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Terms and Conditions Thank you for buying this Topcon product. This manual has been prepared to assist you with the care and operation of the product and its use is subject to these Terms and Conditions and those more fully set forth in the Operator’s/User’s Manual. Usage and Safety This product is designed for use by professionals. Always use safety precautions when operating this or any Topcon product. See “Safety Warnings” on page x for details. Copyrights and Trademarks The information in this manual is a copyright of Topcon and is for use only with the product. i‐33 ™, X‐33 ™, X‐32 ™, 3D‐MC, GX‐30, and Topcon are trademarks or registered trademark of Topcon Positioning Systems, Inc. Windows and the Windows CE icon are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Other product and company names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners. Disclaimer of Warranty and License Agreement Please see the Operator’s/User’s Manual for detailed information on warranties and the license agreement which may apply to the Product. Except for such warranties and licenses provided with the product, this manual and the product are provided “AS‐IS”. Topcon and its distributors shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein; nor for incidental or consequential damages resulting from the furnishing, performance or use of this material or the Product. Use of any computer programs or software supplied by Topcon or downloaded from the Topcon website in connection with the Product implies acceptance of the Terms and Conditions here and in the Operator’s/User’s Manual.
Introduction • • • • • • Getting to know the i-33/X-32/X-33 Systems Topcon’s X‐32™ and X‐33™ systems for excavators are indicate grading systems providing 2D (X‐32) and 3D (X‐33) elevation grade control. The 3D system uses GNSS technology to precisely locate the bucket position (or cutting edge) of the machine in real time anywhere on the construction site. The 2D system uses a compass to achieve similar results. Both systems reduce the need for costly stakeout and survey. Topcon’s i‐33™ system provides similar 3D functionality for dozers and scrapers, and is available in two configurations (single and dual GPS). The Single GPS configuration uses one GPS antenna, and the dual GPS configuration uses two GPS antennas. System Components Table 1 lists the components of the X‐32, X‐33, and i‐33 systems: Table 1. X‐32/X‐33/i‐33 Components Machine Components GNSS Components GX‐30 Control Box Radio Antenna Cables MC‐i3 GNSS Receiver Mounting Hardware GNSS Antenna and Radio TS‐i3 Tilt Sensors (X‐32/X‐33 Only) Compass (X‐32 Only) Introduction P/N: 1003052‐01 1 ...
GX-30 Control Box The GX‐30 Control Box (Figure 1) is the operator’s interface, as well as the primary control for the system components. It is a computer graphic display in a single, rugged unit that provides three‐dimensional, stakeless GNSS control. Figure 1: Front and Back View of the GX‐30 Control Box • The high‐resolution, bright touch screen display easily adapts to a variety of machine applications, providing the operator with easy‐ to‐view graphical information. • A mounting bracket and one side clamp secure the Control Box in the cab or you can mount system with suction cup. The clamps provide easy attachment at the beginning of the day and easy removal for storage in the carrying case at the end of the day. • One cable is attached in the back and can be easily removed with quick‐disconnect connectors. P/N: 1003052‐01 2 Getting to know the i‐33/X‐32/X‐33 Systems ...
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MC-i3 GNSS Receiver The MC‐i3 GNSS Receiver (Figure 2) attaches to the machine with shock isolated magnetic mounts. It can be easily removed at the end of each day for storage. The MC‐i3 combines Topcon’s GNSS receiver module and a radio module into a single, rugged housing. When used in conjunction with a base transmitter, this combination provides the control box and operator with Real Time Kinematic (RTK) measurements. The control box processes these real time measurements to compute grade and graphical mapping information. Figure 2: MC‐i3 GNSS Receiver P/N: 1003052‐01 3 Getting to know the i‐33/X‐32/X‐33 Systems ...
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PG-S3 GPS Antenna For GNSS indicate applications, the PG‐S3 GPS Antenna (Figure 3) can be affixed to the top of the mounting pole. The rugged antenna is specially designed to perform on earth‐moving equipment. Figure 3: PG‐S3 Antenna With and Without Mount P/N: 1003052‐01 4 Getting to know the i‐33/X‐32/X‐33 Systems ...
