Engcon UK
The Noble Art of Digging
I've had a couple of forum members contact me today (You know who you are............. 
) regarding latching functions with our updated digital system which has been posted elsewhere on social media. Since a wider audience may be scratching their collective heads, here is the official answer (together with the paraphrased question )
When running something like a flail through a tilty can I have a latching button on the joystick so that I don't have to keep my finger pressed all day?
Historically (with Engcon at least),the answer has been 'no' because of the safety protocols. The danger with a latching button is that it's traditionally an isolated on/off circuit that's outside of the main tilty control range and, as such, there is a danger that it may be left on in inappropriate circumstances.
The latching function is now available on the latest version of the Microprop/ECS system (4.6.2). It’s only available with Joystick emulation or PWM (where the original machine joysticks were controlling the hammer/rotate lines, rather than a mechanical or pedal function). The function is programmed into DC2 using a tool button and a dedicated roller to set the direction and speed of the tool, which the controller then remembers so that when the button is pressed again it latches on. It’s analogous to cruise control on a car and, in the same way as if you press the brake, pressing the button again, or altering the roller will drop it out. It’s also controlled by the dead man lever.
Probably around 80% of modern diggers have this joystick control of the hammer and rotate line, although the smaller ones (and some larger CATs I believe) do still rely on double feeder valves so we can’t make it work on these. If you are unsure what you've got, the best thing is to call your dealer and ask whether your hammer and rotation circuit were originally joystick controlled (in which case we can convert it) or pedal controlled (in which case we can't - sorry)
HTH
) regarding latching functions with our updated digital system which has been posted elsewhere on social media. Since a wider audience may be scratching their collective heads, here is the official answer (together with the paraphrased question )When running something like a flail through a tilty can I have a latching button on the joystick so that I don't have to keep my finger pressed all day?
Historically (with Engcon at least),the answer has been 'no' because of the safety protocols. The danger with a latching button is that it's traditionally an isolated on/off circuit that's outside of the main tilty control range and, as such, there is a danger that it may be left on in inappropriate circumstances.
The latching function is now available on the latest version of the Microprop/ECS system (4.6.2). It’s only available with Joystick emulation or PWM (where the original machine joysticks were controlling the hammer/rotate lines, rather than a mechanical or pedal function). The function is programmed into DC2 using a tool button and a dedicated roller to set the direction and speed of the tool, which the controller then remembers so that when the button is pressed again it latches on. It’s analogous to cruise control on a car and, in the same way as if you press the brake, pressing the button again, or altering the roller will drop it out. It’s also controlled by the dead man lever.
Probably around 80% of modern diggers have this joystick control of the hammer and rotate line, although the smaller ones (and some larger CATs I believe) do still rely on double feeder valves so we can’t make it work on these. If you are unsure what you've got, the best thing is to call your dealer and ask whether your hammer and rotation circuit were originally joystick controlled (in which case we can convert it) or pedal controlled (in which case we can't - sorry)
HTH
it's a straight software update and a PWM card which I think is a couple of hundred pounds plus the labour (assuming I've just looked at the right part
)
...... looking forward, should you get a new machine, you should be covered by the update??
