G+ Connect is GOMACO’s new CAN-based network on GOMACO products that allows fast, two-way communication between all accessories and the exclusive G+ controller. The GOMACO G+ control system has been used around the world on the GOMACO T/C-600 texture/cure machine, IDBI, GT-3200 curb and gutter machine, 4400 barrier machine, and GP-2400 paver, and is now ready to be unveiled for the GOMACO GHP-2800 and mainline paving.
GOMACO’s G+ Connect is a closed-loop control system for both the electronics and hydraulics on GOMACO pavers. The closed-loop system between the paver’s valves and various sensors means increased accuracy. The sensored feedback ensures tighter, faster, and more accurate machine corrections. G+ Connect utilizes a CAN (controller area network) network allowing all of the components of the system to easily communicate with each other for precision setup and paving. At the heart of G+ Connect is the G+ control system and GOMACO’s new paving software.
The new G+ control system’s interface hardware includes simple but durable dials and push buttons for machine control. It features a flat-panel 6.5 in. anti-glare display screen with sensor-controlled backlight levels for visibility in all operating conditions. Its rugged, shock resistant construction protects it against dust, moisture and rain. The G+ control system has been programmed to operate in most of the world’s major languages to accommodate the customer’s choices. The operator can easily toggle between English and another language on the G+ screen while paving or troubleshooting. A “run” screen on the control panel illustrates the various aspects of the paver. It includes leg positioning, paving speed and percentage of drive, steering, travel information, grade information, deviation meters, and more. Newly designed icons and color graphics make it easy to understand and easy to identify the targeted functions.
G+ now features a detailed fault history with a time stamp date and information to track when each fault occurred.
“After we introduced the G+ system, there was an explosion in unforeseen control technology shifts. Our customers, our engineering staff and our service personnel kept saying, if it can do this, can we make it do that? And our controls team would say, yes,” Kevin Klein, GOMACO’s vice president of engineering/research and development, said. “The majority of the breakthrough innovations for mainline paving have come about since its introduction on our smaller paver in 2010. What we have is a living control system that will continuously grow with our ability to change, improve and enhance the system and the G+ Connect network in-house.”
All of the software for the G+ control system has been designed in-house by GOMACO’s own control specialists. G+ Connect allows all the components of a GOMACO paver to be easily interfaced. Simply “connect” the 3D stringless control system, IDBI, tie bar inserter (TBI), power transition adjustors (PTA), GOMACO smoothness indicator (GSI) and more, and then pave the project with ease and accuracy. G+ Connect also allows the ability to easily share machine resources. For example, pulse pick-up sensors on the tracks of the paver can log the distance the machine has traveled. This allows the odometer in the G+ controls to share accurate speed and distance measurements with any GOMACO bar insertion system, from TBIs to IDBIs, to manage bar placements.
G+ features an entire library of sensor capabilities for controlling slope, grade and steer with set-up configurations for any project requirement. This includes paving with 3D stringless systems, laser control, sonic sensors, rotary sensors, slope sensors and all of their set-up requirements. Just connect to G+ Connect and the G+ controls automatically recognize them and communicates with them. Unique applications such as fill-in lanes, tunnel paving, half-width concrete overlays, and sonar steering off an existing barrier wall are examples of projects that can be accomplished through a variety of solutions from the sensor library, according to the manufacturer.
Digital slope control is now also a reality on GOMACO pavers. Long and cross slope can now be configured using high-resolution, dual-slope sensors. A new option for GOMACO pavers this year is the A.I.R., the new aluminum instrument rail for quick attachment and mounting of multiple CAN-based and rotary sensors from the sensor library.
G+ Ground Control offers the ability of a viewing screen at ground level. The remote operator’s screen features the same G+ graphical display as the operator’s station. Ground personnel can see everything on the screen that the operator can see, and also have the ability to fine tune the machine, make settings adjustments and monitor the operation from the ground.
The new MiniMote available with the G+ controls provides on-the-spot assistance for fine adjustment of the GOMACO paver’s set up. The small, handheld remote control is tethered to the machine and can be used to swing each of the paver’s legs into the transport or paving position. The MiniMote has the ability to jog or vertically adjust one leg at a time, the two legs on either the right or left side of the paver, or all four legs at one time (All Jog). All four legs, two legs, or each individual leg can be traveled in forward or reverse for exacting leg placement.
“We put together a controls team, tied in our 3D team, and developed the G+ with all of GOMACO’s concrete paving expertise,” Kent Godbersen, GOMACO’s vice president of worldwide sales and marketing, said. “We are now able to harness the hardware and software of our digital age and control a concrete paver with simple sophistication to maximize performance and achieve excellent rideability. G+ truly separates us from our competition and is technology developed by GOMACO Corporation for contractors who choose to pave with pride.”
For more information, visit www.gomaco.com.
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