ARC ECO8S/X User manual

ECO8S/X
Instruction Manual
(Standard, AB and Tandem models)

Flex ECO 8S/X Standard, AB and Tandem Instruction Manual
July 2023 v2.2
Page 1 of 42
Service Information
Your New Radio Remote Control System
Thank you for your purchase of ARC Flex ECO radio remote control system. Without a doubt, our
Flex ECO system is the ultimate solution for providing precise, undeterred, and safe control of your
material.
If your product ever needs modification or service, please contact our representative in your country
or at the following location:
World Headquarter:
Advanced Radiotech Corporation
No.3, South 1st Road, Chien Chen District
Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Telephone:
[phone]
Fax Number:
[phone]
Website:
www.advanced-radiotech.com
E-mails:
[email protected]
[e-mail]
All rights reserved. This notice applies to all copyrighted materials included with this product, including,
but not limited to, this manual and software embodied within the product. This manual is intended for
the sole use of the person(s) to whom it was provided, and any unauthorized distribution of the
manual or dispersal of its contents is strictly forbidden. This manual may not be reproduced in whole
or in part by any means whatsoever without the expressed written permission of ARC.

Flex ECO 8S/X Standard, AB and Tandem Instruction Manual
July 2023 v2.2
Page 2 of 42
PRODUCT MANUAL SAFETY INFORMATION
Advanced Radiotech Corporation (ARC) offers a broad range of radio remote control product for
material handling applications. This manual has been prepared by ARC to provide information and
recommendations for the installation, use, operation and service of ARC’s material handling products
and systems (ARC Products). Anyone who uses, operates, maintains, services, installs or owns ARC
Products should know, understand, and follow the instructions and safety recommendations in this
manual for ARC Products.
The recommendations in this manual do not take precedence over any of the following requirements
relating to cranes, hoists lifting devices or other material handling equipment which use or include
ARC Products:
 Instructions, manuals, and safety warnings of the manufacturers of the equipment where the
radio system is used.
 Plant safety rules and procedures of the employers and the owners of facilities where the
ARC Products are being used.
 Safety standards and practices for the industries in which ARC Products are used.
This manual does not include or address the specific instructions and safety warnings of these
manufacturers or any of the other requirements listed above. It is the responsibility of the owners,
users and operators of the ARC Products to know, understand and follow all of these requirements. It
is the responsibility of the employer to make its employees aware of all of the above listed
requirements and to make certain that all operators are properly trained. No one should use ARC
Products prior to becoming familiar with and being trained in these requirements and the
instructions and safety recommendations in this manual.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
For information on ARC’s product warranties, please contact ARC representative nearest to you or
visit www.advanced-radiotech.com.

Flex ECO 8S/X Standard, AB and Tandem Instruction Manual
July 2023 v2.2
Page 3 of 42
Table of Contents
Page
1. Introduction 4
2. Radio Controlled Safety 5
3. General System Information
3.1 Transmitter
3.1.1 External Illustration 9
3.1.2 Internal Illustration 10
3.2 Receiver
3.2.1 External Illustration 11
3.2.2 Internal Illustration 12
4. Function Settings
4.1 Transmitter
4.1.1 Transmitter Firmware Version 13
4.1.2 Transmitter Channel Settings 13
4.1.3 Remote Pairing 14
4.1.4 Transmitter Start Function Settings 15
4.1.5 Transmitter Inactivity Timer Settings 15
4.1.6 Transmitter Output Power Settings 15
4.1.7 Infrared Programming 16
4.1.8 Pushbutton Function Settings 16
4.1.9 Transmitter Access Card (TAC) Settings 20
4.2 Receiver
4.2.1 Receiver Channel Settings 21
4.2.2 Output Relay Configurations 21
4.2.3 Dipswitch Settings 25
4.2.4 Jumper Settings 27
4.2.5 Voltage Settings 28
4.2.6 Indicator Light and Buzzer Installation 28
4.2.7 Other Function Output Relays Settings 28
4.2.8 System Channels Table 29
5. Receiver Installation
5.1 Output Relay Contact Diagrams 30
5.2 Pre-installation Precautions 31
5.3 Step-By-Step Installation 31
6. Operating Procedures
6.1 General Operation 34
6.2 Master/Master Tandem Operation (Tandem models) 35
6.3 Master/Slave Tandem Operation (Tandem models) 36
6.4 A/B Pushbutton Select Operation 37
6.5 A/B Rotary Select Operation (AB models) 38
6.6 Pitch & Catch Operation 38
6.7 Changing Batteries 38
6.8 Transmitter Access Card (TAC) Operation 38
6.9 System Status Light Indications 39
7. General Specifications 41
8. EU Declaration of Conformity 42

