Elevator Control Desk installed at London theatre

A Systemation Software product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Apr 10, 2001

Systemation Software has recently completed the design, manufacture and successful installation of a new Elevator Control Desk at the Lyttelton Theatre in London

Systemation Software has recently completed the design, manufacture and successful installation of a new Elevator Control Desk (ECD) at the Lyttelton Theatre (part of the Royal National Theatre complex on the south bank of the Thames).

The ECD, which interfaces with the stage hydraulics systems, allows accurate positioning of the four stage elevators to an accuracy of 1mm.

The ECD is housed in a wall mounting cabinet taking up minimum space.

Integrated into the cabinet is a touch-screen, panel PC which acts as a virtual control and monitor panel.

The new system replaces one built in the 1970's and has the following major advantages: * Made from commercial, modular products, so easier and more cost effective to maintain.

* More flexible.

* Better performance.

* Easier to enhance or upgrade in future.

The ECD was developed using the FieldPoint IO system from National Instruments.

This provides 4-20mA control for servo valve control, switching and monitoring of high voltage signals and analog input capability.

Elevator position is measured using absolute shaft encoders.

The software, including all control algorithms, was developed using the LabWindows/CVI development environment.

Having switched on the required number of hydraulic pumps, the operator is then able to select the elevators he wishes to move.

If more than one elevator is selected (e.g front elevators A and B) they are automatically clutched together.

The elevators can then be moved either manually, using a joystick, or automatically, moving the elevators to a set position under software control.

Brakes are automatically set and released by the software.

The screen updates in real time showing elevator positions.

Additional features include online help and a Cue List, which can be used to store elevator positions in the order they are needed throughout a performance An emergency stop system is incorporated into the ECD and the system can only be powered up with a key.

In addition there are a number of protection features built into the software to limit the speed and position of the elevators.

"The installation of the new system was accomplished with very little upheaval", says Frank Stevens, Systems Engineer at the Royal National Theatre and commissioner of the project.

"We are all very pleased with the result.".

Not what you're looking for? Search the site.

Back to top Back to top

Google Ads

 

Contact Systemation Software

Related Stories

Contact Systemation Software
Newsletter sign up

Request your free weekly copy of the Engineeringtalk email newsletter ...

Articles by product category

All suppliers A - Z

A Pro-talk Publication

A Pro-talk publication