Stonex STX-Dig 3D Excavator Machine Control System

Transforming Excavator Operations with Advanced 3D Guidance Technology

The Stonex STX-Dig 3D excavator machine control system represents a breakthrough in precision excavation technology for Australian civil construction and mining contractors. As a key component of Red Edge Resources’ comprehensive machine guidance solutions, the STX-Dig system delivers real-time 3D guidance, intuitive operation, and exceptional accuracy that transforms how excavators work on modern construction sites.

Whether you’re excavating foundations, installing utilities, constructing drainage systems, or performing final grade work, the Stonex STX-Dig system provides the precision and efficiency that Australian contractors need to stay competitive, reduce costs, and deliver superior results.

Understanding 3D Excavator Machine Control

What Is 3D Machine Control?

Three-dimensional machine control systems use GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) positioning and advanced sensors to provide real-time guidance for excavator operations:

Core Components:

GNSS receivers – Track precise machine position using satellite signals
Tilt and rotation sensors – Monitor boom, stick, and bucket angles
In-cab display – Shows real-time cut/fill information and design surfaces
Control box – Processes sensor data and calculates bucket position
Design files – Digital 3D models guide excavation to exact specifications

Real-Time Guidance:

Displays bucket cutting edge position relative to design surface
Shows cut/fill depth in real-time
Provides visual and numerical guidance
Eliminates need for grade stakes and constant checking
Enables single-operator precision excavation

Accuracy Performance:

Typical accuracy: ±20-30mm vertical
Optimal conditions: ±15mm vertical achievable
Horizontal positioning: ±30-40mm typical
Real-time updates: Continuous position calculation

Traditional Excavation vs 3D Machine Control

Traditional Methods:

Extensive survey staking required
Frequent grade checking with laser or level
Multiple site visits from surveyors
Reliance on operator experience and estimation
High risk of over-excavation or under-excavation
Constant communication with ground personnel

STX-Dig 3D System:

Digital design files replace physical stakes
Continuous real-time grade information
Minimal surveyor involvement during excavation
Precise guidance regardless of operator experience
Accurate first-pass excavation
Safer operation with fewer ground personnel

Stonex STX-Dig System Components

In-Cab Display Unit

The STX-Dig features an intuitive touchscreen display designed for excavator environments:

Display Specifications:

Screen size: 10.1-inch high-resolution touchscreen
Brightness: 800+ cd/m² for sunlight visibility
Resolution: 1280×800 pixels for clear graphics
Touch interface: Glove-compatible capacitive touchscreen
Mounting: Adjustable bracket for optimal viewing position
Environmental rating: IP65 dust and water protection

Display Features:

3D bucket view – Real-time visualisation of bucket position
Cut/fill indicators – Colour-coded depth information
Cross-section view – Shows design profile and current position
Plan view – Overhead map with design elements
Numerical readouts – Precise cut/fill measurements
Design surface display – Visual representation of target grade

Operator Interface:

Intuitive menu navigation
Quick access to common functions
Customisable display layouts
Multiple view options simultaneously
Simple job file selection
Easy offset adjustments

GNSS Positioning System

Precise satellite positioning forms the foundation of the STX-Dig system:

GNSS Receivers:

Dual GNSS antennas – Mounted on excavator cab and boom
Multi-constellation support – GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou
RTK correction capability – Centimetre-level positioning accuracy
Update rate – 10-20Hz for smooth, responsive guidance
Communication – Radio or cellular RTK corrections

Positioning Accuracy:

RTK fixed mode: ±10-15mm + 1ppm horizontal
RTK fixed mode: ±20-25mm + 1ppm vertical
RTK float mode: ±100-300mm (backup mode)
Initialisation time: <10 seconds typical

RTK Correction Sources:

Red Edge base station (Stonex S850 or similar)
Network RTK via cellular connection (CORSnet, GPSnet)
Radio base station (up to 8km range)
Hybrid configuration for maximum reliability

Sensor Package

Advanced sensors monitor excavator geometry and movement:

Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU):

Dual-axis tilt sensors – Monitor machine and boom angles
Rotation sensors – Track slew position and orientation
Accelerometers – Detect dynamic movement
Update rate – High-frequency sampling for smooth operation
Calibration – Automatic compensation for sensor drift

Boom, Stick, and Bucket Sensors:

Rotary encoders – Measure joint angles precisely
Redundant sensing – Multiple measurement methods for reliability
Sealed construction – Protected from dust, water, and impact
Heavy-duty cables – Abrasion-resistant and flexible
Quick-connect fittings – Simplified installation and maintenance

Machine Geometry Measurement:

Boom length and pivot point location
Stick length and attachment point
Bucket dimensions and cutting edge position
Machine centre of rotation
GNSS antenna positions relative to machine

