Crane Wired Pendants vs Wireless Radio remote Controls.

Wired Control of EOT Cranes with Push Button Pendants

Pendant Push Button communication is based on transmitting information using multi-core copper cables . As the Operator Presses a Button , the NO - NC Contact gets activate and the information is converted into the electrical signal which is then transmitted by the means of cable.

The Cable is connected to the control panel. In the Control panel, the electrical signal is Switches on a specific Contactor which activates the Motor to move the crane in the desired direction.

Wired communication network requires components such as cables, types of terminal apparatus.The connectors are inserted at the endpoints of the connecting cable, so there shouldn’t be any loss of signal.

In todays modern era , in the wired communication networks, fiber optic technology is being used which provides clear signals at both ends i.e. Pendant and Control Panel. It has less probability of getting damage. But due to cost reasons , Multi core copper cables are used.As compared to copper wire, fiber optic technology is the best option as it provides long-distance communication with the quality of the signal.

Generally, wired communication is a more stable and reliable connection as compared to other types. It can withstand adverse weather conditions.

Types of Pendant Communication techniques

• Twisted pair.

  It provides better compatibility with the electromagnetic signals. It is better than the single conductor as it reduces the electromagnetic radiation in the signal. Also, it avoids the crosstalk between the communication mode.

• Coaxial Cable.

  Coaxial cable is also known as a coax cable, which is an electrical cable. It consists of a conductor which is covered by an insulating shield. It is specifically used to carry high-frequency electrical signals, with minimum loss. Due to its insulation shielding, it keeps most of the electromagnetic energy inside the conductor. It is also highly resistant to noise.

• Multi Core Cable.

  Normal everyday use multi core cables are used in almost all pendants today.1 sq mm 9 to 21 core cables are used for pendants.

Benefits of Wired Communication

• Reliability and Stability.

  As compared to the wireless connection, the wired connection provides a more reliable and stable connection. By installing hubs, switches, and Ethernet cable, we can able to access a reliable connection. One benefit which we get in wired connection is the network signal is not interrupted with any other signals.
  
  Wireless communication fails in the reliability factor, if the connection is interrupted by any other signal, its stability gets compromised.
  
  There is some obstruction in the wireless connection as any object or wall comes in between, it impacts the signal strength. Whereas wired connections are not affected by these factors, as any obstruction of any object doesn’t matter in a wired connection.

• Visibility

  Wired networks are not visible by additional wired networks. There is no interference in the wired connection, as the signal is transmitted through the wire. The end connection networks are programmed so that it recognizes the destination address and then transfer the data to the desired location.

• Speed

  Mostly wired connections are faster than the wireless connection. We get a stable data speed in the wired connection. However, the data speed gets fluctuated in the wireless connection as the number of users gets increased or some object comes in-between. If there is any dead spot in the network, the wired connection is not affected by it. However, in a wireless connection, it will stop working. Wired connection is not affected by dead spots, just because each and every device is connected with each other. If one route gets failed, we can communicate with another alternative route. As compared to the wireless connection, a wired connection is faster because there is no interruption in the signal as well as it is not affected by any dead spot in the network.

• Security

  Wired connections are more secure because we can access that network through our physical connection cable. Whereas with wireless networks, Wi-Fi is broadcasted. Hence anyone can hack the connection. Hence whenever a network is a setup, we need to configure it with firewalls and some security applications.

• Cost

  As compared to the wireless network, wired network is quite expensive. As it consists of cables, switches and other hardware. Additionally, the components need to be upgraded from time to time.

Disadvantages of Wired Connection

• Lack of Mobility.

  The wired connection doesn’t offer mobility as compared to the wireless connection. If the user wants to move to a different location, then we will require additional cables, and switches to connect the devices.

• Installation

  Wired communication takes a long time to set up the connection as compared to the wireless connection. The installation becomes very lengthy and complex if we want to get connected with each and every router. If later we want to connect one more device with the network, then we have to do the setup again. However, in the wireless connection, we have don’t have to perform all the setup again. We just have to access the particular network with the authorized passcode.

• Maintenance

  If the user requires a small network frame, then there is no requirement of a server. However, if we want to add more devices, then a server is necessary. So that it can handle all the devices, its connectivity, storage, and workload. Whenever there is a requirement of a server, then the maintenance is necessary which will be costly.

• Wires

  Wired networks with a collection of wires can cause very inconvenient to the users. If the user is mainly concern about the security and life span of the network, then the wiring is not an issue for that user.

WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS

Wireless communication refers to the transmission of data through air, physical environment, or atmosphere. In a wireless connection, the data is in the form of an electromagnetic signal. In the transmission method, the sender device converts the original information into an electromagnetic signal and then propagate the wireless signal through the air medium. When the signal reaches the destination, then the receiver converts the electromagnetic signal into the original information. Likewise, the information is transmitted and received.

Types of Wireless Communication

• Broadcast Radio

  Radio is the first wireless technology that we are using still using it. Audio broadcasting is done through radio waves via air medium. The radio uses a transmitter that transmits the data in the form of radio waves and a receiving antenna which catches these radio waves and again converts it into the original form. The communication range of the radio broadcast is up to 2 megabits/second for AM (Amplitude Modulation) or FM (Frequency Modulation) radio.

• Satellite Communication

  Satellite communication allows two or more users to stay connected anywhere on earth. The modulated microwave beam has been transmitted towards the satellite. When the satellite receives the signal, it amplifies the signal and again it sends back to the earth. When the antenna at earth surface receives the signal. It demodulates it which converts it into original form. Satellite communication consists of two main components, that are the space segment and the ground segment. The frequency of transmission and reception of data from the earth's surface is 11 to 14 GHz and its transmission speed is from 1 to 10 Mbps.

