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Mobile Air Compressor Control
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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.

Eliminating Integration Barriers in Robotic Systems with XBMCU
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Robotic systems have revolutionized manufacturing across industries, yet a persistent challenge remains: optimizing integration processes and simplifying system maintenance. For system integrators, facility managers, OEMs, and maintenance teams, the complexity of connecting robotic systems with existing control architectures often creates costly delays and implementation challenges.

At Cattron™, we’ve addressed this challenge with the XBMCU Multi-Interface Machine Control Unit. This compact device fundamentally transforms how robotic systems integrate into industrial environments by supporting wireless control and monitoring through safe, encrypted RF communication combined with diverse serial protocol support.

The Integration Challenge in Robotics 

For control engineers and machine builders implementing robotic solutions, historical challenges include the time and expense of traditional cabling required to bring valuable data and critical controls to end users. These dated methods not only cost time and money upfront to set up but require much more maintenance long-term, resulting in system downtime and additional costs to sustain operation.

“Application requirements are dictated by the machinery in use, existing communication systems, and industrial standards,” explains Mark Densley, sales leader at Cattron. “The XBMCU’s flexibility allows it to support industrial automation no matter the technology in place, benefiting both OEMs and end users with a singular product solution.”

Advanced Wireless Technology for Robotics 

The XBMCU’s wireless functionality is provided by Cattron’s black channel, encrypted RF protocol. The unit serves as a gateway for machine data and control to safely travel over the air for a truly wireless solution with range support up to one kilometer.

This capability is particularly valuable for robotic applications, as the XBMCU takes data from the machine via traditional I/O or a customer PLC, converts it using a custom RF message structure with encryption, and broadcasts it to a variety of Cattron transmitters or another XBMCU in what is known as a machine-to-machine solution.

Cattron is a market leader in providing safe and reliable RF communication, and in combination with the advanced design of the XBMCU, represents the next era of wireless control for industrial automation integration. Specifically, the XBMCU’s machine-to-machine configuration acts as a bridge providing machine data and control in real-time, eliminating human response delays and taking the optimization of machine control and maintenance to an entirely different level.

Simplified Serial Integration

The XBMCU champions complex operations with a straightforward hardware interface. Setting up serial communication is as easy as connecting a PLC to the D-coded M12 connector. For safe protocols such as CANopen Safety, CIP Safety, and PROFIsafe, customers only need to add a power supply, and their machine is ready to go.

The unit supports a comprehensive range of protocols, including:

  • Ethernet IP with future CIP Safety support
  • PROFINET with PROFIsafe (currently under certification)
  • Dual CANbus interfaces supporting J1939, CAN FD, CANope,n and CANopen Safety

This protocol flexibility enables the XBMCU to serve as a universal bridge between different robotic components, reducing system complexity and integration time.

Facilitating Robotic Safety Applications

Safety is paramount in robotic applications, and the XBMCU also delivers here. The core of the XBMCU product is designed and certified PL-d per the ISO 13849 standards. Beyond the hardware, the XBMCU has achieved several certifications with lab-tested and approved PROFINET and Ethernet/IP, and is in the process of TUV certification for PROFIsafe and CIP Safety.

The XBMCU works seamlessly with Cattron’s Safe-D-Stop™ wireless emergency stop system, enabling operators to carry portable e-stops with them as they work alongside robotic systems. This capability transforms the traditional stationary e-stop approach into a mobile safety solution that follows the operator, addressing a critical need in dynamic robotic work environments.

Machine-to-Machine Communication for Robotics

The XBMCU facilitates data-rich, bi-directional machine-to-machine communication that enhances robotic system performance. This connectivity enables:

  • Seamless coordination between multiple robots
  • Integration with existing PLC systems via serial protocols
  • Real-time data exchange between robotic end-effectors and control systems
  • Remote monitoring and control capabilities

This machine-to-machine configuration acts as a bridge, providing machine data and control in real-time, eliminating human response delays and taking robotic system optimization to a new level. The result is robotic systems that operate as cohesive units rather than isolated machines, maximizing efficiency and throughput.

 

Technical Specifications for Robotics Applications

The XBMCU’s technical capabilities make it ideal for demanding robotic applications:

  • Eight digital inputs configurable for Category 3 PL-d
  • Six 3A digital outputs configurable for Category 3 PL-d
  • Wide range 9-36 VDC supply
  • IP66-rated aluminum enclosure for harsh environments
  • Lab-certified PROFINET communications with Class C Conformance
  • Black channel wireless interface for secure communications
  • Data logging capabilities for performance analysis

Practical Applications in Robotics

The XBMCU demonstrates significant value in several robotics applications:

AGV/AMR Control: The unit enables wireless control of autonomous vehicles through safe, encrypted RF communication with range support up to one kilometer, maintaining consistent connections even in challenging industrial environments.

