1. Why choose wireless over wired communication solutions?
The biggest advantages of wireless are cost, convenience and safety.
Wireless communication systems can be installed at a fraction of the cost of wiring. The cost of labor to measure, cut and wire a machine or search for faulty connections during repair can add up. By comparison, wireless systems are easy to install and configure; only a power and ground wire are needed throughout a vehicle, making diagnostics and maintenance a breeze.
Wireless remote controls allow a machine operator to control and run a machine in hazardous zones from a safe, advantageous location. This also allows an operator to more readily predict potential dangers, such as proximity to power lines, and quickly adjust operations to suit.
2. What frequency do OMNEX radios work on? Do I need a license?
OMNEX mobile remote controls utilize the 900MHz and 2.4GHz ISM (Industrial, Scientific and Medical) bands. This section of the radio spectrum does not require a license and is regulated by the FCC under Part 15.
3. How far will my OMNEX radio remote control transmit?
Our 900 MHz remote radio products have an operating range of approximately 1200 to 1500 feet. Line-of-sight between the transmitter and receiver is not required, but is beneficial to achieving a maximum transmit range. Obstructions such as reinforced concrete or metal will decrease the distance over which the radios can communicate. Our 2.4 GHz remote control products have a slightly shorter range, approximately 900 – 1200 feet.
4. How much power do OMNEX radio controls put out?
We have 2 groups of products when it comes to power output. Products that were designed in the mid-1990s, like our Trusted Wireless™ T45 and T245, have 100mW of output power. Our newer products have less -- 10mW of output power. We've learned that by keeping the power low we can increase battery life and still ensure reliability over distances needed for machine control . Whichever product you choose, rest assured, your OMNEX remote control has sufficient power to do the job.
Back to Top
5. What kind of batteries do OMNEX products use? How long do they last?
The ergonomic joystick and paddle units, such as the Trusted Wireless™ T45 and T245, use standard Makita® rechargeable 9.6V tool batteries and have a rating of 15 hours continuous use. Our newer, hand-held products use 4 AA or 4C alkaline batteries and have a rating of 120-160 hours continuous use.
Back to Top
6. How big are OMNEX products? What kind of packaging do they come in?
All our radio controls are lightweight, compact, rugged, weatherproof, and made of the same high-impact strength plastic compounds used in motorcycle helmets. OMNEX waist or chest-mounted joystick and paddle products, such as the Trusted Wireless™T45 and T300 are about the size of a shoebox and weigh between 4-7 pounds. OMNEX handheld products weigh one or two pounds and fit in the palm of your hand.
Back to Top
7. Joysticks or paddles, which do I choose?
To put it simply, paddles are single-axis (2 functions) and joysticks are double-axis (4 functions). For example, one paddle can control machinery in one direction, such as up/down or left/right or forward/back. Joysticks can control machinery in more than one direction, such as left/right and forward/back, simultaneously.
Both OMNEX paddles and joysticks use the latest control technology using Hall Effect components which has been proven to greatly reduce wear and tear over more mechanical type designs. Our joysticks are made right here at OMNEX using our own patented design.
Back to Top
8. I have equipment operating in northern Canada and Arizona. Will my OMNEX mobile controls work consistently in both environments?
Yes. OMNEX products have operating temperature ratings from approximately -30F to +140F (-22C to 60C), so no matter where you're working, you can count on our radios to perform. Nonetheless, please keep in mind that extremely cold environments affect battery power, making your radio less efficient and reducing operating time as expressed in your product's specifications manual.
Back to Top
9. What about OMNEX receivers? How many types are there? How do I know which one to purchase?
Depending on the OMNEX transmitter you choose, you may have the option of one or more different receivers. Our receivers come in two formats; the first type is enclosed in a Hoffman box (the size of a loaf of bread), is shock-mounted with a NEMA 4X environmental enclosure rating and has external BNC antenna connections. The second type is smaller and is enclosed in Deutsch enclosures (the size of a slice of bread) with similar environmental ratings. When choosing an OMNEX receiver you should primarily consider your input/output requirements and your digital/proportional output requirements.
Back to Top
