AGPS Dirt Pro_manual Pro Manual

User Manual: AGPS-DirtPro_manual

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Page Count: 52

Manual revision date: 4/18/14

Table of Contents

Welcome ............................................................................................................................................................ 4

Basic Concepts ................................................................................................................................................. 4

Units of Measure ...................................................................................................................................................... 5

Glossary of Terms .................................................................................................................................................... 5

The Main Working Screen ........................................................................................................................... 7

The Main Working Screen – Overhead View ................................................................................................... 7

The Working Screen – Blade View ...................................................................................................................... 7

The Working Screen – Menu Bar ........................................................................................................................ 8

The Plot Screen –Overhead View ........................................................................................................................ 9

The Plot Screen – Blade View ............................................................................................................................. 10

The Working Screen – Info Bar.......................................................................................................................... 10

Setting up the program.............................................................................................................................. 11

Setting up the program for the first time: ...................................................................................................... 11

Starting a New Job or Restarting a Current Job: ........................................................................................... 14

Simulated Laser Setup ......................................................................................................................................... 16

Working with RTK-GPS ........................................................................................................................................ 18

Configuring my GPS............................................................................................................................................... 18

GPS Status ................................................................................................................................................................ 19

Troubleshooting my GPS ..................................................................................................................................... 20

Control Points (.ctl file) ....................................................................................................................................... 20

Surface Setup .......................................................................................................................................................... 21

Working with Designs and .FBG Files .................................................................................................................................. 21

Commitment to an Elevation ................................................................................................................................................... 25

Commitment to a Tipped Plane .............................................................................................................................................. 26

Path and Offset menu ........................................................................................................................................... 28

Rod Length ............................................................................................................................................................... 29

Working with the Program ...................................................................................................................... 30

Adjusting the view ................................................................................................................................................. 30

The Buttons Menu ......................................................................................................................................................................... 31

The Click Menu ................................................................................................................................................................................ 32

The Light Bars ......................................................................................................................................................... 33

The Light Bar Menu ...................................................................................................................................................................... 33

The Grid .................................................................................................................................................................... 34

Setting up the Grid ........................................................................................................................................................................ 34

Setting up the Color Grid ............................................................................................................................................................ 36

Color Grid Key ................................................................................................................................................................................. 38

Loading Background Images .............................................................................................................................. 39

Collecting Field Data .................................................................................................................................. 40

Topography data and Pass Labels .................................................................................................................... 40

Pass Types ............................................................................................................................................................... 40

Collecting a Reference (Control) Point ........................................................................................................... 41

Finishing a Job .............................................................................................................................................. 42

Exporting Stake Report........................................................................................................................................ 42

Quit Menu Options ................................................................................................................................................ 42

Menus .............................................................................................................................................................. 43

Main Menu ............................................................................................................................................................... 43

Instrument Menu ................................................................................................................................................... 44

Plot Menu ................................................................................................................................................................. 45

Survey File Menu ................................................................................................................................................... 46

Devices Menu .......................................................................................................................................................... 48

Miscellaneous actions .......................................................................................................................................... 49

Quit this Application ............................................................................................................................................. 51

UTM Zones ............................................................................................................................................................... 52

State Plane ............................................................................................................................................................... 52

Welcome

Thank you for purchasing AGPS-Dirt Pro™. This manual will guide you through the setup and

running of the program.

AGPS-Dirt Pro™ provides assistance in land moving operations. The program can import a

completed design file (made using AGPS-Shape Pro™ or another third-party design program) and

then control the machine or it can be used to design simple, complex or multi-slope projects in

the field.

If you have further questions, please contact your AGPS Dealer or the AGPS technical support via

email: support@agpsinc.com

Basic Concepts

AGPS-Dirt Pro™ will load a design file (such as CAD), convert it to a cut/fill map (both 2-D and 3-

D) and control the machine making the cut. It can also be used to design (either in the field or in

the office) simple, complex or multi-slope projects.

* What should you ask for when requesting data?

1. An AutoCAD™ 2000 compatible DXF is the preferred method; text points or DWG may be

acceptable as well.

2. This file must have a proposed surface in 3D (Northing Easting Elevation)

3. The surface must be one of the following “Triangles”, “Lines forming Triangles”, or “Lines,

Arcs, and Points”.

4. Any other features included on the drawing (boundaries, existing features etc.) must have an

elevation that does not disrupt the proposed surface OR must have an elevation of 0. (a user

can enter the lowest elevation of points to load, so a greater number than 0 could be used if the user is aware.)

Other features intended for a “background drawing” or “blueprint” view could be provided in

a separate DXF (elevations not important)

5. Coordinate system must be known when setting up the program. This may be Local Points,

State Plane, or UTM. Any of these could use a Stretch K factor if required.

6. Control points (benchmarks) in the same coordinate system are needed as well as

information about where the points are physically on the ground.

7. The overall goal is replicating a setup as if a surveyor was grade checking.

AGPS-Dirt Pro™ can be navigated with either the touch-screen interface or utilizing a standard

keyboard. Most of the instructions in this manual are based on utilizing the touch-screen

interface. For shortcut keys with a keyboard, see the Buttons menu on page 31.

The touch-screen interface has an on-screen keyboard function – when you need to enter text

(job name, naming a control point, etc.) simply touch where you need to enter text and the on-

screen keyboard will pop-up.

Units of Measure

AGPS-Dirt Pro™ can be set to work in Feet (International); Feet (U.S. Survey); or Meters. A

typical user in the United States will choose Feet (U.S. Survey). For both Feet (International) and

Feet (U.S. Survey) will be calculated and displayed in tenths of feet, so that 6.5’ is the same as 6’6”.

Inches and Eighths to Decimals of a Foot

In.

1/8

1/4

3/8

1/2

5/8

3/4

7/8

.00

.01

.02

.03

.04

.05

.06

.07

.08

.09

.10

.11

.12

.14

.15

.16

.17

.18

.19

.20

.21

.22

.23

.24

.25

.26

.27

.28

.29

.30

.31

.32

.33

.34

.35

.36

.38

.39

.40

.41

.42

.43

.44

.45

.46

.47

.48

.49

.50

.51

.52

.53

.54

.55

.56

.57

.58

.59

.60

.61

.62

.63

.64

.65

.67

.68

.69

.70

.71

.72

.73

.74

.75

.76

.77

.78

.79

.80

.81

.82

.83

.84

.85

.86

.88

.89

.90

.91

.92

.93

.94

.95

.96

.97

.98

.99

Example: 3-½” = .29”

Glossary of Terms

Capture

Auto Capture: Automatically captures a data points after user set interval (typically 10 feet) has

been traveled. This distance uses both horizontal and vertical measurement. Toggling the Auto

Capture button on and off will capture a single point at your current location. Toggled ON/OFF

by keyboard spacebar.

Machine

Control

In the program the term Machine Control refers to the automatic control of the blade. The

control can be toggled by keyboard 0. There are other places in the program that blade used in

a sentence will have different context.

Control

point

(.ctl file)

Sometimes called a benchmark, this point is a known world feature in which coordinates are

also known. Control points are important to make your coordinates match those used earlier.

See Control Points on page 41.

Data folder

All job file data opened and saved by the program is stored by default in C:\amw\data\

Device

Other forms: Device Menu, External Device, Control Device, etc. The Device refers to interface

device that operates the automatic blade control, such as a DAC-7000™ or a LaserTech™ 308

control module.

Instrument

Other forms: Instrument Menu, Measuring Instrument, Read Instrument, etc. The instrument is

the positional equipment. Although typically a GPS, there are many other types, and

combinations of multiple instruments. See Working with RTK-GPS on page 18.

Local Point

A NEZ coordinate system that uses “fake” coordinates, meaning they are not consistent with

State Plane or UTM. An example of this is program default “ptafake 5000 2000 100”.

