Channel-to-Movement Mapping (Channel Mapping)
Distributing the control channels over the machine's movements and directions in a planned way. Because every independent direction uses one channel, a forward-reverse movement needs 2 channels and a three-axis application needs 6. The mapping should be finished on paper before wiring.
On a relay-output remote control, a channel is an on/off contact. The typical distribution in the product descriptions is as follows: on 4 channels, CH1–2 is the forward-reverse direction of the first motor and CH3–4 the forward-reverse direction of the second motor; on 6 channels a third movement is added (for example hoist, boom and slew).
- Planning: first list the movements, write down how many directions each one has, and compare the total with the channel count. If channels are short, consider leaving one of the movements hard-wired.
- Labelling: match the channel number exactly to the button and terminal labels; this is the first item of operator training.
- Expansion: if movements will be added later, choosing a set with a higher channel count from the start creates less work than swapping the set afterwards.
The ST100 comes in 2 and 4 channels, the ST200 in 2, 4 and 6 channel options; the SF100 and SF200 sets are 2 channels.
The context in which this term is used: Wireless Crane Remote Control Selection Guide