Channel Budget
Calculating the total number of channels needed by multiplying the number of movements on the machine by the number of directions of each movement. Because every bidirectional movement uses two channels, a crane with hoist and boom needs 4 channels, and an application with hoist + boom + slew needs 6 channels.
The channel budget is a simple addition, but the most common selection mistake in the field starts here. When you do the calculation, add not only the main movements but also the auxiliary functions you want to control.
- One-way function (pump, lock release, horn): 1 channel.
- Bidirectional movement (up/down, forward/reverse, slew left/right): 2 channels.
- A second speed step: +1 channel, because it drives its own contactor.
The scenarios in the product data confirm this logic: in 4-channel installations a twin-motor platform is driven as CH1–2 and CH3–4, or crane and boom together, or an X/Y actuator pair. In a 6-channel installation, a port crane takes hoist, boom and slew movements from the same remote control.
Do not close the budget right at the limit. Since the channel count cannot be increased later, leaving at least one spare channel saves you from an expensive receiver swap for a brake, lock or second speed added in the future.
The context in which this term is used: Wireless Crane Remote Control Selection Guide