In this post, our partners at Patlite share their insights into the many advantages of using Wireless Control Systems.
What is the Wireless Control System?
The WIO Wireless Control System is a Bluetooth enabled system which allows for remote indication and monitoring. Working as a pair, the transmitter and receiver combination allows an operator to trigger a light with an alarm and notify personnel from up to 400 meters (with a built-in relay function). Serving as a gateway, WIO offers a user-friendly configuration to alert your personnel without physical limitations. The WIO wireless system is designed for simplicity, eliminating the need for a PC – just plug and play to streamline your communication and signaling processes.
The WIO System can be used for triggering warning lights, status indication lights, audible and voice alerts, as well as using the Receiver as a mirroring device. The Transmitter and Receiver units can both become signal towers without the need for acquiring other light towers. Other devices (including non-PATLITE products) can also be wired directly into the Transmitter and Receiver units. When the Transmitter is wired directly onto a machine, it can be used as a signal tower as well. From this Transmitter, the status of the machine can be simply mirrored with the Receiver in an office, or it can be set to trigger a warning to the Relay unit. The Receiver can also trigger network enabled devices to send out emails when wired in and configured to do so. The WIO System is an economical solution, scalable to meet various requirements and applications.
The Breakdown of Advantages
The WIO System’s Easy Setup: When the Transmitter and Receiver are powered up, they automatically connect to each other without the use of any programming tools or apps. When connecting to other devices, it only requires simple wiring for items with open and closing contacts.
Triggering Other Warning Devices: The Transmitter for the WIO System has 7 inputs to wire in any type of trigger. The Receiver unit has 1 input and 6 outputs to connect to other warning or status lights, audible alarms, and more.
Long-range Coverage: Up to 3 additional Receiver units can be used as Relay units by simply switching the function mode. By using additional Receiver units, each with a range of 100 meters, the total reach from the Transmitter unit to the farthest Receiver can equal 400 meters.
Modular Design for Remote Signaling: The WIO was designed to be used as a signal tower. Building up the design frame of the LR6 modular signal tower, up to 5 LED modules and a buzzer can be added to the Transmitter and Receivers for easy configuration. With a simple twist and lock system, the units can be modified very easily onsite without the need to rewire anything.
Built-in Mirroring Function: All Receiver units can mirror the Transmitter it is connected to, including the Receiver units being used as a relay.
Facility Improvement Examples
Visualization of Equipment in Blindspots:
Before: Poor visibility from the onsite office prevents staff from seeing the equipment operation status. This leads to delayed responses to processing completion and equipment shutdowns, resulting in decreased productivity.
After: By installing signal lights that mirror the equipment in a visible location from the onsite office, response times to issues and problems improve to maximize productivity and efficiency.
Error Notifications of Utility Equipment
Before: Errors and malfunctions of utility equipment located in inconspicuous areas of the factory are difficult to notice, and they only become apparent when they affect production equipment down the line.
After: Using Relays is a cost-effective method to render the statuses of equipment more visible in inconspicuous areas, ensuring they are easily noticed and not forgotten.
Requesting Supervisor Support in the Factory
Before: When any abnormality occurs on the assembly line, workers stay in their positions and request support to their supervisor. However, currently there are no effective call systems which help maintain productivity.
After: When a worker requires support to their supervisor, they activate the NE Touch Sensor Beacon installed at the site. The NE displays red to indicate the call status which triggers the WIO Transmitter at the same time. The Receiver mirrors the status at the supervisor location letting them know a worker needs support.
Visualize Component Supplying Priorities
Before: Requests for component supplies to the machining equipment were displayed using lights. However, when multiple facilities are waiting for components simultaneously, supply personnel could not determine the priority, resulting in delays and experienced downtime.
After: Connecting to a sensor that detects component inventory levels, a signal from the WIO Transmitter triggers the WIO Receiver when the levels fall below a predetermined threshold. Supply personnel are instructed to the supply location via electronic panel, resulting in a reduction of wait time.
Call for Action System:
Before: In the event of unexpected shutdowns beyond operator control, maintenance personnel are required to resolve the problem. However, they may not be in their office or in close proximity and locating them causes constant delays.
After: By installing a wireless call light system, maintenance can be notified even in remote locations on site for immediate response.
Blindspot Alert System:
Before: Pedestrians may not be conscious of an oncoming forklift posing a potential collision risk with the forklift operator and other pedestrians.
After: Implementing the WIO system that triggers both audible alarms and visual signals when a forklift is approaching can effectively notify both parties, contributing to the proactive prevention of accidents.
To explore, MISUMI’s selection of Patlite products, visit the product links listed below.
| Model | Transmitter | Receiver | LED Unit | AC Adapter | |
| Transmitter | WIO-B1T | ○ | × | × | × |
| Receiver | WIO-B1R | × | ○ | × | × |
| Receiver | WIO-B1R-RYG | × | ○ | ○ | × |
| Andon kit | WIO-B1S-001 | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
