm has already provided pumps from Cogem and irrigation drums from AP with our M2M system on a number of occasions. In their own workshop, they provide the pumps and reels with an Aquarius M2M transmitter.

Cogem is an Italian manufacturer that delivers generators and pumps on a global scale. Almost every pump has a remote control, which is brand-independent.

AP Mechanical Engineering specializes in the production of machines for the agricultural sector. The irrigation drums of AP are a well-known sight in the countryside. The M2M system, which is explained in more detail below, can also be applied to irrigation drums of other brands.

Operating the M2M system

The system works as follows: The irrigation reel is used to set the length of time the tulips are to be irrigated. As soon as no more irrigation is required, the system sends a signal to the receiver on the pump. The pump is then switched off.

Some systems also come with an additional hand transmitter. This allows you to manually adjust the number of speeds from the tulip field or switch off the system. The distance from the reel to the pump is, in many cases, several hundred meters. The farmer regularly has to move the sprinkler or switch it off. Nothing is more convenient than being able to do this remotely using a remote control.

Mobile Air Compressor Control
, , , ,

Complete Control Solution for Compact Mobile Equipment

Mobile air compressors are compact, portable machines designed to generate compressed air for various applications across construction, mining, agriculture, and manufacturing industries. These compressors are typically mounted on trailers or skid frames, making them easily transported to job sites and offering efficiency and mobility for demanding environments. OEMs, distributors, and rental equipment operators rely on the air compressor’s ability to operate in remote locations and adapt to various tasks.

 

Fully Integrated and Comprehensive Solution

We offer an integrated engine and compressor control solution for mobile air compressors, including a robust engine controller, remote control, telemetry, and monitoring.

 

Engine Control 

A DynaGen™ engine controller provides an easy-to-use, integrated control panel for mobile air compressors. Its rugged design ensures it can safely and reliably operate in extreme environmental conditions often found in job sites where air compressors are used. Here are just a few of the things that a DynaGen controller can manage:

remoteiq, dynagen, tyro and messenger ble
  • Throttle control
  • Automatic load/unloading of the compressor
  • Display machine air pressure
  • Auto throttle speed to maintain air pressure
  • Control the engine warmup based on the engine coolant temperature
  • Monitor and protect the compressor oil temperature

 

Remote Control  

In addition to the DynaGen controller, air compressors can be equipped with a Tyro™ handheld radio remote control system. Integrating remote controls enables the operator to control functions such as engine start/stop, IDLE rate speed control, and light control from the convenience of a handheld transmitter. This allows workers to operate the machinery from a safe and efficient distance.

 

Remote Monitoring  

DynaGen controllers are also telemetry-ready, should you want to introduce remote monitoring capabilities. Our RemoteIQ™ cloud-based platform provides a secure and cost-effective way to optimize the management of a single machine or an entire fleet of air compressors with GPS location tracking, real-time equipment status, and alert notifications.

Remote monitoring allows operators to access real-time data at any time, from anywhere, on any laptop or mobile device. It alerts the operator to potential issues before they cause damage, ultimately prolonging the compressor’s lifespan and ensuring reliability in demanding conditions.

 

Ease of Integration and Added Value 

What sets us apart is our extensive knowledge of control products and the ability to integrate engine control, radio remote control, and telemetry into a combined solution that improves the air compressor’s performance and simplifies its operation. A single-control solution provides simplicity and increases operator safety while improving overall machine efficiency. For OEMs and distributors looking to enhance their brand, private labeling, incorporating a company’s brand identity, such as name, logo, and color palette, is available.

New XBMCU Multi-Interface Machine Control Unit

, ,

Radio Remote Control Xbmcu LeftOur new XBMCU Multi-Interface Machine Control Unit represents a significant advancement in industrial automation technology, offering seamless integration into PLC systems through multiple serial protocols.

The XBMCU is a compact, multi-interface receiver and machine control unit designed for mobile machines, industrial automation, robotics, and machine-to-machine control. The unit works compatibly with Cattron’s Safe-D-Stop wireless emergency stop, most CattronControl radio remote transmitters, and the latest generation of Remtron wireless devices.

According to the company, what sets the XBMCU apart is its robust capability to support machine-to-machine functionality in both directions, handling high data volumes. The unit features dual CANbus interfaces supporting J1939, CAN FD, CANopen, and CANopen Safety protocols, along with lab-certified PROFINET communications for reliable, real-time data handling with Class C Conformance.

For North American customers, the XBMCU will soon support Ethernet IP protocols certified by ODVA, with plans to incorporate CIP safety, making it a comprehensive solution for systems integrators who previously required multiple products from different manufacturers.

