Office Computers
The Display uses industry-standard data cards ("CompactFlash") in order to store all of the designs and other information required for the AccuGrade System. Illustration 1 shows the physical size of the data card.
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| Illustration 1 | g01224317 |
(1) Data Card (2) Adapter For The Data Card | |
In order to transfer the data to and from a data card the office computer needs an appropriate reader for the data card. The type of reader depends on the type of computer available and the operating system the computer is running. There is no limit to the size of card that may be used.
Notebook Computers
A PC card (PCMCIA) slot is available on most notebook computers. Place the data card into a PC card adapter and insert the adapter into the PCMCIA slot.
Desktop Computers
Usually, no data card or PC card interface is available on desktop computers. However, there are numerous third-party solutions available.
Contact your office computer supplier for data card reader solutions.
Microsoft Windows 98, Windows 2000, or Windows XP
When an office computer running Microsoft Windows 98, Microsoft Windows 2000, or Microsoft Windows XP detects a data card (plug and play), the computer assigns the data card the next available drive letter.
Some office computers may perform an autodetect routine the first time the data card is inserted.
Note: You must stop the data card before removing the data card from the computer. Failure to do so can corrupt the data.
Data Card Errors
Note: Data card errors occur if you pull the data card out of the Display while the data card is in use. Do not remove the data card when the amber LED indicator next to the data card slot is illuminated or flashing.
The AccuGrade System checks the integrity of the data card every five seconds. If the system detects an error the system records the error in the ProgramLog.txt file. A dialog that explains the problem appears on the screen. The data card may need to be reformatted. Alternatively, replace the data card and copy the data card's contents to a new card.
Root Folder
The root folder on the data card will contain some of the following file types or all of the following file types:
- A Site Map
- Site Avoidance Zone
- Terrain Logging
- Map Recording
- Program log
- Display Settings
- Machine Settings
- GPS Receiver Configuration
- Design folders
The following files may be in the root folder in order to upgrade the firmware for the device.
- Upgrade Firmware for the Display
- Upgrade Firmware for the GPS Receiver
- Upgrade firmware for the Angle Sensor
The file for software support option may be in the root folder. This file is loaded into the Display in order to enable the license support agreement.
Site Map (Name.svl, Site.dxf or Name.bg.dxf)
This file is stored in the root folder of the data card. If this file is present, this file is always loaded. The site map provides a framework map of the whole site and contains the linework that is always visible. When a design is loaded, the design is placed in conjunction with the site. You can also choose to guide horizontally to the lines that are displayed in this file.
The site map can be in two different formats. The file can be in SV Linework format (.svl) or in a valid DXF format. The SV Linework format is a proprietary format that is produced by the AccuGrade Office Software.
Name the file with one of the following names, depending on the format used.
- *.svl
- Site.dxf
- *.bg.dxf
The site map is loaded when you power up the system. There should be only one file for the site map in the root folder. The software will search and load the first *.svl file that is found. If an *.svl is not present, the software searches the root folder for a Site.dxf file. The software will load the first file that is found. If the software does not find a Site.dxf file, then the software will search the root folder for a background DXF (*.bg.dxf) file. The software will load the first file that is found.
Note: When possible, use the SV Linework (*.svl) format. These files will load in seconds rather than minutes.
Site Avoidance Zone
Site Avoidance Zone files provide information about general areas on the site that must be avoided. One or more *.avoid.dxf or *. avoid.svl files may be stored in the root folder of the data card. Site Avoidance Zone files must be in a valid DXF or SVL format. All *.dxf and *.svl avoidance zone files that are in the root directory are loaded.
Map Recording (Map recording type no design.cat)
Map Recording files contain data for coverage mapping. Different types of coverage are recorded into different *.cat files. The files can be identified by the type of coverage that is included in the name of the file. The following are types of Map recording coverage.
- Coverage
- Ripper
- Cut/Fill
- Terrain
- Radio Coverage
Terrain Logging (Current Terrain NoDesign.st)
The Terrain Logging file contains recorded terrain data. This data can be used in order to build a current terrain model of the area that is covered by the machine. The data can also be used in order to build a radio coverage map.