X-32 Machine Configuration Boom Radio Sensor Antenna • GX‐30 Control Box • TS‐i3 Tilt Sensors (x4) Stick Stick Compass • Sensor Sensor Compass • Radio Antenna • MC‐i3 GNSS Receiver Body Sensor MC-i3 Bucket GX-30 Sensor P/N: 1003052‐01 5 Getting to know the i‐33/X‐32/X‐33 Systems ...
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Sensor Terminator TS-i3 Tilt Sensors Body Boom Stick Bucket Radio GX-30 Antenna 7.5 Amp In-Line Fuse Required MC-i3 Compass Serial Figure 4: X‐32 Components P/N: 1003052‐01 6 Getting to know the i‐33/X‐32/X‐33 Systems ...
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X-33 Machine Configuration Boom Radio Sensor Antenna GPS Antennas • GX‐30 Control Box Stick Stick • TS‐i3 Tilt Sensors (x4) Sensor Sensor • Radio Antenna • GPS Antennas (x2) • MC‐i3 GNSS Receiver Body Sensor MC-i3 Bucket GX-30 Sensor P/N: 1003052‐01 7 Getting to know the i‐33/X‐32/X‐33 Systems ...
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TS-i3 Tilt Sensors Main Radio Antenna Body Boom Stick Bucket Antenna Antenna 7.5 Amp In-Line Fuse Required GX-30 MC-i3 External Radio Modem Serial Figure 5: X‐33 Components P/N: 1003052‐01 8 Getting to know the i‐33/X‐32/X‐33 Systems ...
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Machine Configuration GPS Antennas • GX‐30 Control Box • Radio Antenna • GPS Antennas (Dual GPS Optional) MC-i3 • MC‐i3 GNSS Receiver Radio Antenna GX-30 P/N: 1003052‐01 9 Getting to know the i‐33/X‐32/X‐33 Systems ...
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Main Optional Aux Radio Antenna Antenna Antenna 7.5 Amp In-Line Fuse Required GX-30 MC-i3 External Radio Modem Serial Figure 6: i‐33 Components P/N: 1003052‐01 10 Getting to know the i‐33/X‐32/X‐33 Systems ...
Features & Functions • • • • • • Component Functions The X‐32, X‐33, and i‐33 components constantly communicate with each other to provide accurate, real‐time measurements. Each component has a specific function, which provides the operator with control, graphical job site displays, or GNSS measurements for quick and easy grading. Topcon Menu Button The Topcon Menu Button is located at the top right corner of the GX‐30 Control Box. When pressed, 3D‐ MC displays a list of four menus: File, Control, Tools, and View (Figure 7). The menus disappear if not used for ten seconds Figure 7: Topcon Logo Menus Features & Functions P/N: 1003052‐01 11 ...
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File and Control Menus The File menu (Figure 8) contains all of the functions needed to create new and edit existing 3D‐MC project files. The Control menu contains options for machine setup, blade control, and as‐built functions. To access the File or Control menus, press the Topcon Menu Button and tap either File or Control on the screen. Figure 8: File Menu and Control Menus P/N: 1003052‐01 12 Component Functions ...
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Tools and View Menus With the Tools menu (Figure 9) you can configure the radio, check the machine position, connect to Sitelink3D (OAF option), and perform data logging (OAF option). The View menu lets you change what is displayed on the left and right of the screen of the control box as well as enter authorization codes. To access the Tools or View menus, press the Topcon Menu Button and tap either Tools or View on the screen. Figure 9: Tools and View Menus P/N: 1003052‐01 13 Component Functions ...
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Elevation Control Key Figure 10: Elevation Control Key P/N: 1003052‐01 14 Component Functions ...
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Adjust Elevation Sets the Displays the Figure 11: Adjust Elevation Screen MC‐i3 units with either FH915+ or Digital UHF2 will not have the second GPS info... button. P/N: 1003052‐01 15 Component Functions ...
