3DMC / 3DXi 6.11.03 1. Added Network & Modem Support Added support for Wavecom and SmallTouch modems. Added RTCM 3.0 support Improvements made connecting to GPS networks. Network setup example: 1. Create a network equipment configuration. 2. Enter IP address & NTRIP information. 3. Connect to GPS. 4. Download mount points and connect to network. 3DMC 6.11 Release Notes Page 1
2. Tilt Bucket Fix Note: If using a TCP/IP connection: Leave the NTRIP page blank (do not fill in username and password). Select the appropriate correction format under the radio configuration. Fix for excavator with tilting bucket hitch pitch and roll offsets were not being applied correctly. 3. Transformation Fix Fix when using projection/datum/geoid combination. Geoid models pertain to a specific ellipsoids but previously the software assumed all geoids were referencing the WGS84 ellipsoid. 4. Advanced MMGPS Support Fixed bug in regards to using multiple transmitters with mmgps. Added support for advanced mmgps transmitter transitioning (GPS firmware v3.3p2 or higher is required) including: o When the closer transmitter is blocked, the system will o automatically switch to the best available transmitter (based on distance and elevation difference). o Every 60 seconds a re-evaluation of which transmitter is best will occur. o When there is a vertical difference between the GPS only elevation verses the mmgps elevation and mmgps is lost or blocked, the mmgps elevation bias will be held and will not revert back to the GPS only elevation. 5. Added FH915+ Support 6. LPS Changes Improvements made to work with FH915+ firmware (v1.2). Support for additional channels/frequencies. Support for added countries including Australia, New Zealand and North America. The wait time setting is now controlled by a configuration setting on the total station. The search wait timeout controls how long the instrument 3DMC 6.11 Release Notes Page 2
will wait after losing track of the machine before searching again. This was previously controlled by the 3DMC software. Added support for radio channels 10 20. Note: Selecting channels in this upper range reduces the possibility of interference when multiple LPS systems are running in the same vicinity. 7. Generic Indicate Machine Fixed bug where machine XYZ offsets were inverted. 8. Added Satel Radio Support Fixed bug where radio would occasionally refuse to go into configuration mode. 9. Added mmgps Paver Feature Reinstated best-fit blade control option for paver. 10. Surface File Improvements Fixed bug where incorrect perimeter lines were drawn in TIN models with multiple holes and/or regions. If a TIN model contained multiple regions or holes, and display of TIN perimeter lines was enabled, the user would see incorrect lines being drawn between holes and regions. Provisions made for loading larger TIN models. 11. Improved Steering Offset Feature Fixed bug where it will now draw the offset correctly when steering to an offset polyline. 1. Select a polyline on the main screen, press & hold until the right click menu is displayed. 3DMC 6.11 Release Notes Page 3
2. Enter the desired offset to line. 3. Verify the Steering Indications settings (under the Control menu) for additional options. 12. Improved Screen Performance Reduce screen refresh rate to reduce CPU usage. 13. Integrated GPS+ and Sonic Added support to use GPS+ and sonic control together. Dual Elevation Control: 3DMC 6.11 Release Notes Page 4
3D Slope Control: 3DMC 6.11 Release Notes Page 5
14. Dual Grade Indicator Fixed Fixed problem where, after several hours of operation and if both left and right grade indicators were on, the software would crash. 15. Rotary Knob Fixed Fixed rotary knob on 9168 for left/right elevation change for dozer with antenna on opposite side of blade. 16. Blade Control Fixed 17. Log File Storage Improved stability of blade control when using dual GPS systems (blade slope calculated from dual GPS positions) similar to that of regular slope sensor (i.e. when in full auto assume blade slope to be that of the surface design slope). Log files are now turned OFF by default. These files can be enabled with proper activations codes. 18. Added Cut/Fill Mapping Features To use this advanced feature, it must be activated in 3DMC via software codes. This feature allows a user to create a grid surface over the design surface in 3D Office. Once this grid surface is created and loaded into 3DMC, each time the machine passes over the surface the grid cell will change colors. These colors can represent the cut or fill required to achieve grade, number of passes, or a change in vertical height from the previous pass - depending on the option chosen in 3DMC. Refer to 3DMC V6.11 Release Notes for further instructions. 3DMC 6.11 Release Notes Page 6