Log (ProgramLog.txt and ProgramLog.old)
The AccuGrade System automatically creates two log files in the root folder. Log files contain information about the operation of the system.
When the ProgramLog.txt file reaches 512 KB in size, the file is copied to the ProgramLog.old file. If there is already a ProgramLog.old file in the root folder, then the program will overwrite this file. The data in the older file is lost.
Note: Always leave 1 MB of free storage on the data card so that the system can create these two log files.
If a problem occurs with the system, you must E-mail these files to your support person for analysis.
Display Settings file (Display**.DSP)
When the AccuGrade System creates this file, the file is placed in the root folder of the data card. Refer to Systems Operation, "Display Settings" for more information.
The system uses the Display files for the Display Settings in order to save and restore the following settings:
- "Auto Pan"
- "Blade Focus"
- "Beeper"
- "Cross Section View"
- "Design Info - but not restored"
- "Horizontal Offset"
- "Layered Lift"
- "Lightbar Brightness"
- "Lightbar Scales"
- "Map Recording"
- "On grade Tolerance"
- "Operator Configuration"
- "Overcut Protection"
- "Perpendicular Lift"
- "Plan View Rotation"
- "Profile View"
- "Reference Surface"
- "Text Views - all"
- "Training Mode"
- "Units"
- "Vertical Lift"
- "Vertical Offset"
- "Vertical Offset Increment"
- "Working Surface"
- "Alignment Selection"
The default name for Display Setting is Display**.DSP. ** represents the sequential number that starts 01. The system creates the sequential number in order to distinguish between the different Display Settings. Files for the Display Settings can be used on all machine types. The file for the Display Settings may be assigned a unique name by using the arrow keys in order to enter text.
Note: The Display Configuration can be set up for different operators or for different sites such as roads versus jobs on a site. Keep the appropriate Display Configuration for your machine in the root folder of the data card.
Machine Settings (name.MCH)
When the AccuGrade System creates this file, the system places the file in the root folder of the data card. The system uses the AccuGrade GPS machine settings files in order to save and restore the following settings:
The MCH File contains:
- "Avoidance Zones"
- "Blade Wear"
- "FTP Support"
- "GPS Accuracy"
- "GPS Port"
- "CD550A Radio Port"
- "GPS Receiver Configuration"
- "Machine Dimensions"
- "Valve Calibration"
- "Vertical Guidance"
- "Valve Speed"
The default name for a Motor Grader is "GRADER**.MCH".** represents a sequential number that starts at 01. The system creates the sequential number in order to distinguish between different machine settings.
Note: Keep the appropriate Display Configuration for your machine in the root folder of the data card.
GPS Receiver Configuration (*.cfg)
The "GPS Receiver Configuration" file contains the site coordinate system and the GPS calibration parameters. Store the "GPS Receiver Configuration" file in the design folder so that the file is automatically loaded with the design. "GPS Receiver Configuration" files that are in the root directory must be manually loaded.
Display Upgrade (AccuGrade GPS V6.10 ccc.sg1)
When you upgrade or change the language of the firmware on the Display, copy the *.sg1 file to the root folder of the data card.
The file follows the format AccuGrade GPS V6.10 ccc.SG1 where ccc represents the country code for the language translation. For example, AccuGrade GPS V6.10 USA.SG1 is for American English.
Note: Do not leave these files on the data card after use. Otherwise, each time you start the AccuGrade System the system asks if you want to upgrade the Display firmware.
Refer to Systems Operation, "Display Firmware Upgrade" for more information.
GPS Receiver Firmware Upgrade
In order to perform a GPS Receiver firmware upgrade from the Display you need the following files:
- GPS Receiver upgrade software - the executable files (oemapp.exe and PanFlashCE.exe)
- New GPS Receiver firmware file.elf extension
These files are part of the GPS Receiver firmware upgrade kit.
Copy these files to the root folder of the data card only when you must upgrade the GPS Receiver.
Note: Do not leave these files on the data card after use. Otherwise, each time you start the AccuGrade System the system asks if you want to upgrade the GPS Receiver.
Note: AccuGrade GPS version 6.10 will not work unless the GPS Receiver firmware is version 1.35 or greater.
Refer to Systems Operation, "Receiver Firmware Upgrade" for more information.