Evolution of Control Technology
New technology makes new ideas possible, and it all starts with control technology and its evolution. Control technology aims to improve machine safety, performance, and capability. Control technology in mobile and off-highway equipment once started as mechanical levers that workers would operate. Over time, it has evolved to be remote through direct-wire tethers and radio control.
Direct-wire tethers and radio control both allow workers to remotely operate mobile and off-highway machinery, but they don't work in the same way and they’re not always interchangeable. Special guest Fritz Jaessing, account manager at LOR Mobile Controls and expert in control technology, explains the differences between direct-wire tethers and radio control. He also highlights the benefits and limitations of each control method as they apply to mobile and off-highway equipment.
Radio Control Technology
Radio control technology requires extensive software programming, but it boasts high durability, increased safety measures, and ease of use for workers when compared to direct-wire tethers. Mobile and off-highway equipment are often exposed to environmental hazards, so radio control allows workers to stay away from the equipment, reducing the risk of fault. Further, radio control is reliable because its durability withstands hazards that come with mobile and off-highway equipment.
Direct-Wire Tethers
Direct-wire tethers require wires that can be up to 10 lbs in weight and 50 feet in length. While direct-wire tethers allow operation from a distance, the wires can be a safety hazard. Eliminating the need for wires reduces worker risk. However, direct-wire tethers are often used as a backup if an issue arises with radio control. If radio control fails on mobile or off-highway equipment, direct-wire tethers are an easy, temporary fix to ensure the equipment can still operate as needed.
LOR Mobile Controls is an OEM wholesaler and manufacturer of control technology for mobile and off-highway equipment. They provide both methods of control technology solutions. Still, radio control technology continues to be favored over direct-wire tethers. Fritz claims it will only continue to grow as it becomes more widely adopted.
Understanding the differences, benefits, and limitations of direct-wire tethers and radio controls is what allows LOR's in-house team of engineers to create best-in-class radio control technology that puts worker safety first while cutting down labor costs and increasing profit.
Check out Fritz's other appearance on Evolution in Controls: LOR Mobile Controls Creates Reliable Radio Communication for Off-Highway Equipment Manufacturers. You can also learn more about LOR Mobile Controls on their website!
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