MG1 Control Grips

Control grips act as the direct interface between Man and machine allowing control of essential machine functions. The design of the grip often defines the usability, success and perception of quality of the overall system.

Daco's MG1 has been designed with versatility and availability in mind.  To ensure short delivery times the painted aluminium grips are held in stock, pre-drilled to take a selection of trimmer switches, toggle switches, buttons, blanking plates or force operated miniature thumb-sticks. Using a standard options list you can determine which combination of these functions is installed in a grip and where each is positioned.  Up to three thumb operated functions can be specified plus a finger operated trigger.

The resulting multi function hand controller is particularly suited for use in adverse environments. A proprietary, textured, surface finish is used which is robust and has sufficient body to insulate against thermal shock whilst allowing constant use without discomfort.  The use of aluminium alloy avoids the high tool costs, flammability and toxicity problems associated with plastic grips whilst maintaining a low mass, an important factor where high levels of vibration may be experienced.

The MG1 can either be panel mounted as a fixed grip or mounted on a Daco joystick base.  The decision as to which arrangement is most appropriate is dependant upon environment, application, available space and personal preference.

Panel mounted fixed grips are most commonly used fitted with a force operated, miniature joystick. As with a displacement joystick, such as Daco's MP1, this arrangement provides proportional control but with a number of potential benefits.

As fixed grips are stationary, the risk of flexing wires introducing fatigue failures or hysteresis is removed.  Also of benefit is the lack of below panel depth required to install this type of hand controller.

Perhaps the most important advantage of fixed grips with integral thumbsticks is that the actions of holding and operating the device are virtually independent.  This is particularly significant in applications where random movements of the operator, caused by an unstable operating platform, can be translated into unwanted control outputs. Such applications include cursor control on vehicle mounted or airborne equipment, control of helicopter mounted surveillance equipment, fly by wire controls etc.

The MG1 control grip can also be fitted to another of Daco's modular range products, the MP1 displacement joystick. This arrangement is the traditional choice for a wide range of applications such as the control of simulators, trainers or remotely-operated-vehicles.

Whichever arrangement is chosen the MG1 provides professional operators with the perfect combination of functionality, cost, availability, comfort and reliability.

Daco Scientific Limited, Vulcan House, Calleva Industrial Park,Aldermaston, Berkshire, RG7 8PB, UK.
   tel: +44 (0) 118 981 7311 ::  fax: +44 (0) 118 981 9963 :: email: sales@daco.co.uk

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