eLabtronics: Services - Case Studies

>Services - Case Studies

Maintcorp

16 February 2002

elabtronics facilitates Automatic Lubrication System import replacement

When South Australian company Maintcorp embarked on the development of a new Automatic Lubrication System for construction and mining equipment, it came to the conclusion that a new System Controller had to be developed. Several criteria for a new controller were developed, including that that it had to bring new features, be price competitive against existing products (predominantly imports) and be robust enough for the tough Australian environment.

Maintcorp approached the South Australian Industrial Supplies Office (SA ISO) for a short list of potential manufacturers. After evaluating the capabilities and pricing from the listed companies, the project was awarded to fellow South Australian firm elabtronics. The company was impressed by elabtronics recognised expertise in the development of microcontroller applications as a Microchip Technology Inc. (USA) Consultant Member.

From Left to Right: Maintcorp Chief Executive Officer :Mr Charles Coffrant, elabtronics Technical Manager: Mr Miroslav Kostecki and Maintcorp Managing Director Mr Greg Pitman with the System Controller.

A comprehensive understanding of Maintcorp's requirements and the PIC16F628 microcontroller enabled elabtronics to incorporate several new design features into the System Controller. These included a screen display of error messages, technician-friendly narrative troubleshooting and the ability, with simple reprogramming, for displayed messages to be translated into any language

Maintcorp has completed extensive testing of the System Controller at its Adelaide factory. It is delighted with the results and intends to offer its new Automated Lubrication System to market later in 2002. And in an outstanding example of the import replacement capabilities of South Australian firms, appointment of overseas distributors will follow.