Getting Started • • • • • • Creating a Machine Configuration File (X-32/X-33 Only) The following briefly describes creating a machine configuration file and calibrating a bucket for X‐32 and X‐33 systems only. For a detailed procedure, see the 3D‐MC Reference Guide P/N 7010‐0911. Machine Setup 1. On the GX‐30, press the Topcon Menu Button and tap Control Machine setup in 3D‐MC. 2. Tap New to begin creating a machine configuration file. The Configuration name/type screen appears. 3. Set up the machine name and type, and tap Next (Figure 12). 4. Set up the position and sensor inputs of the machine, and tap Next. 5. Configure the antenna mounting position and heights, and tap Next. 6. Set up the sensors for the frame, stick, dog‐ bone, and bucket, and tap Next. The Excavator Buckets screen appears.
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Bucket Calibration 1. Tap New to begin creating a new bucket. The Excavator Bucket Setup screen appears (Figure 13). 2. Input the dimensions of the bucket and tap Next. 3. Calibrate the bucket edge and base, and tap Finish. The Excavator Buckets screen appears. 4. Select your bucket, and tap Next. 5. Set up the GPS information. 6. On the Configuration Complete! screen, tap Finish. Your machine configuration file is now finished. Figure 13: Excavator Buckets P/N: 1003052‐01 17 Creating a Machine Configuration File (X‐32/X‐33 Only) ...
Copying Files You can copy any of the 3D‐MC file types to and from a flash drive. The examples below use the Project Files screen, but any control point, surfaces, alignment, linework, points, or machine configuration file can be copied. 1. Insert a flash drive into the USB slot on the back of the control box, and power on the unit. 2. Press the Topcon Menu Button and tap File Projects. 3. On the Project Files screen tap Copy. The Copy files screen appears. 4. In the From: drop‐down menu, select F: to 3DMCi folder. Note that the letter of the flash drive may be different (Figure 14 on page 19). P/N: 1003052‐01 18 Creating a Machine Configuration File (X‐32/X‐33 Only) ...
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Figure 14: Copying Files From a Flash Drive 5. Select the desired files to copy and tap OK. 6. When the Project Files screen appears, tap OK to return to the main screen. P/N: 1003052‐01 19 Creating a Machine Configuration File (X‐32/X‐33 Only) ...
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Blade Control The blade control function selects the point on the blade that will be the cutting edge. Note that the Automatic best‐fit selection is not active for i‐33 systems. Setting Blade Control You can set the blade control point using either the Section view or the Blade Control menu. To change the blade control point using the Section view, follow the steps below. 1. Press the Topcon Menu Button and tap View Left window Section. The Section view appears on the left side of the screen. 2. Press and hold the edge of the blade for one second. 3. On the pop‐up menu, tap Move control left or Move control right. The blade control arrow moves accordingly (Figure 15). Blade Edge Figure 15: Setting the Blade Position With Section View P/N: 1003052‐01 20 Blade Control ...
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To change the blade control point using the Blade Control screen, follow the steps below. 1. Press the Topcon Menu Button and tap Control Blade control. 2. Select Control using single point on blade, and press and hold the slider button. 3. Move the slider button left or right to select the point from the side of the blade (Figure 11). 4. Tap OK to apply this point to the machine file. Figure 16: Blade Control Menu For i‐33 systems, the Best‐fit (whole blade) option will appear on the screen, but will not be selectable. P/N: 1003052‐01 21 Blade Control ...
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Indicate Grading Application Once you have your system set up, most grading operations remain the same. While grading, you can: • copy files • change cut/fill offsets • change the grade indicator scale • check the blade position • change radio channels • Steer and grade to a polyline • change the display units Changing the Cut/Fill Offset The cut/fill offset can be manually adjusted, on the fly, relative to the design surface. After each pass, the cut/fill offset can be updated as necessary while approaching the final design surface. P/N: 1003052‐01 22 Indicate Grading Application ...
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Changing the Grade Indicator Scale The grade indicator acts as an infinitely scrolling grade tape, displaying the amount of cut or fill in regards to the design surface. To view the grade indicator, press the Topcon Menu Button and tap View Left window Grade indicator (Figure 17). Grade Indicator Figure 17: Grade Indicator P/N: 1003052‐01 23 Indicate Grading Application ...
