Smart Amps

This video will discuss SmartAmps on your 5700-C, how they work, and how to adjust them.

SmartAmps are digital amplifiers. They control the automatic functions of the machine; steering, grade, and slope. The amps read signals from sensors.

The position of the SmartAmp on the control panel indicates the function that it controls: front grade, rear grade, steering, and slope.

Each of the SmartAmps are identical. They each have toggle switches and 2 buttons: a jog switch, an Auto/Manual switch, a sensitivity button, and a menu button.

We will start with the jog switch. This toggle switch activates the function regardless of whether the function is in auto or manual. It will move the function up or down for elevations, and left or right for steering.

Next is the Auto/Manual toggle switch. It is marked with A for auto, and M for manual. Manual means that the amp will not respond to a signal from the sensor. When the SmartAmp is in auto, the word Auto will appear on the screen. Auto means that the SmartAmp will respond to a signal from the sensor.

An F will flash on the screen if the amp is in auto but no sensor is detected. 

On elevation functions, bars will appear above the center bar if the machine is too high. Bars will appear below the center bar if the machine is too low. For steering, bars will show to the left of center if the machine needs to turn left, and bars will show to the right of center if the machine needs to go right.

These bars indicate the amount of deviation.

Sensitivity refers to how fast the machine will respond to a deviation from a sensor. You should always make changes to your SmartAmps while the machine is stopped and the SmartAmp is in manual.

To adjust the sensitivity, press the S button. The screen will change. Use the jog switch to increase or decrease the number of bars. After several seconds the SmartAmp will revert to the original screen.    

More bars equals higher sensitivity; fewer bars equals less sensitivity.

Some versions of SmartAmp software will require you to press and hold the S button while you make these changes.

Deadband refers to how far the sensor arm must move before the machine will react. Some deadband is good. Think of the sensor wand passing by a stringline rod. Too much deadband is bad, and will allow the machine to wander without correcting.

Again, you should always make changes while the machine is stopped, and the SmartAmp is in manual

To adjust the deadband, press the menu button. The screen will change. Use the jog switch to increase or decrease the number of bars. After several seconds the SmartAmp will revert to the original screen.    

More bars equal a bigger deadband; fewer bars equal a smaller deadband

Some versions of SmartAmp software will require you to press and hold the menu button while you make these changes.

Here are the settings we provide as a starting point for your SmartAmps. Applications and site conditions may require slightly different settings.

Now you know the basics about the SmartAmps on your Power Curber 5700-C.