Using the virtual terminal for universal remote access

In a complete lift control system, there are many different intelligent devices today. Of course, first there is the main controller, which could be considered the “brain” of the system, but there are also the VVF inverter (for an electrical lift) or the hydraulic drive for a hydraulic lift, the door operator, the load measuring unit, the car and floor panels, and so on.

All these interconnected devices are now complex electronic devices, and to best fit the targeted lift, most of the time a local HMI (human-machine interface) is integrated to adjust the parameters and give a better diagnosis when needed. Some of these devices also propose an optional remote tool, but very often with a specific protocol upon a specific wire, which offers a friendlier HMI. Now think of the lift technicians during installation or maintenance, as they have to master all of the tools of all the devices. Just think of your living-room table with the set of four or five remote controls – and sometimes more for your home audio-video devices (TV, DVD-player, recorder, audio amplifier, satellite decoder) – and you won't be far from the problem of our technician. But even if the technicians are quite at ease with many different tools, the physical access to the devices becomes also more difficult. Nowadays, with the increase of machine roomless lifts, the frequency inverter and sometimes the main controller – the most consulted devices – are very often located in the lift shaft.