Installing DirtMate on a new machine

Installing DirtMate using the Propeller mobile app

1. In the Propeller mobile app, tap the menu icon on the top left to view the navigation bar. From here, select DirtMate management, then navigate to the Machines tab.

    
    

2. The Machines Tab will list any machines already added to your portal. To add a new machine, select CREATE MACHINE.

   Machines for DirtMate are comprised of a name, type, and model. You can choose from a fixed list of machine types and models.
   
    

3. Tap the Machine name field to enter the name of the machine.

   The machine name is typically the company asset ID or equipment rental ID number found on the side of the machine.

   

     
    

4. Select the desired machine type from the list of machines.

   In this example, we are adding an Articulated truck.

   

5. Once the machine name and type have been selected, select the machine's model from the list.

   If the machine you want to install is not on the list, please contact Propeller Site Support at sitesupport@propelleraero.com.au, and they will assist you in adding your model.

    

6. Once the machine model is chosen, confirm that the machine details are correct, then press CREATE to save the machine.

   If the details are incorrect, you can change the Machine type and Machine model again by tapping either field to re-select the correct details from the drop-down menu.

   

    

7. The newly added machine will appear in the machines list. Continue installing the DirtMate on this machine. Tap the machine name to go to the New Install page.
    

    

8. A list of "Not Installed" DirtMates will appear. Select the DirtMate to be installed.

   ℹ️ Note: If your DirtMate is not yet activated, it will not appear in this list. Refer to How to Activate Your DirtMates to proceed.

    

    

9. You will now need to perform some measurements to ensure accurate installation. First, measure the height of the DirtMate installation and input the measurement into the field.

   

   This is extremely important to get correct so that the system can accurately project the machine's location to the surface.

10. Measure the position of the DirtMate from the left hand side of the machine tracks or wheels.

    

     

11. Measure the total width of the Tracks/Wheels of the machine.

    

     

12.  To ensure maximum accuracy, especially if the DirtMate is not mounted perfectly level or forward-facing, follow steps 12 to 15 to enable tilt compensation, otherwise, go directly to step 16.

    Under the Machine tilt compensation heading, select the Enable machine tilt checkbox. 

    

     

13. In the Mounting Orientation (Yaw) dropdown list, select the option that best reflects the DirtMate's rotation on the machine roof:

    • 0 degrees (Forward-facing)
    • 90 degrees
    • 180 degrees (Backward-facing)
    • 270 degrees

    💡 Tip: To help with identifying your DirtMate orientation, the front of your DirtMate is labelled with the word FORWARD, and the lights are on the rear of the DirtMate.

    

     

14. If the mounting location is not level to the ground, select the Additional tilt compensation settings dropdown to input precise angles.

    

     

15. Enter the exact Machine roll offset (degrees) and Machine pitch offset (degrees) as required. These values compensate for the physical tilt of the mounting surface. An angle gauge can be used to take these measurements.

    .

     

16. Add a picture of the installation

    You can select a picture from your Photo Library, take a new picture directly from your camera on the device, or upload a picture as a file from your device.

    The purpose of this picture is to allow the propeller engineers to see exactly where the DirtMate has been installed on the machine and identify any possible equipment on the machine that may interfere with the performance of the DirtMate.

     

     

17. Add the time the DirtMate was installed, so the system records the data from that machine.

    The Valid To time can be set according to when the DirtMate was installed to the equipment. For example, this can be two hours in the past, if the DirtMate was physically installed two hours prior and has not changed it’s installation configuration. This is also true for the future, if you want to “preset” DirtMate configurations.

    It is possible to install a DirtMate to a machine prior to using the app to complete the installation, by recording the measurements of the installation, and taking a picture of it. 
    You can the use the Management application at a later time to complete the install. 
    Once this is done you can set the time back to the time the DirtMate was installed and our system will recover the data from that time forward. 

    

     

18. Complete your installation by tapping CREATE in the top right of your device. Your installation is now complete.

     

Installing DirtMate using the Platform

1. In the Platform, navigate to the HARDWARE tab, using the navigation bar at the top of the website.

   

2. From the sidebar, select Machines to view all machines already added to your portal.

   

    

3. To add a new machine, select CREATE MACHINE.

   Machines for DirtMate are comprised of a name, type, and model. You can choose from a fixed list of machine types and models.

   

    

4. In the following page, enter the name of the machine in the Machine name field.

   The machine name is typically the company asset ID or equipment rental ID number found on the side of the machine.

   

   

    

5. Select the desired machine type from the list of machines.

   In this example, we are adding an Articulated truck.

