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android:machinecontrol:mcinstructions

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Using Machine Control - Simple Tutorial

Outlining Machine control usage until Manual/videos are done.

SmartBlade is simplification of the SmartGrade program optimized for running machines and doing simple grade checking. Unlike SmartGrade, there is a single mode/view that shows the position of the GPS and the cut or fill at that point. Viewing the plans or 3D view is a button press away.

Getting Started

SmartBlade requires an aligned ADF file to function and automatically recovers whatever alignment is in the file. You can determine if a file is aligned by the presence of the GPS symbol (green compass) next to the file name. The steps are:

Exporting the Model

  1. Save an ADF of the job model from Earthwork 4D up to AGTEK Access
  2. In SmartGrade go to the Access - File tab and download the file.

Alignment and Saving in SmartGrade

  1. Align the file to the job with SmartGrade.
  2. Save and Upload the aligned File back up to Access. This allows any other device with SmartGrade or SmartBlade to get the file without requiring a new alignment.

Configuring SmartBlade the First Time

SmartBlade is designed to use the last file used, the last GPS instrument used, and the last login and password. The idea is to simplify and speed up the startup every time except the initial setup.

  1. Login - SmartBlade will remember the first login and password. If it needs to be changed later you can do so under Settings-Preferences-Login. If it fails for some reason it will automatically display.
  2. Select a key - unlike other AGTEK programs, SmartBlade never asks to checkin the key at exit. Pick the key.
  3. On a first install there is no file selected and SmartBlade will automatically take you to the file screen. If the job file you wish to use was aligned with the same tablet you should see that file under the local files because files are shared across programs on the same device. If it was aligned with a different device, tap the AGTEK Access Projects name in the upper left and choose the project from the list below it. Available files display to the right with aligned files displaying the green gps/compass icon. Pick the desired file and it will load. It will also load the next time SmartBlade is started from now on until it is changed.
  4. Smartblade shares its GPS settings with SmartGrade if it is on the device. If the GPS has never been configured the program will then switch to the GPS tab. Tapping on the GPS list displays every device within range. Pick the desired GPS device and press Connect. The program attempts to connect to the GPS and initialize the instrument. At a successful initialization the program automatically displays the main screen. The next time SmartBlade starts up it will automatically attempt to connect to the last GPS device and initialize it.

Everyday SmartBlade Usage

  1. Upon starting the program, the last file used loads and the GPS initializes. By default you're placed in the center of screen until the first position is received from the GPS.
  2. The GPS will go through a normal process of getting corrections. As soon as the quality becomes “Fixed” you will be asked if you wish to Set Elevation. Set Elevation adjusts for the differences in height between the GPS when it was used to align and the GPS antenna while mounted on the machine.
android/machinecontrol/mcinstructions.1427238123.txt.gz · Last modified: 2015/03/24 23:02 by mikeclapp