Remote Control 

Remote Controls: Introduction

Remote Controls are wireless devices designed to control machines and various equipment from remote locations. These compact handheld controllers are in high demand within industries, such as construction, transportation, inventories, ship-building, manufacturing, warehousing, and many more. The main purpose of these units is to safely operate industrial machine with high safety and increased efficiency. Remote controllers are provided with highly sensitive transmitter and receiver units to send or receive infrared signals which in turn send commands to the controlled device. They are commonly used to control various heavy duty machines such as cranes, pumps, hoists, conveyors, and automated vehicles. These control devices come with programmable functions and feedback capabilities based on applications and operational range. Remote control devices reduce the need for labor force and improve overall productivity within commercial sectors and industrial facilities. These control systems are also used in homes for controlling air coolers, fans, televisions and treadmills.

How Remote Controls Work?

Remote controllers are highly active control devices that function by transmitting signals between controller and the device/ machine being controlled. These units are available in different variants that use radio or infrared waves to send instructions from a distance. The integrated circuit installed within remote controllers is provided with processors and memory chips from which command is retrieved and transmitted in the form of waves when the remote button is pressed. These transmission waves can be easily passed through various obstacles such as walls, machine frames, and others that make them suitable for small to large scale industrial facilities.

Types of Remote Controls

Remote Control devices can be classified as per their control methods and intended applications. Some of the common types of electronic remote controllers are:

Radio Remote Controls: These devices function by transmitting radio waves for streamlined transmission of control signals. These high-performance control units are specially designed for industrial machines such as conveyor systems, hydraulic machines, and cranes.

Infrared Remote Controls: These types of wireless controllers are in high demand within applications where there is a risk of radio frequency interference.

Wi-Fi Remote Controls: These high-performance control devices use Wi-Fi technology for signal transmission. These smart handheld controllers can be used in application areas, such as HVAC systems and industrial automation.

Wired Remote Controls: These wired controllers are suitable for underground applications where wireless communication is not feasible such as mines. These industrial-grade control devices send control signals via highly durable conductive wires to transmit signals from the control device to machines.

Universal Remote Control: They are specially designed for multiple appliances such as televisions, DVD players, cable boxes, air conditioners, and many more.

Advanced Remote Control Features: Voice Command, Gesture Control, and More

In the market, there are many different types of remote control devices that come with several advanced features to improve working efficiency and usability. These features include:

Voice Command: this intelligent voice control system is commonly used in areas where direct contact is not possible or dangerous. It allows workers to control various types of machines without physically feeding control data.

Gesture Control: in this control system we use physical gestures that are sensed with the help of active proximity sensors to provide better control over machines from a distance. It is commonly used to control cranes or other heavy-duty machines.

Data Logging and Analysis: This advanced data logging and analysis control system functions by measuring, documenting, analyzing, and validating the automation systems to ensure improved functioning and performance.

Programmable Functions: it uses programmable microprocessor-based technology to control automation systems as per the specific needs of the machines in which it is going to be used.

Haptic Feedback: The tactile feedback system can be used in commercial as well as industrial automation systems to improve the working efficiency of machines as well as ensure safe operation.
 

Common Problems with Remote Controls and Troubleshooting Tips

Remote Controls are electronic devices that may experience technical or physical problems due to harsh industrial conditions. Given below are common problems that may occur in remote controls and their troubleshooting tips:

Interference: The signal of wireless remote controllers may interfere with electronic devices around the vicinity which lead to malfunctioning. To overcome this problem it is advised to remove the source of interference.

Dead batteries: Handheld remote control devices function with the help of rechargeable lithium battery packs, if these power sources are dead and low on power in that case remote controllers will not work at all. The solution is simple; replace old batteries with new ones.

Physical damages: The abnormal functioning of remote controllers may be due to physical damages to components such as antenna, button panels, and others. The damaged components need to be replaced for proper functioning.

Blocked sensors: Accumulation of dirt, dust, and other impurities may cause distortion during signal transmission which ultimately leads to abnormal functioning. Use cleaning liquid and cotton swabs to clean sensors.

Dead infrared emitter: Damaged signal emitters prevent the remote controller from streamlined functioning. Check if the emitter is blocked or damaged; replace it with a new emitter.

FAQs: Remote Control

Q. What is the difference between an infrared and radio frequency remote control?

Ans. Both Infrared and Radio Frequency remote controllers are wireless type control devices that can be used in various commercial as well as industrial applications to remotely control machines and automation systems. They are different as per signal transmission methods.

Infrared remote control devices are installed with modules to transmit infrared signals in coded form which is then interpreted at receiver end to carry out the desired action. They are commonly used in limited spaces due to small transmission range. These units require a clear line of sight hence it is not possible to control devices in different rooms.

Radio frequency remote controllers use signals that can travel within large spaces and are capable of passing obstacles to easily send signals to machines that need to be controlled. There is no such requirement to get a clear line of sight for these remote controllers that make them capable to control machines located in different rooms. These control devices can be used in home, commercial, and industrial automation systems.
 

Q. What is the range of a remote control?

Ans. There are several factors on the range of remote control depends, such as the type of remote controllers, input frequency, interference, and others. The most common range up to which the remote controller works is 15 meters. It can be altered in case of obstruction present in the path of signals transmitted via remote controllers. Radio frequency controlled remotes are capable of transmitting coded signals over larger distances and are capable of passing various obstructions such as walls and other objects which ultimately result in increased working range. The wired remote controls have a limited range that depends on the length of the transmission wire used within the control systems.

Q. Can I use a remote control for multiple devices?

Ans. There are many different types of remote available that can be used in commercial as well as industrial applications, but the compatibility between the remote control and devices that are going to be controlled depends on the type of remote you are using. Wireless controllers such as infrared, radio frequency, and programmable types, can only be used to operate specific machines that are preset as per the standards of control devices.

Ans. Universal remote controllers are a special type of control device that is compatible with a number of appliances, such as home theatres, cable boxes, televisions, and many more. They are available in various types according to their sizes and standards. These universal devices are provided with a code database for different services that make them compatible with various devices that need to be controlled remotely.

Q. What is a learning remote control and how does it work?

Ans. Leaning remote control is a special type of universal controller that can be used to trace and mimic the functioning of original controllers. It is mainly used in electronic industries to learn and store codes from the original controller that is designed for a specific device. This system can also be used to combine several remote controls into one to conveniently control several devices. This control unit also helps provide control access to learning devices without the need for a code database. It is equipped with a highly sensitive infrared sensor to receive signals from an original remote control. It comes with a code database to record and store signals coming from original remote controllers. After the complete process of learning, recording, and storing of signals, this learning remote control is capable of functioning in a similar way to the original devices.