Futura MCB1 User manual

Model MCB1 Control Box
Model MC2E Laser Receiver
Operator's Manual

Thank you for purchasing a Futtura product. Your receiver is a premium
quality tool that has been designed and manufactured to provide years
of precise and reliable performance. The system has been specifically
designed for use in harsh construction environments.
This manual is an important part of your purchase as it will familiarize
you with the unit and explain the numerous features that have been
designed into it. Please read this manual thoroughly before using your
receiver.
Please contact your dealer should you have questions regarding specific
applications or if you require additional information.
Please record your product information below. This will assist you if
there are any questions regarding warranty or service.
PRODUCT: _______________________
SERIAL NUMBER: _______________________
PRODUCT: _______________________
SERIAL NUMBER: _______________________
DATE OF PURCHASE: _______________________
PURCHASED FROM: _______________________
PHONE: _______________________

Contents
CONTROL BOX MODEL MCB1
System Description ...............................................................2
Controls and Displays ...........................................................3
Configuration ........................................................................6
Operation ..............................................................................9
System Wiring ....................................................................11
MC2E Receiver
System Description .............................................................14
Controls and Displays .........................................................14
Installation ..........................................................................15
Maintenance and Care ....................................................................16
Specifications ..................................................................................16
Meaning of Symbols ........................................................................17
Safety ..............................................................................................17
Warranty ..........................................................................................18

2
System Description
Automatic Blade Control is used on construction grading machinery to
automatically control the blade in earthmoving and grading applications.
It is also used on agricultural drainage and land leveling machinery.
A laser receiver mounts above the cutting edge of the blade. A control
box and a hydraulic installation kit tie into the machine's hydraulic
system. Grade information from a rotating laser is processed and
automatically directs the machine's hydraulics to maintain the elevation
of the blade.
Control Box:
The control box mounts in the cab. The operator can easily select
automatic or manual control. An LED display indicates the position of
the blade.
Adjustments can be made for deadband or accuracy from 0 to 1.50
inches (38 mm) in 1/10 inch (2.5 mm) increments. When used with
the MCR1+, the deadband range is 0 to 1.0 inch (25 mm). Adjustment
of the hydraulic speed (gain) is also possible in the cab. Additional
adjustments provide optimum blade control performance for various
types of machinery and conditions.
The control box is designed to work with proportional time (PT)
on/off hydraulic solenoid valves, commonly referred to as "bang-bang"
valves.
Receivers:
All receivers feature 360 degree laser reception and work with all
common rotating lasers. Proprietary and patented advanced proportional
photocell technology assures maximum accuracy.

3
CONTROL BOX MCB1
Controls and Displays
Front View
1. LED grade display
2. Power ON / OFF switch
3. Power ON indicator
4. Automatic / Manual toggle switch
5. Automatic ON indicator
6. Manual ON indicator
7. Raise / Lower toggle switch
8. Access panel thumbscrews
9. Access panel
1
23
7
9
4
5
6
8
8

Controls and Displays
Switch Panel
4
Operation Switches:
10. Rotary switch - On-Grade Deadband selections
(Default setting is "8".)
11. Dip Switch 4-way - Performance selections
(Default setting is all in the OFF position.)
12. Rotary switch - Valve gain (speed)
(Default setting is "8".)
Installation Switches:
13. Rotary switch - Valve balance (raise/lower)
14. Dip Switch 4-way - Valve set-up
15. Dip Switch 4-way - Valve drive selector is not
used for the CB24+
16. Fuse, 25 amp
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
The 3 left side switches (10, 11, 12) are used by the operator to set
operating functions. Detailed information starts on page 6.
The 3 right side switches (13, 14, 15) are used during installation for
specific valves and machine settings. These should not be changed
by the operator. Contact the installation technician for additional
information if required.
Operation
Switches
Installation
Switches

5
17. 6-socket connector - receiver communication
18. 7-socket connector - optional remote switch
19. 10-socket connector - hydraulic valve outputs
20. 4-pin connector - machine power input
21. Identification / serial number label
22. Mounting knobs for bracket
Controls and Displays
Rear View
17 18
20
21
19
22 22

