Vita’s Dual Pendant Handshake Feature
he Vita Load Navigator assists with the most burdensome parts of complex lifts by securely holding a load in position when it leaves the ground. Its unique Inertial Navigation System processes 100 data points per second and is fully aware of load weight, dimension, heading, and altitude throughout the lift. The Navigator also utilizes an advanced torque vectoring system powered by four high-energy electric turbines to ensure loads do not spin. All this tech means loads up to 40 metric tons (88,000 pounds) can maintain a consistent heading within 1° of deviation during the worst high wind events. The net result is a radical improvement to overall site safety and lifting efficiency.
The Navigator product family includes a Dual Remote Control Pendant option where up to two operators can pass control of the Vita Load Navigator. The pendant also enables complete control throughout longer lifts and precise load placement by the second operator. The Dual Remote-Control Pendant is especially useful in operations where a single crane’s lift and place locations could span thousands of feet apart.
How the Dual Pendant Option Works
The Dual Pendant configuration works in a “take/release” manner under the IEC 60204-1 & Uni EN13557 guidelines; where:
- A single operator conducts control of the Navigator.
- For the second operator to gain control, the controlling operator must release control through a push-button interface on the Control Pendant.
- Once an operator releases control, another operator may take control of the Navigator through a push-button interface on the Control Pendant.
- The operators may freely change who controls the Navigator—only when the current operator releases control of the unit.
- For safety considerations, an operator cannot control the VLN until the current operator releases control of the precision stabilizer. This safety mechanism is to prevent unintentional VLN control.
Many operations require crane loads to traverse thousands of feet while traveling from point to point. In almost all cases, the rigging crew that prepared a load for lifting is different from those responsible for placing the load. For example, one of the most common applications for load transport responsibility is the cityscape lifting application. A tower crane is often hundreds to thousands of feet above the ground, and another is responsible for placing the load in a particular location.
In this scenario, the rigging crew retains control of the Navigator during rigging and navigation around ground obstacles. Upon clearance of all rigging obstacles, the placement crew, located on a roof, balcony, building interior, or other distant location, takes control of the Load Navigator and sets the final position of the load via a second remote-control pendant. Upon completion of the load placement, the placement crew releases control of the Load Navigator to return command and control the unit to the ground crew to start preparations for the next lift. The exchange of the command and control of the Navigator can occur continuously throughout the day’s lifting operations.