Added Cut/Fill Mapping Options: 3DMC 6.11 Release Notes Page 7
Added Start/Stop Mapping Options: 3DMC 6.11 Release Notes Page 8
PREVIOUS RELEASES: 3DMC / 3DXi 6.11 1. Cut / Fill Mapping: To use this advanced feature, it must be activated in 3DMC and 3D Office. To get this activated, please contact options@topcon.com to request this code. The following is a short description of this new feature. Please refer to the reference manual for further details. This new feature will allow a user to create a grid surface over the design surface. Once this design surface is created, each time the machine passes over the surface the grid cell will change color representing the cut or fill required to achieve grade. Once the authorization codes have been updated in 3DMC and 3D Office, create a new project and load the surface file into 3D Office. Select GRID CREATE NEW GRID FROM SELECTION RECTANGLE from the menu in 3D Office. When drawing the selection rectangle on the screen, draw the box from the upper left of the selection area to the lower right of the selection area. After creating the selection area, the following dialog will appear: 3DMC 6.11 Release Notes Page 9
Name the grid surface in the Name: entry field and select which layer in the project that it will be displayed on. Be sure to pay close attention to the Interval. This field will define the square dimensions of the grid cell. The smaller the interval, the tighter the cut / fill color variation will be. The larger the interval, the grid cells will be more loosely spaced. This will affect the precision at which the cut / fill will be represented. The other fields describe the properties of the selection rectangle. In the same dialog box, select the Display tab. There are 3 options for displaying the cut / fill information: Multi-color elevations With this option, the origin is the reference elevation and the color interval is the vertical distance at which the cut / fill color will change. Number of passes The grid cell will change color depending on the number of times that the machine passes over a specific grid cell. Each of the colors are user definable. Previous pass height diff. When a change in elevation from pass to pass is different by the step amount, the grid cell color will change. Each of the colors are user definable. 3DMC 6.11 Release Notes Page 10
Once finished with defining the grid, it must be exported to 3DMC. To do this select GRID EXPORT CURRENT GRID TO 3D GRID FILE (*.GD3) from the 3D Office menu. Export it to a CF card so that it can be taken to 3DMC. To copy the new grid file into 3DMC, go to FILE SURFACES AS-BUILT and select copy to copy the file into 3DMC. After it has been copied, select it from the list of as-built surface files and select OK. 3DMC 6.11 Release Notes Page 11
The first time that the cut / fill grid surface is loaded; the graphics in 3DMC will not display any differently. To set the cut / fill variables in 3DMC, select VIEW DISPLAY OPTIONS AS- BUILT SURFACE. 3DMC 6.11 Release Notes Page 12
Within 3DMC, there are 4 options for displaying the cut / fill information: Multi-color cut/fil @ interval With this option, the color interval is the vertical distance at which the cut / fill color will change. Tri-color cut/fill This will simply define a color value to elevations that are in a cut area and elevations that are in a fill area. These colors are user definable by pressing the CUT, GRADE, or FILL buttons on the screen. A color palette will be displayed that will allow the color to be changed. Number of passes The grid cell will change color depending on the number of times that the machine passes over a specific grid cell. These colors are user definable by pressing the 1, 2, 3, or 4 buttons on the screen. A color palette will be displayed that will allow the color to be changed. Previous pass height diff. When a change in elevation from pass to pass is different by the step amount, the grid cell color will change. These colors are user definable by pressing the pass variation buttons on the screen. A color palette will be displayed that will allow the color to be changed. As the machine is moved over the area where the cut / fill mapping is, the screen colors will update. In the example below, the blue regions are areas of fill, green is on grade and red is cut. 3DMC 6.11 Release Notes Page 13
For further information on using cut / fill mapping, please refer to the manual. 2. CAT PWM Joystick Interface: Interface to the Caterpillar D8T and D9T dozers is now available. The option is in the valve settings of 3DMC. The CAT PWM Joystick Interface Box kit must be ordered and installed before the option in 3DMC will operate. The part number for this kit is 9060-1383 (shown below). 3DMC 6.11 Release Notes Page 14
