NS100 Anti-Sway Solution for ABB ACS880

The Noswing NS100 is a high-precision anti-sway sensor designed for overhead and gantry cranes. It continuously measures the hoist rope angle in real time, providing the critical feedback required to actively dampen load sway during travel, lifting, and lowering.

This version is intended for use with ABB ACS880 frequency converters, where the NS100 rope-angle feedback is used by the crane control system to generate motion commands that reduce sway. The NS100 is the core sensing component in the Noswing anti-sway ecosystem and is designed to support ACS880-based crane control architectures

What the NS100 Does

Every crane movement creates natural pendulum motion in the load. The NS100 measures this motion directly at the hoist by detecting rope angle in two axes. This feedback allows the control system to calculate optimal acceleration, travel speed, and deceleration ramps that actively counteract sway.

When used correctly, the NS100 enables:

• Reduced load swing during travel and stopping

• Improved positioning accuracy

• Shorter cycle times

• Increased safety and smoother crane operation

• Reduced mechanical wear on hoist and structure

Control System Requirement 

The NS100 is a sensor only. It does not perform anti-sway control by itself.

To function as intended, the crane control system must actively use the rope-angle feedback from the NS100 to generate motion commands.

A typical ACS880-based setup includes:

• ABB ACS880 frequency converter(s)

• A crane control system / PLC logic capable of using rope-angle feedback for sway damping

• Anti-sway control logic such as:

  • Noswing anti-sway function blocks, or

  • Control logic designed for ACS880-based crane drives

Without an appropriate anti-sway control function, the NS100 will only provide raw angle data and no sway reduction will occur.

Communication Interface

Sensor interface: Modbus RTU
Physical layer: RS-485

Data provided:

• Rope angle (two axes)

• Angle direction

• Dynamic motion data for real-time sway control

The NS100 communicates exclusively via Modbus RTU.

ABB ACS880 Integration 

The NS100 does not connect directly to ACS880 drives without an appropriate control architecture.

In ACS880-based crane systems, integration typically includes:

• Modbus RTU communication into a PLC or control system that interfaces with ACS880

• OR a protocol gateway / fieldbus interface, depending on the chosen architecture

• Drive configuration and commissioning where the rope-angle feedback is used in control logic

If you are unsure about compatibility or the integration method for your crane system, contact us before ordering. We can confirm the recommended setup based on your ACS880 configuration.

Need help verifying your ACS880 setup?
→ Contact Noswing / Request compatibility check

Technical Highlights

• Two-axis rope-angle measurement

• Real-time feedback for anti-sway control

• Modbus RTU communication (RS-485)

• IP65-rated industrial housing

• Operating temperature: –40 °C to +85 °C

• Designed for continuous crane operation

• Suitable for ACS880-based crane control platforms (with correct control integration)

Typical Applications

• Overhead cranes

• Gantry cranes

• Semi-automatic crane systems

• Fully automatic crane systems

• Anti-sway retrofits on ACS880-based crane control platforms

What’s Included

Included:

• NS100 Anti-Sway Sensor

• ABB ACS880 integration documentation 

• Parameter/configuration guidance 

Not included:

• ABB ACS880 drive(s)

• PLC / crane controller

• Fieldbus / protocol converter (if required)

• PLC programming or commissioning

Important Note

If your crane control system is not using ABB ACS880 drives, please see the standard NS100 instead.