Customized and functional systems
Scanreco works closely with partners and clients to create fully customized and functional systems. In this case, Magic Valley Heli-Arc & Mfg (Aqua-Life Products). approached Scanreco partner Spencer Fluid Power to engineer hydraulic and electronic controls for the operation of their fish transfer pump systems. In turn, Spencer Fluid Power recommended Scanreco for reliable wireless remote control of these mission-critical systems.
Operating fish transfer pump systems from a long distance and often in harsh conditions is no easy business demands a system that is both reliable, accurate and operator friendly. Find out how Scanreco worked closely with Spencer Fluid Power to create solutions that boost efficiency, safety and profitability.
The challenge
Magic Valley Heli-Arc & Mfg. (MVHA) is a manufacturer of the Aqua-Life Fish Transfer Pump System. Based in Twin Falls, Idaho, MVHA develops high-performance and cost-saving fish transfer technology for Aquaculture and Fish Farming. For over 30 years, MVHA has dedicated itself to the research, design, and manufacture of equipment for the harvest, transfer, and transport of live fish and shrimp.
The Aqua-Life Fish Pump System can be used for both non-submersible and submersible applications.
In a typical application, the fish pump is placed into or next to a raceway, pond, or cage-pen with the hydraulic leads and outlet hose attached. The pump is then positioned to crowd or direct fish or shrimp into the pump intake chute using a screen-crowder, cutter seines, or shrimp pond drainage systems. A discharge hose is attached and runs from the pump to a dewatering device or a fish grader which can be mounted on top of a live-haul truck or trailer. Rugged and accurate wireless remote control is critical in these applications.
The solution
With the capability to fully customize and configure its label, the graphical display and firmware, both engineering teams determined that the Scanreco Rocket platform would best meet MHVA’s specific requirements for flexibility and toughness.
The G5 M19, a receiver with proportional control was implemented to facilitate accurate ramping of the proportional output required to control the fish transfer system. Furthermore, the Rocket platform can be configured as a repeater network, effectively maximizing the coverage of the wireless network.
Requirements and solutions
Requirement |
Solution |
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Long distances - Although Scanreco G5 systems can typically operate at distances of up to 300 meters, MVHA needed to facilitate control of fish pump speed and priming at distances beyond 300 meters. |
Repeater Network - Working with engineers from Spencer Fluid Power, Scanreco developed a radio repeater network to extend the effective range of the system. The Repeater unit extends the coverage area of the system by relaying the signals between the Transmitter and Receiver unit. In combination with cutting-edge radio transmission technologies like FHSS (Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum), the Rocket/G5 PWM system with repeater unit ensures stable wireless control of the fish pump at distances up to 1.500 meters with line of sight. |
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Harsh conditions - MHVA demanded functionality with minimal failure in wet, salty, humid, hot and cold operational environments. |
Rocket - With an operational temperature range of -25°C to +55°C / ~ -15°F to + 130°F and an ingresses protection rating of IP65, the Rocket platform is designed from the ground up to perform in harsh and hostile environments. |
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Accuracy - MHVA required precise ramping of the proportional output to accurately control and monitor the proper flow of both water and fish. |
Full control buttons - The speed PWM output was programmed with “Volume Control” ramping proportional functionality. The Output operates like a TV volume control. Pressing and releasing the increase button will increment the output value from OFF to MIN. Each press and release will increment the output by one step. Pressing and holding the increase button will ramp the output from OFF to MAX. |
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System Feedback and Ease of Use - MVHA requested a branded remote control interface with a Graphical Display for system feedback to the operator and buttons robust enough to operated with heavy gloves and wet hands. Additionally, MVHA required that certain buttons be covered to reduce operator error. |
Customized interface and firmware - Working closely with MVHA, Spencer and Scanreco engineers created a completely customized remote control interface with custom button covers. Scanreco software engineers developed custom firmware to make the interface intuitive and easy to operate. MVHA is able to easily upload and custom program units prior to shipment to its customers. |
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International market - MVHA wanted the ability to sell its fish pump transfer systems with radio remote control in international markets. |
2.4 GHz solution - With the Rocket's 2.4 GHz radio frequency and EU safety certifications for E-Stop, MVHA can sell and service international markets like the European Union and the Mediterranean Region; vital markets for aquaculture. |