The XBMCU is housed in a rugged IP66-rated aluminum enclosure, making it suitable for the most demanding industrial environments. It features a wide range of 9-36 VDC supply, eight digital inputs that can be combined for Category 3 PL-d configurations, and six 3A digital outputs that can be similarly configured for enhanced safety.

The unit incorporates a black channel wireless interface for secure communications. The XBMCU also supports globally recognized safe industrial protocols, such as PROFIsafe (currently under certification), CIP safety, and CANopen Safety, to ensure reliable protection for personnel and machinery in automation environments. The unit supports IEC 61131 programming via the CattronLink programming tool, allowing for configuration via the CattronLink app or over wireless or Ethernet connections, eliminating the need for complex setup procedures.

The XBMCU is ideal for multiple industrial applications, including:

  • Industrial automation systems and robotics
  • Autonomous guided vehicles
  • Logistics control and monitoring
  • Industrial manufacturing equipment
  • Palletizing and packaging equipment
  • Decentralized control systems

The XBMCU is manufactured at Cattron’s Warren, Ohio, facility, offering customers the advantage of American-made quality and local technical support.

Concrete Line Pump Remote Controls
, , ,

 

Click here and Order your system now!

MUSCA 6F Concrete Pumping labelled System

These wireless remote control systems suit mobile, construction, and material handling equipment and, with IP65 to IP68 ratings, resist shock, impact, dust, moisture, and water.

Tyro Pyxis 2S

Customers can personalize their transmitters with specific icons and symbols that match their equipment’s control interfaces, enhancing safety and ease of use.

Tyro 2S systems offer advanced features such as one-button pairing, thus allowing operators to quickly pair a new transmitter with the receiver, minimizing downtime. This is particularly beneficial in mobile applications where equipment may be frequently moved or lost.

Additionally, the systems support multiple transmitters per receiver and vice versa, providing multiple users with flexibility and redundancy in their operations.

The Tyro 2S systems also may have an LCD screen that displays real-time feedback from the connected equipment. This feature is particularly valuable in applications like concrete pumps, stone crushers, and other heavy machinery where monitoring parameters such as oil temperature, fuel level, and operational speeds are crucial.

The integration with CAN bus systems allows for seamless communication between the remote control and the machinery, enhancing operational efficiency and safety.

Machine-to-machine programming is also an option.

The Importance of Black Channel Communication in Radio Remote Control
, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Radio remote controls are an integral part of modern manufacturing plants and operations. They allow operators to manage machinery and equipment from a safe distance while reducing the need for direct human interaction with potentially hazardous machines. Radio remote controls also enable precise equipment control, leading to improved efficiency and less risk of operator error. With additional protection like Black Channel Communication, radio remote controls become even more secure and reliable.

Overview of Black Channel Communications

Black Channel Communication is a communication technology used to ensure the reliability of transmitted signals within control systems, particularly in manufacturing plants. This communication strategy involves the use of a functional safety protocol that operates on a separate, dedicated channel (the “black channel”) to verify the integrity of transmitted signals.

How Black Channel Communications Works  

Black Channel Communication revolutionizes how signals are transmitted in control systems by utilizing a dedicated, functional safety protocol that operates independently of noncritical communication channels. This safety protocol inspects the integrity of signals sent across the ‘black channel’. Functioning independently ensures that even if the noncritical channel is compromised or experiences interference, the safety protocol remains unscathed, thus providing a failsafe mechanism.

How the Black Channel Enhances Safety  

Another aspect of Black Channel Communication is the safety mechanisms to verify outgoing and incoming data sequencing. The sequencing mechanisms ensure that the correct data is processed in a very particular order. This technology is especially beneficial in high-stakes environments like manufacturing plants, where the slightest error or interruption can have far-reaching consequences. Its application is vital in systems where safety is paramount, as it can detect and react to any interference or corruption of the data.

Implementing Black Channel Communication can improve safety and efficiency metrics, especially in large manufacturing plants. For example, consider a plant experiencing occasional signal interference within its control systems, leading to sporadic operational glitches and potential safety hazards. With Black Channel Communication integrated into its radio remote control systems, the functional safety protocol can monitor the integrity of critical data, immediately detecting errors and taking necessary, safe approaches to correcting the problem. As a result, the instances of operational glitches will drop, thereby enhancing overall safety. Additionally, the newfound reliability of the plant’s control systems improves production efficiency by minimizing downtime.

Partner for Safe and Reliable Radio Remote Controls

Black Channel Communication is a technology that strengthens safety and efficiency within manufacturing plants and beyond. Ensuring the integrity of signals transmitted via radio remote control eliminates the risk of interference or corruption that can lead to operational glitches and potential safety hazards.

We selected radio remote controls enhanced with black channel communication to provide a robust solution for protecting control signals from unauthorized access or tampering. Products include Remtron and Safe-D-Stop.