Connecting The Sensors
The machine that you are operating may require one or more of the following sensors:
- GPS Receiver
- ATS Target
- Sonic Tracer
Refer to the following information for connecting the sensors to the machine that you will be operating.
GPS Receiver
- Mount the GPS Receiver.
For a single GPS System - Slide a GPS Receiver on the left hand mast or right hand mast.
For a dual GPS System - Slide the the GPS Receiver on both masts.
In order to prevent personal injury during installation and removal of the GPS receivers, use an approved access system in order to reach the mounting locations of the GPS receivers at the top of the masts. Do not climb on the blade. |
Illustration 1 | g01308370 |
(13) GPS Receiver (14) Mast (15) Thumb wheel on the Quick Release Bracket (19) Quick Release Bracket |
Note: Make sure that the Quick Release Bracket (19) is installed on the GPS Receiver.
- Firmly hand tighten the thumb wheel (15) that is located on the quick release bracket.
Note: You must fully insert the GPS Mast (14) into the quick-release bracket on the GPS Receiver (13). Otherwise, the blade tip to antenna measurements will not be correct, resulting in wrong elevation guidance and construction.
- Proceed to "Connecting The Cables".
ATS Target
In order to prevent personal injury during installation and removal of the ATS Target, use an approved access system in order to reach the mounting locations of the ATS Target at the top of the masts. Do not climb on the blade. |
- Inspect the rubber isolators on the shock mount for wear (cracks or tears).
Note: Replace the rubber isolators if any signs of wear are present.
Illustration 2 | g01186337 |
- Place the ATS Target on top of the Electric Mast.
- Firmly hand tighten the ATS Target to the electric mast with the ratchet handle on the base of the ATS Target.
- Proceed to "Connecting The Cables".
Sonic Tracer
The operator can add a Sonic Tracer to any AccuGrade System whenever a job requires lift guidance.
To install a Sonic Tracer so that it can be used by the system, complete the following steps:
- Start the Display and make sure you are in a guidance view.
If the system is in Automatic Mode, blade movement may occur. Ensure that the system is in Manual Mode. Personal injury or death from crushing could occur if the system is not in Manual Mode. |
- Attach the Sonic Tracer onto the mounting bracket. To do this, insert the round tracer feature (1) into the bracket. Use the ratchet handle assembly in order to tighten the Sonic Tracer to the bracket.
Illustration 3 | g01181027 |
Illustration 4 | g01181055 |
- Use a 10-pin quick disconnect to 6-pin Amphenol cable in order to connect the Sonic Tracer to the system harness, as shown in Illustration 4.
- Proceed to "Connecting The Cables".
Connecting The Cables
- Connect the ninety degree connector to the GPS Receiver.
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. |
Note: It is essential that the left mast and the right mast are connected to the respective left and right harness connectors. This will ensure proper blade movement.
Illustration 5 | g01173902 |
(16) Bracket (Connector) (17) Connector for the Right Hand GPS Receiver Harness |
Illustration 6 | g01173893 |
(18) Bracket (Connector) (19) Connector for the Left Hand GPS Receiver Harness |
- The other end of the coiled cable has a quick disconnect connector. Connect the quick disconnect connector to the connector on the Bracket (Connector) (16,18) .
Refer to Illustration 5 and Illustration 6.
- Proceed to "Verification (Sensor Installation)".
Verification (Sensor Installation)
- Insert your data card, which contains the design information, into the slot for the data card (12) on the Display.
Illustration 7 | g01265962 |
(1) LCD (2) Soft Key Labels (3) Soft Keys (4) Escape Key (5 ) Next Key (6) Power key (7) "+" Key (8) Arrow keys (9) "-" Key (10) "OK" key (11) "Menu" key (12) "Data card slot" |
- Press the power key (6) on the Display.
Immediately observe the pattern of the lightbar LEDs. The LEDs on the lightbars flash in the following sequence on startup:
- The LEDs on the left lightbar flash in sequence from bottom to top
- The LEDs on the center (horizontal) lightbar flash in sequence from left to right
- The LEDs on the right lightbar flash in sequence from top to bottom
- The LEDs on all lightbars flash at the same time, twice
Note: For more information, Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Light Bar Start-Up Checks".
- The LEDs on the left lightbar flash in sequence from bottom to top
When the software for the AccuGrade System is loaded, and the system checks are finished, the Plan View appears.
Note: The Display checks that all system components are present and that all system components are responding correctly. If there are any problems, the "Diagnostics" dialog will appear.
Diagnostics Screen
Illustration 8 | g01300160 |
The Display expects certain components to be connected to the system, depending on the system configuration. The "Diagnostics" Screen lists the expected components and their status.
If any device does not respond while the system is running, the following message appears:
Some of the required system devices are not responding. Press "Enter" in order to diagnose.