• Infrared Communication

  Infrared communication works on an Infrared (IR) radiation, which is electromagnetic energy. This wavelength is longer than the red light, hence it is not visible from the naked eye. In the electromagnetic spectrum, the infrared radiation lies between the microwave and visible light spectrum. Infrared communication is mostly used for short-distance communication such as security control, remote controls, etc. Its main disadvantage is if any object comes between the transmitter and receiver, it won’t be able to transmit the data.

• Microwave Communication

  In microwave communication, the data is transferred in the form of microwave radio waves. It uses a high-frequency radio wave beams so that it can provide high-speed data connection. It is basically used for point to point communication. In this type of communication, the data is transferred in two methods: satellite method or terrestrial method.

• Mobile Communication

  Almost every person communicates with each other through a single frequency band. Cellular and cordless phones are the devices which use wireless signals. Nowadays cell phones have become very common, that even a school kid has a cell phone. Hence, there is a large number of users, the range of the network is huge to provide coverage for every user. However, cordless phones have a limited range.

• Bluetooth Technolgy

  Bluetooth technology is mainly used for transferring the data from one device to another device over a short distance. It allows connecting various devices wirelessly. This technology eradicates the use of wire over a short distance communication. Such as Bluetooth headphones, transferring data, etc. It is most commonly used in the market.

Benefits of Wireless Communication

• Convenience

  One can access the network signal from any location through wirelessly over it provided coverage range.

• Mobility

  One can move from one place to another, while accessing the network. Wireless network offers the mobility to the user without any interruption.

• Easy Installation

  Wireless communication has a quick and easy installation procedures. It doesn’t require many equipment to setup network.

• Expandability

  We can easily expand the network with existing equipment installed. We just need to setup a single router and can get connected to multiple devices. However, in wired connection, if we need one more device to be connected. Then we have to perform setup again. So that one particular device is also connected to the network.

• Security

  When the encryption, firewall and other security application are installed in the network or devices. Then the wireless network provides robust security protections.

• Cost-Effective

  As the wireless network eliminated the additional wire usage. The installation cost is not much, also it eliminates the need of maintenance.

Disadvantage of Wireless Communication

• Visibility

  In wireless communication, one network is visible to the other network. Hence, there are chances of interference from another signal into our signal. This can compromise the performance and quality of the network.

• Security

  A wireless network is less secure than wired networks. As the information is transmitted by air, then there are chances that the information can be leaked, if the encryption is not done properly.

• Speed

  In a wireless network, the speed is depending on the capability of the current configuration of the device.

• Reliability and Stability

  A wireless network can be interfered by some other networks. Also, when some object or walls comes in between the sender and receiver, then the strength of the signals gets weak. The wireless network has more latency present as compared to the wired networks.

Crane Pendant vs Radio Remote Control Features

The wireless radio communication provides more reliability even in a harsh environment, which is specifically used in critical and industrial applications. Wireless communication provides cost-effective, easy installation and mobility as compared to wired communication. When compared with a wired connection, a wireless connection requires minimum maintenance. If an underground cable is damaged. Then we need to repair or replace the cable, which will cost high. Whereas wireless communication doesn’t require such kind of maintenance. To communicate over long distances through wireless communication, Access Points (AP) are installed to amplify the signals. So over a long distance, the signal doesn’t get weak or some distortion is not created in that signal. Wired communication is more reliable and stable as compared to wireless communication. It also provides better security than the wireless one.

Wired vs Wireless Communication Security

Wireless communication is based on electromagnetic waves that use radio frequencies (RF) to propagate the information through an open space. Wired connection is more secured as compared to the wireless connection. Because we can access the wired network through physical cable only. When we provide an authenticated identity, then only the wired connection will give us to access the particular network.

However, in a wireless connection, the information is transmitted through an open space. If someone leaks the information and decrypt it. Then the middle man or unauthorized person will get access to that particular network or information. For wireless communication, we need a strong security application.

Applications of pendants and radio remote control

Some of the applications are listed below, however, it is not limited to:

• It is used in the military for secure communication and missile guidance.
• Used in image processing for pattern recognition, robotic vision, and image increase.
• Digital signal processing.
• Telephony, text messaging, video calling.
• Space communication, wherever a spacecraft transmits signals to the earth.
• Video compression.
• Speech recognition
• Digital audio transmission.
• Data compression
• Security Systems
• Wi-Fi
• Wireless Power Transfer
• Bluetooth
• Global Positioning System (GPS)
• Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM)
• Television Broadcast

Conclusion

If one is not concerned about the cost of upgradation or maintenance & the user needs maximum security, then the wired communication is the best choice. Also if the user is not concerned about mobility, a wired connection will fulfill all the needs. However, if one is concerned about the cost and gives preference to the mobility ,then the user should consider wireless communication. As it is cost-effective and requires less equipment to be installed. Also it is maintenance-free.

Crane Pendant and Radio Remote control both are used as a transmitter for the crane. They both have their merits and demerits. Crane Wired Pendant is a wired with a remote attached it won’t work if the wire is not connected to the crane.

Radio Remote Control is wireless remote which works on radio waves. Crane pendant have stable communication dues to cables whereas Radio remotes use the noisy RF spectrum.

Crane pendant installation is difficult and even the maintenance is costly, With radio remote, installation is quick and they don’t carry maintenance. Radio gives mobility.

Wireless control is more convenient because the operator has less risk of life because he/she will operate the crane from a distance.