Control Box and Processing Unit

The system brain processes all sensor data and manages communications:

Processing Capabilities:

High-speed processor – Real-time position calculations
Multi-tasking operation – Simultaneous data processing
Design file management – Handle complex 3D surfaces
Coordinate transformations – Support multiple coordinate systems
Data logging – Record excavation progress and as-built data

Connectivity:

CAN bus integration – Connect to machine systems
Bluetooth – Wireless display connection option
USB ports – File transfer and configuration
Serial communications – Legacy equipment compatibility
Ethernet – Network connectivity for updates

Environmental Protection:

IP67 rating – Dust-tight and waterproof
Vibration resistant – Withstands excavator operation
Temperature range – -30°C to +70°C operation
Shock protection – Rugged mounting and construction
EMI shielding – Protection from electrical interference

STX-Dig System Capabilities

3D Design Surface Guidance

The core functionality that transforms excavator productivity:

Design File Support:

File formats: .dxf, .dwg, .xml, .csv, .ttm, .svd
Surface types: TIN surfaces, DTM models, alignments
Multiple surfaces: Switch between design layers instantly
Complex geometry: Handle intricate 3D designs
Large files: Process extensive site models efficiently

Real-Time Cut/Fill Display:

Colour-coded indicators:
- Red zone – Cut required (above design grade)
- Blue zone – Fill required (below design grade)
- Green zone – On grade (within tolerance)
Numerical depth display – Precise measurements in millimetres
Tolerance bands – Configurable for finish vs rough excavation
Audio alerts – Optional sound notifications for grade achievement

Visual Guidance Modes:

Bucket view – 3D representation of bucket relative to design
Cross-section – Side view showing design profile
Plan view – Overhead map with position indicator
Slope guidance – Visual indicators for batter excavation
Multi-view display – Multiple perspectives simultaneously

Offset and Elevation Functions

Critical features for versatile excavation work:

Offset Functionality:

Purpose: Adjust zero-reference point relative to bucket cutting edge
Applications:
- Excavating to formation level
- Working to pipe invert elevations
- Adjusting for different bucket sizes
- Compensating for wear on cutting edges
Input methods:
- Manual numerical entry
- Reference delta from known point
- Quick preset values
Display integration: Offset value visible on work screen
Real-time adjustment: Change offsets without stopping work

Elevation Level Control:

Z-value adjustment – Modify reference elevation via GNSS
Save and reset functions – Store multiple reference levels
Bucket position display – Shows adjusted elevation in real-time
Design surface shifting – Effectively raise or lower entire design
Quick access – Easily toggle between reference levels

Practical Applications:

Setting formation level for pipe bedding
Adjusting for compacted base thickness
Compensating for different bucket configurations
Working to multiple grade levels on same project
Fine-tuning final grade elevations

Slope and Batter Excavation

Specialised guidance for angled excavation work:

Slope Indicators:

Visual slope guides – On-screen angle representations
Target slope display – Shows design batter angle
Current slope feedback – Real-time bucket angle monitoring
Tolerance zones – Acceptable slope variation indicators
Numerical readouts – Precise angle measurements

Batter Excavation Modes:

Fixed slope guidance – Maintain consistent batter angle
Variable slope – Follow changing design angles
Bench excavation – Multi-level slope construction
Compound slopes – Complex angular transitions
Vertical face – Guidance for straight vertical cuts

Applications:

Drainage channel construction
Retention basin excavation
Road embankment batters
Foundation wall excavation
Trench side slopes for safety

Grade Checking and Verification

Built-in quality control capabilities:

As-Built Data Collection:

Automatic logging – Record excavation progress continuously
Point collection – Capture specific verification points
Surface generation – Create as-built surface models
Volume calculations – Compare design vs actual excavation
Export capabilities – Transfer data to office software

Quality Assurance Features:

Tolerance monitoring – Alert when outside specifications
Over-excavation warnings – Prevent costly mistakes
Progress tracking – Visual indication of completed areas
Verification points – Check critical elevations during work
Documentation – Automated record-keeping for compliance

Applications for Australian Construction and Mining

Foundation Excavation

Precise excavation for building foundations and structures:

Residential Foundations:

House footings and slab excavation
Basement and undercroft excavation
Retaining wall foundations
Pier and pile cap excavation
Accurate depth control for engineering specifications

Commercial and Industrial:

Large building pad excavation
Multi-level basement construction
Column and foundation pier excavation
Equipment foundation pits
Precise elevation control for structural requirements

Benefits:

First-pass accuracy reduces rework
Minimal over-excavation saves concrete costs
Faster excavation with less checking
Reduced surveyor involvement
Improved safety with fewer ground personnel

Utility Installation and Trenching

Efficient and accurate utility trench excavation:

Sewer and Stormwater:

