In Detail

In Detail

DigPilot system is delivered in a robust carry case, everything you need is in there contents include: a complete DigPilot system (Computer/Display and sensors), sensor charger, mounting brackets, spirit level, tape measure, drill bits, taps, bolt fixings, manual – it’s all in there here.

To get up and running with DigPilot all you need is an hour of your time and an electric drill. Once DigPilot is installed and ready to go on one machine, it can be easily installed on another machine in the same amount of time. In fact one DigPilot system can be used on up to 20 machines all you need is some extra sensor brackets.

Main System Components

The main interface and engine is provided by the 6” touchscreen graphic display and computer. The computer / display is of a rugged field proven design and its high resolution display is sunlight readable (very important). This communicates to the sensors via the green “co-ordinator” unit fitted to the rear of the housing. The computer / display operates from the machine power supply and a connector to fit into “charger” sockets (used to be called cigarette lighter in the good old days!) is supplied.

The sensors are accelerometer based angle sensors and are in a completely sealed rugged housing giving 0.1 degree accuracy over a full 360 degree operating range. The arm sensor has a laser receiving array included ready for use with a range of rotating site laser references – a high quality DigPilot branded laser is available as an option. Just look at the design of these sensors, it’s very impressive, no off-the-shelf enclosure for this product. There are no shortcuts here and this has clearly been very well engineered.

As with all systems the number of sensors dictates the application :

Note: Each of these applications can have an optional artic sensor and tilting bucket sensor if required.

The wireless interface has been carefully designed to operate in licence free bands and is not susceptible to interference. The wireless signal has a long range, and is carefully encrypted so multiple systems can work near each other.

The sensors are charged using the supplied charger – no need for changing of batteries. The sensors retain their charge for over two weeks – a feat only possible due to the advancements made in battery technologies over the past few years. The charging contacts are protected against short circuits, water ingress and corrosion so they are not the weak point that might be initially thought. The charger itself works from a standard mains ac supply with LEDs indicating the charge status and can charge up to 4 sensors at once.

Installation

The sensors are located inside simple lightweight brackets which are fixed to the machine equipment hence the inclusion of drills, taps and bolts. Fitting the bracket is a simple procedure – determine the position of the sensor, mark the fixing holes and then drill a shallow hole for each into the equipment, these are then tapped and the sensor fixed using the countersink bolts provided. The drill and tap are of high quality and will see the job through without damage.

The sensors are designed such that they can only be fitted one way into the bracket and a firm spring clip holds the sensor in place, the spring clip also allows for quick release when removing the sensor.

If the 2D option is required then the dual axis / compass sensor is installed via a mast fitted on the machine counterweight away from the moving equipment. I have previously expressed reservations as to the efficacy of magnetic slew sensing, however DigPilot does seem to perform its slew monitoring task as required. Obviously 3D operation requires the addition of GPS / GNSS.

The display is mounted to the window via a vacuum suction cup (industrial strength, so it won’t fall off !)

And that’s it, there is nothing else to do.

Calibration

A huge amount of thought has gone into this process and it has clearly been aimed at the end user calibration market. The system itself guides you through the process giving clear instructions and takes full advantage of the graphic display to demonstrate what to do. The provision of measuring tape, spirit level, plumb bob and even the twine for the plumb bob (such attention to detail !) means you have all the tools necessary for the measurement and calibration procedure. The system has some built in intelligence such that if you enter an incorrect value it tells you, explains why it is incorrect and asks you to try again. The sensor calibration is performed at the standard boom horizontal, stick vertical, bucket horizontal positions that are used by most other systems as these are easy reference points to measure.

Operation

The operation is simple. Switch the system on and follow the menu. Provided options include :

In 1D and 2D modes DigPilot enables you to do a widely varying range of excavation work without GPS: Level, single or dual slopes, ditches and profiles each being explained to the operator in its use e.g. if you choose to cut a ditch, you will be guided as you set the width, depth, the slope of the ditch etc., and the ditch will be shown on the monitor in front of you.You can reference heights by positioning the tip of the bucket on a benchmark, or use the arm sensor to register the height from a rotating laser.

Approach to target is monitored numerically or using the novel “ball target” on the left of the display.

Different screen views, zoom etc are available as standard.

The available functions do not differ from those available from other similar products, however the secret of DigPilot is in its simplicity of operation and the way in which the system guides you through the process of setting up the digging function.

Summary

DigPilot is what the market has been waiting for by delivering an entry level scaleable land application product that addresses the needs of the user in a way that has not been done before and sets a new market niche. It introduces those who may have never considered machine guidance to its obvious benefits by introducing those who may have never previously considered machine guidance to its obvious benefits.