Posted to News on 22nd Jul 2007, 20:59
Beijer Electronics unveils Exter handheld operator terminal
Beijer Electronics is introducing a new member of its Exter user-friendly series of operator panels. With a weight of only 1.3kg and an ergonomic design, the Exter M70 is a handheld interface that is easy to carry to where it is needed around a machine or process.
The IP65-rated operator panel is the first handheld panel from Beijer Electronics. It has been designed for industrial use and, just like other Exter panels, it is configured with the Information Designer intuitive software package.
Marcus Jillgart, product manager, sees several areas of use for Exter M70: "There are many cases where it is necessary to have a close look at the application while handling the operator panel. It can be when teaching a robot, or when doing the initial settings of a machine. Now this is possible without having to run back and forth, which saves the operator valuable time. There are also applications that today require an extra person to ensure that everything runs as it should - for instance, when starting and stopping. With Exter M70, the operator can handle this alone."
Safety and security
When moving the operator away from the regular controls, new safety aspects have to be taken into consideration. The Exter M70 therefore has a big, red emergency-stop button on the front. There is also an option to use an enabling switch that needs to be pressed when operating the user interface. Jillgart explains: "This ensures that no commands are given by mistake while walking around with the panel." He also mentions another feature that has been incorporated to prevent unauthorised use: "There are possibilities to configure the Exter M70 with password-protected security levels, so that different parameters and actions are dedicated to the password holders."
The Exter M70 has been designed for both left- and right-handed use. It is possible to connect the cable on either side of the panel and the rounded handle on the back provides a comfortable grip in either hand. Another popular feature is the high-resolution TFT display. With 640x480 pixels, objects and images are presented with a high level of detail, leaving no room for misinterpretations.