NEZ

Abbreviation for Northing(N) Easting(E) Elevation (Z). Coordinates are always in NEZ. NEZ

coordinates are in Feet (or meters if selected) rather than Latitude Longitude and Altitude.

.nez file

A file that uses the following columns: “Name Northing(N) Easting(E) Elevation(Z)

Description”. (Description is optional)

Plot

Other forms: Plot Menu, Plot Window, etc. The Plot is the lower screen that the field is

graphically drawn in. Any options to adjust a feature drawn here are found in the Plot Menu.

See Plot Menu on page 45.

Resetup

mode

A toggled option to automatically start AGPS-Dirt and Resetup Program (same job), instead of

going to the Main menu to select an application.

Rod (length)

The distance from the reading point (on the GPS antenna) to the blade or ground. See Rod

Length on page 29.

State Plane

A NEZ coordinate system with zones designed for a particular US State. Every State has one or

more zones. See UTM and State Plane on page 52.

Odometer

The current distance from the start of the selected Path.

Status (GPS)

Shown on the working screen to describe GPS status and other related messages. Shows

something like “ok: 9 4 1.1 /53” Where 9=satellites 4=datatype 1.1=precision and /53=read

counter.

Use the table below to evaluate the data type and precision meaning for your GPS.

RTK

Fixed

RTK Float

No RTK

base

Precision

GGA (Most manufacturers)

HDOP

John Deere™

3=extend

5=float.

HDOP

NovAtel™/ Raven™/Beeline™

49/48/34/17

Alt. Std.

Deviation

Topcon™ (Javad™ GGA)

HDOP

Trimble™ (GGK)

PDOP

Surface file

(.fbg, .fb*)

A file that shows a proposed or existing ground. This file uses NEZ format points, and can be

easily built from a "DXF" file exported from some "CAD" program. After the points are loaded a

TIN is created automatically. See Surface Setup on page 20.

Survey File

(.svy)

This file will contain all data points captured. Also, "Location Instrument" setup information

and other relevant information are logged to this file. Points from this file will be displayed on

your plot window as dots. The Survey File Menu includes options to modify this file.

UTM

A NEZ coordinate system with zones designed on Longitude lines. The program can

automatically detect your UTM zone. See UTM and State Plane on page 52.

The Main Working Screen

The AGPS-Dirt Pro™ working screen is divided into three sections:

1. The Top Menu Bar on page 8

2. The Middle Plot Screen, with an Overhead View on page 9 and a Profile View on page 10

3. The Bottom Info Bar on page 10

The Main Working Screen – Overhead View

The Working Screen – Blade View

Menu Bar

Plot screen

Info Bar

Menu Bar

Info Bar

Plot screen

The Working Screen – Menu Bar

The majority of icons in the Menu Bar are touch active. Several also have a secondary function

that can be accessed by pressing and holding the icon for 3 seconds.

Display

Touch this icon to drop down the display menu where you can adjust the

zoom level, scroll around the screen or adjust the grid. See Adjusting the

View on page 30.

Set Up Menu

Touch this icon to start a new job, switch to a different job or adjust your

parameters. See Setting up the Program on page 11.

GPS Status

Icon showing current GPS status. Must be green for the program to work.

Touch to access the Instrument Menu see Instrument Menu on page 44.

The following menu shows the data types for often used RTK-GPS systems.

Shows something like “ok: 9 4 1.1 /53” Where 9=satellites 4=datatype

1.1=precision and /53=read counter.

RTK

Fixed

RTK Float

RTK

base

Precision

GGA (Most manufacturers)

HDOP

John Deere™

3=extend

5=float.

HDOP

Raven™/NovAtel™/Beeline™

49/48/34/17

Alt. Std.

Deviation

Topcon™ (Javad™ GGA)

HDOP

Trimble™ (GGK)

PDOP

Forward Slope

Tells the Forward Slope (slope running parallel to the direction of flow)

Cross Slope

Tells the Cross Slope (slope running perpendicular to the direction of flow)

Digital Grade

Visual real-time indicator of the position of the blade in relation to designed

grade. Cut will be displayed in Red, On Grade in Green and Fill in Blue

Current Elevation

The current elevation of the blade. Can be in meters, feet-international or

feet-survey. See Setting up the Program on page 11.

Guidance

Distance from the set path.

Data Capture

Data Capture icon. Touch to capture the perimeter, random ground or

reference point Green for On, black/red for Off.

10.

Valve Control

Automatic control of the machine. Green for On, black/red for Off. Press

and Hold to access the Devices (machine control menu).

11.

Slope Menu

Opens the Path and Offset Menu. Touch to change path mode, or tipped

plane commitments. See Path and Offset Menu on page 28.

The Plot Screen –Overhead View

Grade Correction Indicators

Tells you how far from grade you are.

Profile Lines

Profile lines from designing in AGPS-Shape Pro™. For more information

on AGPS-Shape Pro™ contact your AGPS dealer

Adjustable Color Grid

Color grid can be set to display Cut/Fill amount, Deflection amount or

Visits count. See Color Grid Menu on page 36.

Heading

Green line that shows real time heading of the current position. The

heading is drawn from the upper left-hand corner of the icon.

Current Position

Visual real-time indicator of the position of the machine. The upper left-

hand corner of the icon is considered the ‘true’ position of the blade. You

can set a ‘fake’ position by touching the screen and either setting where

you touched as the fake position or by ‘snapping’ to a point and setting

that as the ‘fake’ position. ‘Fake’ positions are useful in rotating the grid.

The Plot Screen – Blade View

Grade Correction Indicators

Real time Elevation guidance light bar. Visual indicator of how far off the

Profile the blade is.

Cut/Fill Amount

Amount the blade is offset above or below finish grade.

Current Position

Visual real-time indicator of the vertical position of the blade. The X of

the icon is considered the ‘true’ position of the blade. Can be offset if

using a slope sensor to get a more ‘true’ position of the blade.

The Working Screen – Info Bar

Cut/Fill

The current amount above or below grade AGPS-Dirt Pro™ is controlling the blade. Touch

to set a different Cut/Fill.

Odometer

Real time odometer of the distance of the current pass

Rod Length

The Current Rod Length. The rod length is defined as the distance from the measuring

instrument (i.e. GPS globe) and the tip of the blade. See Rod Length on page 29

Pass Label

Current pass label. Touch to choose a different label. See Pass Labels on page 40.

Speed

Current speed in feet or meters per minute

Setting up the program

Setting up the program for the first time:

Follow these procedures for the first time you set up AGPS-Dirt Pro™. If you have previously set

up the program or an AGPS-Dirt Pro™ Technician has completed these setup procedures, please

skip to Starting a New Job or Restarting a Current Job on page 14

Start AGPS ™

If the program does not load on computer startup,

locate the AGPS icon on the desktop or in the Start

Menu to load. A starting screen will briefly appear.

Select the AMW button. NOTE:

This step will only need to be

performed once.

Enter the code AGPS. Touch the

entry field to pull up a touch screen

keypad.

Select the unit of measure (typically

Feet U.S. Survey for U.S. users).

Select AGPS-Dirt Pro™ from

the main menu.

Agree to the Disclaimer (you

must do this every time you

start AGPS-Dirt Pro™

Select Setup Program (many

questions).

Select None, Make a New Job.

Enter the name of the job (i.e.

the name of the field or the name of

the customer). You may also enter a

description of the job.

Setup your control points. If

you have no control point for this job,

select Quit, No (further) Changes.

If you have control points (see Control

Points on page 41) you can choose to

edit the control point file and add

the point.

Choose the Instrument (GPS).

The GPS instrument must be

configured to output the correct

message type. Cousult the GPS

manufacturer for specifics.

Then Choose the Com Port the GPS is

outputting messages to.

Select the Normal Rod Length.

The Normal Rod is the typical rod

length.

To add your rod length, select Add1.

Select Rod Tip Corrections. If

you have a slope sensor, select it here.

