Commissioning of the pick-by-light system
Here you can find out how the commissioning of a pick-by-light system works in detail. You will learn how the system is prepared, started, and technically put into operation.
Requirements for Pick-by-Light commissioning
The following work must be completed before commissioning:
- Installation of the pick-by-light profiles, including cabling. The connection terminals are not closed with the covers at this stage.
- The individual subject displays should not be incorporated into the profiles at first.
- The pick-by-light controllers should be mechanically fastened and electrically connected. The plugs for the supply cables should not be plugged in at this stage.
1. First, the cabling is measured.
To perform the measurement, the terminals must first be accessible (no covers). The cabling of a pick-by-light system is not complicated and consists of only a 4-wire cable. However, the individual wires of the cable must be correctly connected to the appropriate terminal. The entire system is a BUS. If an error occurs during installation and all displays are already installed, the error is not easy to find (more about: Pick-by-Light Installation).
Measurements for short circuits or reversals should be performed at each connection terminal.
The measurements are taken using a standard measuring device, e.g., a continuity tester with a beep tone.
If a fault is detected in the cabling, it must first be corrected, which is very easy to do by swapping the individual wires in the cabling.
2. Switching on the controllers and installing the pick-by-light compartment displays
Once all the wiring has been tested, the compartment displays can be installed and the plugs connected to the controllers.
We always switch on the controllers first and plug in the connectors. The voltage (24V) and data signals are now available on the pick-by-light rails. The pick-by-light compartment displays are then simply clicked into the profiles at the appropriate positions. This is done without tools and without additional cabling.
Our tip: When clicking on the specialized displays, please pay attention to the flashing LED for the quantity. If the display is communicating with the controller, the dot on a 7-segment display will flash briefly.
Once all displays have been installed and registered with the control software, the electrical part of commissioning is complete. The system can now be configured. We describe the configuration in a separate article: Pick-by-Light Configuration.
3. Installation of the covers and completion of commissioning
At the end of commissioning, the covers are clicked into place over the connection terminals for protection. In some systems, the spaces between the displays are also covered with covers. This is not necessary and may also have visual implications.
Conclusion
Commissioning a pick-by-light system is not difficult, but should be done in a specific order. First, check all the cabling. Only then should you switch on the controllers and click in the compartment displays. The system can then be configured.