6
Configuration
The system operation is a function of deadband setting, gain selection,
laser RPM, machine speed, hydraulic pressure and flow, installation
settings, and general site or field conditions. The user selectable factors
of the control box are the deadband, the gain and the LED displays.
Two rotary switches are provided for selecting the on-grade deadband
(10) and the gain (12), while a dip switch (11) provides for LED display
selections. These switches are located behind the access panel on the
bottom front of the control box. Turn the 2 thumbscrews counterclockwise
and remove the panel from the box housing to access the switches.
On-Grade Deadband (Accuracy) Selection Switch (10):
The on-grade deadband rotary switch (10) provides 16
positions of deadband selection with "0" being the smallest
and increasing clockwise to "F" which is the largest. The table
below lists the corresponding on-grade deadband for each
switch position. Each number or letter setting represents an
increment of one-tenth inch (0.10 inch) or approximately 2.5 mm.
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
in. 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7
mm 0 2.5 5.1 7.6 10.2 12.7 15.2 17.8
8 9 A B C D E F
in. 0.8 0.9 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5
mm 20.3 22.9 25.4 27.9 30.5 33.0 35.6 38.1
NOTE: The MCR1+ uses 10 positions from "0" to "A" for a deadband
range of 0 to 1.0 inch (2.54 mm). Positions "B" to "F" remain at the 1.0
inch deadband. Other MCR receivers use all the positions.
Examples:
The deadband setting of "5" would correspond to ½ in. (12.7 mm).
The deadband setting of "A" would correspond to 1.0 in. (25.4 mm).
The default on-grade deadband is set to "8" or 0.8 in. (20.3 mm).

7
Configuration
Dip Switch (11) Settings:
The dip switch panel consists of 4 individual switches.
The up position is ON and the down position is OFF.
The function of each switch and their factory default
settings are as follows:
Switch # Function Position Default Position
1 Laser strike averaging off OFF OFF
Laser strike averaging on ON
2 Receiver LED's disabled OFF OFF
Receiver LED's disabled ON
3 Control Box LED's bright OFF OFF
Control Box LED's dim ON
4 Linear Gain OFF OFF
Exponential Gain ON
1. Laser strike averaging - This switch is normally in the OFF position.
It is turned ON only when required for long range applications where
the rotating laser may be relatively unstable due to environmental or
jobsite conditions.
2. Receiver LED disable - The receiver LED's will be displayed when
the switch is in the default OFF position. There will be no display on
the receiver LED's when the switch is in the ON position.
3. Control Box LED's - The default OFF position and normal operating
setting for the control box are LED's "bright". The control box LED's can
be set to dim by changing this switch to the ON position. This may be
preferred at night or in low light conditions.
4. Linear or exponential gain is usually set depending on the charac-
teristics of the spool in the hydraulic valve. Do not change this setting
without consulting the installation technician.

Configuration
Gain Selection Switch (12):
The gain selection rotary switch (12) provides sixteen
positions with "0" being the slowest reacting and increasing
clockwise to "F" which is the fastest reacting.
When the receiver is in the on-grade deadband, no
correction signals are sent to the valve. Immediately after the receiver
moves outside of the on-grade deadband, signals are sent to correct
the elevation. As the receiver moves further away from the on-grade
deadband, the valve continues to open until the valve is in the 100%
open state. The distance between this initial opening of the valve and
the 100% open state is controlled by the gain.
The default gain setting is "8". Field adjustments may be necessary
due to the many other variables in the system operation and jobsite
requirements. If the system becomes unstable, overreacting between
above grade and below grade, increase the deadband setting or
decrease the gain setting.
8

9
Operation
Power ON / OFF Switch:
Push the power switch (2) once to turn the system on. All
LED's on the box will turn on for a brief period. The red
power on indicator LED (3) will stay lit to indicate the power
is on. Turning the box on will also turn the receiver on. Push
the power switch again to turn the system off.
LED grade display:
When a laser strikes the receiver, there are 5 possible positions of
grade information indicated.
High Coarse - 3 top red LED's forming down arrow
High Fine - 3 top red LED's and 3 green on-grade LED's
On-Grade - 3 green LED's forming horizontal bar
Low Fine - 3 bottom red LED's and 3 green on-grade LED's
Low Coarse - 3 bottom red LED's forming up arrow
If the laser moves off the reception range of the receiver, an out-of-beam
will be indicated on the LED's as follows. If the last laser reception was
on the bottom of the receiver, the top 3 LED's will flash indicating to
move the receiver down. If the last laser reception was on the top, the
bottom 3 LED's will flash indicating to move the receiver up. The out-
of-beam indication lasts for 2 minutes.
High
Coarse
High
Fine
Low
Fine
Low
Coarse
On
Grade

Operation
Automatic / Manual Toggle Switch (4):
Automatic: Push the switch to the top (up) position for automatic
mode, which is indicated with an "A". The switch will return to
the neutral position. The green LED will turn on confirming that
the box is in the automatic mode. When the MCR receives a
laser strike, the box will send the appropriate signals to the
valve to raise or lower the implement to obtain and maintain an on-
grade position. If the receiver is not receiving a laser strike, it must be
moved within the reception range to begin corrections.
Manual: Push the switch to the bottom (down) position for manual
mode, which is indicated with an "M". The switch will return to the neu-
tral position. The amber LED will turn on confirming that the box is in
the manual mode. When the MCR receives a laser strike, the box will
display the grade information on the LED's but will not send signals
to the valve. The operator may use the raise/lower toggle switch, the
optional remote raise/lower switch, or the machine lever to raise or
lower the implement.
Raise / Lower Toggle Switch (7):
This switch raises or lowers the implement. When in the manual
mode, the switch acts just like the manual lever. To raise the
implement, push the switch up. To lower the implement, push
the switch down. When released, the switch will go back to
the center neutral position.
When the system is in the automatic mode the manual raise and lower
switch will override the automatic setting when it is activated and raise
and lower the implement. When it is released, the automatic mode will
resume normal operation.
10

