Pulse Width Modulation (PWM for short) allows you to operate hydraulic valve blocks gently, just like using a manual lever.
This lets you control the speed of movement and oil flow rather than simply turning an a electric solenoid valve to full flow with a bang.
It is done using our PWM remote control systems, programmed to provide you with the same feel and speed, without using a manual lever.
This system uses PWM control to start the winch off slowly, then gradually increase the speed to increase productivity moving stacked fish crates on a Trawler.
It does this by turning on and off the current to the solenoid, very fast, so it only allows the hydraulic valve to partially move before it turns it off and on again, this in turn means the valve oil flow can be set to a desired rate.
Historically, this has been only available with belly-pack systems made by Hetronic, Scanreco, etc. Previously these were designed for use on HIAB lorry mounted cranes. Lodar Pro soft start can provide a PWM system at a fraction of the cost of more expensive competitors.
The new Lodar Pro wireless solutions are designed to be more flexible, modular and easily configurable (free software), addressing market needs not serviced by today’s push button remote controls.
Lodar Pro Soft Control radio remote control
ELP Engineering is the sole UK distributor of the Lodar Pro soft control, as well as the existing range of Lodar products which are made in Walsall, England.
ELP have worked in partnership with Lodar who have designed a receiver which has proportional PWM outputs, something which until now was only available on belly pack radio remote control systems such as those made by Hetronic or Scanreco.
A Lodar Pro Soft control system was installed by ELP on Recoverysafe’s training vehicle to prove the system. Mark Hartell (the owner) noticed an instant benefit. He stated “I don’t have to go back to my vehicle and operate the manual lever when winching in. I use the Lodar Pro remote control to stand where I wish to be so that I can be in full control of the recovery”. See Mark’s vehicle in action on the Lodar soft control video.
The Lodar Pro soft control system is currently available from ELP with:
- 4 function PWM output receiver. Part No: 33RX04
- 6 function PWM output receiver. Part No: 33RX06
- 8 function PWM output receiver. Part No: 33RX08
- 10 function PWM output receiver. Part No: 33RX10
- 12 function PWM output receiver. Part No: 33RX12
Flexibility
The PWM receivers can be programmed to provide:
- Hydraulic Flow control in parallel with a directional on/off output
- Hydraulic directional control in PWM current controlled single or multiple outputs
System 1: Hydraulic flow control set up
The ideal retrofit for an existing vehicle which has a electric valve block, or a cost sensitive new build, as seen below.
Figure 1. A Lodar Pro soft control system giving flow control to an on/off hydraulic valve block.
Hydraulic Flow control in parallel with an on/off output
Benefits
- Ideal for retrofit to existing vehicles / machinery
- Cost effective
- Oil flow can be set to ramp up to a desired flow and then adjusted in up to 10 steps using the transmitter buttons, all set up with the free software
- No software costs
- Manufactured in the UK with a 5 year warranty
Disadvantages
- A flow control valve block is required, see our remote control hydraulic valve kits
- Only one function can be used at once
- The flow control is the same for each function – it cannot be set to provide different flows for different functions
Typical Uses
- Vehicle hydraulic winches
- Trawlers
- Agricultural equipment with multiple functions
- Diet Feeders
- Augers
- Conveyors
System 2: Hydraulic Directional control
Hydraulic directional control in PWM current controlled single or multiple outputs, at a third of the cost of a belly pack system with UK next day sales and support.
Figure 2. A Lodar Pro soft control system controlling a PWM proportional hydraulic valve block.
Hydraulic PWM directional control
Benefits
- Ideal for new builds
- Ideal for use on vehicles already using proportional hydraulics and belly packs where the operator wants a cost effective transmitter rather than use his expensive belly pack
- Cost effective compared against belly packs
- Multiple functions can be used at once (with a flow sharing valve block)
- Flow can be different for each function
- Infinitely adjustable using the free software
- No software costs
- Manufactured in the UK with a 5 year warranty
Disadvantages
- A PWM mobile hydraulic valve block is required, see our remote control hydraulic valve kits
- When compared against a belly pack with joysticks the only con is that you cannot ‘slow down’ a movement. With a Hiab crane using a Lodar Pro soft control, this is not really noticed as you tend to ‘stop’ rather than slow down a movement
Typical Uses
- Recovery vehicles
- Vehicle hydraulic winches
- Mobile hydraulics
- Piling rigs
- Tracked post knockers
- Diet Feeders
- Recovery vehicles
- Existing vehicles with belly packs when you want a cost-effective transmitter likely to be damaged or a replacement system
Smooth and safe operation
During development, we spoke to many recovery vehicle operators with radio remote control systems. Many said they use the manual levers when they want a soft, controlled start because the on/off systems are harsh.
The Lodar Pro soft control seen in the video allows the end user to stand anywhere and use his Lodar transmitter to smoothly operate every function on the vehicle in a controlled manner without the expense of a belly pack transmitter such as those made by Hetronic or Scanreco.
Easy Configuration
The Lodar Pro soft control receiver is programmed using a free programming tool found here.
The receiver is supplied with all the hardware required to enable you to adjust the start, ramp up, stop and ramp down speed of the receiver output.
ELP are here to ‘hELP‘ and can provide you with telephone support on setting up your system, or a site visit to assist with installation and programming to provide the ultimate control.
Easy Installation
The Lodar Pro Soft Control PWM receiver is supplied pre-wired with external connections for the wiring harness. This means the unit does not have to be opened up and can be quickly connected to your system following our wiring diagram below, simply plugging in to the Lodar case with the factory fitted Deutsch HDP connector.
Figure 3. 12 Function wiring diagram. All internal wiring for the Lodar receiver is pre-wired.
Lodar chose the Deutsch connector because it is IP67 rated and has been proven in construction and agricultural applications.
This means that the PWM receiver is the same as all Lodar receivers and meets IP67 dust and water ingress tests.
ELP stock Lodar PWM wiring harnesses to connect the receiver to your valve block, and can also supply bespoke PWM wiring harnesses to suit your requirements. So, for you it is simply plug and play.
The Flow control system that ELP sell comes complete with a harness, so all you have to do is hose it up and connect it to the vehicle and valve block.