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To change the On‐grade (green zone) or Extents (unit spacing), press and hold the Grade indicator for one second, then tap the desired menu option (Figure 18). • On‐grade – displays the current on‐grade zone width. Tap to display the numeric pop‐up keyboard to change the on‐grade zone. • Extents – displays the current scale for the grade indicator. Tap to display the numeric pop‐up keyboard to change the unit spacing. Figure 18: Changing On‐grade and Extents P/N: 1003052‐01 24 Indicate Grading Application ...
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Checking the Blade Position The position check option provides a daily benchmarking tool to verify that the calculated elevation and position are repeatable. 1. To check the position of the blade, press the Topcon Menu Button and tap Tools Position check. 2. On the Position Check screen, select the Point (left, middle, or right), and tap Measure (Figure 19); the Measuring dialog box displays. Figure 19: Checking the Blade Position P/N: 1003052‐01 25 Indicate Grading Application ...
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3. When finished, the Position Check screen displays the point on the job of the selected edge of the blade. Tap Save; the Position Details screen appears (Figure 20). 4. Select the appropriate options from the Layer and Point Description drop‐down lists, and tap OK; the Position Check screen appears. 5. Tap Cancel to return to the main screen. Figure 20: Position Details Screen P/N: 1003052‐01 26 Indicate Grading Application ...
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Changing Radio Channels If needed, you can use the control box to change the radio channel of Digital UHFII and other types of radio modems. The MC‐i3 GNSS Receiver stores radio settings, including the radio channel. Follow the steps below to set up or change the radio channel settings. 1. Press the Topcon Menu Button, and tap Tools Configure Radios. 2. On the GNSS Radio Setup screen, select your radio type and tap Configure (if available) to run the radio setting program (Figure 21). The configuration screen for your board type appears. Figure 21: Configuring Your Radio Channel P/N: 1003052‐01 27 Indicate Grading Application ...
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It may take anywhere from few seconds to a few minutes to connect to the radio module, and check the current setting. When the current setting is confirmed, the radio’s channel and frequency information displays. 3. On the configuration screen, tap the Channel drop‐down list box and select the desired channel number. The frequency of the channel changes automatically depending on the selected channel (Figure 22). Figure 22: Setting the Channel number P/N: 1003052‐01 28 Indicate Grading Application ...
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4. Tap Advanced, select the country appropriate to your project, and tap OK (Figure 23). Figure 23: Setting the Country for the Project 5. Tap Set to activate and save the new radio channel setting. It may take anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes to complete the process. If you have difficulty connecting to the radio module when changing radio configurations, disconnect the radio antenna cable at the MC‐i3 Box. The base station radio can interfere with the machine radio when making changes. P/N: 1003052‐01 29 Indicate Grading Application ...
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Steering and Grading to Polyline Polylines are part of a linework, which are contained in layer files. The polyline represents features or objects such as building pads, curbs, sidewalks, top and toe of slopes, or any boundary on the project. The control box can control a machine to steer and cut to a polyline. You can select three‐dimensional information at each transition point of a polyline to steer the machine to a particular area. Polylines can also represent design elevation to control the cutting edge. Loading a Linework from a Project Layer 1. Press the Topcon Menu Button, and tap File Layers. 2. Select a layer file from the Project Layers screen, and tap Import. 3. In the Import Project Data screen, select Linework from project file (TP3) and 3DMC folder from the What: and Where: drop‐down lists. P/N: 1003052‐01 30 Indicate Grading Application ...
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4. Select the desired file from the Project files list, and tap OK (Figure 24). Figure 24: Importing a Linework from a Project Layer 5. From the Linework(s) screen, select All polylines and tap Next; the Summary screen displays the number of polylines imported. P/N: 1003052‐01 31 Indicate Grading Application ...
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6. On the Summary screen, tap Finish to return to the Project Layers screen (Figure 25). Figure 25: Importing Linework and Polylines 7. On the Project Layers screen, tap OK to return to the main screen. P/N: 1003052‐01 32 Indicate Grading Application ...
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Steering to Polyline 1. To select a polyline for steering, press and hold on the desired polyline on the main screen; a pop‐up menu appears. (Figure 26). Polyline Figure 26: Polyline P/N: 1003052‐01 33 Indicate Grading Application ...
