Ditch the Laptop: Your Phone is Now Your Smartest Hydraulic Tool

Ditch the Laptop: Your Phone is Now Your Smartest Hydraulic Tool

For decades, commissioning a proportional valve has followed a familiar script: find the right cable, connect a laptop, launch the software, and navigate complex parameter screens. It’s a process that works, but it’s cumbersome, especially when you're working in the tight confines of a machine. What if you could do it all from the phone in your pocket?

That future is here. Introducing the new Bosch Rexroth 4WRAE proportional directional valve with integrated digital electronics (OBED) and optional Bluetooth connectivity. Paired with our "easy2connect" app, it transforms valve setup and diagnostics from a chore into a simple, intuitive mobile experience.

Commissioning, Simplified

The concept is simple but powerful. The 4WRAE valve can be equipped with a small, robust Bluetooth dongle. Once installed, any technician with the easy2connect app on their iOS or Android device can securely pair with the valve in seconds. No cables, no drivers, no hassle.

From the app, you have complete control to:

• Visualize Performance: See the active command value, valve opening, and solenoid current in real-time.
• Optimize on the Fly: Adjust the command value characteristic curve, set acceleration/deceleration ramps, and fine-tune dither settings to perfectly match the valve to your application.
• Diagnose Instantly: View the valve's status, see active errors or warnings, and access diagnostic messages without ever opening a control cabinet.
• Force Solenoids: Manually activate solenoids in "Force Mode" to test functionality and verify mechanical movements during setup.

More Than Just Bluetooth: A Modern Digital Core

While the wireless capability is a game-changer, the 4WRAE is a modern digital valve at its core. The on-board electronics (OBED) provide a robust platform for control, supporting multiple communication standards to fit your architecture. Choose from:

• IO-Link: The fast-growing standard for sensor/actuator communication, enabling rich process data and diagnostics over a simple 3-wire connection.
• Analog Voltage/Current: For seamless integration into traditional control systems that use ±10V or 4-20mA signals.

This flexibility ensures that whether you are building a cutting-edge Industry 4.0 machine or upgrading a legacy system, the 4WRAE is ready to connect.

The Right Tool for the Job

The 4WRAE proves that powerful hydraulics don’t have to be complicated. By placing intuitive, powerful tools directly into the hands of technicians, we are making hydraulic systems faster to commission, easier to service, and more productive than ever before.