 A HISTORY OF RADIO CONTROL
TECHNOLOGY
When Berlet Electronics started up in
the mid-1950s, little was known about the potential for radio control in industrial
applications. Much was realized, however, about the basic problems faced by industry every
day.
 These problems included low productivity due to slow, clumsy, dangerous movements
that put cab and floor crane operators at constant risk. Swinging pendant controls created
safety hazards of their own as well as maintenance problems.
 Today, Berlet and associate companies have installed
close to 20,000 systems worldwide through a blend of electrical/electronic engineering
knowhow and problem-solving skills. Berlet is Canada’s licensed manufacturer for the
Telemotive range of radio control equipment.
Following are milestones in the history of radio control technology, from the
Berlet/Telemotive perspective.
 1959 
The first radio-control system for overhead bridge cranes
is developed.
1968
Berlet starts marketing Telemotive product line in Canada;
development of the TELTEC anti-collision radio system for overhead cranes
1977
Telemotive Series 3000, a digital system using CMOS
circuitry, becomes the industry standard.
1985
Telemotive introduces Series 7000, based on the STD BUS
module and solid-state relay technology, for stepped and stepless cranes, locomotives,
railcar movers, and other industrial uses.
1986
Telemotive refines its designs with Series 8000, featuring
uni-board construction. It also introduces Series 2001, the first off-the-shelf radio
control system.
1989
Series 9000 is the first North American transmitter to
provide multi-speed control of cranes, hoists, monorails and other material handling
equipment in a hand-held unit.
1991
Telemotive applies TMS (Time Multiple Sharing) and develops
TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) technology for radio remote control applications.
1992
Industrial-grade, programmable radio switch technology is
applied to distribution automation applications in the utility market.
1993
Launch of Series 10K, allowing up to four cranes to run on
one frequency through TMS technology; also, the first cordless pendant-style transmitter
with 2 or 3-speed positive detent pushbuttons.
1996
Introduction of 10K6/9, affordable hand-held wireless
keypad for full control of monorail hoists and more from up to 200 feet away.
1997
Launch of the first laser-based anti-collision system Laser Guard,
offering distance control and collision prevention for cranes and other guided machinery.
1998
Launch of the next-generation of Series 10K, with its modular design that
offers ease of maintenance and new surface-mount technology.
1999
Largest series of new product launches in Telemotive/Berlet history:
The new 18K series of Engineered Systems, offering the choice of
licensed and non-licensed systems on the same modular platform
True stepless control system (SCS) for variable frequency drive-equipped
cranes, using proprietary stepless switch in the pendant-style 10KM-series transmitters
JLTX, a lightweight belly box-style transmitter offering the customer a
choice of joystick or lever controls
Electronic Transfer Switch, offering a cost-effective seamless transfer
between radio and pendant control.
You may be assured that the Telemotive/Berlet association will continue to
pioneer developments in the field of radio remote control. Many of the systems we have
installed are still in operation after more than 20 years. We are dedicated to industrial
grade controls and we understand the demanding conditions of all industries.
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