A scenic farm in Meeker, Okla., was the setting for the world's first look at large-scale grading operations controlled by Topcon's new Millimeter GPS/Lazer Zone equipment in September. The major breakthrough in machine control technology enables fine grading to tolerances within a few millimeters.

More than 75 participants attended Topcon's Technology RoadShow to watch as a Cat 120G motor grader fitted with the new system was put through its paces under conditions similar to those found on major job sites.

The Meeker RoadShow was sponsored by Ozark Laser and Shoring, local Topcon dealer based in Springfield, Mo. The company serves southern Missouri, Oklahoma and northwest Arkansas. The RoadShow was one of an annual series held across the United States and Canada by Topcon Positioning Systems, a worldwide leader in precision positioning instrumentation and machine control. Topcon created the RoadShow concept to inform participants about the latest technologies and provide an opportunity for "hands-on" experience with new products.

Months of planning went into preparing for the event. The RoadShow took place at a 20-acre site that Ozark Laser and Shoring manages as a training and demonstration facility. Contractors who are interested in learning more about Topcon equipment can come to the facility for instruction in technical aspects and actual field operation of construction equipment. The facility has several areas that simulate typical jobsite conditions including roadways, parking lots, commercial and residential building pads, and complex slopes.

Murray Lodge, Topcon's national manager for laser and construction sales, made the trip to present information about satellite technology, future developments and the company's range of products. After attending the session, some participants commented that they now had a clearer understanding about "what's going on above their heads." Another speaker, Marco Cecala, discussed 3-D modeling, control data management and surface file preparation. Cecala represented Take-Off Professionals, a firm from Peoria, Ariz., that specializes in these services. The indoor presentation was highlighted by a video featuring four construction companies in northwest Arkansas. All four companies are customers of Ozark Laser and Shoring.

But the main focus of the show was the outdoor demonstration area. Five tents were set up around the perimeter of the site, each with a different series of Topcon products. The range of products extended from basic construction lasers all the way up to fully automated excavation equipment controlled by GPS systems. Participants were permitted to operate all of the machines themselves to experience the advantages of different machine control systems.

Dale Gillespie of Gillespie Excavating Co., of Strafford, Mo., summed up his comments about the RoadShow: "It was one of the most informative classroom and hands-on sessions that I've ever attended. I only planned on coming for a few hours, but stayed all day long."

The Clarence L. Boyd Co., local John Deere dealer in Oklahoma City, supplied two brand new pieces of equipment for the demonstrations. One of their 450 John Deere Dozers was equipped with a Topcon 2-D laser indicate system attached utilizing the LS-B2 receiver with in-cab display and IR2 infrared link. They also supplied a John Deere Backhoe with Topcon LS-B3 and LS-B4 indicate systems. The backhoe was demonstrated with other equipment used for constructing underground utilities. The indicate system allows an operator to determine the planned depths to which he must dig.

Another recent development by Topcon, the System Five 3Di Indicate-only system, was demoed on a Cat D6D dozer. Al Crumb supplied the machine for use at the RoadShow. Many contractors were impressed with the scrolling cut/fill tape display on the cab-mounted control box. This new system from Topcon enables an operator to clearly visualize his machine's operation with reference to planned grades. Hydraulic control modules can be added to upgrade to a fully automated system.