Alimak ALC II User manual

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ALIMAK ALC II
User's manual
Original instructions

Alimak Lift Control, ALC II
User’s Manual
YOUR HOIST HAS:
Manufacturing No.: Year: Art. No. 9081541 - 010 E
2019 - 06 - 28
If the bottom right corner of this book is cut, the book is only valid for illustrative use!
This manual is only applicable if the manufacturing number indicated below corresponds to the manufacturing number
stamped on the identification sign of the equipment. Where there is a conflict contact your ALIMAK representative.
Applicable for ALC II software version 3.71 and later versions ONLY!

This manual contains information protected by copyright and intellectual property laws.
No part of the manual may be copied or transmitted, in whole or in part.
Pictures are illustrative only and do not necessarily show the configuration
of products on the market at a given point in time. Products must be used in
conformity with safe practice and applicable statues, regulations, codes and ordinances.
Specifications of products and equipment shown herein are subject to change without notice.
Copyright © 2018 Alimak Group Sweden AB. All rights reserved.
Alimak and Scando are registered trademarks of Alimak Group Sweden AB.
Alimak Group Sweden AB is ISO 9001, 14001, and OHSAS 18001 certified.

ALIMAK LIFT CONTROL, ALC II
ALIMAK 34815 - 1 /12
A0
Alimak Lift Control, ALC II.............................
Semi-automatic control system .........................
Collective control system...................................
ALC II additional features ................................
Factory calibration..............................................
Stop / retardation distances ..............................
System set-up ......................................................
ALC II diagnose mode.......................................
Information and fault indications on displays
Programming of DOL operated lifts...............
Programming of VFC operated lifts ..............
ALC FOR CONSTRUCTION HOISTS
Control stations for construction hoists ........
Installation ...........................................................
Power box for landings above level 20 ............
Landing extension box for landings above 32
Group control ......................................................
Operation .............................................................
ALC II FOR PERMANENT LIFTS
Push-buttons and display inside car ...............
Operation .............................................................
ALC II ADAPTED FOR LIFTS WITH
AUTOMATIC DOORS
Refer to separate publ. No. 9081 650
Operating instructions and fault indications
on displays ............................................................
Collection of illustrative examples .................
A 1
A 4
A 4
A 6
A 8
A 10
A 12
A 17
A 19
A 20
A 24
A 40
A 40
A 44
A 45
A 45
A 46
A 50
A 52
A 52
A 53

Text and illustrations by Mats Holmlund & Håkan Lindström
Copyright © 2018 Alimak Group Sweden AB. All rights reserved.

Alimak Lift Control, ALC II
Alimak lift control, ALC II, is the name of Alimak’s modular
controller. The ALC system consists of a microprocessor based
controller, equipped with a high speed pulse counter input and
a pulse encoder. The position of the lift / hoist is determined by
counting impulses generated by the pulse encoder attached to
the drive unit.
To establish a reference point, a reference cam is attached to the
mast. When travelling in the calibration mode, the controller
receives the reference points by means of a limit switch attached
to the car.
The concept behind this modular system is that the main unit
will control the lowest range of lifts. The system can expand in
one step by adding an expansion unit and thereby be able to
control most of the standard lifts and their equipment.
The prime components of the controller system is one main unit
and two expansion units.
The main car unit consists of a CPU card and one I/O card (11
inputs and 7 outputs, X11 – X14) in a common enclosure.
The CPU card is equipped with the following:
– A high-speed pulse encoder input (terminals X4:1 to X4:5).
– Two wire communication for communication with the Base
CPU unit (X8:2 and X8:3).
– Six wire communication with push-buttons/keypad and
displays (X3:1 to X3:6).
– Power inputs and outputs (X1 and X2).
– Three different communication interfaces: One RS232, a
two channel CAN-bus (X6 and X7) and a TCP/IP interface.
– A battery charger.
– 4 push-buttons for programming (Up, Down, SNL and Prog).
One I/O card, same as the one in the main unit, is placed in a
separate enclosure to be used as expansion unit (maximum
one).
The Base unit consists of a CPU card (same as the one in the
Car-CPU) in a separate enclosure. The CPU card is equipped
with the following:
– Two wire communication for communication with the Car
CPU unit (X8:2 and X8:3).
– Six wire communication with the landing equipment (X3:1
to X3:6).
– Power inputs and outputs (X1 and X2).
– Three different communication interfaces: One RS232, a
two channel CAN-bus (X6 and X7) and a TCP/IP interface.
ALIMAK 34184 - 1/08
A1
Pulse encoder

