Equipment operators agree that the Cattron® brand MetalKeypad-U (MKU™) Operator Control Unit (OCU/controller) is perfect for heavy industrial applications. The MKU™ is the first Radio Remote Control product to combine the robust design requirements of the North American market with international safety requirements. The MKU™ was created with both the operators and maintenance personnel in mind. It is easy to use, as most controls have been modeled after those commonly found on two-step pendant stations. The heavy-duty ruggedness of the MKU™ is suited for cranes, railroad, and any other industrial applications where the operator can be moved to a safer, more efficient location.

Durable Construction

The MKU™ gives the operators of heavy equipment the best of both worlds; a small hand-held controller with a tough, metal housing for durability. All components are protected by a thick-walled, epoxy-coated extruded aluminum case and rubberized absorbing end “bumpers.” Standard MKU™ OCUs have pre-defined configurations and are fitted with a TransKey™ for added safety. Any MKU™ OCU will run any decoder as long as the correct TransKey™ is used, thus minimizing the need for specific spare OCUs. In addition, all function identifiers can be customized to the operator’s liking. Total water and dust sealing makes them ideal for indoor/outdoor applications thus giving the operator a reliable and extremely durable controller. This allows minimal worry or downtime so you can maximize productivity.

Keypad Operation

The MKU controller employs sophisticated industrial grade mil-spec digital components protected by a thick-walled, epoxy-coated extruded aluminum case. The ends of the housing are protected by rubberized metal plated shock-absorbing end caps. The MKU controller weighs 1.4 lbs. (634 grams) and also features switch types that are a sealed silicon elastomer product that is dust, water, oil, and acid resistant, with a tactile feel and clear epoxy coated dual-step pushbuttons. Additional features include five bi-color LED’s on the controller for controller status, including low battery warning and parameter selection, power-on self-diagnostics, keypad audible feedback and low battery indication. A removable contact-less RFID key, “Transkey”, is programmed with all necessary system configurations.

The hardware and software structure of the MKU System meets the structural design required to acquire the Safety Integrity Level (SIL) 3 of EN61508 and Category 3 of the European Safety Norm EN954-1. The MKU also meets the standards of the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Industry Canada (IC) non-licensed operations.

The system operates on unlicensed 902-928 MHZ band for North and South America with other frequency bands being available in Europe and Asia. The Cattron® brand MKU OCU and its companion, or Machine Control Unit (MCU {receiver/decoder}), are designed as dual-channel systems that incorporate advanced microcomputer electronics and surface-mount technology. The MKU is first of a number of products designed on a core platform where all controllers and receiver/decoders (MCU’s) can work together under one platform.

Key Features

• Rugged design for use in harsh environments
• Can be used to upgrade existing single- and dual-pressure keypad controllers
• System configuration via removable contact-less RFID key (TransKey™)
• Extremely durable housing made of extruded aluminum ergonomically designed with curved housing and rubber grips for comfortable handling
• System status and low battery LED battery indicator with audible beep
• Separate watertight power ON/OFF switch and pull-on/ push-off STOP switch protected by rubberized end-cap "bumpers"
• Hoist select capability
• Power on self-diagnostics
• Conforms to EN954-1, Cat.3 and EN61508 Safety Integrity Level (SIL) 3

Technical Specifications

Case Material: Extreme duty NEMA 4, IP66 watertight aluminum housing

Approx. Weight: 1.4 lbs. / 634 grams (including battery pack)

Dimensions: 8.0" x 3.0" x 2.0", (approx. 203 mm x 76 mm x 51 mm)

Operating Temperature: -22ºF to +140ºF (-30ºC to +60ºC); Consult factory for temperature requirements beyond those listed.

Switch Options: 4, 8, or 12 push-buttons; single- or dual-pressure

Switch Type: Sealed silicon elastomer keypad, dust, water, oil, acid resistant with ‘tactile feel’, clear epoxy coated push
buttons

Battery Life (continuous operation): 3 Volt alkaline battery pack or rechargeable Ni-Cad Battery pack. In U.S., Canada and non EC Countries, battery life is: Ni-Cad pack - 65 hours, Alkaline pack - 150 hours. In EC Countries, battery life is: Ni-Cad pack - 40 hours, Alkaline pack - 95 hours.

Transmit Indicator: Green LED flashes with every transmission

Low-Battery Indication: Yellow LED flashes for low battery; low battery alert signal beeps every 10 seconds

Battery Charging: Internal or External Ni-Cad (External Ni-Cad availability pending). 10 hour charger standard, 1 hour charger optional.

Audio Speaker: For "key click," diagnostics and low battery indication

System Configuration: Saved in removable contact-less RFID key (Trans-Key™); defines system address, RF channel, key mapping and operation parameters

Antenna: Internal

Transmitter Frequency: Unlicensed 903-927 MHz band for North and South America; other frequency bands are available for
Europe and Asia

Approvals: Worldwide standards safety acceptance, Class 3 (EN-954-1) for Stop Commands, SIL 3
(EN-61508) for structural design, US FCC and Industry Canada non-licensed operation

Operating Range: In excess of 300 ft.(92 m) line of sight

Labels: Sheet of self-adhesive Mylar, reverse-printed labels supplied. Optional reverse engraved custom faceplate available.

Carrying Straps: Belt loop strap standard; shoulder strap optional

* Specifications subject to change without notice.