Set the Location-Instrument

Position. If you use UTM, select

UTM 0 point. If you do not know the

UTM zone, select Unknown, Calculate.

If you use State Plane, select State

Plane 0 point and select the State

Plane.

Bitmap control option or

Background Drawing

You can load a bitmap image for a

background drawing. See Loading

Background Images on page 39.

Surface Setup Kind

You can choose the type of Surface you

want to use:

Surface File (previously designed file);

Commitment to an Elevation (grading

to a specific elevation); Commitment

to a Tipped Plane (grading with a

forward and/or cross slope); Commit

to user’s Slope (commit to a simple

slope)

See Surface Setup on page 20.

Color-Grid Type

Select and adjust the type of Color Grid

you would like.

For more details, see Color Grid Menu

on page 36.

Device Menu. Select the type of

auto-blade controller you have.

Contact the Auto-Blade control

manufactuerer for more details on

setting up the device.

Typical controllers are the

LaserTech™ with MultiPlexor or

DAC 7000™ control. Then select

the Com port the controller is

plugged into.

The Main Working Screen will

appear: You should be able to

begin working.

TroubleShooting Tips:

I finished the setup, but the screen

flashes red

This is typically related to the GPS signal. See Troubleshooting My GPS on

page 20.

I missed/mess up a step

You can go through the setup process again from the Main Menu. Press the

Menu Icon on the Working Screen.

Starting a New Job or Restarting a Current Job:

Follow these procedures each time you start up AGPS-Dirt Pro™.

1. Start AGPS-Dirt Pro™

If the program does not load on computer startup,

locate the AGPS icon on the desktop or in the Start

Menu to load. A starting screen will briefly appear.

2. Select AGPS-Dirt Pro™

3. Agree to the Disclaimer

(you must do this every time you start

AGPS-Dirt Pro™

4. Select Setup Program

(Different Job) for a new job or

Resetup Program for the job

you’re currently working on

(skip to step 6)

5. For a New Job:

Select None, Make a New Job.

Enter the name of the job

(i.e. the name of the field or the name

of the customer). You may also enter a

description of the job.

6. Setup the Location

Instrument

- If you have a control point, Select

UTM 1 point or State Plane 1 point.

- If no control point, Select UTM 0

point or State Plane 0 point

- If you are re-setting up a job and

nothing has changed, select

Do nothing now, keep existing

setup and skip to step 10.

7. Set the Location-

Instrument Position.

Select your UTM Zone or your State

Plane Region. If you do not have a

control point, skip to step 10.

8. Load a Control Point

- Select the Rod Length you are going

to use to read the instrument

- Select the Control Point you want to

read (if you have a control point but it

is not loaded into the program, choose

None of These, Change the File)

9. Read the Instrument

- Read the Instrument after you have

set the pause amount and # of tries

(see Control Points on page 20 for

more detail)

- Check the Setup: The program will

tell you how many reads were

successful and what the averages

were. Press OK

10. Survey load

You will see a status screen that tell

you if any points were loaded (new

jobs should have 0 points loaded).

Select OK.

The Main Working Screen will

appear: You should be able to

begin working.

Simulated Laser Setup

A Simulated Laser Setup is used for on the job setup of single or multi-slope leveling. You start at

a drainage point, set a control point, and then drive to where you want the main slope (long

slope) to drain. The program will calculate the real slope between the two points, which you can

use or you can enter your own slope. You can also then enter a cross slope. After you have

completed a Simulated Laser Setup, you can recall the entries in the Surface Setup Menu under

Commitment to a Tipped Plane.

1. Start AGPS-Dirt Pro™

If the program does not load on computer startup,

locate the AGPS icon on the desktop or in the Start

Menu to load. A starting screen will briefly appear.

2. Select AGPS-Dirt Pro™

3. Agree to the Disclaimer

(you must do this every time you start

AGPS-Dirt Pro™

4. Select Simulated Laser

Setup

5. For a New Job:

Select None, Make a New Job.

Enter the name of the job

(i.e. the name of the field or the name

of the customer). You may also enter a

description of the job.

6. Stop at the first point

Stop at the first point that you want to

read, put the blade on the ground and

press ok. Typically this will be the high

point of the long slope.

7. Read the Instrument at the

First Point

You can adjust the instrument before

reading if you need to. This read will

also create a control point.

8. Set the elevation above the

control point

Default is 100 (this will show the start

point of the tip at 100 feet, avoiding

negative numbers while you grade)

9. Drive to and Stop at the

Second point

Stop at the second point that you want

to read, put the blade on the ground

and press ok. Typically this will be the

low point of the long slope.

10. Read the Instrument at

the Second Point

You can adjust the instrument before

reading if you need to. This read will

also create a control point.

11. Set the Tipped amounts

- Specify the amount of the Long slope

and the Cross slope. The actual long

slope amount will be displayed. Enter

a negative number to reverse the tip

amount.

The Main Working Screen will

appear: You should be able to

begin working.

Working with RTK-GPS

AGPS-Dirt Pro™ is designed to be used with most high-grade RTK-GPS systems. The accuracy of

AGPS-Dirt Pro™ is directly related to the accuracy of the RTK-GPS system that you utilize. Not all

RTK-GPS systems are the same and offer the same accuracy and repeatability. Contact your

AGPS-Dirt Pro™ dealer for recommendations on current RTK-GPS systems.

Configuring my GPS

The following tables list the output options that should be enabled on common brands of GPS

systems. If your GPS system does not appear on this list, please contact your AGPS-Dirt Pro™

Dealer or Technician for setup details. The Hz (update) rate and Baud rate must also be set in

the AGPS-Dirt Pro™ program. To set these, press the Menu icon, select Instrument Menu, Control

the Instrument and adjust both the Hz and Baud rates.

Ashtech

TopCon

JD ITC

JD 3000

Msg type

GGA

HZ rate

BAUD rate

57600

38400

57600

NovAtel

300/ 410

Trimble

(older)

Trimble

(newer)

Msg type

BestPos

GGK

GGA

HZ rate

10 & ASAP

BAUD rate

57600

38400

57600

GPS Status

Each individual RTK-GPS system will have it’s own standard for being in ‘fix’ and the type of

data/degree of precision it returns.

Common GPS Systems data:

RTK Fixed

RTK Float

No RTK base

Precision

GGA (Most manufacturers)

HDOP

John Deere™

3=extend

5=float.

HDOP

NovAtel™/ Raven™/Beeline™

49/48/34/17

Alt. Std. Deviation

Topcon™ (Javad™ GGA)

HDOP

Trimble™ (GGK)

PDOP

A Note on ‘DOP’:

HDOP, VDOP, and PDOP are respectively Horizontal, Vertical, and Positional (3D) Dilution of

Precision. The precision of multiple satellites in view of a receiver combine according to the

relative position of the satellites to determine the level of precision in each dimension of the

receiver measurement. When visible GPS satellites are close together in the sky, the geometry is

said to be weak and the DOP value is high; when far apart, the geometry is strong and the DOP

value is low. Thus a low DOP value represents a better GPS positional precision due to the wider

angular separation between the satellites used to calculate a GPS unit's position. Other factors

that can increase the effective DOP are obstructions such as nearby mountains or buildings.

DOP

Value

Rating

Description

Ideal

This is the highest possible confidence level to be used for applications demanding the

highest possible precision at all times.

1-2

Excellent

At this confidence level, positional measurements are considered accurate enough to

meet all but the most sensitive applications.

2-3

Good

Represents a level that marks the minimum appropriate for making business decisions.

Positional measurements could be used to make reliable in-route navigation

suggestions to the user.

Poor

Should be used only to indicate a very rough estimate of the current location.

Troubleshooting my GPS

TroubleShooting Tips:

COM Port already in use

The Communications Port that the GPS is plugged into is being used by

another program or is closed for some reason.