This page is intentionally left blank
A2

Battery charger
The Car-CPU is equipped with a built-in battery charger.
The charger is charging the 7Ah battery with 700mA up to the
voltage level of 14.9V. When the charging current is less than
70mA, then a timer starts and keeps the charging phase on for
one hour before it goes into trickle charging.
If the battery voltage level goes down to 11V, then the charger
disconnects the battery from the load in order to protect the
battery.
Fuses
There are 4 fuses on the CPU-unit:
2 fuses (3.15A) are for the 2 x 19VAC input to the ALC II.
1 fuse (4A) is for the 24VDC output.
1 fuse (1.25A) is for the 12VDC output.
Control systems
In the main software there are two different control systems
available:
• semi automatic
• collective
The ALC II system automatically selects the control system.
Note that cage and base units should have the same software
version.
For trained technical personnel there is an expanded technical
maunal, part no 9081645-sub.
ALIMAK 35047 - 1/08
A3

Semi-automatic control system: (Stop Next Landing)
This is the least complex used control system available in the
ALC controller and operates without any landing cams. The
position of the lift is determined by counting impulses generated
by the pulse encoder attached to the gear box.
The lift can be operated push-buttons or with joystick from
inside the car and if chosen, also from the landings by using Up,
Down and Stop Next Landing push-buttons.
With the joystick, or by pressing a button for Up or Down, the
car starts travelling in the chosen direction. When the car
approaches the desired landing, the button Stop Next Landing
is pressed. The car will then stop automatically at the landing.
Calls / destinations from a landing box unit with Up, Down and
Stop Next Landing push-buttons operate on 230 VAC control
wires between the car and the landings via the base panel.
A destination order from the car has three seconds’ priority over
landing calls.
Collective control system:
This is the most advanced control system available in the ALC
controller. The lift can be operated from inside the car and if
chosen, also from the landings. Each landing is provided with
two call buttons, one for each travel direction.
There are two means of operating the lift from inside the car:
By destination push-buttons – one for each landing (perm. lifts).
By keypad (construction hoists).
This system receives all destination orders from inside the car, as
well as calls from the landings. The information is memo-rized
and processed within the system.
ALIMAK 34817 - 1 /04
A4
Push buttons on
landing control station
Note:
When running the 1.7 m/sec. high
speed hoist to the next upper or lower
landing  ALWAYS depress the Stop
Next Landing button immediately
before the hoist starts, to achieve
normal operation speed.

During the travel the lift will automatically stop at all floors,
which have been addressed.
If operation from inside the car is done by means of the keypad,
access to the Stop Next Landing control system is automatic.
The keypad is consisting of 15 push-buttons. 12 of them are for
the collective system: 0 – 9, ENT and CLR. The other three
push-buttons are for the Stop Next Landing system: Up, Down
and Stop Next Landing, which operates in parallel with the
collective system.
On every landing there is one I / O-card with two external
illuminated call buttons: one for each travel direction and one
indicator lamp: Out of service.
The I / O-cards are connected to a six wire communication
circuit that terminates in a base CPU inside the base panel.
The information is transmitted from the base CPU to the car
CPU (main unit) on a two wire communication circuit in the
trailing cable.
ALIMAK 34818 - 0 /01
A5
Push button panel inside the car
applicable for permanent lifts
Keypad panel inside the car appl. for construction hoists
For permanent lifts only optional
display at each landing
Indication lamp
’’Out of service’’ for
construction hoists only

