#Grade Control under extreme Conditions

Construction machines, humans and systems, are all constantly exposed to extreme situations. Whether at -50 degrees Celsius in the tundra or dry dust at +50 degrees Celsius in the desert, the use of construction machines and control systems need to be reliable and withstand tough environments.

The expense for a grade control system is relatively small compared to the overall machine costs, a failure, however, can have dramatic consequences. A breakdown in such extreme conditions results in considerably more cost and extension of the originally planned time for the job.

The end user is dependent relying on the grade control system, as well as on the service behind it.

It takes a customer-oriented approach paired with a robust premium product, to best handle these situations and keep the customer and machine running in the field.

Here is the story behind a Sonic Ski delivered 15 years ago and still running today!

#The MOBA Sonic Ski Story

The Big Sonic Ski pictured below was delivered to a customer in the year 2000. It is still running 15 years later. The grade sensor was used under extreme environmental conditions. The product, however, was merely deformed with the hold button presumably detached, a result from the repetitive use of force. The plate of the reference sensor was torn off. It had been reattached by the customer, with silicone. In addition, all distance sensors were badly scratched.
In spite of it’s less-than-adequate physical appearance, the basic function of the Sonic Ski was still functional and operational, upon arrival for “repair”.

After 15 years, and though still remaining technically useful, it was replaced with the newer model of the Sonic Ski.

#The importance of reliable components

The components and systems developed and produced by MOBA are widely used all over the world.
Visually, grade control systems seem to play a rather small role on a construction machine. In regards to functionality and performance, they have a significant impact on the success of a job. If only one sensor or controller can make the whole job fail, there is a lot to be said for the reputation and performance of the product, and the company who manufactures it.

Below are examples of issues causing drastic problems, as a result of product defect and/or imperfection:
- The paver dashboard causes problems. On the highway, the paver cannot be used, nor can a number of trucks with hot bitumen unload, or make install in this situation.
- A tilt sensor on a crane in the United Arab Emirates, shows incorrect values. The crane on the construction site is immobilized, or in extreme cases, even overturned due to the risk of injury to human life.
- The weighing computer of a feed mixer has functional defects. Hundreds, or even thousands of animals become ill because of the wrong food mix.
The continuous development of systems and components, best practice a must, mandatory to production and function.

#The Evolution of Grade Control Systems

As a longtime specialist, MOBA has undergone several grade control and sensor generation changes over the years.
20 years ago, with a significant change in sensor technology moving from mechanical sensors towards the ultrasound technique. No longer were distances measured with contact sensors and precision potentiometers, but rather with ultrasound not requiring mechanical contact. As a result, the emergence of material sensors and the Sonic-Ski came about. Analog values were transmitted through PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) to the control unit.
10 years ago, another generational change was made. Data on the machine was no longer susceptible to severe interference. Today, a CAN (Controller Area Network) interface, allows a variety of MOBA devices, to easily connect with each other (slope sensors, grade sensors, temperature sensors, etc.), in combination with controllers and HMIs.
Since the CAN Bus System is standardized, other components from other electronics manufacturers can also be integrated. Often, the end user or the OEM requires the latest technology on its machine. With a CAN Bus System, existing products can be easily swapped out to newer technology.
The requirements for complex electronic circuits on construction equipment are quite immense. Machine vibrations, high asphalt temperatures, weather conditions and dust are forces that have a negative impact on any electronic component. Besides rugged products, a close contact to customers through local service centers greatly increases the life span of a product.

#MOBA Customer Service

MOBA subsidiaries have local qualified technicians on staff, making repair fast and reliable. Repaired equipment undergoes detailed end-tests before shipped out again. A world-wide quality assurance system in place, detects early field failures, and enables a timely analysis and appropriate corrective actions. MOBA’s CIP (continuous improvement process), plays a major part in that matter, permitting an optimal level of advancement from knowledge gained.

MOBA’s approach here is to be close to its customers, in order to retrieve information needed to not only detect problems early but also to develop new products and systems needed for the market. In the end, the smooth working in the field despite weather and other conditions, is the ultimate proof of a solid machine or grade control product.

Enjoy here the story of the DESERT ROAD IN EGYPT BUILT WITH MOBA.