1. Verify that the GPS is plugged into the correct COM port.

2. Unplug the GPS from the COM port, power-cycling the computer,

restarting AGPS-Dirt Pro™ and then re-plugging the GPS.

No GPS Data

The GPS is sending no signal, or the computer is receiving nothing.

1. Verify the GPS is powered on.

2. Verify the GPS is plugged into the COM port.

3. Verify the GPS is sending the configured correctly as described in

Configuring my GPS on page 18.

Bad Data

The GPS is sending bad or incorrect data

1. Verify the GPS is plugged into the correct COM port

2. Verify the GPS is configured correctly

3. Verify AGPS-Dirt Pro™ is configured to the correct instrument and

to the correct incoming Baud and Update rate.

Bad Position Type X (#)

Where X is the type, see table

under "GPS Status"

The GPS is not seeing the base station

1. Verify the base station is powered on.

2. Verify the base station is within the manufacturer guidelines for

distance.

3. Verify the rover is configured to read the base station.

4. Double check radio antennas and cable connections.

Goes in and out of fix

The GPS going in and out of fix can be a symptom of several different

problems:

 Poor line-of-site with the base.

 Poor Satellite visibility.

 Damaged GPS Rover Antenna.

Control Points (.ctl file)

A Control Point (sometimes referred to as a Benchmark) is a known location in the real world

that has associated coordinate data and can be accessed at a later date.

Control points allow for exact repeatability from topography collection to day-to-day operations.

They assure that the GPS correction data is correct from day-to-day, month-to-month and year-

to-year, independent of a base station or repeater system.

AGPS-Dirt Pro™ requires the use of Control Points in any pre-survey operation (such as designs

created from previously collected data) and recommends the use of control points in day-to-day

operations.

TroubleShooting Tips:

Where should I set the control point?

A location that isn’t likely to change and that you can easily re-locate and

access in the future (e.g. culvert, fence-post)

What’s the best way to capture/load

control points from day-to-day

Capture a control point where you stop for the day (with the blade raised

up to avoid settling) and load the control point before moving the next day.

My RTK Base station has an internal

memory; do I still need control

points?

We highly recommend using them. Base stations can lose their memory;

people can steal the tripod you left in the field.

Surface Setup

The surface is how the job is handled. The surface can be a series of previously designed files (for

instance a final grade surface and an underlayment surface), a commitment to an elevation (for

grading to a flat plane) or a commitment to a tipped plane (for dual-slope drainage)

Normal Surface File (.FB?)

An FBG surface file is built from a design file. Almost always used for a job

where that has been previously designed. You can import many different file

types and they will be converted to an .fbg file. See Working with Designs

and .FBG Files on page 21.

Commitment to an

Elevation

Commits to an elevation. You can enter a known elevation that you would like

to level to. See Commitment to an Elevation on page 25.

Commitment to a Tipped

Plane

Commits to a tipped plane for multi-slope drainage. If you know the slopes

you want to use, you can enter them; otherwise use the Simulated Laser

Setup to design a dual-slope drainage solution.

Commit to user’s Slope

Allows the user to enter a slope to commit to.

Working with Designs and .FBG Files

To load a design file, select

‘Normal Surface File (.FB?)

Usage’ in the Surface Setup

Menu (appears when you

start a new job or restart

current job), or select ‘Choose

which Surface to use’ from the

Main Menu.

Select your surface. You can

have multiple surfaces in the

job. You can toggle between

surfaces while you are

working, but you must load

the file for each surface.

Select they type of file to load.

Most often you will either

Replace this file or Build from

a different file.

Append 1 line to the bottom

of the file

Allows you to add a line of data to the bottom of the .fbg file

once it has been loaded

Edit the file with ‘Notepad’

Opens the .fbg file with Microsoft Notepad (if installed) for

editing.

Edit the file with ‘Wordpad’

Opens the .fbg file with Microsoft Worldpad (if installed) for

editing.

Replace this file with

another file

Allows you to choose a file to load as the .fbg file. Use this

option if you have a text file in the correct format.

Save this file somewhere

Allows you to save the .FBG File to your hard drive (usefull if

you have created the .FBG file in the AGPS Dirt Pro™ program

and want to save it to a flash drive)

Append another file to the

end of this file

Allows you to add an addendum file to the .FBG file (if there is

data to add)

Parameters for loading

surface files

Sets the parameters for

loading file into AGPS Dirt

Pro™. Typically the defaults

will be sufficent for most jobs.

Background Drawing to Auto-Load: Sets the background

drawing that will be loaded when you select the surface. Will

also be set if you load a.drw file. See Load Background Image on

page 39.

Name this Surface: Can be used to rename the surface.

Minimum Elevation allowed: Default is 1, must be changed if

working below sea-level

Points on Arc Max Distance: If loading an .dxf file and arcs are

found, the maximum distance between points on those arcs.

Line Label Prefix: When a point-label is being loaded, the

prefex that indicates the point is part of a line. Default is ‘2’.

Enforce Triangles along Lines minimum distance: When the

program is loading an .fbg file that contains points and lines,

sets the minimum distance that triangle edges can be along a

line. Default is 1.

3D Visualization using

Surfer8

Creates a 3D visualization of the .FBG data using Surfer8™, or

newer (if installed.)

3D Visualization of the Data

Creates a 3D visualization of the .FBG data using an internal 3D

visualization program.

Write currently loaded

points to a file

Writes all of the points in loaded in a file to a .FBG file (useful if

you collect topography data and want to add it to the .FBG file).

Build job files from

OptiSurface™ .agd file

Builds and loads a .FBG file from an OptiSurface™ .agd file.

Build job files from

OptiSurface™ .xyzout file

Builds and loads a .FBG file from an OptiSurface™ .xyzout file.

Build from a Survey-File

Builds and loads a .FBG file from an AGPS-Dirt Pro™ Survey-File

Build from a Shape .PLN File

Builds and loads a .FBG file from an AGPS-Shape Pro™ .PLN file.

Build from Triangles in

LANDXML file

Builds and loads a .FBG file from the Triangles in an LANDXML

file.

Build a .DXF File from

a .DWG file

Creates a .dxf file from a .dwg (AutoCad™) file. Useful for

creating background images to import into AGPS-Dirt Pro™.

Triangles loaded from

a .DXF file

Loads traingles from a .dxf file.

Triangles loaded from lines

in a .DXF file

Creates and loads triangles from the lines in a .DXF file.

Points loaded from a .DXF

file

Creates and loads points from a .DXF file.

Lines, Arcs and Points

loaded from a .DXF file

Creates and loads Lines, Arcs and Points from a .DXF file.

After you select or create

an .FBG File, the data will load

and you will see the Field

Date File Load completion

screen. Check that the Min

and Max Elevations are

correct.

You can edit the .FBG file from

the Main Menu at any time.

Commitment to an Elevation

Committing to an Elevation is used when you simply want to level a piece of land to a certain

elevation without a design having been made. If you want to know the cut/fill amounts, you will

have to capture that data.

From the AGPS-Dirt Pro™

Main Menu

Select Setup Program Quickly

(Different Job) or ReSetup

Program if you have already

have a job (skip to Setup

Control Points)

Select None, Make a New Job.

Enter the name of the job (i.e.

the name of the field or the name of

the customer). You may also enter a

description of the job.

Setup your control points. If

you have no control point for this job,

select Quit, No (further) Changes.

If you have control points (see Control

Points on page 41) you can choose to

edit the control point file and add

the point.

Choose Commitment to an

Elevation.

Choose Either ‘Use the

Previous Elevation’ (setup

complete)

or ‘I want to Enter an

Elevation. (go to the next

step)

Enter the Elevation. If you know

the elevation you want to commit to,

enter it here.

The Working Screen will be

displayed

Commitment to a Tipped Plane

Committing to a Tipped Plane is used if you are doing single or multi-slope drainage without a

previous design. Typically a Simulated Laser Setup is done previously, and a Commitment to a

Tipped Plane is used to continue work at a later time. If you want to know the cut/fill amounts,

you will have to capture that data.