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2. On the pop‐up menu, tap Polyline Steer to; graphical cross lines display along the selected polyline (Figure 27). Figure 27: Selecting and Steering to a Polyline P/N: 1003052‐01 34 Indicate Grading Application ...
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3. To change the steering indication, press the Topcon Menu Button and tap Control Steer indication; enter the desired changes and tap OK.(Figure 28). 4. To select another polyline, repeat steps 2 and 3. 5. To change the alignment file, press the Topcon Logo Button and tap File Active Alignment. The current polyline displays in the list with a check next to it. 6. To choose a new alignment, select it from the list. Figure 28: Changing the Steer Indication P/N: 1003052‐01 35 Indicate Grading Application ...
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Grading to Polyline 1. To select a polyline for grading, press and hold on the desired polyline on the main screen; a pop‐up menu appears. 2. Tap Polyline Extend grade; graphical cross lines display along the selected polyline (Figure 29). Figure 29: Grading to Polyline P/N: 1003052‐01 36 Indicate Grading Application ...
Changing the Display Units On the Display Units screen, you can change the type of units displayed on the screen, or update preset units in the files currently being used without affecting grade accuracy. You can choose among the following: • Distances – select either Meters, US survey feet, or International feet • Angles – select either DDº MM’SS”, NDDº MM’SS”, or Gons • Grades – select either Percent (%) or Run : Rise • Stations – select either 100.000, 1+00.000, or 10+0.000 • Volumes – select either Cubic meters or Cubic yards • Coordinates – select either North‐East‐Elev, East‐North‐Elev, or X‐Y‐Z To set the type of units used in the job, press the Figure 30: Changing the Display Units Topcon Menu Button and tap View Display options Display units. The Display Units screen appears (Figure 30). P/N: 1003052‐01 37 Indicate Grading Application ...
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Slope Profiles (X-32/X-33 Only) The following section is a brief description of how to enter slope profiles in 3D‐MCi for X‐32 and X‐33 systems. For a detailed description, see the 3D‐MC Reference Guide P/N 7010‐0911. Known Slope 1. On the GX‐30, press the Topcon Menu Button and tap Tools Known Slope. 2. Enter the Grade percentage or the Rise and Run values, and tap OK (Figure 31 on page 39). Known Dual Slope 1. On the GX‐30, press the Topcon Menu Button and tap Tools Known Dual Slope. 2. Enter the X/Y Slope percentage or the X/Y Rise and Run values, and tap OK (Figure 32 on page 39). P/N: 1003052‐01 38 Slope Profiles (X‐32/X‐33 Only) ...
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Figure 31: Setting a Known Slope Figure 32: Setting a Known Dual Slope Measured Slope 1. On the GX‐30, press the Topcon Menu Button and tap Tools Measured Slope. 2. Set the bucket teeth on the slope to be measured, and tap OK at the prompt to measure the first point. 3. Move the bucket teeth to another location on the slope, and tap OK at the prompt to measure the second point. P/N: 1003052‐01 39 Slope Profiles (X‐32/X‐33 Only) ...
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Complex Slope 1. On the GX‐30, press the Topcon Menu Button and tap Tools Complex Slope. 2. Name the slope, and tap Add (Figure 33). 3. Enter the slope element values, and tap OK (Figure 34). 4. Repeat steps 1‐3 to add more slope elements. Figure 33: Add a Complex Slope Figure 34: Enter Slope Elements Normal to Surface To indicate a surface cut/fill that is perpendicular (normal) to the surface model of an excavator, tap Control Elev. Reference Normal to surface. P/N: 1003052‐01 40 Slope Profiles (X‐32/X‐33 Only) ...
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Referencing Zero to Bucket 1. In 3D‐MC, tap the Elevation Control Key. The Adjust Elevation screen appears. 2. Tap Zero to Bucket (Figure 35) The bucket teeth are now used as the height reference for Known, Measured, and Complex Slope profiles. Figure 35: Zero to Bucket P/N: 1003052‐01 41 Referencing ...
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Reverse Slope Direction To reverse the slope direction, tap Tools Reverse slope direction (Figure 36). Figure 36: Reversed Slope Direction P/N: 1003052‐01 42 Reverse Slope Direction ...
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