Questions and answers
HBC offers a wide variety of radio controls for your company’s specific operational applications in the following areas:
- Construction Cranes
- Lifting Equipment
- Machinery
- Mobile Hydraulics
- Forestry Applications
- Data Communications
Or in any application, that you may dream of…
- Increased worker safety.
- Streamlined production methods.
- Allows operators to see loads from all angles.
- Economic factors.
- Quick and easy installation.
- Ergonomic control.
Our radio remote controls are the safest on the market. With over 60 years experience in radio technology, HBC-radiomatic continually sets the standard of excellence in industrial radio remote controls. Due to our uncompromising dedication to worker safety, we have integrated several safety features into each radio remote control. Today’s technology is both safe and extremely reliable.
Our radio remote controls have several safety systems working to ensure the safety of your operators. In order to prevent interference, each radio is equipped with a designated frequency and address code. Our systems also rely on an internal data check system that checks each command that an operator initiates.
Unfortunately like all technologies that rely on radio waves to broadcast data, HBC-radiomatic radio remote controls are susceptible to some forms of interference. However, HBC-radiomatic’s TECHNOLOGY LIMITS INTERFERENCE AND ENSURES THAT YOUR APPLICATION WILL ONLY OPERATE AS YOU COMMAND.
At HBC-radiomatic, we are very selective in how we assign a broadcast frequency to a radio. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has assigned our radios to operate on a bandwidth of 902 – 918 megahertz for our “unlicensed systems.” Because of our high standards for safety, we have built our transmitters to be very selective. Our receivers are so selective that they only process frequencies in 25 kHz channels. In other words, 25 kHz separate each operating frequency and the opening for an accurate radio frequency to operate the receiver is very small. This range allows us to operate up to 640 different radio remote controls within a 250- meter radius of each other.
Second, each radio system is assigned it’s own address code. This address code is like your street or email address; it is unique to each system and only accepts commands that have been mailed with the right address code. If the radio receiver hears the right frequency but not the right address code, it will not operate.
Constant carrier is one type of signal used by HBC-radiomatic controls. Constant carrier means that our radio transmitters constantly send a signal to their receivers. Even though the operator may not be sending a command to the receiver, the transmitter is talking to the receiver to make sure everything is operating safely. The message is sent every 60 milliseconds. When a command is sent, it hops onto the next broadcast message and will be broadcast with each message as long as the operator holds the command button.
Another type of signal that HBC uses is called frequency hopping. Signals are sent every 60ms from the transmitter to the receiver on a different frequency each time. The signals sweep through a line of frequencies, instead of a random pattern of frequencies. The receiver automatically follows the signal of the transmitter.
In 2006, HBC-radiomatic invented A.F.M. (Automatic Frequency Management) in which both the transmitter and receiver scan a list of multiple frequencies every three seconds. If a frequency is occupied, both the transmitter and receiver note the occupied frequency and it will not be used as a back up frequency. If the “working” frequency becomes occupied, both the transmitter and receiver switch to a free frequency without the operator having to do anything!
HBC radio remote control systems have an operating range of about 250-300 meters (273-328 yards). However, the working range really depends upon the transmitter, type of signal used, and the working environment.
Battery life depends upon what type of battery is being used. HBC
batteries last from 4 to 20 hours depending on the battery and system
type. Included in each HBC System sold in North America are two
batteries except for systems that include the cubix transmitter, which
has an internal battery; therefore, there are two cubixes included with
each cubix system. Operators should always make sure one battery or
transmitter is charging when they are using the second battery or
transmitter.
Depending upon the type of battery that is used, each battery takes approximately 2-4 hours to recharge.
HBC batteries may be charged up to 1,000 times. This gives them a shelf life of up to three working years in a one-shift operation and if the batteries are properly maintained.
Memory effect occurs in batteries where the operators do not properly maintain their batteries. In situations where a battery is not fully discharged and is then immediately put on a charger, the battery tends to “solidify” the unused portion of the battery. Over time this becomes a problem because the charger only recharges small portion of the battery and reduces the battery’s operating time. This commonly occurs in batteries used in cell phones, portable phones, laptop computers and sometimes in radio remote controls.
