An upgraded version of Carlson’s 3D machine control software, Carlson Grade, is now available. Featuring new and enhanced tools, Carlson Grade 4.0 can be used with a variety of heavy machines and is designed to be flexible and open. Compatible with most heavy equipment, Grade 4.0’s support includes dozers, drills, loaders, scrapers, excavators, bucket wheel excavators, compactors, shovels, graders, and foreman trucks.
 
The video support system in Carlson Grade 4.0 allows users to watch video podcasts inside the machine for training and quick reference. This support system is flexible, allowing companies to add their own defined material such as equipment and safety check checklists.  Along with the software’s support of most heavy equipment, Carlson Grade 4.0 supports receivers manufactured by Ashtech, Topcon, Trimble, Leica, JAVAD GNSS, Septentrio, Novatel and more. Grade can be configured for most grading, compaction and mining applications.
 
In addition, the upgraded software now allows users to:

• Update surface grids in real time with additional file save options;
• Quickly switch between survey GPS rod and vehicle (rod/truck/ATV) with just the press of a button;
• Exchange dynamic data between two machines (with wireless infrastructure), also called “marrying machines” allowing better teamwork and productivity;
• Stakeout rover to machine with Heartbeat Connectivity;
• Design up to six different planes when creating cross slopes;
• Separate base and rover settings;
• Save/copy projects to USB for backup or portability to other machines;
• Read .dwg, .dxf, tn3, ln3, gc3, grd, loc file formats directly; and
• Work seamlessly with Carlson Software’s civil, survey, estimating and takeoff desktop packages including data collection with Grade Supervisor, SurvCE and the new SurvPC.

Other new features in Carlson Grade 4.0 include NTRIP support compatible with most network providers, additional MESH radio support, layer support and management, and support for most RTK radio configurations. The user interface has a simpler workflow and several enhancements ranging from the Cut/Fill/On Grade indicator on the blade graphics to new machine vehicle icons.