Control switch, control system and method for operating a crane

A control system for operating a crane, said control system comprising:

• a mobile device comprising a tablet computer or a smartphone;
• a control switch for operating primary functions the crane including lifting and lowering of a load picking-up apparatus of the crane, wherein the control switch comprises:
• (i) a first interface configured for transmitting signals between the control switch and a control unit of the crane;
• and
• (ii) a second interface configured for transmitting signals between the mobile device and the control switch;
• wherein the mobile device is connected to the control unit in a signal-transmitting manner during operability of the crane via the second interface, the control switch, and the first interface;
• and
• wherein functions of the mobile device are operable to extend the functional scope of the control switch beyond the primary functions of the crane, the extended functional scope including at least one chosen from:
• i) retrieving instructions stored in a database;
• ii) interfacing with the Internet to display circuit diagrams, help pages, and replacement parts for the crane, and to provide ordering capability for the replacement parts;
• and
• iii) adjustment of parameters including types of crane operation.