An Italian manufacturer of radio remote control systems is using Penny + Giles JC400 multiaxis joysticks in a waist-portable transmitting unit. Designed to control industrial and building lifting machinery, the joysticks are reliable, easy to use, and give the user total control to ensure hydraulic equipment can be managed safely.
Founded in 1986, Autec Srl designs and manufactures industrial radio remote controls at its site in Vicenza, Italy. Autec prides itself on delivering safe and reliable control systems and was looking for a supplier of reasonably low cost, small, and reliable joysticks for its C26PRO waist-portable transmitting unit. Following successful trials, the company selected Penny + Giles JC400 joysticks.
"C26PRO is used in industrial and construction environments. It uses proportional joystick technology to manage the speed and movement of hydraulic cranes," explains Antonio Silvestri, Autec''s technical director. "Safety is paramount in these situations and the C26PRO is certified for functional, electric, and environmental safety by the IQSE laboratory of TUEV Automotive GMBH. To ensure the C26PRO achieved this approval we needed to chose a joystick which was TUV approved and sealed to IP65 for use in outdoor and harsh industrial environments -- JC400 was an obvious choice.
"Penny + Giles'' potentiometric technology is proven as reliable, and the mechanical design of the joystick is smart enough to make it small and robust, " Silvestri continues. "Reliability was also a major key factor in choosing the Penny + Giles joysticks. JC400 has an operational life in excess of 5 million cycles, which means we can offer a 3 year warranty for the C26PRO. We have a good working relationship with Penny + Giles; they have been very flexible in accommodating our requirements."
Developed for use in those applications where compact size and functionality are vital, JC400 offers proportional, fingertip control in up to three axes. "Our joystick controllers use established technology for a long and consistent operational life," comments Mike Iles, business development manager, Penny + Giles.
The C26PRO consists of a waist-portable transmitting unit and an electronic controller. The transmitter/receiver systems can be set up in many ways, including controlling the machine from two different transmitting units and controlling two machines that work either singly or together with the same transmitting unit. JC400 can be specified to generate three switched outputs per half axis, or analog and switched reference signals which are proportional to the distance and direction over which the handle is moved -- which is proportional to the movement of the hydraulics.
Penny + Giles'' JC400 range of ergonomic handles have rotary-operated potentiometers, or switches, for a third axis of control, or "Person Present" switches that can be used to verify the change in signals from the joystick, improving control system integrity.
Lever operating forces are selected to minimize operator fatigue while ensuring the joystick returns to, and remains in, the safe central position when released. The JC400 can also be fitted with a choice of mounting flanges and can be customized according to application requirements.
Following its success with the JC400, Autec is considering using Penny + Giles JC120 single-axis fingertip joystick in other projects.