Can more than one remote control be paired to a single receiver?
More than one transmitter can be taught; the number is not in the product data, so confirm it from the manual. Only one operator commands at any one time.
Technically yes: more than one transmitter identity can be stored in the memory of a receiver. However, how many remote controls can be taught is not stated in the product data; if you are planning a spare remote control or two-operator use, confirm that capacity from the user manual or from technical support before purchase. Functionally, the correct arrangement is that, however many remote controls have been taught, only one operator gives commands at any one time.
When is more than one transmitter taught
- A spare remote control. If the main device is dropped, gets wet or is lost, the shift does not stop; this is the most common reason. Whether the spare remote control works with the same receiver is dealt with under a separate heading.
- Two shifts, two devices. Each shift has its own remote control; at handover it is the responsibility that is transferred, not the device.
- Two different working positions. For example one on the ground and one on a platform. This arrangement is only safe when it is made a rule that only one person gives commands at a time.
Knowing the capacity is necessary in practice as well: when the memory is full some systems refuse to teach, others write over the oldest identity. If you teach a new device without knowing which of the two applies, you may silently put out of service the main remote control you believed to be working.
Scenario and correct arrangement
| Requirement | Correct arrangement | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Work should not stop if the main device fails | Teach a second remote control to the same receiver and keep it in a locked cabinet | On a single-device set a small fault stops the whole shift |
| Two shifts, two operators | Two remote controls, but only one of them in use at a time | The handover can be recorded, responsibility does not stay unclear |
| Two people are to work simultaneously | Split the movements across separate receivers | A double command to the same machine creates a safety risk |
| The remote control has been lost | First delete the identity from the memory, then teach the new one | As long as the lost device is not deleted it goes on giving commands |
The operational rule: one command at a time
Two people being able to give commands to the same machine at the same time is risky from a safety point of view. Good practice is as follows:
- Only one remote control should be in use at any one time; the other should stay switched off in a locked cabinet as a spare.
- The handover of the remote control at shift change should be recorded.
- Each remote control should clearly state on it which machine it belongs to.
- The wired emergency stop circuit on the machine should be reachable under all conditions.
- Which movement each channel number corresponds to should be the same on both devices; keep the channel-to-movement plan in writing.
Verification after teaching
- Leave the machine unloaded and try each channel one by one on the new remote control.
- Verify the directions; the up key giving downward movement is the most frequent installation error.
- Check that the main remote control still works. On some systems a new teaching takes the place of the old one; this is only noticed when the main device is tried.
- Then carry out a loaded verification.
- Label both devices and note the pairing date. For the detail of the steps see the pairing heading.
Where this arrangement is not suitable
- If two people have to work simultaneously, the solution is not a second remote control but splitting the movements across separate receivers.
- If the remote control has been lost, teaching a new device is not enough; the identity of the lost device has to be deleted from the receiver. The route to follow is described under the lost remote control heading.
- Teaching devices with different channel counts to the same receiver leads to the missing channels silently staying unusable.
- On hire machines the identities in the memory need to be reviewed after every return.
The battery of the spare device has to be charged periodically as well, or its cells checked; a leaking cell in an unused device is a common fault. Running the remote control waiting in the cabinet once a month and trying one channel heads off the surprise at the moment of need; the rules under long-term storage apply to the spare device as well.
The full topic: Wireless Crane Remote Control Selection Guide