Flex ECO 8S/X Standard, AB and Tandem Instruction Manual
July 2023 v2.2
Page 4 of 42
1. Introduction
The Flex ECO radio remote control systems are designed for control of industrial
equipment and machinery such as overhead traveling cranes, jib cranes, gantry cranes, tower
cranes, electric hoists, winches, monorails, conveyor belts, mining equipment, and all other
material handling equipment where wireless control is preferred.
Each Flex ECO system consists of a transmitter handset and a receiver unit. Other
standard-equipped accessories include transmitter lanyard, vinyl pouch, pushbutton labels,
output cable, and instruction manual CD.
List of notable features include:
* 62 User-programmable Channels – advanced synthesized RF controls with 62 built-in
programmable channels set via pushbuttons and dipswitches.
* Wireless Remote Pairing Function – system pairing and cloning can be done easily and
wirelessly.
* Over One Million Unique Address Codes – each and every Flex ECO system has its
own address code and serial number, never repeats.
* Advanced Controls – the Flex ECO system utilizes dual advanced microprocessor
controls with 32bit CRC and Hamming Code, which provide ultra fast, safe, precise, and
error-free encoding and decoding.
* Two-way Transmission – transmitter and receiver communicate with one another for safe,
precise and uninterrupted operation (e.g., receiver status feedbacks).
* Programmable Transmitter Access Card (TAC) – the optional transmitter access card
feature (TAC) further guard against any unauthorized personnel from operating the
transmitter. The TAC can also be individually programmed unlocking any specific function
or functions on the transmitter allowing a more experienced or qualified user to operate.
* Reliable Pushbuttons – the pushbuttons are rated for more than one million press cycles.
* Low Power Consumption – requires only two “AA” alkaline batteries for more than 150
hours of uninterrupted operation between replacements.
* Durable Nylon and Fiberglass Composite Enclosures – highly resistance to breakage
and deformation even in the most abusive environments. The receiver enclosures and
output cables are UL94-V0 rated.
* Fully Sealed Enclosures – the transmitter and receiver enclosures are IP66 rated.
* Full Compliance – all systems are fully complied with the FCC Part-15 Rules and European
Safety Standards.
* Other Optional Accessories and Features – transmitter magnet mount, transmitter belt
clip, transmitter waist belt, 2 and 3 positions rotary switches, transmitter rubber guards,
padded casings, miniature indicator light and buzzer, charging station, external antenna kit,
dual-crane tandem function, multi-crane random access function, and many others.

Flex ECO 8S/X Standard, AB and Tandem Instruction Manual
July 2023 v2.2
Page 5 of 42
2. Radio Controlled Safety
WARNINGS and CAUTIONS
Throughout this document WARNING and CAUTION statements have been deliberately placed to highlight items
critical to the protection of personnel and equipment.
WARNING – A warning highlights an essential operating or maintenance procedure, practice, etc. which if
not strictly observed, could result in injury or death of personnel, or long term physical hazards.
Warnings are highlighted as shown below:
WARNING
CAUTION – A caution highlights an essential operating or maintenance procedure, practice, etc. which if
not strictly observed, could result in damage to, or destruction of equipment, or loss of functional
effectiveness. Cautions are highlighted as shown below:
CAUTION
WARNINGS and CAUTIONS SHOULD NEVER BE DISREGARDED.
The safety rules in this section are not intended to replace any rules or regulations of any applicable local, state,
or federal governing organizations. Always follow your local lockout and tagout procedure when maintaining any
radio equipment. The following information is intended to be used in conjunction with other rules or regulations
already in existence. It is important to read all of the safety information contained in this section before installing
or operating the Radio Control System.

