How many channels should a crane remote control have?
The channel count equals the number of independent movements. Typically 2 for a fixed hoist, 4 for a crane travelling on a rail, and 6 for an overhead crane. Up/down works bidirectionally on a single channel.
The channel count determines how many independent movements the remote control can drive. Opposite directions such as up/down work bidirectionally on a single channel, so what matters is the number of movements, not the number of directions.
- 2 channels: fixed hoist, balcony crane (up, down)
- 4 channels: crane travelling on a rail (up, down, forward, backward)
- 6 channels: overhead crane (hoisting, long travel, cross travel)
Since you may later want to add a horn, a brake or lighting, buying one channel more than you need is cheaper than replacing the remote control completely.
The full topic: Wireless Crane Remote Control Selection Guide