HCT403 is the premium, advanced model in AXI Technology's manual hydraulic lever conversion series: in place of HCT402's one-to-one remote-to-motor pairing, it introduces AXI-NET, a wireless multi-device network — two remotes, two arm motors and relay cards can run together, with true field-swappable ownership and redundancy. HCT402 continues as a simplified, affordable, stable alternative; HCT403 is built for larger, more critical setups.
The arm motor side uses the same field-proven hardware as the HC402 servo family (AS5600 magnetic position sensor, DRV8701 driver, ~20 kgf force). On top of it, the AXI-NET layer adds a more sensitive next-generation RF module, an external corded magnetic antenna, immunity and early warning against supply-voltage instability, extended battery life, and a strengthened seamless-continuation and center-return algorithm.
HCT403 at a Glance
- Force
- ~20 kgf (HC402-family servo)
- Range
- ~150 m (open field)
- Network
- AXI-NET — up to 6 motors + relays
- Axes
- Dual-axis, 2 independent motors
- Battery Life
- +10 hours vs HCT402
- Emergency Stop
- On remote, instant cutoff
HCT402 vs HCT403
HCT403 doesn't replace HCT402 — it sits alongside it as the premium option. HCT402 stays simple and affordable; HCT403 is built for setups that need multiple devices, redundancy and ruggedness.
| Feature | HCT402 | HCT403 |
|---|---|---|
| Positioning | Affordable, simple | Premium, advanced |
| Connection model | Remote pairs 1:1 with a motor | AXI-NET: multiple remotes, motors and relay cards on one network |
| Number of remotes | One remote | 2 remotes can control the same motor — sequential control, shared operation from different points, hot-swap with a charging spare |
| Motor pairing | One motor | 2 motors paired to the same remote — synchronized dual-lever control, or instant swap to a pre-paired spare with no re-pairing |
| Joystick axes | Single axis (forward-back), one motor | Forward-back AND left-right — 2 independent motors from one joystick |
| Antenna | On-board PCB antenna | + 1 m corded magnetic 3dB antenna — 3× more stable signal density within range |
| Voltage immunity | Standard | Immune to supply interruptions/noise, with early warning (green-blue LED) |
| Center return | Fast ramp to center | On obstruction, 10s pulsed retry, then protects the motor + red-blue warning |
| Battery life | Standard | Power-save mode gives +10 hours |
| Expandability | None — a second motor needs a second kit | Up to 6 motors + any number of relay cards, joined to the network in the field |
HCT402 and HCT403 use separate network protocols and cannot communicate with each other. An existing HCT402 motor cannot join an HCT403 network — HCT403 is set up as a new, independent system.
Highlight Features
Warning Codes
| Condition | LED | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Unstable supply voltage / interruption detected | Green – Blue | 5 s |
| Center-return failed, motor protected | Red – Blue | 5 s |
Installation
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Power the motorAn un-networked motor starts listening on the pairing channel; its LED blinks slowly.
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Start the network from the remoteBring the remote next to the motor, hold the right corner for 15 seconds and release.
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Power-cycle the motorOnce the motor hears the request, one power cycle joins it to the new network.
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Joystick axis/direction assignmentThe remote gives a double blue beep; push the joystick fully the way the motor should move and release — setup is complete.
The remote's Emergency Stop button cuts power to the remote's own board entirely — it stops transmitting, the arm motor on the network detects the loss and quickly brings the lever to a safe position. When the remote is powered back on, control is not handed back until the lever is returned to center.
The wireless link is protected against interference and neighboring-network collisions, but it is not encrypted — it should not be relied on as the sole safeguard against deliberate interference. For critical applications, a hard-wired emergency-stop circuit is recommended.
Where This Goes Next
HCT403 launches a family, not just one kit. The following join the same AXI-NET network and will be sold separately as they become available:
Applications
Same target use as HCT402 — any sector with a manual hydraulic lever. Choose HCT403 especially where you have multiple hydraulic levers or plan to expand later.
- Truck-mounted cranes (Palfinger, Hiab, HMF, Fassi, Effer, Atlas, Kennis)
- Port cranes, multi-axis boom control
- Tractor hydraulic levers, front loaders
- Mini excavator, bucket, forklift levers
- Equipment requiring multi-axis control
- Drilling rigs, mobile platforms
Warranty & Support
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is different about HCT403 vs HCT402?
The main difference is the network architecture: HCT402 pairs one remote to one motor. HCT403 runs on AXI-NET, a wireless network where multiple remotes, arm motors and relay cards can operate together. The motor's power and hardware family are unchanged (~20 kgf, AS5600 + DRV8701); the network layer on top adds CRC-8 integrity, watchdogs on all three devices, and seamless continuation.
Can I upgrade my existing HCT402 to HCT403?
No. HCT402 and HCT403 use separate network protocols and cannot talk to each other. HCT403 is set up as a new, independent system from your existing HCT402 hardware.
How does the Emergency Stop button work?
The remote's Emergency Stop button cuts power to the remote's own board entirely. Once the remote stops transmitting, the arm motor on the network detects the loss and quickly brings the lever to a safe position. When the remote is powered back on, control is not handed back until the lever is returned to center.
Can I add a second arm motor or remote later?
Yes — that's the whole point of HCT403. The remote's "add device" step lets a new arm motor, relay card or second remote join the same network; you choose which axis it follows by pushing the joystick. These additions are sold separately.
Is the wireless link secure?
The link is protected against interference and collisions with neighboring networks (per-packet CRC-8 integrity, proximity-gated pairing). It is not encrypted, though, and should not be relied on as the sole protection against deliberate interference. A wired emergency-stop circuit is recommended for critical applications.
What happens to the lever on a brief signal drop?
On very short interruptions (an obstruction briefly blocking signal, for example) the lever holds its position; if signal returns within a few hundred milliseconds it continues from there with no return-to-center motion. Longer interruptions bring the lever safely to center.
When can I buy HCT403?
HCT403 officially launches at the start of next year. Until then it is not sold independently and continues to be developed. Starting November 1, 2026, customers who order HCT402 receive HCT403 instead, at no extra cost, until the launch date — so ordering HCT402 during this window effectively gets you an HCT403. After launch, the two models continue as separate, independent products.
HCT403 — AXI Technology's next-generation hydraulic lever control system running on the AXI-NET wireless multi-device network. Launching at the start of next year; shipped at no extra cost with HCT402 orders until then.