ALC II additional features
Auto return, Authorized drive, Flood alarm and High wind speed are examples of features available in the ALC II
system. These functions can be chosen with the system’s normal set-up procedures (page A 12 – A 15).
Auto return
Auto return means that the lift returns to its base location after a certain delay in time. (1 – 7 min. possible to be set). If
value is set to 7 optional time can be set in VirtualPanel service tool. This function is set in GROUP 8 – and will be
activated when time is chosen and set. Base location is normally the base landing (0) and this does not need any further
setting. This can, however be changed in GROUP 10 – 13 to another landing level, if desired.
Example: Base location on landing level 3.
Set Group 10. VALUE V1 + V2 = landing level 3.
Permission to drive
Permission to drive means for example that a crane operator via a signal to the I/O-card Input 4:4 at the base landing
can address the lift to the base location and also delete all other calls and destinations – until the same person unlocks
the lift. Set this funtcion in GROUP 5, VALUE 1. Base location is normally the base landing (0) and this does not need
any further setting. This can, however be changed in GROUP 10 – 13 to another landing level, if desired.
Fire and gas alarm
A detector signal to the I/O-card Input 4:3 at the base landing will send the lift to the next landing (Stop Next Landing),
delete all other calls and destinations and remains at this landing until the alarm input goes off. Set this function in
GROUP 5, VALUE 1.
Flood alarm
Flood alarm means that a signal from a trottle device automatically addresses the lift to a level where the water cannot
reach. Set this function in GROUP 5, VALUE 4. Decide suitable level and set this in GROUP 10 – 13. Special function
for flood alarm is GROUP 5, VALUE 2 which makes it possible to drive above set level in GROUP 10 – 13.
High wind speed / Low temperature
High wind speed means that the I/O-card in the base can receive a signal from a wind speed meter and then
automatically address the lift to the base location and then also delete all calls and destinations – until the wind speed
will decrease. Set this function in GROUP 7, VALUE 1
Base location is normally the base landing (0) and this does not need any further setting. This can, however be changed
in GROUP 10 – 13 to another landing level.
Low temperature = corresponding function as High wind speed.
Special function for high wind is GROUP 5, VALUE 2 which makes it possible to drive below set level in GROUP 10 –
13.
Digital function can be set in Base. Group 7 V4-V1
Analog
V1 This value is sent to Modbus Cage. (0-1000 = 0-10V.)
Digital On Off
V2 17,5 m/s 16,5 m/s
V1+V2 20,0 m/s 19,0 m/s
V4 22,5 m/s 21,5 m/s
V1+V4 25,0 m/s 23,5 m/s
V2+V4 27,5 m/s 26,0 m/s
V1+V2+V4 30,0 m/s 28,5 m/s
Slipforming
Slipforming means that the lift will stop on temporarily installed cams located on the moveable slipform.
The system receives continuously information where the lift is located on the mast via input to the car CPU’s expansion
unit. The temp. installed cams are monitored by the ordinary normal and final limit cams on the mast.
See page A 38 for programming of the movable top landing for slipforming.
1 instead of 0 at the base landing
This means that the system counts levels, starting from 1, 2, 3 instead of 0,1, 2. (Preferably for constructions hoists
equipped with keypad). If this function is chosen all former programmed levels in the system must be deleted.
Set this in GROUP 6, VALUE 1.
Base location in top
Base location in top means that the base CPU is connected to the top landing instead of the bottom landing.
This is preferable for offshore lifts installed inside the oil rig’s support leg. Set this in GROUP 6, VALUE 2.
ALIMAK 34908 - 1/12
A6