Robotic Cell Automation: The XBMCU streamlines cell implementation and reduces maintenance requirements by facilitating communication between robotic arms and peripheral equipment with simplified connectivity.

Collaborative Robot Safety: The integration with Cattron’s Safe-D-Stop wireless e-stops enables enhanced safety protocols around collaborative robots, allowing operators to immediately halt operations from anywhere in the workspace.

Remote Operation: For hazardous environments or remote operations, the XBMCU enables operators to control robotic systems from safe distances using Cattron’s wireless transmitters.

Machine Tending: The unit simplifies the integration of robotic machine tending applications by reducing the complexity of connecting robots to the machines they service.

Transforming Robotics Implementation 

The XBMCU is the wireless solution customers can rely on to improve their system operation and efficiency without compromising safety. The plug-and-play approach with simple M12 connectivity allows systems to be operational within minutes, dramatically improving implementation timelines and reducing engineering overhead.

For robotics integrators and end-users alike, this represents a paradigm shift in how automation solutions are deployed, maintained, and scaled. The XBMCU’s ability to work as an independent PLC while supporting multiple communication protocols makes it a versatile solution for virtually any robotic application.

The XBMCU offers robotics implementers a reliable, secure, and efficient path to enhanced automation without the traditional integration complexity that can delay implementation. For more information about implementing the XBMCU in robotic applications, contact us at [email protected].

Agricultural Robot with Wireless Emergency Stop
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indus gemini e-stop from tyro

Self-driving Robotti

AGROINTELLI from Denmark is a development company for sustainable farming. It devises advanced products and new technological applications that reduce risk and effort for modern agricultural farmers. One of these products is the agricultural robot: Robotti.

This robot can sow, spray, and even weed autonomously. With its GPS connection and exact data, it gives valuable information to the farmer.

Tablet or smartphone

The control is done via an app on a phone or tablet. This machine ensures greater efficiency in the field and thus saves the farmer money and time.

Safety first

Safety has been very important in the development of the Robotti. An emergency stop has been added, allowing the driver to stop the robot remotely in case of an emergency situation. The choice was made for the Indus emergency stop by Tyro Remotes, which reacts within 0.5 seconds and is impact and shock resistant. The Indus remote control is supplied together with the Gemini receiver and meets the strict safety requirements of Performance Level c (PLc).

The Importance of Black Channel Communication in Radio Remote Control
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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.

Climate Air+: Temperature and Humidity Monitoring

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The Climate Air+ Solution combines RHT Air+ and AirGate Air+ devices to provide accurate, secure, and scalable temperature and humidity monitoring in critical environments such as pharmaceutical warehouses, data centers, and industrial facilities.

With LoRa technology for long-range communication and proprietary encryption for data security, this solution ensures regulatory compliance and operational continuity, even in challenging environments.
Check out the main applications of the product:

• Pharmaceutical Warehouses

• Data Centers

• Logistics and Industry

• Clean Rooms and Laboratories

The importance of reliable monitoring in the pharmaceutical industry

One of the biggest challenges in industries that require temperature and humidity control is ensuring the proper storage of raw materials and products while complying with all regulations. To achieve this, monitoring must be accurate, reliable, and continuous. 

The first major challenge is measurement accuracy. Inaccurate sensors can compromise product quality. Additionally, sensors must be properly calibrated and certified, ensuring that records remain within the required standards and comply with current regulations such as FDA 21 CFR Part 11. 

Another critical aspect is continuous monitoring. Relying on manual records or fragile systems can lead to reporting failures and even product loss due to unreliable data, resulting in significant financial losses. 

Beyond technical and regulatory challenges, there is also an economic factor. Replacing existing systems can be difficult, so the ideal solution must be flexible, integrating seamlessly with current systems without complications or additional costs. 

NOVUS developed the Climate Air+ solution to overcome these challenges, combining two innovative devices: RHT Air+ and AirGate Air+. 

The RHT Air+ is a temperature and humidity sensor that automatically collects, records, and stores data in its memory. It then sends this information directly to the AirGate Air+, which also records and reads the data and transmits it online to a cloud or SCADA platform. 

The devices communicate via radio, ensuring a stable connection even in environments with physical barriers, with a range of up to 3 km. This means that product movement does not interfere with data transmission. 

With a storage capacity of up to 50 days and a 5-minute publishing interval, both devices ensure that even in extreme situations, such as power failures, data remains secure. 

The RHT Air+ operates on a non-rechargeable internal battery, which can last up to two years depending on the publishing interval, or it can be powered via a USB-C port with a 5V DC power supply. 

Meanwhile, the AirGate Air+ is powered by an external power source of 8 to 30V DC. Each AirGate Air+ receives information from up to 32 RHT Air+ devices, forming islands of continuous, precise, and secure monitoring. 

Want to learn more? Visit the product page and discover all the details of this innovation: Climate-Air-Plus