Banner Adds New Communication Options to TL70 Pro Tower Lights

Within a typical factory or warehouse, operators can be easily distracted by surrounding sounds or lights. By using a tower light, an operator’s attention can easily be directed back to equipment needing attention. Banner Engineering has an extensive light tower product line with many colors and powering options. Recently, Banner expanded its light tower portfolio to include new additions to the TL70 Pro tower light series, which promise easy integration and customizability.

TL70 Pro tower lights being used to show the status of a conveyor application. Image used courtesy of Banner Engineering

TL70 Pro Tower Light Series

Tower lights have been used in factories and logistics for many years, providing an efficient way to notify operators of errors, warnings, or even bin quantities. Most tower lights are made up of three to five segments, each with different color options, the top segment being a horn or buzzer. Each segment is typically wired back to a PLC output, where programming logic will signal each segment separately. The TL70 Pro tower light series takes a new spin on the tower light by using industrial communication protocols such as Modbus RTU, EtherNet/IP, ProfiNet, Modbus TCP, and IO-Link. 

If remote power is a design concern, the TL70 Pro is compatible with Power over Ethernet (PoE) in all the Ethernet models. Similar to other tower lights, the TL70 Pro is made up of various segments that can be pieced together as required. Segments can be purchased in multicolor, RGB LED, and buzzer segments, or pre-built models are also available with up to five multicolor or three RGB segments. Each model is IP65-rated and operates on 18-30 VDC with a standard M12 connector. Each segment is made of a durable polycarbonate measuring 70 mm in diameter.

The TL70 Pro tower light series features a modular design consisting of one to six segments. Image used courtesy of Banner Engineering

Dynamic Lighting and Indication

The TL70 Pro tower light series features a modular design consisting of one to six multicolor segments that show equipment status. Up to five segments and one buzzer can be connected to form a powerful, dynamic tower light with audible sound.

With the TL70 Pro multicolor segments, any color can be programmed into the segment and changed dynamically from the control system over the industrial communication protocol. Even animations can be added to the colors such as half of the segment as one color and the other half as another color, the two colors can then switch with a rotating action.

The intensity of the color can sweep from one side of the segment to the other, or the two colors can chase each other around the segment. These animations are meant to attract the eye of operators to special situations or machine status. The animations also give the equipment a modern flair.

For a more traditional tower light, the TL70 Pro is also available as an RGB model, in which each segment can display up to fourteen different colors that can be chosen dynamically through a control system.