AccuGradeTM - Grade Control System (GPS/ATS/Sonic/Cross Slope) Caterpillar

Valve Speed - Set

Usage:

12H AMZ

Introduction

By default, the Valve Speed option is available for all configurations of AccuGrade. Depending on the operator configuration settings for your system, some of the options, soft keys, or views discussed in this manual may not be accessible.

The Valve Speed dialog lets you change the speed of the valves that automatically control the blade. Correct valve speeds depend on the type of material that you are moving (for example, sand, hard rock, or dirt) and what tasks you are doing (for example, base grade or finished grade).

If the valve speed values are set too high, the system reacts too quickly. This can cause instability in the system and cause unnecessary work for the hydraulic machine components. If the values are set too low, the system reacts too slowly and will take too long to return to an on-grade position.

Note: The machine should be at operating revs when testing and setting the valve speed.

In order to adjust the valve speed, the AccuGrade System must have a high accuracy position. Confirm that the system is in high accuracy mode before you attempt to adjust the valve speed. Without a high accuracy GPS position, the changes to the valve speeds cannot be tested.

A temporary design surface is created for adjusting the valve speeds. The light bars will provide guidance to the temporary design surface only while the Valve Speed dialog is open.

For the best valve speed setting, Caterpillar recommends that you follow the steps outlined in the following sections.

Setting Valve Speeds

In order to access the Valve Speed dialog, complete the following steps:

Set the Auto/Manual switch to Manual.

Raise and level the blade of the machine.

Press the "Setup Menu" soft key. The "Setup Menu – Configuration" dialog appears.

From the Setup Menu – Configuration dialog, press the Down arrow or the Up arrow until the Valve Speed item is highlighted.

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Illustration 1	g01206544

Press the OK key. The "Select Valve" dialog appears. Refer to Illustration 1.

Use the arrow keys in order to select the valve speed that is to be adjusted.

Left Valve Speed

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Illustration 2	g01206545

Select "Left" from the list of valves. The Left Valve Speed dialog appears. Refer to Illustration 2.

Perform one of the following actions:
- Press the Up arrow or the Right arrow in order to increase the speed. Press the Left arrow or the Down arrow in order to decrease the speed.
- Press "Default Set 50" in order to set the speed to the default value of 50.
The valve speed is immediately updated.
If the update is not successful, a dialog appears. The dialog warns that the valve speed has not been updated, and instructs you to try again. Use the Diagnostics dialog to check the status of the Implement/Valve Control ECM. Repeat the steps in Setting Valve Speeds, and Steps 1 and 2 in this section. If you still cannot change the valve speed, please contact your Caterpillar dealer.

Move the blade until the light bars indicate that the blade is above the on-grade position or below the on-grade position.

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Once the system is placed in automatic mode, blade movement may occur.
Ensure that all personnel are clear of the blade before you place the system in automatic mode.

Personal injury or death from crushing could occur.

Set the Auto/Manual switch to Auto. The status indicator on the Valve Speed dialog indicates that the automatic controls are in the Auto state.

Watch how quickly or slowly the blade moves to the on-grade position:
- If the blade moves too slowly, increase the valve speed.
- If the blade moves too fast (overshoots the design and has to correct), decrease the valve speed.
The blade should move quickly to the on-grade position. The blade should not overshoot the design by more than 10 mm (0.5 inch).

Set the Auto/Manual switch to Manual. The status indicator on the Valve Speed dialog indicates that the automatic controls are in the Manual state.

Repeat Step 2 through Step 6 until the valve speed for the left valve is correct for the conditions.

Right Valve Speed

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Illustration 3	g01206546

Select "Right" from the list of valves. The Right Valve Speed dialog appears. Refer to Illustration 3.

Perform one of the following actions:
- Press the Up arrow or the Right arrow in order to increase the speed. Press the Left arrow or the Down arrow in order to decrease the speed.
- Press "Default Set 50" to set the speed to the default value of 50.
The valve speed is immediately updated.
If the update is not successful, a dialog appears. The dialog warns that the valve speed has not been updated, and instructs you to try again. Use the Diagnostics dialog to check the status of the Implement/Valve Control ECM. Repeat the steps in Setting Valve Speeds, and Steps 1 and 2 in this section. If you still cannot change the valve speed, please contact your Caterpillar dealer.

Tilt the blade until the light bars indicate that the blade is off-grade.

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Once the system is placed in automatic mode, blade movement may occur.
Ensure that all personnel are clear of the blade before you place the system in automatic mode.

Personal injury or death from crushing could occur.

Set the Auto/Manual switch to Auto. The status indicator on the Valve Speed dialog indicates that the automatic controls are in the Auto state.

Watch how quickly or slowly the blade moves to the on-grade position:
- If the blade moves too slowly, increase the valve speed.
- If the blade moves too fast (overshoots the on-grade position and has to correct the blade position), decrease the valve speed.
The blade should move quickly to the on-grade position. The blade should not overshoot the design by more than 10 mm (0.5 inch).