Therefore, HBC has developed a charging system to combat memory effect in its batteries. The charger uses a pulse method that breaks up the solidified portion of the battery. The charger then adjusts its charging capacity based upon how much operating time the battery has left when placed on the charger.
Unlike many other batteries used in radio controls, HBC’s new rechargeable NiMH batteries have little to no memory effect. The older NiCd batteries, although rechargeable, are still susceptible to memory effect and do not stay charged as long as a NiMH battery.
Simply make sure your operators use up a battery’s power completely before placing them on the charger. This will help increase the life of the battery and save you money over time.
At HBC we know we can’t just tell you that we’re tough, we know we have to prove it. Outside of running over a transmitter with a forklift, HBC has one of the best track records in working in extreme environments. Our unique hard plastic housing and special impact protection kits enable our systems to stand up in the harshest of environments. So if you really want to know how tough our systems are, put ‘em to the test.
In the unlikely event that something may go wrong with your system, first disconnect your radio receiver and install your applications pendent or manual control. Then immediately contact your crane or hoist dealer or HBC-radiomatic directly. Our well-trained service technicians are available to answer any of your questions. 1-800-410-4562
In the event your system needs serious repair, and barring any major problems, you have several repair options. One of the options is the traditional repair process in which you call for an RMA and then ship the repair to HBC. HBC will quote the cost of the repair. After you receive the quote, send HBC a PO for the repair. HBC will make the necessary repairs and ship back your repaired transmitter or receiver. Average downtime for the traditional repair process is approximately 72 hours.
HBC has an additional repair process called the one price refurbished repair service. If you choose to participate in this program, you will be charged one price for any type of transmitter repair and will receive a repaired transmitter with replaced upper and lower housings. Internal components and push buttons will also be tested and replaced if necessary. A PO for the repair must be received up-front or work will not begin. Eligible transmitters include the cubix, quadrix and the micron 4 & 5.
HBC also offers the Exchange Protection Plan (E.P.P. ) for certain transmitters. The E.P.P. is like an insurance coverage program for your transmitter in case of damage. If your transmitter breaks and it is covered under the plan, call HBC and give a sales representative the serial number of the transmitter covered under the plan. That same afternoon, HBC will ship out a refurbished or replacement transmitter for overnight delivery. When you receive the new transmitter, exchange the radiomatic® iON key or radiomatic® ADCON chip from the broken transmitter to the new transmitter and ship the broken transmitter back to HBC. If the broken unit is not shipped back to HBC within 14 days, HBC will bill the customer for a replacement transmitter. Eligible transmitters include the the FST 508, 512 or 516 quadrix, the FST 516 micron 5, or the FST 516 or 524 micron 6 and the plan must be purchased when you purchase the system.
Yes. HBC offers a 24 month warranty on mechanical components and a 36 month warranty on electrical components. All of HBC’s warranties are based on single shift operations. Additional shifts reduce the life of the warranty. All parts and service are free of charge if the system has not suffered damage from abnormal working conditions. Please see our standard terms and conditions of sale for details.
According to our reports from the field, only about 5% of our systems ever return to HBC-radiomatic for repair in their lifetime. Of the ones that need repair, 95% have been caused by operator carelessness. Our system engineers stand behind the quality of this product and they are proud to have the numbers to prove it.
At HBC-radiomatic, we are “Quality in Control.” We don’t believe in out-sourcing our quality. HBC currently manufactures 88% of the parts that go into our systems. From the joystick to the communication software, everything has been invented, tested and made at our manufacturing facilities in Crailsheim, Germany, and Cincinnati, Ohio.
We have tried to find suppliers that assures us better quality but none have been as experienced and as dedicated to this industry as HBC.
Our unique HBC Production System is flexible enough to customize your product and at the same time experienced enough to build quality standard products. HBC uses a “pull” processing when producing systems in which products are “pulled” from the customer end (demand), just-in-time to be used, and not “pushed” from the production end (supply). Using this system results in eliminating waste, improving quality and reducing production time and costs.