Light Towers Go Wireless

Suppliers of bespoke industrial solutions, Motion29 Ltd, now stock PATLITE’s full range of AirGrid products - a system designed to receive and transmit light tower status wirelessly, circumventing any issues relating to the traditional hard wired system.



The range includes receivers, transmitters and pre-assembled light towers. The unique modules and receivers which work off a mesh wireless network, offer an effective solution for lean manufacturing while improving the overall flow of factory productivity.



In order to complement the system, Motion29 have introduced their LightMonitor software to interact with the AirGrid and create a graphical display of light tower status for detailed report and analysis.



Andrew Wilkinson from Motion29 explains, “LightMonitor automatically records the status of the light towers in a CSV formatted weekly report that tells you when a light was activated and for how long. It even detects and shows flashing lights and records these as separate events. Analysis of this report allows the support team to identify recurring problems and investigate them, avoiding future serious issues with the production line.”



The LightMonitor software was first invented when Motion29 were commissioned by a leading aircraft parts manufacturer to develop an efficient and cost-effective signal system to display the status of production cells on their repair and overhaul line. The aim of the light system was to maximise value adding activity within the business by alerting the support functions as quickly as possible to a stoppage.



“We discussed the advantages of utilising a wireless light tower system” says Wilkinson “and needed to write software to work with PATLITE’s new hardware components. The resulting interface, LightMonitor, can be fully customised to meet individual requirements.”



The AirGrid / LightMonitor system is now in place in several major factories around the UK and more projects are in the pipeline.



Production Details

PATLITE AirGrid Light Towers:

PATLITE pre-assembled light towers for extra convenience, these 50 and 60mm light towers have the AirGrid attached and ready to use in your application.

With options for 2, 3 and 4 LED lights the LE 50mm diameter and LME 60mm diameter towers are supplied with the AirGrid transmitter fitted.



PATLITE AirGrid Transmitters:

PATLITE wireless add-on modules fitted to 50 and 60mm light towers send the status through a wireless network to a data centre. Compliant with IEEE802.15.4, operating in the 2.4 GHz band.

PATLITE AirGrid Receivers:

PATLITE wireless add-on modules comply with IEEE802.15.4, operating in the 2.4 GHz band.