1. 3D Paving Training AutoAdjust
March 2010
by Phil Jackson

2. What is AutoAdjust?
AutoAdjust automates the previous manual nudging of the screed
PCS900 v1.10 monitors the height of the trailing edge of the screed and automatically adjusts the system to keep this point on grade
Manual nudging via the underlying 2D control system (PCS400, AccuGrade, Cat Grade & Slope or MOBA) is still supported

3. PCS900 v1.00 PCS900 v1.00 emulates a 2D grade sensor
Think of the MT900 as a sonic tracer
Control point is below the mast
Move the target forward for smoother response
Move the target backward for a more accurate response
Screed trailing edge is not automatically controlled in v1.00
Manual adjustments were required

4. Why we needed to ‘nudge’
Other factors control the screed height too
Angle of attack
Material head
Mixture
Speed
Temperature
Etc.
Differences between static measure-up and screed floating

5. No different to 2D system
2D systems test depth to check mat thickness
Then adjust the operation to correct depth
Assuming all other factors are OK then by incrementing or decrementing the 2D offset
On US Screeds can also turn the crank handle
After paving some distance Depth Checker confirms the correction

6. No different to 2D system
V1.00 3D system uses a Grade Checker to check mat surface height
Then you adjust the operation to the correct height
Assuming all other factors are OK then by incrementing or decrementing the 2D offset
On US Screeds can also turn the crank handle
After paving some distance Grade Checker confirms the correction

7. AutoAdjust
V1.00 3D system requires you to inc/dec the 2D system to correct height because we only control under the target
V1.10 3D system automates this

8. V1.10 3D system AutoAdjust
By monitoring the height of the trailing edge of the screed
Like having a permanent Grade checker riding on the back
Then adding or subtracting an adjustment
Just like a manual
inc/dec in v1.00

9. How AutoAdjust works
AS450
Very slow with very small steps

10. How Not to Break AutoAdjust
Use a Non-US Screed
With No Crank Handle
Mount the 3D Target on the screed
Not the tow arm
Do NOT wind the Crank handle on US screeds
If you target is mounted on the tow arm

11. Tow Arm mounted Target on US Screeds
Winding the Crank Handle alters the position of the back of the screed relative to the target
Invalidates the measure-up
IF you Wind the Crank Handle you MUST Re-Bench
Step 14 of the Quick Start Guide

12. Details Always on by default
Text item reports amount of Automatic Adjustment applied
Support person can turn this off
But why would you?
AutoAdjust learns
Will start blank and learn in first 30 feet
Remembers and updates constantly

13. Graphical Explanation
The next slides step through time and explain each stage of AutoAdjust
Time is given as T0, T1, T2, etc.
The sample values are larger than you will see on a real job

14. AutoAdjust – Definitions
2D is height from Target to Design
3D is height from Screed to Design
AutoAdjust is correction value
Design

15. AutoAdjust – Steady State
Everything is correct
2D =
3D =
AutoAdjust = 0.000
Target Value
= 3.000
Measured Value
2D = 0.000
Design

16. AutoAdjust – Paving Change
Screed lowers
2D =
3D =
AutoAdjust = 0.000
Target Value
= 3.000
Measured Value
= 2.980
2D =
Design

17. AutoAdjust – 2D Response
2D Drives tow point to correct Target Height
2D =
3D =
AutoAdjust = 0.000
Target Value
= 3.000
Measured Value
2D = 0.000
Design

18. AutoAdjust – 2D Steady T3 2D on Zero for a period, 3D low 2D = 0.000
Target Value
= 3.000
Measured Value
2D = 0.000
Design

19. AutoAdjust – AutoAdjust Starts
AutoAdjust adds difference to Set Height
2D =
3D =
AutoAdjust = 0.010
Target Value
= 3.010
Measured Value
= 3.000
2D =
Design

20. AutoAdjust – 2D Corrects
2D on Zero for set period
2D =
3D =
AutoAdjust = 0.010
Target Value
= 3.010
Measured Value
2D = 0.000
Design

21. AutoAdjust – Steady State
Screed steady in new position, 3D correct
2D =
3D =
AutoAdjust = 0.010
Target Value
= 3.010
Measured Value
2D = 0.000
Design

22. Questions ?