CAN CONTROLS

Automated CANbus CONTROL systems are being used extensively throughout the world. Every truck manufacturers now use CANbus systems for engine and vehicle management. CANbus system are also used in many different applications, for example fire engines, vacuum trucks, waste trucks, elevating work platform trucks and earth moving trucks to name a few. It can also be used for small PLC applications and has become the preferred system in most applications.

Why is CANbus becoming so popular? The basic principle of a CANbus system is that is allows the devices in each network to communicate with each other at high speed and high frequency using only 2 wires. This provides many benefits over conventional control systems including:

• Better reliability of data communication
• Improved diagnostics of system inputs and outputs
• Easy to setup and install
• Reduced cabling
• HMI screens can be setup to provide better user interaction and valuable system information, e.g. system hours, active faults, past faults and much more.
• Data recording
• Fault monitoring
• Performance monitoring
• Remote system access (with CAN remote device)
• Live back to base monitoring and reporting (with CAN remote device)
• Improved security

The key to implementing a CANbus control system is to ensure that it is designed correctly and the devices are setup and programmed accurately. Like with any new control system if it is not designed correctly from the start it can become very costly. This is why we work very closely with our clients to ensure they get the required value from the system. We assist our clients through the complete phase from day one of design, to prototype and supplying components for production. With our knowledge and experience we are dedicated to helping them design and build better systems for the application.

CANbus protocols include

•  CANopen (ISO 11898)

• J1939

• ISO11992 (read only)

OUR PROJECTS include

• Elevating Work Platform trucks (Safety control system)

With our customers requirement to fit a CANBus controlled system we supply a full safety control system which monitors the systems components (this includes stabaliser legs, tower position, truck angles, engine status and PTO status). The control system comprises of a cabin screen, an outside chassis mounted screen, 2 x safety PLCs, 1 x non-safety PLC, 2 x I/O nodes, 2 x electrical enclosures (pre-wired with bulkhead connectors, din-rail, terminals, etc), cables with deutsch connectors and sensors. The control system is supplied as a plug-n-play system which allows easier installation and maintenance.

• Water sprayer trucks (mining application)

We have helped our customer design a control system that automates a water spray system on a truck which is mainly used for mining applications in Australia and America. By detecting the vehicles speed the system will control the water spray valve to output a constant water rate. The system can also revert back to manual mode as a back-up function. This system not only provides a more efficient system but gives the driver more control of the water sprayer. The system comprises of a cabin screen, a PLC, a GPS speed sensor, a water sensor and cables.

• Light towers (mining application)

Together with the OEM we have helped develop a full light tower control system that enables the light tower to work in full automatic mode, semi-automatic mode and manual mode. In full automatic mode it turns the engine and lights on at dusk and then off at dawn. In all states it will SMS any system issues, for example low fuel.

• Engine control (trailer vacuum vehicle)

This system monitors and controls a Caterpillar engine mounted on a trailer which is used for a vacuum pump system. The system uses a PLC to communicate to the engine via J1939 protocol and also uses a screen to display the engine status and control the engine.

• Lubrication Service Truck (for mining application)

This system records the amount of each hydraulic oil going into the service truck. And then records how much of each oil is dispatched for each job and uploads the information onto a server for management purposes. The system comprises of a cabin screen, a chassis screen, a 32 input / 32 output PLC, a CANbus remote modem, pressure sensors, load cell kit for grease tank and connection cables between components.