Pros and Cons of Aarcomm’s new Belly Pack Remote
As with all new products from Aarcomm, our product management and engineering teams have been in close contact with customers collecting feedback. We’ve decided to share the pros and cons of the Aarcomm Belly Pack remote from the feedback we received in 2023.
The Pros:
There are some unique features in the Aarcomm Belly Pack that have caught the attention of our customers. These include:
Buttons on the joysticks: Buttons on the top of the joysticks that control the pump on / pump reverse functions are an optional feature on the Aarcomm Belly Pack but are a fan favorite among some operators. With the buttons right at your fingertips, you don't have to take your hands off the joysticks to deal with or reach for a pump on/off button. This is super handy and fast to access if the pump were to plug. It's just a matter of a finger split second rather than potentially having to take your hand off the stick and go hunting around for the button to turn the pump off.
Penguin mode: In addition to Turtle and Rabbit mode, the Aarcomm Belly Pack remote includes a “Penguin mode”. In turtle boom speed, the maximum speed that each individual section of the boom moves is 50% of what it's capable of. In rabbit speed, it moves at 100% of its capability which can create problems if you make an error in your movements on the joysticks. As one operator commented, “The boom can move really, really quickly and it can get kind of wild.”
The Penguin mode incorporates both modes into one. The first 50% of joystick travel is turtle speed, so it's nice and slow and progressive. And then if you want to move the boom 30ft from point A to point B, you can go that extra 50% faster by pushing the joystick further. To get into that full speed, there's a lot of stick travel involved. So, it would be really difficult to, by mistake, push the stick too far and get into that 100% or rabbit speed zone providing operators with a best of both worlds option in one mode.
In addition to adding some new features, our engineering team took a long, hard look at standard features that could be improved:
Simplicity: One observation from pump operators that was key to development decisions for this remote was that the addition of LCD screens to belly packs has caused many vendors to over complicate their devices. One operator commented that, “There’s just so much information. Unless you are a computer engineer, you’re never going to be able to remember it all or utilize it all.” And when you have to toggle through several screens, a pump operator has to take their focus off what they are doing as far as maneuvering the boom.
The Aarcomm Belly Pack remote provides pump operator simplicity by including everything a pump operator needs on one screen. You can do everything from right in front of you. “It's got the benefit of having the LCD without it over complicating your business.”
Battery life: Most belly pack remote controls come equipped with removable and rechargeable battery packs, and not all battery packs are created equal. Operators have shared many stories and some pretty horrifying photos of the hassles they deal with when it comes to belly pack batteries.
As reliable battery life is a critical factor for day-to-day operations, Aarcomm’s product team took the selection of battery chemistry very seriously. The Aarcomm Belly Pack battery is a non-removable LiFePO4 battery that lasts upwards of 10 years and up to 23 operating hours prior to recharge. The LiFePO4 battery chemistry works well in a wide range of temperatures, handling the coldest days of a Canadian winter and the heat of Arizona in the summer. Basically, you will quit working before your battery does.
Non-removable - anytime batteries or battery packs are replaced, there is added risk of moisture corroding the battery contacts. We eliminate that risk with our batteries being internal and permanent. In fact, Aarcomm’s belly pack features non-removable batteries designed to last upwards of 10 years.
Weather resistant: There are a number of reasons why the Aarcomm Belly Pack remote control is super weather, water and dust resistant, but one of them stems from our choice of battery. Anytime batteries or battery packs are replaced, there is added risk of moisture corroding the battery contacts. We eliminated that risk by opting for batteries that are internal and permanent. Only our service team can replace a battery on our remotes and with up to 10 years operating life, that’s an infrequent event.
Lightweight: The Aarcomm Belly Pack (inclusive of battery) is lighter than most other competing Belly Packs which reduces strain on operators over the course of a long day. And, the device is compatible with a number of different strap or belt clips options to suit operator preference. “I really like the two point harness. And the device - It’s light, it’s practical, it’s smaller,” noted one operator.
Easy linking: One issue that was raised in our interviews with boom pump operators was the difficulty experienced by many in linking a remote to the truck. “It’s really common to have our guys calling back to the office asking the mechanic “How do I link this thing up?”. The Aarcomm Belly Pack remote links really easily and includes the linking instructions right on the screen saving operators time, frustrations and unnecessary phone calls.
The Cons:
There are two areas that bubbled up in the feedback as features or opportunities with “room for improvement”.
The guard rails: Some operator feedback focussed on the guard rail at the front of the belly pack device. “I’d like it if the guard at the front came around a little more. I would like that because I generally like to rest my hands on the guard and then I kind of use it as a pivot point for running the sticks. And I think if the guard just came around a little bit more, it would make it a little bit easier.”
Exceptional ergonomics is a top priority in all Aarcomm remotes and the Aarcomm product team has prioritized efforts to fine tune the rails based on the feedback. They are currently trialing new guard rail designs and collecting operator feedback. The winner will be rolled out for all new orders.
A coffee cup holder: A couple of operators joked that they would love the device to include a secure spot to hold their coffee. Never ones to let a challenge go unsolved, our product team tested out several third party clip on cup holders and lo and behold…we have a winner!
A cuppa joe on the go!
Just one extra feature to make your mornings easier and better. ☕
For product details, head on over the Aarcomm Belly Pack page or, contact our sales team for pricing and delivery information.