Flex ECO 8S/X Standard, AB and Tandem Instruction Manual
July 2023 v2.2
Page 6 of 42
2.1 CRITICAL INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS
WARNING
PRIOR TO INSTALLATION AND OPERATION OF THIS EQUIPMENT, READ AND DEVELOP AN
UNDERSTANDING OF THE CONTENTS OF THIS MANUAL AND THE OPERATION MANUAL OF THE
EQUIPMENT OR DEVICE TO WHICH THIS EQUIPMENT WILL BE INTERFACED. FAILURE TO FOLLOW
THIS WARNING COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH AND DAMAGE TO EQUIPMENT.
ALL EQUIPMENT MUST HAVE A MAINLINE CONTACTOR INSTALLED AND ALL TRACKED CRANES,
HOISTS, LIFTING DEVICES AND SIMILAR EQUIPMENT MUST HAVE A BRAKE INSTALLED. FAILURE TO
FOLLOW THIS WARNING COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH AND DAMAGE TO EQUIPMENT.
AN AUDIBLE AND/OR VISUAL WARNING MEANS MUST BE PROVIDED ON ALL REMOTE-CONTROLLED
EQUIPMENT AS REQUIRED BY CODE, REGULATION, OR INDUSTRY STANDARD. THESE AUDIBLE
AND/OR VISUAL WARNING DEVICES MUST MEET ALL GOVERNMENTAL REQUIREMENTS. FAILURE TO
FOLLOW THIS WARNING COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH AND DAMAGE TO EQUIPMENT.
FOLLOW YOUR LOCAL LOCKOUT TAGOUT PROCEDURE BEFORE MAINTAINING ANY REMOTE-
CONTROLLED EQUIPMENT. ALWAYS REMOVE ALL ELECTRICAL POWER FROM THE CRANE, HOIST,
LIFTING DEVICE OR SIMILAR EQUIPMENT BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY INSTALLATION PROCEDURES.
DE-ENERGIZE AND TAGOUT ALL SOURCES OF ELECTRICAL POWER BEFORE TOUCH-TESTING ANY
EQUIPMENT. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THIS WARNING COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH AND
DAMAGE TO EQUIPMENT.
THE DIRECT OUTPUTS OF THIS PRODUCT ARE NOT DESIGNED TO INTERFACE DIRECTLY TO TWO
STATE SAFETY CRITICAL MAINTAINED FUNCTIONS, I.E., MAGNETS, VACUUM LIFTS, PUMPS,
EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT, ETC. A MECHANICALLY LOCKING INTERMEDIATE RELAY SYSTEM WITH
SEPARATE POWER CONSIDERATIONS MUST BE PROVIDED. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THIS WARNING
COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH OR DAMAGE TO EQUIPMENT.
2.2 GENERAL
Radio controlled material handling equipment operates in several directions. Cranes, hoists, lifting devices and
other material handling equipment can be large, and operate at high speeds. Quite frequently, the equipment is
operated in areas where people are working in close proximity to the material handling equipment. The operator
must exercise extreme caution at all times. Workers must constantly be alert to avoid accidents. The
following recommendations have been included to indicate how careful and thoughtful actions may prevent inju-
ries, damage to equipment, or even save a life.
2.3 PERSONS AUTHORIZED TO OPERATE RADIO
CONTROLLED CRANES
Only properly trained persons designated by management should be permitted to operate radio controlled
equipment.
Radio controlled cranes, hoists, lifting devices and other material handling equipment should not be operated by
any person who cannot read or understand signs, notices and operating instructions that pertain to the equipment.
Radio controlled equipment should not be operated by any person with insufficient eyesight or hearing or by any
person who may be suffering from a disorder or illness, is taking any medication that may cause loss of
equipment control, or is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Flex ECO 8S/X Standard, AB and Tandem Instruction Manual
July 2023 v2.2
Page 7 of 42
2.4 SAFETY INFORMATION AND RECOMMENDED TRAINING
FOR RADIO CONTROLLED EQUIPMENT OPERATORS
Anyone being trained to operate radio controlled equipment should possess as a minimum the following
knowledge and skills before using the radio-controlled equipment.
The operator should:
 have knowledge of hazards pertaining to equipment operation
 have knowledge of safety rules for radio-controlled equipment
 have the ability to judge distance of moving objects
 know how to properly test prior to operation
 be trained in the safe operation of the radio transmitter as it pertains to the crane, hoist, lifting device or
other material handling equipment being operated
 have knowledge of the use of equipment warning lights and alarms
 have knowledge of the proper storage space for a radio control transmitter when not in use
 be trained in transferring a radio control transmitter to another person
 be trained how and when to report unsafe or unusual operating conditions
 test the transmitter emergency stop and all warning devices prior to operation; testing should be done on
each shift, without a load
 be thoroughly trained and knowledgeable in proper and safe operation of the crane, hoist, lifting device, or
other material handling equipment that utilizes the radio control
 know how to keep the operator and other people clear of lifted loads and to avoid “pinch” points
 continuously watch and monitor status of lifted loads
 know and follow cable and hook inspection procedures
 know and follow the local lockout and tagout procedures when servicing radio-controlled equipment
 know and follow all applicable operating and maintenance manuals, safety procedures, regulatory
requirements, and industry standards and codes
The operator shall not:
 lift or move more than the rated load
 operate the material handling equipment if the direction of travel or function engaged does not agree with
what is indicated on the controller
 use the crane, hoist or lifting device to lift, support or transport people
 lift or carry any loads over people
 operate the crane, hoist or lifting device unless all persons, including the operator, are and remain clear of
the supported load and any potential pinch points
 operate a crane, hoist or lifting device when the device is not centered over the load
 operate a crane, hoist or lifting device if the chain or wire rope is not seated properly in the sprockets,
drum or sheave
 operate any damaged or malfunctioning crane, hoist, lifting device or other material handling equipment

