Ripon, California
U.S.A. April 2, 2013 – Guntert & Zimmerman (G&Z) EGON: Equipment
Guidance and Operation Network is a Next Generation Operator Control System
that incorporates user friendly features, a modular state of the art network of
controllers, extensive onboard and remote monitoring options, and diagnostic
capability to allow superior ease of use and troubleshooting. G&Z’s first
engineering goal is to manufacture paving equipment that “Maximizes Available Paving Time
and Minimizes Everything Else.” The G&Z software engineering team
has designed EGON to meet this standard. It has never been easier to operate,
reconfigure, diagnose, and manage a piece of concrete paving equipment. EGON is
available on all G&Z slipform paving equipment models.
EGON Onboard Operator Interface
EGON’s
Operator Interface features both an operator console and a TFT LCD Display that
is mounted directly above the console. The Operator Interface is designed to be
intuitive and ergonomically sound. The operator console is designed in a
compact package to allow it to be easily moved anywhere along the handrail of
the operator platform to fit operator preference. The operator console features
intuitively organized switches which are labeled with standard ISO symbols
making this a durable, easy to use, and multi-lingual user interface. The EGON TFT
LCD display includes the latest in mobile interface technology such as high
resolution, an anti-glare color screen, sensor controlled backlighting ensuring
optimal legibility under all ambient light conditions, and CAN, RS-232, and USB
interfaces for all control system updates and diagnostics. Monitoring paver
performance has never been easier. The EGON display gives an all-in-one
overview of the paver’s extensive systems including: the status of all machine
I/O (inputs and outputs), system faults, electronic monitoring of all hydraulic
pump pressure and filter conditions (clog monitoring with alarm), fuel level,
individual forward/reverse track pressure, and machine configuration and mode.
In addition to status, EGON also allows the operator to modify important
machines settings including: paver dimensions, sensor calibration, gain values,
crown and slope adjustments, and the ability to change machine travel modes via
an easy-to-use automated process. In short, EGON has taken the average paver
operator’s experience to a new technological level.
EGON Semi-Automated Paver
Reconfiguration
G&Z’s
software engineering team has taken paver operation and reconfiguration levels
that have not been seen in the concrete industry in the past. With
semi-automated processes for many features and configurations it’s never been
easier to operate a piece of slipform paving equipment. EGON’s onboard TFT Display will walk the
operator through the automated steps as well as directing the steps required by
ground personnel. The mode reconfiguration processes include the following:
paving to 90 degree, paving to counter-rotate, paving to transport, and of
course back to paving from each respective mode. These semi-automated processes
ensure the reconfiguration is done correctly and saves the contractor time.
EGON Remote Operator Interface and
Diagnostic System
EGON also
features a powerful remote diagnostics/monitoring system that will allow any
machine owner to protect their investment. The G&Z software engineering
team has added to the already extensive onboard capabilities and designed a web
based remote user interface to allow maximum connectivity anywhere in the
world. Some of these capabilities include: the ability to download program
updates, input and output monitoring, remote troubleshooting to reduce service
visits, error codes emailed to the customer and G&Z in real-time,
connectivity via WiFi or GSM, GPS technology to monitor location, data logging,
maintenance reminders, remote setting changes, etc. To summarize all of these
potential machine events, EGON will even send the customer and G&Z a
detailed report at the end of a predetermined machine runtime for constant
monitoring and peace of mind. Truly the sky is the limit with this system, and
the potential customer savings over the life of the paver are limitless. EGON
has once again taken machine connectivity and service to the next level, and
this new system will allow G&Z to always be connected.
NoLine and EGON
NoLine:
Stringless Preparation Kit can be included as an option on all G&Z Pavers
and Support Equipment. NoLine is comprised of an EGON software upgrade and a
hardware kit. NoLine EGON Software Upgrade integrates the use of third-party
stringless technology directly into the machine's CANBus network. The NoLine
Hardware Kit provides telescopic masts for the total station prisms (only
necessary on pavers) and battery backup. NoLine makes paving stringless easy
through reliable, proven and integrated software.
EGON Asset Management
EGON’s
remote features also make it capable of being used as an asset management
system. The EGON online interface will display engine hours, notify the user
when a machine is online, and provide location details of the asset
itself. This is a great tool for the
equipment managers while in the office. It also brings peace of mind when
parking a machine in a remote location or in winter storage.
About Guntert & Zimmerman
In
1956, Guntert & Zimmerman (G&Z) pioneered and introduced the first
crawler track mounted, concrete slipform paver with automatic line and grade
control in the United States. In 1963, G&Z along with SGME, Belgium successfully introduced the first
slipform paver into Europe and set a standard
for how concrete roads and airports building.
Today, G&Z’s wide range of productive and dependable concrete paving
products make it the most trusted and respected name in the market. Since its
founding in 1942, G&Z has been known for its innovative and pioneering
spirit by helping to make contractors as productive as possible. G&Z is
constantly developing new technology and upgrading its existing product
offering which includes a full range of slipform pavers, placer spreaders,
mechanical dowel bar inserters (DBI), texture cure machines, and concrete
plants. Whether your machine is new or has over 10,000 hours of operation,
G&Z guarantees your satisfaction and will provide you service and parts
support no matter where you are in the world. G&Z is also a leader in the
design and manufacture of canal construction equipment and bucket wheel
trenchers along with other special equipment.