In this video, Lucas O’Keeffe walks through EasyNav’s installation and operation, including sensor placement, screen navigation, and grade guidance features.
For this demo, EasyNav is installed on a Bobcat excavator, with LandStar software running on the controller.
What This Demo Covers
- EasyNav hardware components
- Sensor and antenna placement
- Controller views and controls
- Grade indication and alerts
- Surface selection options
- Point measurement and storage
System Hardware Overview
EasyNav system has five main hardware components:
- Bucket sensor mounted on the dog bone
- Stick sensor on the arm
- Main GNSS antenna on the boom
- Auxiliary GNSS antenna on the boom
- Display/controller mounted in the cab
These components track bucket position, machine movement, and elevation in real time.
EasyNav is a entry-level machine control system for contractors who want basic grade guidance without working with CAD models.
- Target Users: Entry-level operators and contractors
- Primary Applications: Residential trenching, grading, and foundations
- Installation Time: Approximately 4 hours
- Calibration Time: Approximately 30 minutes
Controller Interface Overview
The EasyNav controller is organized around three main working views. Any view can be used as the primary display based on job requirements and operator preference.
Cut/Fill Bar (Grade Indicator)
The cut/fill bar functions as a grade indicator. It shows how close the bucket is to target elevation using color feedback. Operators can also enable an audible alarm through the notification button.
Side View
This view can be toggled between: Profile (longitudinal) view and Cross-section view
Top-down View
The top-down view provides a plan view of the machine and work area. It is used for alignment, positioning, and layout reference.
Data Information Bar
At the top of the controller screen, EasyNav displays a data information bar with the active project name shown underneath.
From this bar, operators can:
- Confirm which project is active
- Tap the project name
- Switch between current and previous projects
This allows crews to move between jobs without rebuilding project data.
Right-Side Control Buttons
Three shortcut buttons on the right side of the controller provide quick access to common functions.
Bucket Indication
Changes how the bucket or tooth position is referenced on screen.
Shoot and Store Points
Captures field points and stores northing, easting, and elevation information for layout and verification.
Bucket Selection
Allows operators to switch between configured buckets without recalibrating the system.
Surface Selection
Surface selection is handled directly through the main controller interface.
Operators can choose between:
- Flat plane
- Slope
- Align / trench
- Foundation
These options allow operators to set up working surfaces without creating external design files.
Creating a Surface from a Fixed Point
EasyNav allows operators to build a working surface from a known reference point. In addition, elevation updates when you update tooth reference:
- Selecting left, center, or right tooth reference
- Taking a 5-second measurement
- Updates elevation
This provides an additional method for establishing working surfaces based on field conditions.
Vertical Offsets and Elevation Tools
When working from an existing surface, operators can apply a vertical offset:
- Touch down on the reference point
- Open the vertical offset tool
- Enter the offset value
- Apply the change
EasyNav also includes:
- Level bubble to show cross-slope
- Elevation marker to show real-time elevation
These tools help operators verify elevation and make quick adjustments in the field.
Is EasyNav Right for Your Work?
EasyNav is a machine control solution for contractors working primarily on residential projects who want straightforward grade guidance without CAD complexity. However,
- EasyNav does not support importing external models.
- EasyNav is not designed to be upgraded into higher-tier 3D machine control systems.
To learn more about CHCNAV’s EasyNav machine control solution and how it fits your workflow, submit the form below.