For detailed installation and use, refer to the Installation Instructions for this product. (P/N 7030-1354) 3. Advanced Coordinate System Support: To use this advanced feature, it must be activated in 3DMC. To get this activated, please contact options@topcon.com to request this code. This feature was also released in version 6.04 (see 6.04 release notes below). The description in this release adds the procedure to have it activated. This feature will allow users to select a projection from the pre-defined projections within 3DMC. Projections are available for the following regions: Africa Asia Australia / New Zealand Canada Europe Middle East South America USA UTM Projections can be used only if the job site files (i.e. surface files, alignments, etc.) that are being used are in the same coordinate system. To select a specific projection within 3DMC: 3DMC 6.11 Release Notes Page 15
Select the control point file from the list or create a new one and choose EDIT: Select the Coord. System button: 3DMC 6.11 Release Notes Page 16
Go to the Projection tab: Select the appropriate projection from the list: 3DMC 6.11 Release Notes Page 17
Return to the Coord. System tab and be sure that the Use predefined projection radial button is selected: Select the corresponding Geoid model from the list: 3DMC 6.11 Release Notes Page 18
Note: Please contact Topcon support at psg@topcon.com for the appropriate Geoid model. Once the projection and Geoid model have been selected, press OK until returning to the main display screen: There will be nothing noticeably different with 3DMC. NO LOCALIZATION needs to be performed at this time. Projections will be used to solve the coordinate system, scale factor and rotation. As a confirmation that the correct projection and Geoid model have been chosen is to go to the Position tab of GPS INFO: 3DMC 6.11 Release Notes Page 19
Another option for coordinate confirmation is under TOOLS POSITION CHECK: 4. Network System Support: The following is a short description of this new feature. Please refer to the reference manual for further details. NOTE: THESE SETTINGS ARE NETWORK SPECIFIC. THE SETTINGS IN THE SCREENS BELOW ARE FOR EXAMPLE PURPOSES ONLY AND MUST BE CHANGED TO MATCH THE NETWORK THAT WILL BE USED: If an external AirLink modem is being connected to the MC 2.5, cable 9060-5339 (MC 2.5 to CDMA External cable) must be used. Additionally, 9901-1035 (GSM for MC 2.5 w/ Topcon modem) can be installed internally on existing MC 2.5 receivers. Please contact psg@topcon.com for further details and information prior to installation. To work with local networks or a Topcon network that has been set up using TopNET, 3DMC will allow the use of different radio types to connect to these services. 3DMC 6.11 Release Notes Page 20
When selecting the radio type in machine configuration, more radio options are available to allow connection with networks. The available options are: Internal GPRS (NTRIP) AirLink GPRS AirLink CDMA For this example, Internal GPRS (NTRIP) will be used. Once the radio type is selected, the IP settings will need to be entered. Enter the Base IP address and port by selecting the SET button: 3DMC 6.11 Release Notes Page 21
Enter the Network information by selecting the NTRIP button. This will be different depending on the service provider that is being used: Enter the NTRIP information in the NTRIP tab. The username and password must be obtained from the network administrator. The Mount-points will not be available from the drop down list until connection is made to the network. For 3DMC, the virtual port can be set to Serial Port D. This must be a port that is not being used in the receiver. 3DMC 6.11 Release Notes Page 22
Once the machine configuration is complete and connection is made to the GPS receiver, select CONFIGURE RADIOS from the TOOLS menu in 3DMC. Select the NTRIP button; a STATUS tab will now be available. The status line will display Connected to network @ 38400! when the connection to the network has been established. After this has been made (it may take a few minutes), press the update button to download the available Mount points from the network. 5. Surfaces and Alignment graphics: There have been graphics added next to the surfaces and alignments to differentiate between the different types: Alignments = TIN surfaces = Planar surfaces = As-Built surfaces = 6. Dual Mast Dozer: The following is a short description of this feature. Please refer to the reference manual for further details. This feature was also released in version 6.04 (see 6.04 release notes below). The description in this release adds the procedure to have it activated. To use this advanced feature, it must be activated in 3DMC. To get this activated, please contact options@topcon.com to request this code. Also required for this option to be active is the dual mast kit (8201D). The 8201D kit is for new customers wanting dual mast capability. To upgrade an existing customer with a single GPS system, the following components must be ordered: 2130-0124 L-HANDLE, FIN 3/4-10 X 1.75 3DMC 6.11 Release Notes Page 23
