Hitachi Custom Type Elevators (1980s)
This article refers to a custom type Hitachi passenger elevators produced from the late 1970s to the 1980s for low to high rise buildings. No specific name is known for this model.
Overview
It is a model of custom type passenger elevators which could be customized based on client's need. These elevators could be a medium speed model for low to mid rise buildings (which use geared machines), or a high speed model for high rise buildings (which use gearless machines). These elevators were manufacturer in Japan for export markets.
In Indonesia, these elevators were installed in a number of office buildings in Jakarta completed between the late 1970s and mid 1980s. Only two examples were known to be installed in shopping centers; these were Ratu Plaza (1979) and Gajah Mada Plaza (1982)
To distinguish between low to mid rise and high rise applications, these elevators are divided into two models.
Low to mid rise model
These elevators were usually used in shopping centers and sometimes apartment buildings. As they were only intended for low to mid rise buildings, they use geared machines. The speed is typically 1 meters per second. They could also be configured as panoramic elevators, like the ones in Gajah Mada Plaza, Jakarta.
High speed model
These elevators were designed for high rise office buildings and sometimes hotels. They are high speed elevators with a group supervisory control and gearless motors. It is believed that these elevators use microcomputer controls. The model name is said to be "EGL", but this is unconfirmed.
One characteristic of these elevators is that they would usually open its doors just before the elevator stops. In addition, if a hall call is made the arrival bell would ring a few seconds before the elevator arrives.
Fixtures
Both models used the same set of fixtures which are described below.
There are two types of buttons; one is a round push button that lights up entirely, and the secound is a round touch sensitive button with an illuminating halo. The touch sensitive buttons were usually used in the high speed model. For elevators with these buttons, the door control buttons are the push button type.
Floor indicators are analog display with a set of illuminating circles. The hall lanterns are big circles with an arrow. They could be mounted above the door (horizontally) or next to the door (vertically).
Two Hitachi elevators in Ratu Plaza, Jakarta.
The same elevators, on the 1st floor.
Touch sensitive call buttons.
Touch sensitive call buttons, plus a keyswitch.
Typical 1980s Hitachi car station with touch sensitive buttons.
Rare rectangle analog car floor indicator.
High rise elevators at Plaza Sentral, Jakarta. All of these have been modernized by Schneider (Chinese brand).
Low rise elevators at Plaza Sentral, Jakarta.
Touch sensitive call buttons with rare green/red light.
Hall lanterns (green)
Hall lanterns (red)
1983 Hitachi car station with touch sensitive buttons.
Standard analog car floor indicator with round lights.
Known installations in Indonesia
- Ratu Plaza, Jakarta (1980)
- Gajah Mada Plaza & Tower, Jakarta (1982, scenic elevators in the mall are being replaced into TK Elevator)
- Plaza Kuningan, Jakarta (1982, some have been modernized by Hitachi)
- Atrium Mulia, Jakarta (1983)
- Wisma Argo Manunggal, Jakarta (1984, some have been modernized by Otis in the 2000s)
- Ministry of Industrial, Jakarta (1983, modernized by LINES and Hitachi)
- Plaza Sentral, Jakarta (1984, all have been modernized by Schneider Elevator)
Wisma Sudirman, Jakarta(1979-2016, building demolished)