Flex ECO 8S/X Standard, AB and Tandem Instruction Manual
July 2023 v2.2
Page 8 of 42
 change any settings or controls without authorization and proper training
 remove or obscure any warning or safety labels or tags
 leave any load unattended while lifted
 leave power on the radio-controlled equipment when the equipment is not in operation
 operate any material handling equipment using a damaged controller because the unit may be unsafe
 operate manual motions with other than manual power
 operate radio-controlled equipment when low battery indicator is on
WARNING
THE OPERATOR SHOULD NOT ATTEMPT TO REPAIR ANY RADIO CONTROLLER. IF ANY PRODUCT
PERFORMANCE OR SAFETY CONCERNS ARE OBSERVED, THE EQUIPMENT SHOULD IMMEDIATELY BE
TAKEN OUT OF SERVICE AND BE REPORTED TO THE SUPERVISOR. DAMAGED AND INOPERABLE
RADIO CONTROLLER EQUIPMENT SHOULD BE RETURNED TO ARC FOR EVALUATION AND REPAIR.
FAILURE TO FOLLOW THIS WARNING COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH AND DAMAGE TO
EQUIPMENT.
2.5 TRANSMITTER UNIT
Transmitter switches should never be mechanically blocked ON or OFF. When not in use, the operator should
turn the transmitter OFF. A secure storage space should be provided for the transmitter unit, and the transmitter
unit should always be placed there when not in use. This precaution will help prevent unauthorized people from
operating the material handling equipment.
Spare transmitters should be stored in a secure storage space and only removed from the storage space after
the current transmitter in use has been turned OFF, taken out of the service area and secured.
2.6 PRE-OPERATION TEST
At the start of each work shift, or when a new operator takes control of the crane, operators should do,
as a minimum, the following steps before making lifts with any crane or hoist:
Test all warning devices.
Test all direction and speed controls.
Test the transmitter emergency stop.
2.7 BATTERIES
WARNING
KNOW AND FOLLOW PROPER BATTERY HANDLING, CHARGING AND DISPOSAL PROCEDURES.
IMPROPER BATTERY PROCEDURES CAN CAUSE BATTERIES TO EXPLODE OR DO OTHER SERIOUS
DAMAGE. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THIS WARNING COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH AND
DAMAGE TO EQUIPMENT.

Flex ECO 8S/X Standard, AB and Tandem Instruction Manual
July 2023 v2.2
Page 9 of 42
3. General System Information
3.1 Transmitter
3.1.1 External Illustration
1. STOP Button 9. Pushbutton 6 (PB6)
2. START Button 10. Pushbutton 7 (PB7)
3. Status LED Indicator 11. Pushbutton 8 (PB8)
4. Pushbutton 1 (PB1) 12. A/B LED Indicators
5. Pushbutton 2 (PB2) 13. Battery Cover Screw
6. Pushbutton 3 (PB3) 14. System Information
7. Pushbutton 4 (PB4) 15. Lanyard and Waist Belt
8. Pushbutton 5 (PB5) Attachment Slot
Note: Flex ECO 8S-AB, 8X-AB, 8S-T and 8X-T models are with A/B/A+B rotary switch on PB8 slot.