9063-1036-20y ASSY, RG213 X 20' YELLOW CABLE 9063-1069-15 ASSY, GPS ANT/MC COIL CORD 9090-1285 POST, 2.00 DOZER MOUNTING 9090-1286 PLATE, 2.00 POST MOUNTING 9090-1388 INDEXING RING, 2.00 CLAMP-ON 9090-1431 ASSY, GPS VIB POLE 9901-1028 KIT, SNGL TO DUAL MC-2.5 GGD 10HZ 9932-0000 ASSY, MC-A1 W/1.75 POLE MOUNT A dual mast dozer can be configured by creating a new dozer configuration and selecting the mounting location as Left and right sides : The GPS antennae should be mounted on the center and right sides of the blade. Refer to the 3DMC Addendum manual for more detailed instructions on setup and use. (P/N 7010-0763) 7. Lightbar: The lightbar has been updated to a real time tape steering indicator. By holding down on the lightbar, a context menu will be displayed that will allow changing of the zones: 3DMC 6.11 Release Notes Page 24
This has changed from the previous lightbar ball. 8. Reference Surfaces: The following is a short description of this new feature. Please refer to the reference manual for further details. Reference surfaces and alignments can be created within 3DMC to provide a graphical representation of a second surface in the section view. To create the reference surface select REFERENCE from the FILE SURFACES menu in 3DMC and choose the NEW button: Select Raise / lower existing surface from the surface type list: 3DMC 6.11 Release Notes Page 25
Choose the surface to be changed and enter the value that it will be changed by: If an alignment is loaded different options will be available. Once this has been created, be sure to select it from the list of available reference surfaces. To view this reference surface, the section view must be visible within the main screen of 3DMC: 3DMC 6.11 Release Notes Page 26
Offsets will still be given to the current working surface and not the reference surface. 9. Windows Vista: The 6.11 release of the 3DMC simulator is compatible with Windows Vista. 10. Match function: The surface match function takes an average of measurements instead of one single measurement. 11. Alignment template placement: The following is a short description of this new feature. Please refer to the reference manual for further details. Templates must be applied at the beginning and end of the alignment. In previous versions, the templates would extrapolate if they were placed at the beginning only. 12. Blade Control: In version 4.12.21 of 3DMC, the mast was assumed to be perpendicular to the design surface. In the 6.04 series of 3DMC, the sensors were used to calculate the mast angles with relation to the design surface. This had created unsatisfactory results in hydraulic performance. Version 6.11 of 3DMC has reverted back to the previous calculations that were in 4.12.21 of 3DMC. This means that the mast is assumed to be perpendicular to the design surface in all instances. 13. 2D with 3D: Sonic trackers can be used with 3D GPS. 14. Surface saving: In the surface menu, an additional button is available for saving surfaces as a different name: 3DMC 6.11 Release Notes Page 27
15. 3DXi: The option to use an inverted bucket is now available. 16. 3D Indicate: A bug has been fixed when in 3D Indicate mode. In the 6.04 series, the elevation bar and slope bar were both present. For indicate systems, only a single elevation will be displayed. 17. John Deere: Version 6.11 supports the John Deere IGC (Integrated Control) 750 J and 850 J Dozers. The required component for this application is the 9168-0000-05. This part includes the System V-3D control box and authorization files to enable use with the John Deere IGC system. Authorization codes can not be updated on existing System V 3D control boxes. Doing so will inactivate automatic control for any other machines. 3DMC 6.11 Release Notes Page 28
Control Firmware 3.54 1. RS485 Fixed a bug that was causing communications between the display computer and the controller to be slower than normal. 2. Valve types: Added support for the following valve types: CAN Valve used with Komatsu CAN interfaced dozers No Valve default setting for safety purposes Joystick Valve type for the CAT D8-T 3. John Deere / Komatsu: Added support for the John Deere and Komatsu CAN interfaced controllers. This selection is controlled by the options command in 3DMC. 3DMC 6.11 Release Notes Page 29