11
System Wiring
All cables should be properly installed. Cables should be attached to the
machine a minimum of every 2 to 3 feet (.6 to 1.0 meter) or less to try
to eliminate cable movement and possible abrasion damage. Special
care should be taken at flex points to ensure the cable moves freely
and does not rub on other hoses, fittings, or the machine. Provide for
adequate cable length to avoid pinching, stretching, and tight bending .
Also, cables should not be clamped to pipes or hoses that will b e
exposed to high temperatures.
Connect the 4-socket connector on the power cable to the 4-pin
connector on the box and connect the terminal ends to the machine's
battery. The red terminal is for the positive post and the black is for
ground. The box has reverse polarity protection in case the terminals
are connected improperly.
Connect the 6-pin receiver cable end to the 6-socket connector on the
box. Connect the 7-socket receiver cable end to the 7-pin connector
on the bottom of the receiver. If a coil cord and junction box are used,
ensure the proper connections at the junction box.
Connect the 10-pin valve cable to the 10-socket connector on the box
and connect the open-ended wires to the valve following the directions
for the valve.
Optional Remote Switch
Attach the switch end at a convenient location for the operator, usually
on the existing raise lower lever. Route the cable to avoid any damage.
Connect the 7-pin remote switch connector to the 7-socket connector
on the box. The remote switch is configured to operate the same as on
the control box - the up position is automatic, and the down position is
manual. The switch also has the option for raise/lower switch. If installed,
raise will be the up position and lower will be the down position.

12
System Wiring
Cable Configurations:
Receiver Cable - powers the receiver and communicates grade
information between the receiver and the control box.
RECEIVER CABLE
Function Control Box Receiver Wire
6 Socket 7 Socket Color
Power A A Red
Communication B B Green
Communication C C White
Ground (Signal) D D Black
High Power Return E E N/C
High Power Supply F F N/C
N/A G N/C
Power Cable - supplies power to the system. The control box sup-
ports both 12 and 24 volt machine systems.
POWER CABLE
Function Control Box Wire
4 Pin Color
Machine Ground A Black
Machine Ground B Black
Machine Power C Red
Machine Power D Red

13
System Wiring
Cable Configurations:
Valve Cable - communicates grade information between the control
box and the hydraulic valve.
VALVE CABLE - Proportional Time (PT)
Function Control Box Wire
10 Socket Color
Lower Valve A Blue
Raise Valve B Green
Switched Power C Red
Load Sense D Orange
Not Used E White
F N/C
G N/C
H N/C
Ground I Black
Ground J White/Black
Remote Switch Cable - optional accessory that extends the raise/
lower and auto/manual switches via cable.
REMOTE SWITCH CABLE
Function Control Box Wire
7 Socket Color
Auto/Manual A Orange
Raise/Lower B Green
Aux. Remote 0 C N/C
Aux. Remote 1 D N/C
N/C E N/C
Remote Switch Power F Red
Remote Switch Ground G Black

14
MC2E
System Description
The MC2E laser receiver is a rugged, electronic receiver that detects
laser light generated by rotating lasers. The unit is designed to work
with all common rotating lasers and will detect both visible and invisible
beams.
The MC2E is designed to be installed with a Control Box for automatic
control on certain grading machines. Power to the MC2E receiver comes
from the control box that is connected to the machine's power.
The receiver does not have any on-board switches, but settings are
made at the control box. A mini built-in LED display provides grade
elevation position, plus high and low lost beam indications.
Controls and Displays
Front View
1
2
3
4
5
6
1. Aluminum cast upper and lower
housings.
2. Polycarbonate housing - protects
the electronics.
3. Receiving Window - four sets of
photocells equally spaced to allow
360 degree reception.
4. Mini LED array displays the blade
position.
5. Mounting Knobs - large, front
facing knobs attached to stainless
steel clamps allow for quick and
easy installation to mast.
6. Connector - accepts the cable
connection from the control box.