From the AGPS-Dirt Pro™

Main Menu

Select Setup Program Quickly

(Different Job) or ReSetup

Program if you have already

have a job (skip to Setup

Control Points)

Select None, Make a New Job.

Enter the name of the job (i.e.

the name of the field or the name of

the customer). You may also enter a

description of the job.

Setup your control points. If

you have no control point for this job,

select Quit, No (further) Changes.

If you have control points (see Control

Points on page 41) you can choose to

edit the control point file and add

the point.

Choose Commitment to an

Tipped Plane.

You can specify the direction

and slope or tip between two

captured control points by

using Direction and Slopes

Specification or you can tip

from a control point +/- some

elevation with Choose Control

Point, Z for Point in Plane

Direction and Slopes

Specification: Choose between

Tip North and East or Tip

between 2 control points.

Tip North and East: Enter the

tip amount to the North (a

negative number will tip to the

South) and to the East (a

negative number will tip to the

West)

Tip between 2 Control Points:

You will select 2 previously

captured Control Points to tip

between.

Path and Offset menu

The Path and Offset, or “Slope” menu will allow selecting a horizontal Path to follow. Also you

can change your commitment to an elevation or tipped plane without needing to go through a

program Setup again. To access this menu, touch the Slopes icon in the upper-right corner of the

working screen.

Turn OFF Path

Turns off any selected Path. The Path bar will then be blank.

Horizontal Error Tolerance for Path

The allowable distance off the Path line for the Guidance bar to say ‘OK’.

Direction Change Required Distance

The distance travelled before the program shows a new direction

heading.

Closest Line in Background Drawing

for Path

Selects the nearest Background Drawing line to follow with the

Guidance bar.

Grid Line for Path

Selects the nearest Grid Line to follow with the Guidance bar.

Offset from above Path =0

Enter a + or – Offset from the actual path.

Toggle Cross-Slope from Blade Edges

When this is ON, the program will calculate the desired Cross slope

from the surface at the edges of the blade, rather than the location of

the GPS antenna.

Commitment to an Elevation

Allows you to select or change commitment to a known elevation at 0%

Commitment to a Tipped Plane

Set or change commitment as shown on the previous page (of this

manual.)

Commit to user's Slope =OFF

Use a specified cross slope % instead of the current design.

Rod Length

The rod length is the distance from the GPS Antenna to the bottom of the cutting edge. This

number may change. To adjust your Rod Length, press the Rod Length button on the bottom Info

Bar.

NONE

Allows you to change the entire rod length list, adding or deleting any

lengths/descriptions you would like.

Add1

Adds a user-defined label to the Rod Length list.

Temp

Creates a new temporary length but does not add it to the permanent list.

CALC

Calculate the length from a triangle. Not used in AGPS-Dirt Pro™

MEAS

Measures the length using Z and the Instrument. Not often used.

The remainders are the rod lengths saved in the program.

Working with the Program

Adjusting the view

To adjust the view in the

Working Screen

Press the Screen Icon

Note: When in Overhead View, the

Side View Icon will be visible, and

when in Side View, the Topography

Icon.

Zoom In

Pressing the Zoom In Icon will Zoom the view in, centered on

your current position (either real or fake).

View All

Pressing the View All Icon will Zoom the screen to show all

completed lines or the entire background image/drawing.

Zoom Out

Pressing the Zoom Out icon will Zoom the view out, centered

on your current position (either real or fake).

Neighborhood

The Neighborhood Icon will Zoom the screen into the

neighborhood of your current position (either real or fake).

Side/Top View

Toggles between a Side View (Topography) and Top View

(Blade View).

Buttons Menu

Displays the Buttons Menu. The Buttons Menu has shortcuts

with keyboard hotkeys for commonly used program functions.

Scroll

Pressing the Scroll Icon allows you to recenter the view where

you touch the screen by placing a ‘fake’ position where you

touch. To shut off scroll view, press the scroll icon and then

select “Turn off any Fake Current Position”

Clean

Locks the screen for 45 seconds, allowing you to wipe the

screen clean. With a keyboard, you may press Esc to exit early.

Grid

Displays the Grid Menu.

The Buttons Menu

The Buttons Menu will display all of the keyboard ‘hotkeys’ for the program. You can also select

the option in the Buttons Menu to do that action.

BackSpace

Toggle Blade Riding/Working

Path Menu

PageUp

Move Blade Up

Quit Menu

Page Down

Move Blade Down

Specify Radius to Show

ArrowUp

Half of PageUp

Show View from the Side

Arrow Down

Half of pageDown

Show View from the Top

SpaceBar

Toggle Auto Capture

Main Menu

Mouse Left

Button

Click Menu

Toggle between Side/Top view

Show All Points

Show view from the West

Show Buttons Menu

Grid Menu

Find Closest Control Point

Negative Blade Slope

Find Closest Data Point

Show 3D View looking NNE

Show View from the East

Toggle Machine Control On/Off

Cut/Fill Offset (subgrade)

Set Rod Length

Toggle stop/go mode

Set Point Label

Zoom In

Specify a 3D View

Mark Special Points

Set the next point number

Log a Stake

Control the Instrument

Manually capture a point

Capture a Note

Show Neighborhood of current

position

Display/Plot Menu

Zoom out

Devices Menu

Switch Laser Light Planes

Switch Rod-Length Offset

The Click Menu

When you touch the screen you will see the click menu. This menu has many operations that you

may want to do while surveying or working. You can toggle the Click Menu on and off in the

Miscellaneous Actions Menu, on page 49

Set NEZ as ‘fake position’

Sets the current NEZ (it will be displayed) as a ‘fake position’. A 'fake position' will

be used for any zoom, grid, and other functions, rather than your actual position.

Turn off any ‘fake’ current

positions

Turns off any ‘fake’ positions. After using the scroll icon to move around the

screen, you must turn off any ‘fake’ positions to re-center the screen on the real

current position.

Snap to closest point

Will snap to the closest captured point for the NEZ point to be used instead of the

clicked point.

Draw Line to here

Will draw a line between the current position and where you clicked (or snapped

to closest point)

Toggle Mouse Tracking

Simulated Inst.

Used for GPS Simulators.

Show information about

where I clicked

Will show information about where you clicked, including it’s NEZ (if a previously

captured topo is loaded or if you clicked a known point), it’s distance from the

current position, slope distance and angle (very useful for rotating a grid to a

known point).

Show ‘Story-Stake’

Information to here

Gives information for putting a line of grade stakes between your location and

your click.

Add a line of design points

to here

Design points will be added to the surface file, between your nearest point (or a

fake position) and the point you clicked. You will be shown more information

about these two points, and asked how far apart the new points should be.

Add a single design point

here

Adds a design point to the surface file.

Pick Path from Background

Drawing

Will choose the closest background line for guidance.

Pick Path from Grid Line

Will choose the closest grid line for guidance.

Grid Menu

Opens the Grid Menu. See Grid Menu on page 34.

Find Triangle containing

click point.

Displays a single triangle from the Surface file.

The Light Bars

The Light Bars allow a visual indication of your vertical accuracy. The lightbar also acts as a blade

offset. The lightbar menu is a part of the plot menu, details on page 45.

Vertical Lightbar

The Vertical lightbar will indicate how far from grade the

machine is operating. If using a cross-slope sensor, it will tell

you the tilt of the blade from grade. It also acts as a blade

offset. By pressing the down or up chevrons, the program will

offset the blade the amount set in the Miscellaneous menu for

distance blade moved by Pg Up,Pg Dn. To change this amount,

see the Miscellaneous Menu, on page 49

The Light Bar Menu

Toggle Drawing

Toggles between the light bars being ON or OFF. Must =ON to see the light bars.

Toggle show in Side View

Only

Toggles showing the light bars in the side (blade) view only.

