Retrofit Solutions for LJU Controls and Third Party Controls
Mobile Controls and Control Systems
There are different kinds of retrofit situations. The overall control system is central topic to evaluate. However, start point is typically on the level of the mobile control on the vehicle. First question is, what needs a retrofit and how shall the retrofit be implemented. Shall it be a one-step retrofit, a partial or gradual retrofit, or just replacements for failing components?
First essential question, what kind of mobile control is in place and what does it do?
TRIAC Controls 83x/84x are a typical example for a retrofit product. The installed base of systems with TRIAC controls is still considerable. Many of the original manufacturers are no longer in business or have discontinued their according product lines. Our TRIAC controls do allow retrofits of our prior TRIACS as well they can replace most TRIACS of other origin. Positive side effect is the design on basis of today available components, so lifecycle is extended considerably. Basis for continuation of installed material handling systems is given, availability of than spare parts is up to date.
Our LJU Mobile Controls 87x/88x and 89x are the basis for retrofitting prior LJU Mobile Controls i.e. series 6. All functionality provided by those series, can also be provided by the 8 series. Specific evaluation of mechanical and electrical aspects and software functionality must be made. Typically, there are options for full retrofits respectively replacements as well as for gradient retrofit transitions, with mixed operation of LJU Mobile Controls of different series. At the same time retrofits of mobile controls of other origin can be an option. A verification on full system level is however than necessary, as many outdated other controls have a reduced functionality and technical capabilities. The habitat in which mobile controls further determines the retrofit requests.
Retrofitting our own TRIACS or Mobile Controls requires only a clear installation reference to start a verification. For installations with mobile controls of other origin comprehensive information on original equipment, system and realized functionality is mandatory to verify retrofit options. The design modularity and versatility of our controls however opens a good chance. The retrofit proceeding intended than defines all further steps and setup of measures to apply.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
What are typical retrofit situations?
One scenario are installations running on controls technologies outdated meanwhile when it comes to new installations but still doing the job just fine in installed base. Here the retrofit request is typically replacement with components producible and continuous producibility for a further number of years, just providing the same functionality in the application. In simple cases functionality, interfaces, etc. are known. Complexity increases when it comes to retrofitting third party components i.e., when original manufacturer is out of business or doesn`t service his components anymore. With matching expertise in controls and applications still not necessarily a crash situation.
A different retrofit situation comes up when functionality shall be upgraded while still keeping major part of the installation or if key elements such as i.e. a data transmission system must be replaced for whatever reasons.
What is a typical retrofit process?
It always starts with analysing the installed base in respect to functionality, operation parameters, operator experience and such. Based on the evaluated requirements the selection of retrofit options starts. If a retrofit solutions is set, typically a verification sample is set up and ideally tested in the installation running. If the retrofit is evaluated, production can start. Shortcuts may be possible if the installation is exactly known, but whenever it comes to retrofits of third-party components it is recommendable.
Retrofit components may afterwards applied with different approaches, on demand replacements retrofitting failing components, gradual renewal retrofits in planned processing or larger scale event retrofits i.e. during a production brake. In more complex retrofits it may be even a necessity to run old and new retrofitting solutions in parallel, i.e. when a data transmission systems shall be replaced over time, but mobile controls shall not be retrofitted all in one step. Mixed operations of old and new retrofitting mobile controls in a system is rather usual as calendars or budgets make it mandatory.