   

    

6. Once the machine name and type have been selected, select the machine's model from the list.

   If the machine you want to install is not on the list, please contact Propeller Site Support at sitesupport@propelleraero.com.au, and they will assist you in adding your model.

   

    

7. Once the machine model is chosen, confirm that the details of this machine are correct and click CREATE to save the machine.

   If the details are incorrect, you can change the Machine type and Machine model again by clicking either field to re-select the correct details from the drop-down menu.

   

    

8. The newly added machine will appear in the machines list.

   To install the DirtMate on this machine, click the INSTALL button for your machine. This will take you to the New Install page.

   

    

9. A list of "Not Installed" DirtMates will appear on the list. Select the DirtMate to be installed.

   ℹ️ Note: If your DirtMate is not yet activated, it will not appear in this list. Refer to How to Activate Your DirtMates to proceed.

   

    

10. You will now need to perform some measurements to ensure accurate installation. First, measure the height of the DirtMate installation and input the measurement in the Height to DirtMate field.

    This is extremely important to get correct so that the system can accurately project the machine's location to the surface.

    

     

11. Measure the position of the DirtMate from the left hand side of the machine tracks or wheels.

    

     

12. Measure the total width of the Tracks/Wheels of the machine.

    

     

13. To ensure maximum accuracy, especially if the DirtMate is not mounted perfectly level or forward-facing, follow steps 13 to 16 to enable tilt compensation, otherwise, go directly to step 17.

    Under the Machine tilt compensation heading, select the Enable machine tilt checkbox. 

    

     

14. In the Mounting Orientation (Yaw) dropdown list, select the option that best reflects the DirtMate's rotation on the machine roof:

    • 0 degrees (Forward-facing)
    • 90 degrees
    • 180 degrees (Backward-facing)
    • 270 degrees

    💡 Tip: To help with identifying your DirtMate orientation, the front of your DirtMate is labelled with the word FORWARD, and the lights are on the rear of the DirtMate.

    

     

15. If the mounting location is not level to the ground, select the Additional tilt compensation settings dropdown to input precise angles.

    

     

16. Enter the exact Machine roll offset (degrees) and Machine pitch offset (degrees) as required. These values compensate for the physical tilt of the mounting surface. An angle gauge can be used to take these measurements.
    

    
     

17. Add a picture of the installation

    You can select a picture from your Photo Library, take a new picture directly from your camera on the device, or upload a picture as a file from your device.

    The purpose of this picture is to allow the propeller engineers to see exactly where the DirtMate has been installed on the machine and identify any possible equipment on the machine that may interfere with the performance of the DirtMate.

    

    

     

18. Add the time the DirtMate was installed, so the system records the data from that machine.

    The Valid To time can be set according to when the DirtMate was installed to the equipment. For example, this can be two hours in the past, if the DirtMate was physically installed two hours prior and has not changed it’s installation configuration. This is also true for the future, if you want to “preset” DirtMate configurations.

    It is possible to install a DirtMate to a machine prior to using the app to complete the installation, by recording the measurements of the installation, and taking a picture of it. 
    You can the use the Management application at a later time to complete the install. 
    Once this is done you can set the time back to the time the DirtMate was installed and our system will recover the data from that time forward. 

    

     

19. Complete your installation by clicking CREATE in the top right of the install page. Your installation is now complete.

    
     

Machine mounting considerations

Depending on the machine type, the DirtMate must be placed in a specific location. 

DirtMates are directional with the antenna and power button on the back. Install DirtMate on the machine so it matches the image below.

Follow these requirements when installing DirtMate on specific machines:

1. DirtMates must be mounted level with a clear view of the sky. Avoid mounting it to a surface angled more than a few degrees.

   The most common mounting location for DirtMate is on the roof of the operator's cab.

2. Do not place the DirtMate where it is subjected to extreme heat, for example, on top of the engine compartment or next to the exhaust system.

   

3. Do not install the DirtMate near other devices that transmit radio signals.
4. Ensure the DirtMate is mounted away from bucket/blade debris.
5. Mount DirtMate in a location that can be easily and safely accessed for servicing or replacement.

6. The unit should be placed behind the cutting surface, if possible.

   If the DirtMate is placed in front of the cutting surface, the machine will only record the surface when the Tracks or wheels return to drive over the previous pass.

I still can't do it!

We wrote these articles to equip you with everything you need to get the job done on your own, but we understand that sometimes this isn't sufficient.

If you're stuck, the Propeller Site Support team may be able to help. You can contact our support team by emailing sitesupport@propelleraero.com.au.