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 a central topic to evaluate. However, the start point is typically on the level of the mobile control on the vehicle. The 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?
The first essential question is, what kind of mobile control is in place, and what does it do?
TRIAC Controls 83x/84x are a typical example of 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 product lines. Our TRIAC controls allow retrofits of our prior TRIACS, and they can replace most TRIACS of another origin. A positive side effect is the design on the basis of today's available components, so the lifecycle is extended considerably. A basis for the continuation of installed material handling systems is given, and the availability of 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. The 8 series can also provide all the functionality that those series provides. 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 another origin can be an option. Verification on the full system level is, however, necessary, as many outdated other controls have reduced functionality and technical capabilities.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 verification. For installations with mobile controls of other origins, comprehensive information on original equipment, system, and realized functionality is mandatory to verify retrofit options. The design modularity and versatility of our controls, however, open a good chance. The retrofit proceeding then defines all further steps and setup of measures to apply.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
What are typical retrofit situations?
One scenario is installations running on control technologies outdated; meanwhile, when it comes to new installations, they still doing the job just fine in the installed base. Here, the retrofit request is typically replaced with components that are producible and continuous 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 the 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 arises when functionality is upgraded while keeping a major part of the installation or if key elements, such as a data transmission system, must be replaced for whatever reason.
What is a typical retrofit process?
It always starts with analyzing the installed base with respect to functionality, operation parameters, operator experience, and such. Based on the evaluated requirements the selection of retrofit options starts. If a retrofit solution 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 afterward 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 system 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 are rather usual, as calendars or budgets make it mandatory.