- The Implement Electronic Control Module has regularly scheduled software releases for feature improvements and bug fixes. Software can be updated with latest software at any point in time.
- The CB460 Grade Control Display has regularly scheduled software releases for feature improvements and bug fixes. Software can only be updated if the date in the "Software Support Option Key" on the hardware supports the released software.
- The MS952 Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers are planned to operate on their current firmware release for the life of the product unless a problem is detected. There are no planned firmware releases but if an update is necessary, the firmware can be updated via the CB460 Grade Control Display or Winflash.
- The GS420 Inertial Measuring Unit (IMU) is planned to operate on its current firmware release for the life of the product unless a problem is detected. There are no planned firmware releases but if an update is necessary, the firmware can be updated via the CB460 Grade Control Display or Winflash.
The latest software and firmware for the devices may be found on the Caterpillar Service Information System (SIS). It is standard process to announce the release of software and firmware via a Service Magazine. Information on the contents and compatibility of the software and/or firmware are included in the Service Magazine and release notes. Software and firmware may also be found on the Caterpillar Service Information System (SIS) by searching using the machine serial number.
Note: There are various other Electronic Control Modules (ECM) on the machines, that are essential for proper machine performance. Refer to the Caterpillar Service Information System (SIS) for the latest supported software/firmware and proper compatibility between all the machine ECM.
Implement Electronic Control Module
The Implement ECM utilizes an A5M4 ECM. The part number for the hardware is 365-6773 Electronic Control Module. This A5M4 ECM hardware and the software loaded on the ECM are the same for Cat Grade Control machines and standard non-Cat Grade Control machines.
The Grade Control system is enabled in the Implement ECM by a configurable option. This configurable option is secured through the feature protection system with a Software Enabled Attachment (SEA) factory password.
The Grade Control System installation status will show "Installed" and Grade Control System enable status will show "Enabled" when the machine has the integrated Cat Grade Control system and the machine is looking for the Cat Grade Control devices. The Grade Control System installation status is the configurable parameter that is secured with the SEA factory password.
The feature protection system lists the integrated Grade Control 3D on Track Type Tractor as "Reason Code 22: 3-D Grade Control System Installation". Grade Control systems coming from the factory should arrive with the installation status already set to "Installed".
The Grade Control System installation status will retain the parameter state through an Implement ECM software update. There is not a need to updated parameter state in most normal system service calls. If the Implement ECM hardware where to fail, the Grade Control System installation status must be reconfigured to the "Installed" state.
The Grade Control Machine Measurements, Blade Wear Measurements, Solenoid Calibration Values, Tool Automation Blade Velocity Calibration Values, Yaw Alignment Factor, and GS420 IMU calibration offsets are all maintained through an Implement ECM software update.
Note: Save an ECM replacement file for the Implement ECM if there is ECM hardware replacement.
CB460 Cat Grade Control Display
The CB460 Cat Grade Control Display is branded and configured for Cat Grade Control systems. The part number for the Caterpillar hardware is 349-4610 Display Module. Because of the Product Line permanently configured in the hardware, the CB460 Grade Control Display cannot be permanently shared with an AccuGrade system. If a Cat Grade Control Product Line display is placed on an AccuGrade system or the other way around, serviceability will be initiated and operation will be limited depending on the machine type and option keys that the CB460 display has loaded.
The option keys on a CB460 Grade Control display will be maintained through a software update. One of the option keys on the CB460 Grade Control display is the "Software Support" option Key. Software support option key determines the support life of the CB460 Grade Control display. The software support option key contains a support date. The display can be updated with any software released prior to the support date of the support option Key.
Note: If software with a release date later than the support date loaded on the display, the display will not function until downgraded or the software support is renewed with Trimble via a new software support key.
All Grade Control Tractors leaving the factory come preloaded with a 2-year software support period. This software support period is initiated when the dealer/customer accepts the End User License Agreement (EULA) on the CB460 Grade Control display.
Note: The End User License Agreement (EULA) may be temporarily bypassed by pressing the cancel/return button when on the "EULA acceptance" screen. Bypassing the EULA will give 1 hour of operation for that power cycle of the CB460 Grade Control display.
Note: More information is available regarding option keys for this device in the device section of the document.
GS420 Inertial Measuring Unit (IMU)
The GS420 Inertial Measuring Unit (IMU) are unlikely to require a firmware update but if an update is required, the firmware may be updated using the onboard CB460 Grade Control Display. Sometimes firmware updates are merged with the CB460 Grade Control software so that when the display is updated, the device firmware is available to be pushed to the connected device. Alternatively, an independent firmware file may be transferred to the CB460 Grade Control Display via a USB storage device and pushed to the GS420 IMU.