When you press "Enter", the Diagnostics dialog appears.
The screen displays a list of devices that are currently connected to the system. The "Diagnostics" dialog lists each device and reports the following information:
- the device name
- the status of the device
- the application firmware version number
- the loader firmware version
The application firmware must be the correct version before the device can be used in the system.
The application firmware version number indicates which devices are detected and which devices have the correct version of the firmware loaded.
Note: When none of the devices display "old version", you can use the system. With some older radios, the diagnostics are unable to report a version number, but the system is usable.
If either the firmware or the loader is too old, the device is detected, but you cannot use the system until the device firmware is updated. The Status column displays the minimum firmware required.
If the message "Not found" appears beside a device, the device was not detected.
You cannot use the system if a device is not found.
Note: If the configuration file sent to the GPS Receiver failed, try loading a design surface to send another configuration file.
To view detailed diagnostics about the ATS, press "ATS".
To view detailed diagnostics about the GPS Receiver and data radio link, press "GPS".
Starting the System
To start the system, complete the following steps:
- Insert your data card, which contains the design information, into the slot for the data card (12) on the Display.
Illustration 9 | g01265962 |
(1) LCD (2) Soft Key Labels (3) Soft Keys (4) Escape Key (5 ) Next Key (6) Power key (7) "+" Key (8) Arrow keys (9) "-" Key (10) "OK" key (11) "Menu" key (12) "Data card slot" |
- Press the power key (6) on the Display.
Immediately observe the pattern of the lightbar LEDs. The LEDs on the lightbars flash in the following sequence on startup:
- The LEDs on the left lightbar flash in sequence from bottom to top
- The LEDs on the center (horizontal) lightbar flash in sequence from left to right
- The LEDs on the right lightbar flash in sequence from top to bottom
- The LEDs on all lightbars flash at the same time, twice
Note: For more information, Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Light Bar Start-Up Checks".
The Display checks that all system components are present and that all system components are responding correctly. If there are any problems, the "Diagnostics" dialog will appear.
When the software for the AccuGrade System is loaded, and the system checks are finished, the Plan View appears.
- The LEDs on the left lightbar flash in sequence from bottom to top
Selecting a Design
Illustration 10 | g01265962 |
(1) LCD (2) Soft Key Labels (3) Soft Keys (4) Escape Key (5 ) Next Key (6) Power key (7) "+" Key (8) Arrow keys (9) "-" Key (10) "OK" key (11) "Menu" key (12) "Data card slot" |
Note: The software for the AccuGrade System automatically loads the last design that was used, if that design is present on the data card.
In order to select a design, complete the following steps:
- Press the Menu key (11) until the "Designs" soft key is displayed
- Press the "Designs" soft key in order to select a design. A dialog that is similar to Illustration 11 appears.
Illustration 11 | g01266748 |
- In order to highlight a design, press the up arrow key or press the down arrow key.
- Press the "OK" key (10) in order to load the design and return to the guidance views.
- Press the Next Key (5) in order to change the views. For more information on using the views, Refer to the following information: Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Display Navigation" and Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Text Views".
- Ensure that the "GPS Accuracy Mode" is suitable for the type of work that will be done. For more information, Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, "GPS Accuracy Mode - Set".
- Check that the "Vertical Offset" soft key shows the correct vertical offset value. The "elevation offset" method should be selected. For more information, Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Vertical Guidance".
- Check that the "Alignment" soft key shows the correct alignment for horizontal guidance. For more information, Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Horizontal Guidance".
- Check that the "H. Offset" soft key shows the horizontal offset value. For more information, Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Horizontal Guidance".
- Check that the "Blade: Left" soft key, the "Blade: Right" soft key or the "Blade <focus>" soft key shows that the required blade tip has focus.
Note: Depending on the operator configuration settings of the system, some of the options, soft keys, or views that are discussed in this manual may not be available. Other options, soft keys or views may be available.
Work Preparation Checks
In order to optimize the accuracy of the AccuGrade System, complete the following checks:
- Restore Settings
- Display Brightness
- GPS Accuracy Mode
- Valve Speed
- Lightbar Tolerances
- Blade Wear
- Mast(s) Vertical
- Vertical Guidance
Restore Settings
Machine Settings
You must use the correct machine settings for your machine to ensure accurate guidance. To restore a machine settings file complete the following steps:
- Make sure that there is a data card inserted in the Display.
- From any guidance screen, press "Setup Menu".
- Select "Machine Settings".
A dialog similar to Illustration 12 will appear.
Illustration 12 | g01307746 |
- Select the correct setting file for your machine.
- Press the "OK" Key in order to confirm the settings or press the Escape Key to exit without saving.
