New Controller Features “Full Metal Jacket” Durability
Description
Cattron Group International, a leading global manufacturer of remote control products and professional services for the industrial, mining, commercial mobile and railroad markets, announced today it has started producing its MKU Radio Remote Control system which includes the Metal Keypad-U (MKU) Operator Control Unit (“OCU” - Transmitter/controller) for industrial applications. Emphasizing its “Full Metal Jacket” construction, the company claims the MKU is the first radio remote control product to combine the robust design requirements of the North American market with European CE safety approvals.
The MKU controller employs sophisticated industrial grade mil-spec digital components protected by a thick-walled, epoxy-coated extruded aluminum case. The ends of the housing are protected by rubberized metal plated shock-absorbing end caps. The MKU controller weighs 1.4 lbs. (634 grams) and also features switch types that are a sealed silicon elastomer product that is dust, water, oil, and acid resistant, with a tactile feel and clear epoxy coated dual-step pushbuttons. Additional features include five bi-color LED’s for system status, low battery warning and parameter selection, power-on self-diagnostics, keypad audible feedback and low battery indication. A removable contact-less RFID key, “Transkey”, is programmed with all necessary system configuration.
The hardware and software structure of the MKU System meets the structural design required to acquire the Safety Integrity Level (SIL) 3 of EN61508 and Category 3 of the European Safety Norm EN954-1. The MKU also meets the standards of the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Industry Canada (IC) non-licensed operations.
The system operates on unlicensed 902-928 MHZ band for North and South America with other frequency bands being available in Europe and Asia. The Cattron® brand MKU OCU and its companion, or Machine Control Unit (“MCU” - Receiver/decoder), are designed as dual-channel systems that incorporate advanced microcomputer electronics and surface-mount technology. The MKU is first of a number of products designed on a core platform where all controllers and receiver/decoders (MCU’s) can work together under one platform.
The MKU controller employs sophisticated industrial grade mil-spec digital components protected by a thick-walled, epoxy-coated extruded aluminum case. The ends of the housing are protected by rubberized metal plated shock-absorbing end caps. The MKU controller weighs 1.4 lbs. (634 grams) and also features switch types that are a sealed silicon elastomer product that is dust, water, oil, and acid resistant, with a tactile feel and clear epoxy coated dual-step pushbuttons. Additional features include five bi-color LED’s for system status, low battery warning and parameter selection, power-on self-diagnostics, keypad audible feedback and low battery indication. A removable contact-less RFID key, “Transkey”, is programmed with all necessary system configuration.
The hardware and software structure of the MKU System meets the structural design required to acquire the Safety Integrity Level (SIL) 3 of EN61508 and Category 3 of the European Safety Norm EN954-1. The MKU also meets the standards of the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Industry Canada (IC) non-licensed operations.
The system operates on unlicensed 902-928 MHZ band for North and South America with other frequency bands being available in Europe and Asia. The Cattron® brand MKU OCU and its companion, or Machine Control Unit (“MCU” - Receiver/decoder), are designed as dual-channel systems that incorporate advanced microcomputer electronics and surface-mount technology. The MKU is first of a number of products designed on a core platform where all controllers and receiver/decoders (MCU’s) can work together under one platform.
Specs
• Case Material................................... Extreme duty NEMA 4, IP66 watertight aluminum housing • Approx. Weight................................. 1.4 lbs. / 634 grams (including battery pack) • Dimensions....................................... 8.0" x 3.0" x 2.0", (approx. 203 mm x 76 mm x 51 mm) • Operating Temperature.................... -22ºF to +140ºF (-30ºC to +60ºC); Consult factory for temperature requirements beyond those listed. • Switch Options................................. 4, 8, or 12 push-buttons; single- or dual-pressure • Switch Type..................................... Sealed silicon elastomer keypad, dust, water, oil, acid resistant with ‘tactile feel’, clear epoxy coated push buttons • Battery Life (continuous operation)... 3 Volt alkaline battery pack or rechargeable Ni-Cad Battery pack. In U.S., Canada and non EC Countries, battery life is: Ni-Cad pack - 65 hours, Alkaline pack - 150 hours. In EC Countries, battery life is: Ni-Cad pack - 40 hours, Alkaline pack - 95 hours. • Transmit Indicator............................ Green LED flashes with every transmission • Low-Battery Indication...................... Yellow LED flashes for low battery; low battery alert signal beeps every 10 seconds • Battery Charging.............................. Internal or External Ni-Cad (External Ni-Cad availability pending). 10 hour charger standard, 1 hour charger optional. • Audio Speaker.................................. For "key click," diagnostics and low battery indication • System Configuration....................... Saved in removable contact-less RFID key (Trans-Key™); defines system address, RF channel, key mapping and operation parameters • Antenna........................................... Internal • Transmitter Frequency...................... Unlicensed 903-927 MHz band for North and South America; other frequency bands are available for Europe and Asia • Approvals......................................... Worldwide standards safety acceptance, Class 3 (EN-954-1) for Stop Commands, SIL 3 (EN-61508) for structural design, US FCC and Industry Canada non-licensed operation • Operating Range.............................. In excess of 300 ft.(92 m) line of sight • Labels.............................................. Sheet of self-adhesive Mylar, reverse-printed labels supplied. Optional reverse engraved custom faceplate available. • Carrying Straps................................. Belt loop strap standard; shoulder strap optional