Width of each Bar

The % width of the Vertical Bar(s). Increase to make the Vertical Bar(s) wider.

Zone Values

The value(s) at which the Vertical Light Bar will display the given correction. The

Default values are shown. In the defaults shown, the Vertical Bar will display

Green for good between .051 and -.05

The Grid

The Grid allows for a visual indication of distance. The grid can be set to any spacing and rotated

to any angle. There is also a color grid option of 3 different sets of data: cut/fill amount;

deflection amount; and visits count. If you are building your design in AGPS-Shape Pro™,

importing an .fbg or building you field in Opti-surface, this data will often be included in the file.

If you are designing in the field, you would need to capture this data.

Setting up the Grid

Press the Screen Icon

Select Grid

The grid menu is where you

adjust the grid

Rotate Grid these Degrees

Allows you to rotate the grid a

number of degrees from its current

angle.

Setup Grid Manually

Allows you to set the course and

fine of the grid. Fine will be

displayed in RED, course in GREEN.

For instance, if you were tiling

every 35 feet, you would set the

course for 70 and the fine for 35,

alternating the grid red and green

every 35 feet.

Setup Grid Manually

Grid Offset

Allows you to offset the grid some

amount N (north) and E (east) and

Z (elevation – uncommon)

For instance, if you wanted to offset

the grid 10 feet NorthWest from

your current grid, you would add 10

feet to N and subtract 10 feet from

Toggle Display

Perpendicular Grid

When the perpendicular grid is ON, there will be two grids

meeting at right angles. Turning it OFF goes to a Single Grid

(parallel lines)

Toggle Display Grid

Toggle the entire grid On and OFF.

Save the Current Grid

You can save and name your

current grid to return to it later

Choose a Saved Grid

Recall a saved grid

Load Saved Grids From

Survey File

Selecting this option will allow you to pick from grids saved

across different jobs. After selecting it, Choose a Saved Grid.

Delete a Saved Grid

Delete a grid you have saved.

Setting up the Color Grid

Press the Menu Icon

Select Plot Menu

Select Color Grid Control

Color Grid Type

The menu for the Color Grid Type.

Cut/Fill Amount

This is the recommened selection.

Shows the amount to be cut/filled

for each grid section. After you

select the option you can change the

color for each zone (not

recommended).

Deflection Amount

Shows how much the elevation has

changed since the last pass over the

area. After you select the option you

can change the color for each zone

(not recommended).

Visits Amount

Shows how often you have visited

an area of the grid. After you select

the option you can change the color

for each zone (not recommended).

Zero out the Visits Count

Allows you to set the visit count to zero (cannot be undone)

Wipe clean the current

color-grid

Removes the data for a given color-grid

Set the size details of the

grid

Allows you to manually set the size of the grid (same as setting

up the grid)

Load a Color-Grid from the

survey-file

Reloads the Color-Grid information from the file.

Edit the non-survey-file

points to load

Edit the .GPE points file. This file is similar to a .NEZ file, and

should be loaded with topo points that are not in the .SVY

Groups of Settings for

ranges, colors . . .

Allows you to save a group of settings for the color-grid (if you

have created custom colors, etc)

Color Grid Key

Alternate Groups

Default Flat_land_level Indicate

99 > 2.01

rgb(64,0,0)

99 > 0.751

99 > 2.01

2.00 > 1.01

rgb(128,0,0)

0.75 > 0.501

2.00 > 1.01

1.00 > 0.501

rgb(192,0,0)

0.50 > 0.331

1.00 > 0.501

0.50 > 0.351

rgb(255,0,0)

0.33 > 0.201

0.50 > 0.401

0.35 > 0.201

rgb(255,96,0)

0.20 > 0.101

0.40 > 0.301

0.20 > 0.101

rgb(255,160,0)

0.10 > 0.051

0.30 > 0.201

0.10 > 0.051

rgb(255,255,0)

0.05 > 0.031

0.20 > 0.101

0.05 > -0.05

rgb(0,192,0)

0.03 > -0.03

0.10 > -0.10

-0.051 > -0.10

rgb(0,255,128)

-0.031 > -0.05

-0.101 > -0.20

rgb(0,255,255)

-0.051 > -0.10

-0.201 > -0.30

-0.201 > -0.35

rgb(0,128,255)

-0.101 > -0.20

-0.301 > -0.40

-0.351 > -0.50

rgb(0,0,255)

-0.201 > -0.33

-0.401 > -0.50

-0.501 > -1.00

rgb(0,0,160)

-0.331 > -0.50

-0.501 > -1.00

-1.01 > -2.00

rgb(0,0,96)

-0.501 > -0.75

-1.01 > -2.00

-2.01 > -99

rgb(0,0,32)

-0.751 > -99

-2.01 > -99

Loading Background Images

Background Images can range from 3-D polylines that are selectable to a bitmap image to a

topography map.

Typically AGPS-Dirt Pro™ Supports Bitmap images in the .bmp format with a

georeferencing .bpw file associated with it or .drw polyline files. Consult your AGPS-Dirt Pro™

Technician with any questions about these file types.

1. Press the Menu Icon

2. Select Plot Menu

The Plot menu controls how things are

displayed on the Working Screen

3. Select Background Bitmap

(step 4) or

Background Drawing (Step 5)

A Bitmap image is a flat image (such as

you would export from Ag Data

Viewer™).

A Background Drawing is a 3-D object

with polylines that the program can

‘read’ (such as you would export from

Auto-CAD or other 3-D design

program)

4. Load Bitmap

Select Copy BMP, BPW.

Select the Bitmap Image

You must have a .bpw file in the same

directory on your computer for the

image to load properly. Make sure the

Show Bitmap and Toggle Convert are

ON.

5. Load Backgound Drawing

The Load Background Drawing Menu

has multiple options for loading or

creating a drawing file. Typically you

will ‘Build from a .dxf’. If you have

a .drw file, Select ‘Replace this File’

and then selct the .drw file.

Contact an AGPS-Dirt Pro™ Technician

for help with other supported file

types.

Collecting Field Data

Topography data and Pass Labels

Pass labels define the type of data you are collecting (Boundry Perimeter, Random Ground or

Reference Point). If you are going to design in the field by using Opti-Surface, you must capture

your topography data first.

Pass Types

There are several different types of data you can collect in AGPS-Dirt Pro™.

To select the pass you want

Press the Capture Icon.

To see what type of pass

label is currently selected,

note at the label portion of

the bottom working bar

Capture On/Off

Touch to toggle capturing data On/Off. Note that when there is

a design loaded, Machine Control will control to grade

regardless if Capture is turned On or Off.

Boundry

Perimeter

Select to set data collection to Boundry/Perimeter. This will tell

the program where the edge of the job is. Its pass label is 2PER.

Random

Ground

Select to set data collection of Random Ground. This is

topography data collected throughout the field. Its pass label is

3GRD.

Reference

Select to collect a reference point (also known as a control

point) somewhere in the field.

Collecting a Reference (Control) Point

Select your Rod Length

This may be the typical rod length of

the machine or a different Rod Length

(e.g. if you were taking the GPS globe

off of the machine to reach a culvert)

Read the Instrument

On this screen you may also

-Control the Instrument

-Pause before read (usually used if

capturing a control point by yourself)

-Set the ‘Tries’ for averaging (10 is

common, if you are in dense tree cover

you may increase it to 20)

Name the Point

You will receive a confirmation that

the reads were successful.

You can name the point and put a

description. The default name is a1

(this number increases each time you

capture a control point.)

The point name must be between 1

and 8 letters and/or numbers long.

Description can be any length.

Set your Rod Length back

If you changed your Rod Length you

can set it back.

Finishing a Job

When you have finished a job there are typically two things you will want to do: Create a report

and Export the data.

Exporting Stake Report

The stake report is in an .rpt format that can be opened by most word processors (such as

Microsoft Word™ or even WordPad).

