Demag has made it possible for operators to choose the system they’d like to use. 

The great majority of crane owners currently select a radio system, but infrared technology also still has its supporters and technical features that present arguments in its favour. For this reason, Terex Material Handling, the parent company, is launching a new generation of infrared remote controls with its Demag DIR.

A significant difference to radio controls lies in the considerably shorter range of some 40 m between the transmitter and sensors. This benefit always comes to the fore when, for safety reasons, the operator wants to limit the distance at which the crane can be controlled. This specifically limited range ensures that operators are always in proximity to the machinery to be controlled and, therefore, they always have a view of the area in which the machinery is operating. In addition, there is no risk that the IR control system will be influenced or impaired by radio systems. Conversely, it offers no potential for interference with other radio systems.

For applications such as these, DIR is now available as an infrared control system of the latest generation. The rugged hand-held transmitter housing is the same as that used for Demag radio controls, which means that users will be familiar with it straightaway and can use the same keypad concept for both transmission methods. DIR hand-held transmitters are offered in two sizes for two-stage control: with six buttons (DIR 6) and 10 buttons (DIR 10) for the control of two or three motion axes, respectively.

Comparable with the radio control systems, several crane installations – up to 10 – can be controlled in an enclosed area. For multiple-transmitter operation, switchover between transmitters is monitored to ensure that the control system and crane are clearly assigned to each other.

The high-contrast bicolour display can give a clear overview of device and warning information – which provides for a high level of safety, as do the integrated vibration alarm – and stop function according to Category 3, Performance Level ‘d’ to EN 13849-1. Control of the crane is more convenient since at distances of up to some 15 m, the transmitter often does not need to be pointed at the sensor because rays from the high-performance infrared LEDs are reflected by the surroundings. The high-performance rechargeable batteries ensure operating times of 30 hours with one charge. The unit can be conveniently charged on an optional inductive charging station.

This range of features makes the new DIR infrared control system not just suitable for the safe and reliable wireless control of industrial cranes. For example, it can also be used to control suspension monorails, transfer carriages and other materials handling equipment.

Terex Material Handling offers additional accessories for the safe and convenient use of DIR hand-held transmitters. These include close-fitting silicone sheaths for use in environments with abrasive substances and bags with a strap, for example.

Terex Corporation 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 services for these products. The business group manufactures in 16 countries on five continents and is present in more than 60 countries, reaching customers in more than 100 countries.