Kristianstads Lyftdon AB, or KLAB, are experts in ergonomic lifting and driver’s chairs for industrial use. They develop and build operator cabins for larger cranes used in the steel industry, heating plants, waste-handling stations, etc. With a focus on ergonomics, they produce everything needed inside an operator’s cabin — the most important operational part being the steering device itself, the joystick, which the operator uses to control the machine.

“We have been making joysticks since the start in 1978 and have a good idea of what the industry needs. When we designed our latest joystick, we wanted to provide it with bus communication. Previously, these solutions have often been hard-wired. As the industry is increasingly moving towards Ethernet communication and several of our major customers are in central Europe, PROFINET was the network we mainly wanted the joystick to communicate on,”

says Sven Holmer, owner, and chairman of KLAB.

Any network

KLAB’s technology partner recommended they use Anybus CompactCom from HMS to enable the joystick to communicate on PROFINET. Just as the name suggests, Anybus allows the joystick to communicate on any network — Fieldbus or industrial Ethernet. You can easily switch to another Anybus CompactCom and thus communicate on other networks such as EtherNet/IP, EtherCAT, Modbus-TCP, or CC-Link IE Field. This opens up opportunities to sell the joystick in new markets, in other parts of the world.

“We start with PROFINET. But, of course, we also see new opportunities now that the joystick can communicate on other industrial networks in other markets,”

says Sven Holmer at KLAB.

Any form factor

Anybus CompactCom is also flexible in terms of form factor. Users can choose to integrate a chip that contains all the necessary software, or a so-called “Brick” including hardware and software for PCB mounting.

A third alternative is a complete CompactCom Module which is simply plugged into the end product.

KLAB chose the Brick solution — Anybus CompactCom B40 — which suited the joystick well in terms of size, functionality, and price.

Embedded web server makes data available

Another major advantage of the Anybus solution is that it has a built-in web server that allows KLAB to store data from the joystick — both for control and analysis. This means that KLAB and its customers can gain important insight into how the joystick is used by operators. This opens opportunities to refine and improve the product for different applications. The web server also makes it possible to access and configure the solution from anywhere.

Easy implementation

Sven Holmer describes the implementation of Anybus technology as relatively easy — From idea to finished and working product in about a year.

“We could definitely have done it faster, but we have a lot to do and development projects like this often have to wait a bit. However, we have not encountered any major problems and with good support from HMS, the communication solution came into place smoothly,”

he says.

The post HMS Industrial Networks AB, Network Communication Opens New Opportunities for Industrial Joysticks appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

Launched at the end of 2016, Mannheim’s flagship 6230R and 6250R with CommandPRO set new standards for John Deere tractors, with the joystick introducing a new dimension in ergonomics and versatility. Top speed can be reached with just one push, and 11 programmable buttons are available for the hitch, PTO, SCVs, AutoTrac controls etc.

The functionality of CommandPRO allows the tractor to be controlled from top speed to zero with a simple push or pull of the joystick, and lower speeds from 0 to 2kph can be achieved with the creeper control function. Both the joystick and pedals can be operated at the same time, and there is no need for an external ISObus joystick as the driver can also operate the tractor and ISObus functions simultaneously.

CommandPRO will be available on the wider 6R Series range in combination with John Deere’s AutoPowr transmission, and both features are standard on the 6R Ultimate Edition models. CommandPRO can be ordered in combination with either the 4600 or the new 4200 CommandCentre display.

The 4200 replaces the 7in 4100 unit and features a larger 8.4in screen. This terminal controls AutoTrac, Section Control, data documentation and other applications. It is also ready for all AEF certified ISObus functions such as joystick control and data transfer between tractor and implements.

Furthermore, all 6R Series tractors can be equipped with variable ratio steering (VRS). This requires less arm movement and significantly less steering effort, allowing quick and smooth headland turns. The system can be activated and deactivated from the tractor’s CommandCentre control console. Additional operator comfort is provided by the leather steering wheel as well as a self-cancelling turn signal.

Equipped with a larger hydraulic pump, the 6145R and 6155R models now deliver a powerful maximum flow of 155 litres/min. This is an increase of 23 per cent compared to the previous pump.

With the larger 6R Series models above 130hp featuring Stage V compliant engines, John Deere is already achieving the stringent emission values that will apply from 1 January 2019 for tractors above 170hp.

The latest PowerMix test in Germany clearly shows that there is no conflict between low emission values and engine efficiency. The 6250R has set a new fluid efficiency benchmark at the DLG test centre in Groß-Umstadt, achieving the best result in this horsepower segment with a total fluid consumption of only 364g/kWh in transport mode.

Source: John Deere news

The post John Deere’s CommandPRO now available for 6R Series appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.