Control with the best of both worlds

• Ergonomic concept for single-handed control
• High transmission reliability, very good coexistence
• High flexibility thanks to multi-transmitter operation

With the new DRC mini joystick hand-held transmitter, cranes can be ergonomically controlled with one hand using joysticks with a very compact control system.

Until now, operators had a choice of two systems for the radio control of cranes. They could either control the crane via a compact unit that had pushbuttons or via a large control unit similar to a panel fitted with joysticks. They can now also benefit from the advantages of a joystick – convenient and ergonomic control of combined motions – with a very compact control unit. Terex Material Handling has launched a newly developed component from its new D3 generation of radio controls: the DRC mini joystick (DRC-MJ).

The housing of the new control unit is the same as the one used for the DRC DC hand-held transmitter. It is ideally suited for operation with one hand and was developed specifically for operation under arduous conditions. The impact-resistant housing material has a smooth surface and is resilient to mechanical loads. Rubber-coated end caps make the control unit more tolerant of rough handling. The rechargeable batteries can be used for uninterrupted operation without the need to be recharged for five days.

Control of crane and travel functions by mini joystick 
Instead of the keypad panel, the development engineers have integrated two mini joysticks and four buttons into the housing. The lifting and lowering motions of a rope hoist can be carefully controlled using the top one of the two joysticks. The joystick beneath it can be used for the variable control of two motion axes, i.e. two crane and travel functions. Simultaneous motions can also be controlled with just one hand, i.e. diagonal long and cross-travel motions, which is not only more convenient, but also accelerates the flow of material.

The maximum speed of the lifting and travel motions can be limited at the press of a button. The speed limit can be set to 30, 50 or 70% of the maximum speed for each motion axis. When the speed limit function is activated, the maximum deflection of the mini joysticks is used for the reduced maximum speed. This results in a type of ‘zoom’ function, which enables very fine control of the slow speeds.

A distinct and illuminated bi-colour display shows the weight of the lifted load, for example. A vibration alarm indicates an overload and other status messages that are relevant for safety and service purposes can also be provided.

Four ergonomic buttons complete the control concept of the DRC-MJ units. Besides two control elements for the stop and horn signals, the hand-held transmitter has two programmable function keys (F1 and F2). They can be used to switch between hoist units or to actuate the tare function, for example. These two buttons can also be used for future crane assistant functions.

Up to three radio control units per crane 
For all D3 radio control systems, the operator can pair each crane with up to three transmitters of various types (conventional pushbutton transmitters, classic joystick transmitters or mini joystick transmitters): in practical operation, it is then possible to switch from one transmitter to another at the press of a button.
This enables control of the crane to be transferred from one worker to another, which also speeds up in-house processes.

The new D3 generation of radio controls is equipped with state-of-the-art radio transmission functions such as frequency hopping and “listen before talk”. These features ensure radio transmission that is highly resistant to interference, even under arduous conditions, and very good coexistence with other radio applications. Up to 40 DRC radio systems can be operated in close proximity to each other.

Besides the receiver and a special patch aerial that can be integrated into the SafeControl system on the hoist unit or crane, the DRC mini joystick also features a newly developed holster.

Dr. Thomas Bönker, Senior Director of the Components Business Line at Terex Material Handling states: “With our new DRC MJ hand-held transmitter, we meet the demands particularly of younger workers, who have grown up with modern control systems, such as joysticks and thumbwheels, etc. However, our new control concept will also be welcomed by older generations of workers, since it facilitates the intuitive and ergonomic control of simultaneous travel motions with just one hand.”

About Terex Material Handling 
Terex MHPS GmbH is one of the world’s leading suppliers of crane technology with Demag industrial cranes and crane components. The core competence of the Terex Material Handling business group lies in the development, design and production of technically sophisticated cranes, hoists and components and the provision of sales support and services for these products. Terex Material Handling manufactures at 19 locations on five continents and reaches its customers thanks to its presence in more than 60 countries.

About Terex 
Terex Corporation is a diversified global manufacturer of a broad range of equipment that is focused on delivering reliable, customer-driven solutions for many applications, including the construction, infrastructure, quarrying, mining, shipping, transportation, refining, energy, utility and manufacturing industries. Terex reports in five business segments: Aerial Work Platforms, Construction, Cranes, Material Handling & Port Solutions and Materials Processing. Terex offers financial products and services to assist in the acquisition of Terex equipment through Terex Financial Services. Visit www.terex.com for further information.