Precise invert level excavation
Consistent grade maintenance for gravity flow
Accurate depth control for cover requirements
Smooth trench bottom for pipe bedding
Reduced pipe bedding material requirements

Water and Gas Mains:

Depth compliance for service protection
Straight alignment for efficient installation
Consistent trench width
Accurate tie-in elevations at connections
Reduced risk of existing service damage

Electrical and Communications:

Conduit trench excavation to specification
Multiple service trenches with precise separation
Accurate depth for cable protection
Smooth trench conditions for cable pulling
Reduced backfill and compaction requirements

Advantages:

30-50% faster trenching operations
Reduced material waste and costs
Improved pipe laying efficiency
Better quality control and compliance
Safer operations with precise depth control

Road and Civil Construction

Essential applications for infrastructure projects:

Road Construction:

Subgrade excavation to design profile
Drainage channel and table drain construction
Culvert and cross-drain excavation
Intersection and roundabout formation
Median and verge shaping

Subdivision Development:

Lot pad preparation and levelling
Street formation excavation
Drainage system installation
Retention basin construction
Service trench excavation

Bulk Earthworks:

Cut to fill operations with precise control
Batter and slope excavation
Drainage and erosion control features
Site preparation and levelling
Material quantity management

Project Benefits:

Faster project completion times
Reduced survey staking costs
Improved grade accuracy and quality
Lower material and rework costs
Enhanced project profitability

Mining Applications

Rugged performance for demanding mining environments:

Mine Development:

Haul road construction and maintenance
Drainage system excavation
Infrastructure foundation excavation
Service trench installation
Precise grade control for operational efficiency

Production Support:

Ramp and access road construction
Sump and water management excavation
Equipment foundation preparation
Precise excavation for blasting operations
Grade control for ore handling

Rehabilitation:

Final landform construction
Drainage feature creation
Topsoil placement preparation
Erosion control structure excavation
Compliance with rehabilitation plans

Mining Advantages:

Operate in remote locations with base station
Reduced surveyor site visits
Improved safety with precise depth control
Better material management and cost control
Enhanced compliance documentation

Landscaping and Final Grade Work

Precision finishing for aesthetic and functional requirements:

Commercial Landscaping:

Precise pad and terrace excavation
Drainage swale and feature construction
Retention pond and water feature excavation
Accurate grade for irrigation and drainage
Smooth finish for turf and planting areas

Sports Field Construction:

Precise grade control for drainage
Consistent surface elevation
Subgrade preparation for turf systems
Drainage system installation
Quality control for performance specifications

Golf Course Construction:

Green and tee box excavation
Fairway shaping and contouring
Bunker excavation to design
Drainage feature construction
Precise elevation control for playability

Red Edge Resources Installation and Training

STX-Dig Installation Masterclass

Comprehensive training programme for independent installation capability:

Course Structure:

Self-paced online modules – Learn at your convenience
Video demonstrations – Visual step-by-step instructions
Downloadable resources – Reference materials and checklists
Knowledge quizzes – Test understanding of key concepts
Certification – Recognised installer credential upon completion

Module Topics:

1. System Introduction and Overview:

STX-Dig components and functionality
System capabilities and applications
Safety procedures and precautions
Tools and equipment requirements
Installation planning and preparation

2. Hardware Installation:

GNSS antenna mounting and positioning
Sensor installation on boom, stick, and bucket
Cable routing and protection
Display unit mounting and positioning
Control box installation and connections

3. Machine Measurement (Measure-Up):

Critical measurement points and procedures
Boom, stick, and bucket dimensions
Machine centre of rotation determination
GNSS antenna position measurement
Sensor configuration and verification

4. System Configuration:

Software setup and initialisation
Coordinate system configuration (MGA2020, local grids)
RTK correction source setup
Display customisation and preferences
Communication parameter configuration

5. Calibration and Testing:

GNSS calibration procedures
Sensor calibration and verification
System accuracy testing
Known point verification
Troubleshooting calibration issues

6. Design File Management:

Supported file formats and preparation
Loading design files to system
Surface selection and management
Design file verification
Job setup and configuration

7. Operator Training:

Display understanding and navigation
Cut/fill indicator interpretation
Offset and elevation functions
View mode selection and use
Best practices for accurate excavation

STX-Dig Operator Masterclass

Dedicated training for excavator operators using the system:

Operator-Focused Content:

Display understanding and interpretation
Real-time guidance utilisation
Offset and elevation level functions
Efficient excavation techniques with 3D guidance
Quality control and verification procedures
Troubleshooting common operational issues
Best practices for maximum productivity

Training Delivery:

Online self-paced learning modules
Practical field exercises and scenarios
Video demonstrations of real-world applications
Interactive quizzes and assessments
Certification upon successful completion