US Elevator – 3 Board Hydraulic Elevator Microprocessor Control Systems

 

We have been quoting and modernizing quite a few US Elevator 3 Board hydraulic microprocessor control systems. In our area US Elevator completed a lot of new hydraulic construction in condos and healthcare facilities. If you still have one of these elevator controllers, there are a few things to consider.

Availability of parts – To our knowledge there are no more new parts for these elevators. While the circuit boards historically have been fairly reliable and robust, when they go, you cannot buy new. You have to install used or go the repair route. We are collecting the old parts and storing them but eventually they will be all gone; used and repaired.

Elevator mechanic domain knowledge – As the years go by, fewer mechanics know how to diagnose and repair these elevator controllers. Those that are good at it were a small group to begin with and are part of an aging population. Add those two together and it's time to think about replacing it with a controller that more elevator mechanics are familiar with. You do not want to have a significant failure that may cause the elevator to be out 8-12 weeks while you wait for parts. In our area[Chicago] we had a "US Elevator Wizard" who worked at Thyssen Krupp. Great with customers and knew this equipment backwards and forwards. He has recently retired and took all of the knowledge with him. When these great elevator mechanics with specific domain knowledge retire, buildings they took care of are put in a compromised position.

Repair options – We have several repair companies who will attempt to repair these solid state boards. Our experience is that it is a 50/50 shot of the repair company resolving the issue that is causing the elevator to malfunction.

Good news – US Elevator used the most popular door operating system, and other parts of their elevator system, so an elevator modernization is a good fit for most companies. Some OEMs[Original Equipment Manufacturers] i.e. Westinghouse, Otis and Montgomery used their own door systems and other parts that create a more challenging modernization.

 

[US Elevator used GAL door equipment - great equipment]

[US Elevator used Maxton Valves - great equipment]

If you have any questions or would like additional information feel free to contact me at CraigZ@colleyelevator.com or 630-766-7230 ext. 107.

Also check us out on Instagram @Colleyelevator see what we have been up to.

Elevator 101 – Elevator Education For Property Managers – Recap

 

We had a great first Elevator 101 lunch and learn on Tuesday June 6^th, 2023.  We went through a lot of topics and had some good discussion points.  We had some larger property management firms, mid-sized property management firms and even some condominium board members.  This is a class for everyone that lives in a condo or manages one. We are looking forward to trying to get our course accredited and offer CEU’s for the next Elevator 101

Our class goal - The goal of the presentation is to have you become more knowledgeable about elevators, codes, requirements, mandates, obsolesce, modernization, maintenance and other related items so you can educate your Condominium Boards and be a better resource to the buildings you serve.

Our learning agenda was as follows:

Agenda

            Types of elevators
            Governing codes & certification requirements
                        Chicago
                        Suburbs – Suburbs with agreements & “Open Territory”
            Common elevator violations
            What you should have in a elevator machine room
            Fireman’s service exercise & hoist way access
            Testing requirements
                        CAT 1/5 testing & FAID
            Obsolete equipment
            Circuit board supply chain issues
            Technicians with domain knowledge
            Maintenance agreements
            Modernization projects 

We are pretty stoked to continue working on this project and getting more people involved and in seats.  We had some great food and gave away some great Colley swag from Yeti and Northface.

If you have any questions or would like additional information feel free to contact me at CraigZ@colleyelevator.com or 630-766-7230 ext. 107.

Also check us out on Instagram @Colleyelevator see what we have been up to.