1. Press the Menu Icon

2. Select Quit this Application

3. Select Make Stake RPT and

Zip all to Ext. Dest

Quit Menu Options

AGPS-Dirt Pro™ can export your data in most common data types.

Backup the job to Ext.Dest

Creates a backup of the data and saves it to the external destination selected.

Zip up whole job

Creates a .zip directory of all of the files pertaining to the current job.

Copy (any) to external

destination

Copies any files with the current job name to an external destination.

Make an NEZ file from the

Survey-File

Creates a NEZ (northing-easting-elevation) data file from the survey-file.

Make a Report of the Stakes

Generates a report of the staking done during work.

Make an ‘Freshened’NEZ

Make Stake RPT an Zip all

to Ext.Dest.

See above

Volume and Area

Comparison

If you have Surfer™ installed, you can see a volume and area comparison.

External Destination for use

above

Sets the drive letter of your external destination. (If there is no drive installed,

defaults to the data directory of AGPS.)

Capture a Control Point

here

The same steps as Collecting a Reference (Control) point, on page 41

Menus

Main Menu

Pressing the Menu Icon will bring up the Main Menu. From here you can select the action

you want to perform.

Setup Program (many

questions)

Used to perform an initial set-up of the program (select GPS, machine control,

etc.). See Setting up the Program for the first time on page 11

Setup Program Quickly

Used to start a new job or to select a previously created job. See Starting a New

Job or Restarting a Current Job on page 14.

Resetup Program

Used to continue in the job you are currently working on. See Starting a New Job

or Restarting a Current Job on page 14.

Simulated Laser Setup

Used to start a new job with in the field designing. See Surface Setup on page 20.

Instrument Menu

Control the GPS and the GPS Settings as well as Control Point settings and Rod

settings. See Instrument Menu on page 44.

Plot Menu

Controls how things are drawn/displayed on the Main Working Screen. See Plot

Menu on page 45.

Survey File Menu

Control how the survey file is saved, export survey file, or edit the survey file. See

Survey File on page 46.

Devices Menu

Set or adjust Machine Controls and/or slope sensors. See Devices Menu on page

47.

Choose which Surface to

use

Select from different surfaces (for instance if using multiple .fbg files)

FBG File Edit

Edit the current .fbg file (if you need to add a data point, etc.)

Miscellaneous actions

Miscellaneous actions that can be performed. See Miscellaneous actions on page

49.

Toggle Auto ReSetup Mode

If Quick Setup Mode is toggled ON, AGPS-Dirt Pro™ will skip asking you to choose

the program you want to run on startup and load directly to the AGPS-Dirt Pro™

Main Menu.

Concepts Documentation

Brings up a digital copy of this Menu.

Quit this Menu

Closes the current menu

Quit this Application

Brings up the Quit Menu, which will allow you to quit the program as well as

export data or capture a control point. See Quit this Application Menu on page 51.

Instrument Menu

The Instrument Menu controls the GPS and other forms of measurement

From the Main Menu Select the Instrument Menu.

Choose the Type of

Instrument

Choose the brand/type of GPS or GPS Simulator the program will use.

Position Settings

Set up the UTM or State Plane of the Instrument. See UTM/State Plane on page 52.

Control the Instrument

Allows you to setup/adjust/troubleshoot the GPS. Please Note: The settings,

capabilities and types of data can vary widely between different brands of GPS.

Please speak to your GPS Manufacturer with any questions.

Check Setup

Check the setup of the current control point.

Capture a control point

Allows you to capture a control point. See Control Points on page 41.

Edit the control point file

Allows you to edit/adjust the control point file (.ctl). Useful if you need to enter a

control point or delete a bad control point.

Normal use Rod Length

Set the ‘Normal Use’ rod length. The Normal Use rod length will cause the ‘current

location’ icon on the main working screen to display as a square. Using a rod

length different than the ‘normal use’ will display a rectangle.

Current Rod Length

Change the current Rod Length. See Rod Length on page 20

Rod Tip Corrections

Change/adjust the current Rod Tip Corrections.

Rod Length offset

Adjust the amount the rod length is adjusted by pressing the = key.

Min/Max settings

Set Minimum and Maximum distance, speed and slope for the GPS instrument to

function.

Offsetting options

Set how the instrument is offset in relation to the blade point.

Tilted Plane Options

Not recommended for use except in rare scenarios benching into a tilted job.

Toggle Earth Curvature

Toggle correction for Earth Curvature.

Direction Change Required

How much direction change must be experienced before the instrument shows a

change in direction

Velocity Delay for Smooth

A setting for how the program determines speed.

Parameter value smoothing

Smooths elevation input. Do not use without advice from a AGPS Technician first.

Reads to skip after a read

error

Allows you to set how many ‘reads’ are skipped after the instrument sends an

error message.

Toggle Asking for

Localization

Toggle ON or OFF the program asking you to set special local stretch.

Toggle Do Auto Check

Toggles between asking or not asking you to check a control point after every

startup.

Toggle Do UTM only

Toggles between showing or not showing State Plane/Local options in the

Instrument-Localization setup screen.

Toggle Show Position Setup

Toggle between showing or not showing the results of a position setup.

Plot Menu

The Plot Menu controls how things are drawn/displayed on the Main Working Screen

From the Main Menu Select the Plot Menu or press ‘8’ on the keyboard.

Set/Show the Screen Aspect

Ratio

Set the current Screen Aspect Ratio.

Grid Menu

Takes you to the Grid Menu. See Grid Menu on page 34

Color Grid Control

Takes you to the Color Grid Control Menu. See Setting up the Color Grid on page 36

Invert the colors for

Visibility

Toggle between a ‘day’ color palate and a ‘night’ color palate.

Toggle Blade Display in Top

View

Toggle the blade display in top view

Light Bar Menu

See The Light Bars on page 33

Kind of Blade Display

Icon to use in Blade Display. Options are T, Dozer, Grader, Dozer Solid, or Dozer

Hollow.

Blade Display Parameters

Sets the Width, Height and Instrument Offset (all in feet) for the blade display in

side view

Blade Rake Angle

Allows you to set the horizontal angle (in degrees) that the blade is rotated

relative to the machine. If you have a blade controller that sends the rake angle,

leave this on auto, otherwise set the blade rake angle here.

Dot size

Change the Pixel size for dots.

Toggle Show Other Surface

in Side View

If multiple surfaces have been loaded, you can enable the display in the side view.

Line Width for Side View

Surfaces

The width of a line in Side View (1 is standard).

Background Bitmap

See Loading Background Images on page 39

Background Drawing

See Loading Background Images on page 39

Toggle Show Background

Drawing

Toggle ON or OFF showing a Background Drawing (.DRW file).

Toggle Show Background

Text

Toggle ON or OFF showing Text in a Background Drawing

Toggle Show Old Captured

Points

Toggle showing old captured points ON or OFF.

Toggle Show Triangles

Shows the triangles in the TIN. Useful to see if an imported data has sufficient

data/triangles for accurate surface control.

Survey File Menu

The Survey File Menu controls how the survey file is saved, export survey file, edit the survey file.

From the Main Menu Select the Survey File Menu.

Backup the Job

Backup the current job to the external destination (Typically USB drive).

Format the survey file to a

NEZ file

Turns the .svy file into a .nez file and exports it.

Format and edit a survey

file report

Turns the .svy file into a .prt file and allows you to edit it.

Format a DCA Fieldbook file

Turns the .svy file into a .dca file

Ext.Dest

External destination (Typically USB Port) used for copying/backing up data.

Show extreme values of

points

See a Minimum and Maximum for the survey file.

Shift the Data

Shift the Survey File. Typically used if your control point was slightly off of a

known world location.

Set/Show the Job Name

Change the Job Name

Load the Survey File

Reloads the survey file if you have made changes below

Set the Description

Change the description of the current job.