Explosion proof lifts
Explosion proof lifts require an extra ordinary configuration with I/O-card containing push-buttons. Refer to separate
publ. No. 9081648 Set this in GROUP 15, VALUE 2.
To set and clear the Value the system must have the correct I/O boards.
High speed monitoring
High speed monitoring (according to demands in North America) means that the lift will stop as soon as the preset
value for normal operation exceeds. The display inside the car will then show F8. Value for maximum speed is preset
and cannot be changed. Set this in GROUP 9, VALUE 2.
Fire alarm
Fire alarm means that a fire detecting device via a signal to the I/O-card at the base landing can address the lift to the
base location and also delete all other calls and destinations – until fire fighting personnel unlocks the lift. Refer to
separate publ. No. 9081 647.
Set this in GROUP 4, VALUE 1 or 2 depending on applicable regulations.
The lift will return to desired level chosen in GROUP 10 – 13.
Set special function for fire alarm in GROUP 4, VALUE 5. This give phase 1 without reset function.
Floating landing level
Floating landing level can detect via a signal to the I/O-card at the base landing where the landing is located – even if the
landing level is changed. This feature is preferable for boiler installed lifts where the whole structure can expand and
move compared with the entire lift installation.
Top landing calibration
Calibration drive at the top landing means that the factory calibration drive and the regular calibration drive (CD)
against the ref./ret. cam is done in the mast top. All remaining landing levels are programmed starting with the bottom
landing – 0 at the base landing as usual. Set this in GROUP 9, VALUE 1.
More than 32 landings
Set this in GROUP 14, VALUE 1.
For a fully collective control system a booster unit must be added to the ALC-systemfor landing levels more than 32 pcs.
EN 81 approved lift
Emergency lightning operation time and function must fulfil particular demands for countries under jurisdiction of EN
81 directives. Set this in GROUP 14, VALUE 2.
DOL brake supervision: If an error of more than 30 occurs three times, an F6 alarm will be activated. If an error of more
than 100 mm occurs, an F6 alarm will be activated.
64 – 128 landing levels for car operator
For buildings higher than 64 and more calls from landings and group control are not accessible why car operator contol
must apply. Set this in GROUP 14, VALUE 4.
GPS on car
This function is chosen if the lift is to be equipped with GPS and there is a car CPU only.
Set this in GROUP 14, VALUE 8.
ID06
To meet this demand in order to prevent unauthorized persons to drive Alimak products. A external function with only
a digital input on ALCII this prevents personnel to be able to call or run the lift. It is controlled from Input 12:1 at Car
Exp. (3002218-233) and at Input 4:4 at Base I/O. See wiring diagram for more information. If input 12:1 is affected, the
car cannot be sent to a destination, but calling is possible. At Input 4:4, the car cannot be called.
EN Ramp
Set this function in GROUP 12, VALUE 8. This for door 1-3. See instruction in separate manual for more information.
Hydraulic locking device
Set this function in GROUP 1-3, VALUE 4. This for door 13. See instruction in separate manual for more information.
Automatic doors
Set this function in GROUP 1-3, VALUE 2 This for door 1-3. See instruction in separate manual 9081650 for more
information. If Cage Only function is used the door is left open if not used.
Open/close doors
This function is to have a separated relay contact for open and close. Default time of the relay is 6 seconds.
ALIMAK 34409 - 1/12
A7

Factory calibration
(Normally done at the factory before delivery)
This system calibration drive is normally done at the factory at
delivery, but must be done once again if the car CPU is to be
replaced.
During the system calibration drive the lift is running auto-
matically up and down 4 times to measure speed and then by
itself calculate the stopping distances.
IMPORTANT! Lifting height needed for this purpose is
minimum 15 – 20 m at a speed of 0.70 – 1.1 m/s (50 – 65 ft. at
a speed of 135 – 215 fpm.). Or min. 30 m (100 ft.) when
higher speed occurs.
The system calibaration drive is done from inside the car and
starting from the bottom landing.
To put the system in system set-up / calibration mode is done
according to the following
– Turn the main power switch to OFF position.
– Disconnect the battery.
– Keep the Prog. button on the car CPU depressed and then
turn main power switch to ON position.
– Keep the Prog. button depressed until the LED SYS
CHK lights up (after 2 sec.).
Then continue pushing the Stop Next Landing button,
Down button and finally
the Up button.
Keep all 4 buttons depressed whereupon all 8 LEDs for
GROUP and VALUE start flashing.
– Release all buttons when the LEDs start flashing with
shorter intervals. The system is in calibration mode and all
parameters established in a basic set-up when the LEDs go
out.
The display shows:
System with dual display.
System with single display.
– The LEDs V1 and V2 are flashing rapidly indicating that the
system is lack of speed information.
– Reconnect the battery.
– In case of DOL system go to page A10, and for VFC system
go to A11.
ALIMAK 34819/1 - 1 /10
A8

