Wired joystick or wireless remote control: which is more suitable for which job?
On jobs where the operator works from a fixed control point, a wired joystick is sufficient. On jobs where the operator must walk around the equipment to see the load, wireless remote control provides a clear advantage; the HCT400 and HCT402 can work up to 100 meters in open areas within line of sight, and if the signal is lost they move to the safe position within 250 ms.
The choice is not a matter of ergonomics but of line of sight. If the operator cannot see the load directly, they are forced to work with a signaler; this both slows work down and increases the margin for error.
Wireless should be preferred:
- If it is necessary to move behind or beside the equipment to position the load.
- If the distance between the cab and the work point obstructs the view.
- If there is a risk of the cable catching on a moving part.
Wired is sufficient:
- If the operator already stands at a fixed point with a full view.
- If there is an operating setup in which battery and charge tracking cannot be done.
The additional responsibility that wireless brings is charge management. On both models, a standard USB output (cigarette lighter, power bank, adapter) can be used as the charging source. On both models charging is done over the AXI-Link cable, and the HCT402 does not accept commands while charging.
Full coverage of this topic: Connect Plus and Minus, Run: Installation That Does Not Depend on Technical Staff