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How to configure your DirtMate BaseStation

A base DirtMate is installed in a fixed location acting as a reference for the roving DirtMates. If the existing base DirtMate on the site needs to be moved and/or replaced, then it needs to be updated by DirtMate Management.

Getting to DirtMate Management (desktop and mobile)

Desktop

  1. Open your Propeller portal

  2. On the left-hand navigation bar, select DirtMates to open DirtMate Management.

    Hardware Toolbar.png
  3. From DirtMate Management, you can access your base DirtMate's installation details in two ways:
    • Via the DirtMate device: Navigate to the DirtMate, then select Installation details.

    • Via the DirtMate site: Navigate to the DirtMate site the base is installed on, then select Installation details.

      Select Base DirtMate.png

Mobile

  1. Open your Propeller portal and navigate to your site.
  2. Tap the Menu button to open the Menu sidebar.

  3. Tap DirtMates.

    DirtMate Management Mobile App.png

  4. From DirtMate Management, you can access your base DirtMate's installation details in two ways:

    • Via the DirtMate device: Navigate to DirtMates, then select your base DirtMate.
    • Via the DirtMate site: Navigate to DirtMate Sites, then select your base DirtMate.

    DirtMate Management Base DirtMate Mobile.png

Adding a new base DirtMate

1. The new base DirtMate must be powered on to establish a new base DirtMate.

The power LED will illuminate, and if it is in the sun (or plugged in), it will blink, indicating that it is charging. The network LED will blink slowly as it connects to the Network Gateway and rapidly as it transmits data.

2. Choose one of these methods to obtain the coordinates of the new base DirtMate.

Add Base Coordinates DirtMate.png

Enter coordinates manually

Select Enter coordinates manually. You must use GPS coordinates recorded by a GPS rover. If this DirtMate is in the same location as a previous base, verify the coordinates before entering them.

  • Enter the Northing, Easting, and Elevation coordinates for the position of the base DirtMate, then enter a Valid from time - the time the base DirtMate was placed in its new physical location.
  • Under Measurement location, select whether you measured the base height to the Top or Bottom of the DirtMate unit. An illustration updates to show the reference point so you can confirm it matches your measurement.
  • (Optional) Under Vertical offset, enter the height difference between the DirtMate unit's position and your coordinate reference point. For example, if the coordinate is a known point on the ground and the DirtMate is mounted on a tripod, enter the tripod height as the vertical offset. If no offset applies, leave this at 0.

Add a Base DirtMate Coordinates and Valid Date.png

Re-use existing base coordinates

If the DirtMate you've selected is already configured as a base on another Propeller site, you can re-use those coordinates. Select the existing base from the list, then review the coordinate and coordinate reference system (CRS) details before confirming.

💡 Note: This option is only available on sites with a published CRS. Sites using local corrections are not supported. If the existing base shares the same CRS as your new site, the coordinate is copied directly. If the CRSs differ, the coordinate is transformed automatically.

Propeller Corrections Network

You do not need a GPS Rover for this method. Your site must be within the Propeller Corrections Network (PCN) area for this to work. 

💡 Tip: The option will not be highlighted if you are not within a PCN or if your site uses local corrections.

Deactivating a base DirtMate

💡 Tip: Deactivate the base DirtMate when you are physically moving or replacing it on site. To use your existing base on an additional Propeller site without moving it, see "Using one base on multiple sites" below.

1. Open the DirtMate management application and select the DirtMate Sites tab. 

DirtMate Management DirtMate Sites.png

2. Then, select the Base DirtMate tab to open the base DirtMate settings.

DirtMate Add Base DirtMate.png

3. Once open, you will see all the details for the setup of the existing base DirtMate installation, including the Serial Number of the DirtMate that is currently active.

Setup Existing Base DirtMate installation.png

4. Tap the pencil and the DEACTIVATE BASE DIRTMATE button in red to edit the current base setup.

Edit and Deactivate Base DirtMate.png

5. This page is designed to double-check that you intend to deactivate this base DirtMate. Ending the base DirtMate will stop new DirtMate surfaces from generating until a new base is established.

Confirm Deactivate DirtMate.png

Using one base on multiple sites

A single DirtMate base can be configured to work across multiple Propeller sites. This is useful when:

  • Your real-world worksite spans more than one Propeller site
  • You have two or more sites within close range of each other
  • Each site uses a different coordinate reference system (CRS)

Each Propeller site where the base will operate requires its own set of base coordinates. Add coordinates per site from the DirtMate sites tab in DirtMate Management. If the base DirtMate is already configured on another Propeller site with a published CRS, you can re-use those coordinates rather than entering them manually or using PCN.

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 hardware support team may be able to help. You can contact them by emailing hardwaresupport@propelleraero.com.au.

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