2D Guidance James Fisher Prolec Systems User Guide

Refer to the glossary for key terms related to the product operation.
Excavation mode includes features like bench reference, flat target surface, and distance measurement.

The main screen displays the left view (machine arm), right view (tool window), and slew circle.
The main menu options vary based on operator/supervisor level and active mode (Excavation or Lift).

In the 2D configuration menu, change the Reference Now button function to align with specific requirements.
In the Job settings menu, configure bench/target heights, grades, and other job-specific parameters.

After setting up the job in the configuration menu, return to the main screen to verify the settings before starting excavation.
Set job type and reference type to align with the desired digging parameters. Use the Reference Now button to establish correct height references.

FAQ

Q: How do I change the reference type?
A: Navigate to the 2D Configuration menu and select the desired reference type from the options available.

Q: What does the bench offset parameter do?
A: The bench offset sets the bench/reference height relative to the site datum, allowing for accurate referencing during operation.

Q: How can I verify my job settings before digging?
A: After setting up the job in the configuration menu, return to the main screen to ensure that the settings reflect your requirements accurately.

Typical Operation

Excavation Mode with Tool Sensor

Main Screen

Left view

Right View

Press any button to reveal up to 6 functional buttons

Main Menu

The menu shown will depend on operator/supervisor level, and whether Excavation mode or Lift mode is currently active.

Setting reference type

How to change the “Reference now” button on the main screen does
Go to “2D Configuration” on the main menu

This affects what the “Reference now” button does on the main screen. The options include

“TO TARGET”: When the cutting edge is at the target depth
“TO BENCH”: When the cutting edge is at bench height (survey stake or laser line)
“TO HEADING”: When the machine is aligned with a set direction
“TO POINT”: When the cutting edge touches a point on the current profile/job

Setting up the job

In the 2D configuration menu, we can set up the job to reflect our requirements

The options in “Job settings” vary with the job type.
For flat jobs, it’s just bench and target settings.

Ready to dig

In the 2D configuration menu, set up the job to reflect the requirements
Once setup is complete, return to the main screen, which shows how settings are reflected.

Using 2D digging

Following our current example, we’ve set the job type to “flat”, with a 1m target depth

Now we can start digging. Dig the desired hole, using the value on the screen to confirm the required depth

Gradient job – Setup

A gradient job is similar to a flat job, but the ground follows a known % grade (and/or cross-grade)

There are more job settings in gradient mode.

Bench offset and target depth work similarly to a flat job, however the target will be at a gradient, so the depth is applied only when referencing
Back on the main screen, the reference type has changed, and we can see the 10% target gradient

Gradient job – Usage

To make the best use of the gradient job type, follow these steps

The full length of the machine has been used

So long as the correct heading is maintained, any size of the area can be dug to a grade using this process of digging and referencing.

Gradient job – Job settings

Note that cross-grades are left-to-right from the operator’s perspective, and normal grades are uphill (looking forward).

Negative values can be used if required, to dig in the alternative direction.

Complex shape job – Setup

Side-on perspective

Back at the main screen, we can see that the shape of the job has become more complex, according to the measurements we set.

Complex shape job – Usage

Side-on perspective
Start by picking a known reference point, then position the cutting edge on it.

(the current active point on the complex shape is shown in blue)
Then dig using the target distance indicator as a guide.
Digging below the surface, but above target depth

Target depth has been reached

Complex shape job – Trench

Head-on perspective

This job type is similar to the previous one, except the viewing position is head-on rather than side-on. This can be useful for digging trenches.

Job settings are identical to the “SHAPE (SIDE)” job type

The cross-section can be seen ahead of the operator, and a depiction of the tool is shown.

Complex shape job – Trench

Head-on perspective

The active tool point is shown in red and can be switched between center, left, and right.
This part of the tool is aligned to the selected reference point when the “Reference now” button is pressed.

2D Essentials

2D Essentials may be used on machines without fitting an additional tool sensor.
(contact your local dealer to activate 2D Essentials on an existing PME installation, simply with a software upgrade).

How to tell if you have 2D Essentials or 2D Standard

In 2D Essentials, the bucket on the screen shows two possible positions at the same time: one “flat-bottomed” bucket and one “crowded-out”. One is active and the other is displayed as a “Ghost tool”.
In 2D Standard, the real position of the bucket is shown in real-time.

2D Essentials – Usage

Digging using 2D Essentials is the same process as using 2D with a tool sensor. The difference is that the tool on the screen will not reflect the real angle. The two orientations, however, can be used with some operator intuition to sufficiently dig any job.

In this example, a 10% gradient is dug identical to the job we performed before using a tool sensor
Just as before, start by referencing at the start of the slope. Using the crowded-out orientation is best for this.

Once underway and at a sufficient position to allow for flat-bottom finishing, the orientation can be switched in a single tap and the operator can continue in this orientation, using the target distance as a guide as normal.

PME Limits

We’ve set up a height limit. Height and depth limits are shown on the 2D display.

IMPORTANT: Note that motion cuts may be enforced for PME limits, but are independent of 2D guidance. PME will not stop you at a 2D target depth, it will only stop you at a PME Depth Limit.

Slew limits, cab-protection and maximum-reach limits may also be set.
Consult the PME 100-500 Quick Start Guide for assistance.

These limits are shown in the slew circle

Arrows show safe directions of movement. Green indicates unrestricted movement, amber shows a slowdown, and red shows that motion is cut.

IMPORTANT: Note that motion cuts may be enforced for PME limits, but are independent of 2D guidance. PME will not stop you at a 2D target depth, it will only stop you at a PME Depth Limit.

Choosing a tool

Tools can be created/edited/deleted here so that correct measurements are used

To create or edit a tool, set a name, and then enter five measurements

Lift mode (also known as RCI)

Pressing the middle-right button switches between excavation mode and “Lift mode” (RCI), and back again.

Consult the PME 100-500 Operator Manual for assistance.

Pressing any button reveals up to 6 functional buttons

Warnings show when overload and movement arrows show safe directions

Glossary

Bench – A “reference” height or depth for determining the machine’s height relative to the site. An example might be a laser beam, survey stake, or a piece of ground at a known height. May be the same as the datum, or offset by a constant amount.
Datum – a known “zero point” for the site, from which other heights and depths are measured. May be the same as the bench height, or offset by a constant amount.
Dig Mode – see Excavation mode

Excavation mode – System mode for 2D digging to a depth, gradient, or complex shape. Also known as Dig Mode. Cannot be used at the same time as Lift Mode.
Lift mode – System mode for lifting large objects as a crane. Displays: Load on Hook, Safe Working Load, Tool Point height & radius. Cannot be used at the same time as Excavation Mode.
Limits – Height and Slew limits. Enforced using motion cuts to prevent the machine from exceeding the limit.

Referencing – aligns the on-screen machine to the “bench” at different real-world points/levels.
Target – The surface that you wish to dig to. An example might be a target depth, a grade, or a complex shape.

CONTACT

T: +44 (0) 1202 441 000

Documents / Resources

PROLEC 2D Guidance James Fisher Prolec Systems [pdf] User Guide
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References

User Manual

2D Guidance James Fisher Prolec Systems

Product Usage Instructions

FAQ