If the base configuration is changed after the delivery from
factory due to more added landing stations, the LED V8 on the
car CPU starts lighting. This is fully normal and the intention is
only to indicate that there is a change made to the equipment.
If the reason is other than just more added landing stations a
new base configuration must be performed.
To replace the present base configuration proceed according
to the following:
– Disconnect the battery.
– Switch off the car main electrical panel.
– Switch off the base main electrical panel.
– Reset the base main electrical switch in ON position.
– Keep the Prog. button on the car CPU depressed and put the
main electrical switch in ON position.
– Continue keeping the Prog. button depressed and then push
the Stop Next Landing 2 (two) times.
– Finally release the Prog. button.
The display shows:
(no landings are programmed into the system):
System with dual display.
System with single display.
– Reconnect the battery.
Calibration drive is performed from inside the car, starting
from the bottom landing.
ALIMAK 34819/2 - 1 /04
A9

Stop / retardation distances
The stopping distance (DOL lift) or retardation distance (VFC
lift), is automatically set during the calibration drive up and
down against the Reference / Retardation down cam.
NOTE!
The down limit cam shall always be adjusted so that the up /
down limit switch is approximately 10 mm (1/2 in.) above the
cam when the lift is level with the bottom landing. Deviations
can occur. Please see the manuals delivered with the lift.
Stop distances (DOL lift)
The ALC controller automatically sets the stopping distances,
automatically during system calibration drive, in the following
manner:
– Push the Up and Down buttons on the car ALC CPU. The lift
moves in an upward direction and stops a short distance
above the Reference / Retardation cam. The lift is now
located above the Reference / Retardation cam and is still in
calibration mode.
– The lift moves automatically upwards to measure speed and
brake distance in the upward direction. After that the lift
moves automatically downwards to measure speed and brake
distance in the opposite direction. The system does this
procedure 4 times. If the speeds are equal for 4 different starts
the system itself makes the conclusion that the lift is intended
for DOL opeartion.
– The lift moves once more – this time downwards to stop on
the Reference / Retardation cam.
The ALC-system returns to normal mode with door zone,
the stop distances and speed automatically programmed
into the system.
NOTE!
– The Reference / Retardation cam shall be located approx-
imately 240 mm (9 1/2 in.) above the down limit cam.
Deviations can occur. Please see the manuals delivered with
the lift.
New system set-up and system calibration must be done if
car CPU is replaced.
Keep the Up/Down button depressed during the entire drive
sequence – if the hold to run feature is chosen.
ALIMAK 34820 - 1 /05
A10