When you are restore a machine settings file, a dialog warns you to check the blade wear setting. Refer to "Blade Wear" for information pertaining to checking the wear of the blade.
Note: Always check the Blade Wear dialog. The machine cutting edge may have worn (or been renewed) since the Machine Settings were saved.
Display Settings
You should use the display configuration that has been created for you. To restore a display settings file complete the following steps:
- Make sure that there is a data card inserted in the Display.
- From any guidance screen, press "Setup Menu".
- Select "Display Settings".
A dialog similar to Illustration 13 appears.
Illustration 13 | g01266765 |
- Select the correct setting file for your use.
- Press the "OK" Key in order to confirm the settings or press the Escape Key to exit without saving.
Display Brightness
The brightness of the Display screen should be adjusted to suit your working conditions. The brightness of the display can be adjusted using the following key combinations:
- To increase the display brightness, hold down on the "Menu" key and press the Plus key.
- To decrease the display brightness, hold down on the "Menu" key and press the Minus key.
GPS Accuracy Mode
By default, the GPS Accuracy Mode is available for all configurations of the AccuGrade System. 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.
Use GPS Accuracy Mode in order to set the maximum GPS error estimate that is acceptable for your application.
If the GPS error estimate exceeds the limits defined for the selected mode, a "Low Accuracy GPS" message is shown on the Display.
There are three GPS Accuracy modes:
- Fine
- Medium
- Coarse
Your supervisor sets the limit for each mode. Your supervisor sets each mode to suit the type of work you are doing. (Your supervisor can also deactivate the modes.) For example, the limits for Fine mode are set for finish trim work. If GPS accuracy is not within the tolerance set for Fine mode, do not change into Coarse mode in order to continue work on your final trim surface. Instead, do one of the following things:
- Wait for the GPS accuracy to improve and then continue in Fine mode.
- Change the GPS Accuracy mode and then continue working on an area that does not require Fine mode GPS accuracy.
- Change the GPS Accuracy mode and then raise the vertical offset in order to leave the constructed surface high. Return to the area when the GPS accuracy has improved and allows Fine mode operation. This allows you to continue working on the same area of the design and not overcut the final design surface.
If you are using one or more GPS Receivers as position sensors, make sure that the selected GPS accuracy mode is appropriate for the work that you are about to do.
Refer to the GPS Accuracy Mode Set Section of this manual for additional information.
Valve Speed
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).
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. |
Refer to the Valve Speed Set Section of this manual for additional information.
Lightbar Tolerances
The lightbars on-grade tolerance are adjustable in order to provide the appropriate guidance for the Design Surface.
Refer to the Light Bar Scale - Set section of this manual for additionaly information.
Blade Wear
As you operate the machine, the cutting edge of the blade wears away. This feature allows the measurement of the cutting edge to be updated.
Refer to the Blade Wear - Set section of this manual for additional information.
Mast(s) Vertical
If you have mast-mounted sensors, the mast or masts must be perpendicular to the wheel base of the machine during operation.
Illustration 14 | g01206255 |
In some cases, you may be required to alter the angle of the mast by altering the hole the bolt securing the rotating mast mount is bolted into. The rotating mast mount is shown in Illustration 14.
If you change the location of the bolt, you must record the change in the AccuGrade System. Contact you site manager in order to make this change.
Note: The angle of the mast(s) relative to the wheel base of the machine not only changes when the moldboard is rolled, but also when the blade is rotated.
Vertical Guidance
Verify or change the desired vertical guidance method.
Vertical Guidance Methods     | |
---|---|
Method     | Description     |
Cross Slope     | Used when a constant cross slope is desired.     |
Lift + Cross Slope     | Used when lift guidance (sonic tracer) is available on on side of the blade and a constant cross slope is desired.     |
3D, 1 Point Center     | This method sets one vertical guidance point to the center of the blade. Use this method when you are working on a wide section of the design where the cross slope does not change (for example, the lane of a road). Guidance does not change with respect to the blade tip focus.     |
3D, 1 Point Focus     | This method sets one vertical guidance point 0.2 m (0.6 ft) in from the blade tip that has focus. Use this method when you are working on a narrow section of the design where the cross slope does not change (for example, the shoulder of a road). Guidance changes with respect to the blade tip focus.     |
3D, 2 Points Tips     | This method sets two vertical guidance points 0.2 m (0.6 ft) in from each blade tip. Use this method when you are working on an irregular design surface, where the cross slope changes across the width of the blade (for example, a golf course). Guidance does not change with respect to the blade tip focus.     |
1 Point Custom     | This method lets you set one vertical guidance point at a customized distance from the blade tip with focus.     |
2 Points Custom     | This method is uesd when a design surface requires extra control over the positioning of the vertical guidance points along the blade. It allows you to set two vertical guidance points at specified distances along the blade edge.     |