Power management company Eaton has announced its new range of Eaton OMNEX Trusted Wireless mobile control solutions for heavy machinery and field operations. These 900MHz two-way remote-control units give users the wireless control of high-value machinery in harsh environments including construction.

“Our next generation of rugged, weatherproof OMNEX wireless controllers were designed with customer input and offer a number of benefits, including enhanced safety and productivity for machine operators,” Eaton president, eMobility sector Scott Adams says.

“Overall, we’ve improved upon the reliability and connectivity that was always a benefit over the competition – and we continue to advance our wireless technology in those areas.”

On a construction site, the wireless controllers can operate heavy machinery like vacuum trucks, tow trucks, concrete mixers and cranes.

The units have a range of up to 1,650ft and can be programmed for a wide range of functions. For example, an operator could remotely control boom functions like rotating a mixer barrel or raising and lowering a crane, all from a safe distance.

The controls can also be programmed to provide feedback through a screen with either haptic response or sequenced light-emitting diodes.

All units have also undergone Eaton’s proprietary cyber security protocols to prevent the signal being hacked into by an outside source, while sophisticated control algorithms guarantee fail-safe operation. Each controller can be programmed to connect with a vehicle that has been equipped with a receiver installed in the electronic systems of a remote vehicle or machinery.

The wireless controls are compliant with Ingress Protection Code 65 & 67 (IP65 & IP67) ratings, which are “dust tight” and protected against water spray as well as complete, continuous submersion in water. They have been redesigned for better form, fit and function, making them easier to hold and control. The new control units also feature updated radios and lithium ion batteries for better performance.

Eaton’s flexible lineup includes the Hand-held TD110, Hand-held TD1140 with optional E-Stop, Pistol-grip TD2100 and Small belly-pack TD3100. With 2.4GHz versions of the units launching later this year.