Retardation distances (VFC lift)
The ALC controller sets the retardation distances automatically
during system calibration drive, in the following manner:
– Push the Up and Down buttons on the car ALC CPU. The lift
accelerates to nominal speed upwards.
When the Reference / Retardation switch leaves the cam, the
ALC controller removes the high speed signal and the lift
decelerates and stops.
The lift is now located above the Reference / Retardation
cam and is still in calibration mode.
– The lift accelerates automatically upwards to high speed,
retards and stops. Speed and retardation distance, from high
to low speed in upwards direction are now stored into the
system. The lift accelerates once more automatically
downwards to high speed, retards and stops. Speed and
retardation distance, from high to low speed in downwards
direction are now stored into the system.
– The system does this procedure 3 more times to measure 2
intermediate speeds and 1 low speed with corresponding
retardation distances.
The lift will stop on the reference cam after 4 times up and
down.
Retardation distances for 4 different speeds and the door
zone are now programmed into the ALC-system. This system
calibration is normally done at the factory
If the lift is moving on crawling speed for approximately 2 to
10 cm (1 – 4 in.) before it stops, then the retardation
distance is Ok.
NOTE!
– The Reference / Retardation cam shall be located approx-
imately 1.1 x Y m above the down limit cam. (Y= the lift
speed in m/sec.). Deviations can occur. Please see the
manuals delivered with the lift.
The lift should move on crawling speed for only approx-
imately 2 to 10 cm (1 – 4 in.) when stopping at landing.
– If location of the reference cam is changed all landing levels
must be changed the corresponding way.
New system set-up and system calibration must be done if
car CPU is replaced.
Keep the Up/Down button depressed during the entire drive
sequence – if the hold to run feature is chosen.
ALIMAK 34184 - 1/05
A11
Note! If joystick with one or two
speeds: Press and hold the joystick
up and hold the joystick the total
time for the factory calibration.

System set-up
A system set-up has to be performed in order to prepare the
controller for the actual lift and its functions. Set-up is per-
formed in the following manner:
– Switch off the main power.
– Disconnect the battery.
– Press on and hold Prog. button.
Note: The button must be kept depressed during the entire
set-up procedure.
– Switch on the main power. The system is now in set-up
mode.
On the main unit there are 2 locations with 4 LED indicators
in a row close to the push-buttons.
In system set-up mode the 4 LEDs indicate VALUE, V1,
V2, V4 and V8 in binary code. (LED ”sys. check” is flashing).
The 4 LEDs above indicate GROUP, G1, G2, G4 and G8 in
binary code. (LED ”SYS. CHECK” is illuminated).
When programming system parameters on the ALCII, the
GROUP and VALUE information shown on the ALCII
indicate the Group and Group Values.
For permanent lifts, there are also symbols shown in
sequence on the display, for group, number, and value
respectively.
The Up or Down buttons are used to select GROUP level.
The Stop Next Landing button is used to open and select
VALUE level.
Select VALUE with Up / Down buttons.
Depress the Stop Next Landing button to store VALUE level
and the system then will switch to GROUP.
– Set the binary code in accordance with the lift and its
functions, using the table on page A13.
– The value will be stored every time Stop Next Landing
push-button is depressed.
– Release Prog. button.
– Connect the battery. The system set-up is now completed.
See collection of illustrative examples at the end of this manual.
NOTE! All values in GROUP 15 must be preset before the
factory calibration drive is performed. After running the
factory calibration drive the GROUP 15 will be locked for
further changes.
ALIMAK 34822 - 1 /05
A12
Example of display symbols in sequence:
Group 1, value 2.

ALIMAK 34823 - 1 /03
A13
Car CPU (main unit)

Example 1:
Door close sequence set to nom, 6 sec.
GROUP 0 o VALUE 9 o
o •V2 + V4 = 6 sec.
o •V4
o o
Example 2:
Car to be addressed to landing A (level 3) when high
wind speed occurs.
GROUP 7 •VALUE 1 •High wind speed
•o
•o
o o
GROUP 10 o VALUE 3 •V1 + V2 = 3
••(level 3 chosen)
o o
•o
ALIMAK 34906 - 1/09
A14
Example 3:
Car to be addressed to landing B (level 18) automatically
with 5 min. delay.
GROUP 8 o VALUE 5 •V1 + V4 = 5 min.
o o
o •
••addressed to landing B
GROUP 12 o VALUE 2 o
o •level 2
•o
•o
GROUP 13 •VALUE 1 •level 16 to be added
o o to level 2 (previous
•o group 12 above)
•o = level 18
•= means LED ON
o = means LED OFF