Remote Control System Blends Strength, Safety

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Cattron Group's MKU radio remote control system

July 27, 2007 • Sharpsville, Pa.-based Cattron Group International has started producing its MKU Radio Remote Control system, which includes the Metal Keypad-U (MKU) Operator Control Unit for industrial applications. The company, a leading global manufacturer of remote control products and professional services for the industrial, mining, commercial mobile and railroad markets, claims the MKU is the first radio remote control product to combine the robust design requirements of the North American market with European CE safety approvals.

The MKU controller employs sophisticated industrial grade mil-spec digital components protected by a thick-walled, epoxy-coated extruded aluminum case. The ends of the housing are protected by rubberized metal-plated, shock-absorbing end caps. The MKU controller weighs 1.4 pounds and also features switch types that are a sealed silicon elastomer product that is dust, water, oil, and acid resistant, with a tactile feel and clear epoxy-coated dual-step pushbuttons. Additional features include five bi-color LEDs for system status, parameter selection, power-on self-diagnostics, keypad audible feedback and low-battery indication. A removable contact-less RFID key, or “Transkey,” is programmed with all necessary system configurations.

The hardware and software structure of the MKU System meets the structural design required to acquire the Safety Integrity Level (SIL) 3 of EN61508 and Category 3 of the European Safety Norm EN954-1. The MKU also meets the standards of the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Industry Canada (IC) non-licensed operations.

The system operates on unlicensed 902-928 MHZ band for North and South America with other frequency bands being available in Europe and Asia. The Cattron brand MKU OCU and its companion, or Machine Control Unit (“MCU” - Receiver/decoder), are designed as dual-channel systems that incorporate advanced microcomputer electronics and surface-mount technology. The MKU is the first of a number of products designed on a core platform where all controllers and receiver/decoders can work together under one platform.

With more than 60 years of radio frequency and industrial remote control experience, Cattron Group companies have a total installed base of more than 125,000 remote control systems throughout the world. Its products are suitable for all industries including construction, material handling, railroads, mining, aerospace, steel, agriculture, utility vehicles and more.

For more information visit www.cattrongroup.com.