Copy Files

Copy the survey file of a different job to the current job (for instance, if you

brought a second machine into a job and wanted to load the data that had been

captured to that point)

Delete the Survey File

Deletes the survey file (but keeps the job).

Edit the Survey File

Edit the survey file like a text file (i.e you had a known point you couldn’t reach

with the machine you wanted to add to a line).

Restore the Survey File

If you backed the survey file to a USB drive and wanted to load it into the

computer (usually after a computer failure).

Edit any file

Allows you to choose and edit a file.

Devices Menu

The Devices Menu configures the blade control/machine control device.

Press and Hold the Machine Control Icon or from the Main Menu Select the Devices Menu or

press ‘9’ on the keyboard.

Internal Use

Used to send a command-line to the device or software.

Set the Enablement

Sets Machine Control ON or OFF. Must be =YES for Machine Control to

function.

Choose the Kind of

Control

Choose the type of Machine Controller. Speak to the manufacturer of the

Machine Controller with questions.

Setup

Setup the Machine Controller. Allows you to set COM port and other options.

Speak to the manufacturer of the Machine Controller with questions.

Minimum Vehicle Speed

The minimum speed (in feet or meters per minute) the machine must be

travelling for Machine Control to function. Often set to a low number so

Machine Control will automatically stop when the Machine is motionless.

Move Manually

Used to manually activate the Machine Control. Useful for

testing/troubleshooting the Machine Control.

Show Input Messages

Shows the current message strings from the Machine Controller. Useful for

testing/troubleshooting.

Show Last Blade

Command

Shows the immediately previous command sent from AGPS-Dirt Pro™ to the

Machine Controller. Useful for testing/troubleshooting.

Enter a Command

Allows you to enter a command to send to the Machine Controller. Command

must be in the data-string type used by the Machine Controller. Useful for

testing/troubleshooting.

Fore-Slope add percent

Additional percentage to add to Fore-Slope. Useful for adjusting level.

Fore-Slope Multiplier

Allows you to ‘reverse’ the slope that the program sends out. 1 is normal, -1

is reversed

Maximum Percentage

Maximum percentage-slope allowed by the Slope Sensor. Set this at the limit

of the slope sensor – anything over this number will be treated as an error

and will cause no action.

Fore Slope Time

The minimum number of milliseconds between attempts to adjust the slope.

Maximum Percentage

Side-Slope

Maximum percentage-slope allowed by the Slope Sensor. Set this at the limit

of the slope sensor – anything over this number will be treated as an error

and will cause no action.

Side Slope Time Minimum

The minimum number of milliseconds between attempts to adjust the side-

slope.

Side Slope Last Use Time

Max

Setting this at 2000 (default) will wait to adjust between commands from the

slope sensor. Setting it at 0 will use the last command until a new command

is sent.

Toggle Use of Up/Down

Toggles the Up/Down settings ON or OFF

UP Response Settings

Allows you to adjust the UP response settings of the Machine Control. Please

speak to an AGPS Technical Specialist before changing these settings.

DOWN Response Settings

Allows you to adjust the DOWN response settings of the Machine Control.

Please speak to an AGPS Technical Specialist before changing these settings.

Groups of Settings

Allows you to save different groups of UP/DOWN Response Settings

Miscellaneous actions

Miscellaneous actions that can be performed.

From the Main Menu Select the Miscellaneous Actions.

Trouble Shooting Actions

Opens the troubleshooting menu.

Vertical Error Tolerance

Sets the Vertical Difference where the program will show ‘good’.

Horizontal Error

Tolerance

Sets the Horizontal Difference where the program will show ‘good’.

Vertical Offset Setting

Sets a Vertical ‘Cut/Fill’ Offset amount.

Distance Blade Moved by

PgUp,PgDn

Sets the Cut/Fill offset amount added/subtracted by pressing Page Up or

Page Down on the Keyboard or by pressing the chevrons on the Vertical Light

Bar. NOTE: Up Arrow and Down Arrow or inner chevrons are half this value.

Distance Blade Moved by

BkSP

Offsets the blade up into a "Riding Mode". Pressing Backspace again will put it

back to "Working Mode" and the previous Cut/Fill Offset.

Toggle Warnings by

kicking blade up

Automatically raises the blade when there is an error (i.e. bad GPS signal).

This helps prevent over-cutting when automatic control stops.

Toggle Warnings by

Playing Sound

Toggles a warning sound that plays if there is an error (i.e. bad GPS signal)

Warning Sound File

Change the warning sound file.

Warning Plot Flash Red

Toggles whether or not the screen will flash red if there is a warning.

Total Latency for look-

ahead

How quick the Instrument (GPS) responds, so how far ahead the program

looks. Most modern GPS systems have a very low latency (10 Hz). Default is

0.1

Minimum Auto-Capture

Distance

How often the program will capture a point. A lower number means that the

program will capture a point more often. Default is 10

Story Stake Slope Close

amount

The difference in slope percentage to consider in reporting as the same slope

when making a stake report.

Toggle Manual-Point-

Label Auto-Increment

Toggle manually or automatically incrementing the point number when

capturing a point or stake.

Direction Change

Required Distance

The distance that you need to move in 1 second for the program to recognize

a change in direction in movement

Record a Note with the

Survey Data

Record a Note that will be saved with the survey data

Capture a control point

Capture a Reference (Control) Point. See Capturing a Reference Point on page

41.

Edit the Control Point File

Edit or manually enter a Reference (Control) Point.

Calculate the Missing line

of a triangle

If working with previous topo, will calculate a missing line from a triangle as

close as mathematically possible.

Toggle Tide Gauge

Enablement

Dump end of log file

Saves the end of the program log for sending to a Tech for troubleshooting.

Update Delay

Set the Update Delay, which is the time in milliseconds before the working

screen is updated because a lookup was performed.

Slow Look back Distance

A distance back to look when traveling very slowly. It affects how Fore-Slope

is calculated.

Project Back Distance

Toggle Cross Slope from

Blade Edges

Toggle calculating slope and blade edges by using Project Back Distance

instead of normal use.

Toggle averaging for

Stake, Man.Cap

Toggles the prompt for using several averaged reads for capturing a stake or

reference point.

Calculate Average

Elevation of All Points

Calculates the average of all captured points.

Clicks Allowed in Plot

Screen

Toggles allowing the Click Menu to be displayed when the screen is touched.

Quit this Application

All of the actions that can be performed before quitting the program.

Press the Red X in the upper right corner of the program or select ‘Quit this Application’ from the

Main Menu or press ‘Q’ on the keyboard.

Backup the job to Ext.Dest

Creates a backup of the data and saves it to the external destination selected.

Zip up whole job

Creates a .zip directory of all of the files pertaining to the current job.

Copy (any) to external

destination

Copies any files with the current job name to an external destination.

Make an NEZ file from the

Survey-File

Creates a .NEZ (northing-easting-elevation) data file from the survey-file.

Make a Report of the Stakes

Generates a report of the staking done during work.

Make an ‘Freshened’ NEZ

Creates a .NEZ file with only the most recent points, ignoring older points within a

certain radius.

Make Stake RPT and Zip all

to Ext.Dest.

See above

Volume and Area

Comparison

If you have Surfer™ installed, you can see a volume and area comparison.

External Destination for use

above

Sets the drive letter of your external destination. (If there is no drive installed,

defaults to the data directory of AGPS.)

Capture a Control Point

here

The same steps as Collecting a Reference (Control) point, on page 41.

Do not quit, Continue

Working

Returns to working Screen

Quit Now

Quits to the AGPS Main Menu.

UTM Zones and State Plane

UTM Zone (Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) geographic coordinate system)

and State Planes are coordinate systems to help GPS signals be more accurate in the real world.

UTM is a world-wide system that takes earth curvature into account, State Plane ‘ignores’ earth

curvature.

UTM Zones

State Plane

AGPS Dirt Pro_manual Pro Manual

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