Construction & Machine Control E-News

Welcome to this month's e-newsletter for KOREC's Construction and Machine Control division.  This month we have an update of Trimble Business Centre to report, along with updates for Trimble Dimensions 2009.

Also this month is an article on GPS Excavator control and details of new online training courses from Trimble's Knowledge Network.

We recently entered the world of Blogging, so I'd like to encourage you to visit the Blog pages at www.korecgroup.com and please feel free to add any of your own comments or posts.

Finally, I'd like to thank you for your continued support and business over the last twelve months and wish you Seasons Greetings from the KOREC team,

Thanks and Regards

Dan Brennan
Development Director
KOREC

Updated : Trimble Business Centre - Heavy Construction Edition 1.20

Trimble Business Centre – Heavy Construction Edition 1.20 is now available. It contains many enhancements, including:

• Improved graphics display performance
• New cut/fill grid and line object types
• New data editing capabilities
• Support for LandXML alignments with stored cross-sections

Download and Ordering Information

Version 1.20 can be downloaded from the Trimble Business Centre Support area of the Trimble Web site.

Updated: Trimble Office Synchronizer 1.45

Trimble Office Synchronizer 1.45 is now available. It will initially be released with Trimble Business Centre – Heavy Construction Edition 1.20, and will be included in future Trimble SCS900 updates.

Version 1.45 offers improved management of empty and deleted folders.

Download Information and Availability

Trimble Office Synchronizer 1.45 can be immediately downloaded from the SCS900 Support area of the Trimble Web site.

Updated: Trimble SCS Report Utility 2.42

In SCS900 2.40 and later, users can measure traverses and control networks in the field using the total station Averaging mode. The new SCS Report Utility 2.42 update now allows users to export this data in a DC format that can be read, processed and adjusted in Trimble Business Center software (Advanced Survey Module is required for network adjustment).

SCS Report Utility 2.42 is available in US and UK English.

Workflow Guide

A new workflow guide for the SCS Report Utility includes example data files that can be used for learning and demonstration. To access these resources on the Trimble Connected Community, go to the Trimble SPS site and select the Resources tab. Navigate to the Resources – SCS900 Field Software/Sample Data/Averaging Mode Examples Folder. Two documents are available:

Trimble SCS900 Control Network Sample Data with TBC.doc

Trimble SCS900 Traverse Sample Data with TBC.doc

Download Information and Availability

Download version 2.42 from the SCS900 Support area of the Trimble Web site. It is available now.

New Trimble GCS900 Accessory: Secure Attachment of GPS Coiled Cables to Fixed Masts

You can now order a connector storage cap assembly for safely and securely attaching GPS coiled cables to GCS900 fixed masts. The new connector storage caps prevent cable and connector damage, and are available for steel masts (PN: 71069-10), aluminum masts (PN: 71069-00), and excavator masts (PN: 0794-1700).

Trimble Dimensions 2009: Group Discounts and More

Customers with several employees attending the conference can take advantage of excellent group discounts. Significant savings are possible:

• Group Plan (5 attendees): Pay for four individual registrations at the same time, and receive the fifth registration free.
• Group Plan (20 attendees): Pay for fifteen individual registrations at the same time, and receive five registrations free.

For more information, including actual costs and savings, visit the Trimble Dimensions 2009 Web site.

Reminder : Expanded Outdoor Hands-On Content

Trimble Dimensions 2009 is offering something new for construction attendees: the unique opportunity to participate in hands-on content at an off-site facility. Off-site sessions will be held at the National Association of Heavy Equipment Training Schools (NAHETS) site, a privately-owned facility for heavy equipment operator training. Offsite sessions will feature a half-day of content on Trimble Grade Control and Site Positioning Systems through interactive experiences with Trimble construction technology and heavy equipment.

The Mirage schedule also accommodates 2-hour classroom training to complement the hands-on training at NAHETS. Customers can thus attend the Dimensions conference and achieve 4 hours of concentrated and well-rounded theory and practical training.

Space is limited at the Dimensions off-site sessions so make sure you sign up early.

Web-Based Getting Started Tutorials

The Trimble Knowledge Network offers five Web-based Getting Started Tutorials. The courses are self-paced and can be taken on your computer, at your location. In the list below, click on the course name for details and/or to purchase a course.

Introduction to SCS900 for Site Projects:  10 Credits       2.5 Hours

Introduction to SCS900 Data Manager:     Free               10 mins

Introduction to SiteVision Office Software: 7 Credits         3 Hours

Introduction to Terramodel Software:        3 Credits         2 Hours

Introduction to GNSS:                             Free               20 mins

Introduction to GPS:                               Free               30 mins

Introduction to RTK Surveying:                Free               45 mins

Learning Credits can be purchased online through the Trimble Knowledge Network Learning Centre, the number of credits required per course is listed in the Course Catalogues. One credit is equal to $40 (U.S.).

GPS Machine Control For Excavators - What is the state of the art?

By Jeff Winke -- Associated Construction Publications

Piloting a fighter jet, removing a brain tumor, programing a particle accelerator, and operting a hydraulic excavator all require a high level of skill. Quick thinking, eye-hand coordination, and planning for the next move are all required for safe execution.

When it comes to heavy equipment operation, excavator operators are in their own league. The machine itself is very dynamic, and the work being performed isn't directly underneath the operator as it with bulldozers and motor graders. It can be anywhere within the boom's reach and sometimes the work being performed is underwater.

In the deadline-driven world that contractors live in, the excavator operator is expected to contribute to increased productivity, minimal or no rework, and accurate results. To safely deliver both higher production and increased accuracy, contractors are looking to technology for answers.

Read More at the KOREC Blog