15
Installation
The MC2E receiver mounts to round masts from sizes 1.66" to 2.00"
O.D. (42 to 50 mm) and to 1 1/2" (38 mm) square tube.
The model STM1 shock mounted telescoping mast is ideally suited
for machine control applications. The mast allows the receiver to be
positioned above the machinery for unobstructed laser reception.
The mast has a 4-foot (1.2 m) telescoping adjustment range with an
English/Metric scale for positioning at known elevations. Built-in shock
mounts on all four sides provide excellent damping of the laser receiver
in rough operating conditions.
Set the laser up in an appropriate safe location for receiver visibility
and efficient machine operation and turn it on. Automatic system
performance is enhanced by higher laser rotation speeds. If selectable,
set the laser rotation speed to at least 600 RPM.
Position the machine so the blade is set to the desired finished elevation ,
typically on a benchmark or hub stake.
Mount the receiver to the mast.
Turn the system on and choose a narrow on-grade deadband for set-up
(Switch 10, position 1 or 2). Always note the previous setting before
making any changes. Slide the receiver up or down until on-grade is
indicated. It may be necessary to adjust the height of the laser. Reset
the on-grade deadband to the desired accuracy.
Face the LED display toward the operator and tighten the clamps.
Laser
Benchmark
On-Grade

16
Maintenance and Care
The user of this product is expected to follow all operating and safety
instructions of this manual and of the machinery operator's manual.
Do not wipe dust or dirt off the receiver or control box with a dry cloth
as scratching could occur. Use only soap and water with a soft cloth
on all external surfaces and windows.
Transport the instruments in their original cases.
Inspect cables daily to ensure there is no excessive wear, especially at
pivot points. Check for crimps or cuts in the wire insulation.
Specifications - MCB1
On-Grade LED's Green
High / Low LED's Red
Operating Voltage 10 to 30 Volts DC, reverse polarity protected
Electrical Connection Standard military type
Valve Compatibility Proportional Time (On/Off) only
Maximum Current 5 Amps per coil
Remote Switch Option Raise/Lower, Auto/Manual switches
Weight 5 lbs. (2.25 kg)
Dimensions 7.0 x 5.3 x 4.8 in. (178 x 134 x 120 mm)
Specifications - MC2E
Beam Reception 360 degrees
Operating Range 1500 ft. (460 m) radius, laser dependent
Laser RPM Minimum - 105 ; Maximum - 1200
Vertical Reception 6.75" (170 mm)
Accuracy Set at Control Box
Power 10-30 VDC
LED Display Mini display for set-up
Red - Hi, Low, On-grade,
Out of Beam Indication High and Low
Dimensions (LxWxD) 13.50 x 5.58 x 5.88 in.
(343 x 142 x 149 mm)
Mounting Pipe 1.66" to 2.00" O.D. round tube
(42 mm to 50 mm) and
1 1/2" (38 mm) square tube
Operating Temperature -4° F to 140° F (-20° to +60° C)
*Specifications subject to change without notice

17
Meaning of Symbols
WARNING: Indicates a potential hazardous situation,
which could result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation,
which could result in a minor or moderate injury and/or
material, financial, or environmental damage.
NOTE: Important information to enable the product to
be used in a correct and efficient manner unrelated to
safety.
Safety
WARNING: Do not remove the back panel of the control
box. The back panel is to be accessed by authorized
service personnel only.
WARNING: Be aware of all overhead obstructions and
electrical power lines. The receiver and mast may be
higher than the machinery. Remove when transporting.
CAUTION: Ensure all equipment is properly installed,
the receiver is secured in its mounting position, and all
cables connections are tight and secure.
CAUTION: The person responsible for the instrument must
ensure that it is used in accordance with the instructions. This
person is also accountable for the training of personnel
who use the instruments and for the safety of the equipment
when in use.
NOTE: Environmental Limits: Suitable for use in an atmosphere
appropriate for human habitation (no protection in an aggressive
or explosive environment). Can be used in rain for short periods.
Refer to specifications for temperature ranges.

18
Warranty
This product is warranted to be free of defects in material and work-
manship for a period of two years. This warranty period is twenty-four
months from the date the product is delivered from the dealer to the
purchaser or is put into service by a dealer as a demonstration unit or
rental unit.
Please retain your product information and proof of purchase. Proof of
purchase must accompany your request for warranty repair.
Any evidence of abuse, misuse, alteration, accident or negligent use or
an attempt to repair products by unauthorized personnel or with parts
other than those provided by the manufacturer automatically voids the
warranty.
The user of the product is expected to follow all operating instructions,
periodically checking the instrument and the work as it progresses.
The manufacturers liability under this warranty is limited to repairing
or replacing any product returned to an authorized service center for
that purpose. The foregoing states the entire liability of manufacturer
regarding the purchase and use of its product and they shall not be held
responsible for any consequential loss or damage of any kind.
This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied, and
constitutes all of manufacturer's liability with respect to merchandise
sold by it.