Machine control system

Machine control system and diagnostics: new dimensions in user-friendliness

The cabin of a turnout tamping machine is similar in many ways to the cockpit of a modern jet. The new machine control and diagnostics systems offer a wide range of options but are easier to operate due to their intelligent simplicity.

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Which operating controls are really relevant for controlling a work cycle? How can the major operating controls be positioned so that they are clearly seen and easy to reach? And what happens to the remaining buttons and switches?

Ergonomics in the new turnout tamping cabin with P-IC 2.0.

The answer to these questions is given by the new design which contains, for example, the control engineering for the turnout tamping unit of the Unimat 09-475/4S N-Dynamic. All switches relevant for the work process have been positioned in the armrest of the seat.

Only the operating controls for secondary tasks are positioned overhead. In addition, the number of switches has been clearly reduced. The respective control and diagnostics functions are operated via the touch panels of the Plasser Intelligent Control P-IC 2.0.

Secondary functions operated via touch panels.

The design and structure of these touch panels has also been re-worked. The appearance is now orderly and clear colour allocations can be followed easily. The touch panels are operated either via the touch function or a display controller like those to be found in top quality cars.

New diagnostic system informs dynamically.

The new diagnostic system is a focal point in the further development of operating features and this is activated via touch panels.

The system shows the texts in the local language. All basic machine functions are provided with help menus where the decisive function references can be found. Green lights indicate that switch requirements are fulfilled and red lights indicate that they have not been fulfilled. For complex work sequences, separate help menus are allocated to the individual stages of work.

For important machine functions, such as starting or tamping, the operator receives active help. As soon as the system recognises that a function has been selected, where its implementation is not possible, a popup menu will appear automatically on the touch panel with additional information. The graphic display of the entire control system on the touch panel should also facilitate the work considerably. Because it is not necessary to open the switch box concerned for the diagnosis.

A new telematics system reduces downtimes and maintenance costs.

The innovative telematics system opens up new dimensions for the management of individual machines and entire fleets. It can be extended by adding the P-IC 2.0 control system.

Three functions are combined here for proactive maintenance:

  • remote diagnosis of the entire control program
  • GPS location of the machine (enables for example remote identification of the machine’s direction of work)
  • Storage of all data for later evaluation

The efficiency of the maintenance can be improved greatly and lastingly with the help of this upgradeable system. The availability of the machines rises and the costs for maintenance drop. Plasser & Theurer is providing an absolutely new approach for even more cost-efficient operation.