What should I check during periodic maintenance?
On the remote control side, check the button feel, enclosure cracks, seal condition and the charging connector; on the receiver side, the tightness of the cable glands and cover screws, terminal torque, relay contacts and the antenna connection. Also test the function of the limit switches, the contactor interlocking and the machine's wired emergency stop circuit.
Carry out periodic maintenance under three headings.
1) Remote control (transmitter):
- Button feel and return; a sticking button is a risk of unintended commands.
- Enclosure cracks, seal lip and tears in the button membrane. IP protection cannot be assumed on an enclosure that has taken an impact.
- On the ST100/ST200, the cleanliness and pin condition of the AXI-Link charging connector; on the SF100/SF200, corrosion on the battery compartment terminals.
- A noticeable shortening of charge holding time — typical Li-Po cycle life is 300-500 cycles.
2) Receiver and panel:
- Tightness of the cable glands and cover screws; a loose gland effectively eliminates IP67 protection.
- Terminal tightness and signs of heating/discolouration on conductors.
- Arcing marks on the relay contacts; if an inductive load is being driven, verify that the snubber/diode is in place.
- The antenna connection, connector oxidation, and that the antenna is outside the panel in a vertical position.
- Accumulation of dust, moisture and condensation.
3) Function test (machine energised, without load):
- That each channel drives the correct movement.
- That the limit switches actually cut off.
- That the interlocking between the direction contactors works.
- The function of the machine's wired emergency stop circuit.
- That the motion stops at the limit of range.
Record the findings on a dated log form.
The full topic: Wireless Crane Remote Control Selection Guide