3DMC 6.04p01 1. 3DMC 6.04 Controlling Error: The hydraulic control problem listed in SIB 058 has been corrected. 2. Blade Control: For versions later than 4.12.21, the 3D position calculation algorithm was changed to improve blade accuracy. A side-effect to this change may cause unstable performance in the following conditions: If the machine configuration type is selected to be a motor grader. Single point blade control is selected from the CONTROL BLADE CONTROL MENU. Operator moves the control point slider (red triangle in section view) to the side of the blade opposite of where the 3D elevation sensor is mounted. 3DMC 6.11 Release Notes Page 30
3DMC 6.04 1. GPS+ INFORMATION: RADIO STATUS: If radio link is lost with the base station, the radio icon in the main screen will blink up to 10 seconds and then show a cross over the radio link. FIX TAB: In the Fix tab, the status will show either: Waiting for satellites This indicates that there are not enough satellites being tracked for a solution. Waiting for radio link This indicates that there is no radio communication established with the base station. Waiting to initialize This indicates that there are enough satellites being tracked and radio communication has been established with the base station. Initializing This indicates that valid messages have been received from the base station and the receiver is solving a position. Initialized This indicates that the receiver has solved its position. SATELLITES TAB: In the Satellites tab, satellites that are not being used will show as black. The elevation mask line will be shown as red and area below the elevation mask will show as grey. INFO TAB: In the Info tab, radio link information is now displayed. Three main items will show: Message type, latency and quality. 3DMC 6.11 Release Notes Page 31
2. UNITS: FEET + INCHES: The ability to enter / display information in feet in inches is available. Values will be displayed as 1 11 1/2. This value should be entered in as 1.111/2. DECIMAL PLACES: Significant digits for decimal precision can be shown to 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4 places. ANGLES: Angular measurements can be entered in bearing dimensions. 3. ROVING ACCURACY: Horizontal and Vertical RMS requirements can be defined under the equipment configuration. If the current GPS+ values for Horizontal and Vertical RMS exceeds the requirements, the GPS INFO button will display as flashing orange and show Low Precisions. The machine will still work in automatic mode, but 3DMC 6.11 Release Notes Page 32
the user will have an on-screen warning that the current GPS+ RMS values are higher than required. If the current horizontal and vertical RMS values are larger than the requirements, auto topo measurements will not be collected. 4. DUAL MAST: For Dozer applications, there is an option to create a dual mast dozer. This equipment configuration will calculate slope using the two GPS+ antennae. The slope sensor will not be used. 5. PRE-DEFINED PROJECTION SUPPORT: The option for pre-defined projections is available. This can be defined under the FILE CONTROL COORD SYSTEM menu. 3DMC 6.11 Release Notes Page 33
6. NEW MACHINE TYPES: New machine types have been added for asphalt paver and light truck configurations. 3DMC 6.11 Release Notes Page 34
7. 3DXi: 3DXi Excavator now includes dual-boom support, tilt-buckets and dog-bone mounting of sensor. 8. MULTI-BASE RTK: Similar to Pocket-3D, there is now an option for multi-base RTK support. 3DMC 6.11 Release Notes Page 35
9. INDICATE SYSTEMS: For 3Di systems, there is now an option to assume that: The blade slope is zero, The blade slope is the same as the current design surface. 10. STEERING INDICATION: When steering to an alignment or polyline when an offset is applied, a true offset line will be visual. 3DMC 6.11 Release Notes Page 36
11. DUAL GRADE INDICATORS: Grade indicators for the left and right side of the cutting edge are available. 12. SURFACE MATCH AVERAGING: When using the match button, the system will average 3 measurements instead of a single measurement. 3DMC 6.11 Release Notes Page 37
13. UHF 460 SUPPORT: Configuration of the Topcon UHF 460 is now available. 14. CORRUPT FILES: If files get corrupt, the presence of a bob.txt file on the CF card will ignore registry settings. This will allow the system to start up without loading the corrupt file. 15. SYSTEM TIME: When using GPS+, the system time of the 3DMC software will update based on the GPS+ time. Time stamps on topo shots will now be related to current time. 3DMC 6.11 Release Notes Page 38