R1 Integration: The Best Feature You Didn’t Know You Had

For the past eight years, all Digital Control Incorporated (DCI) Auroras have come pre-installed with LWD Live, a feature that allows drill operators to seamlessly log and display their drill path from their remote display. Now, with our latest advancement, TeraTrak R1 users can elevate their LWD Live experience by transferring their bore plan directly from their phone or tablet to their Aurora display. This integration transforms your bore plan into a dynamic, actionable tool, giving your drill operator a comprehensive, real-time view of the entire bore.

What is R1 Integration?

Traditionally, bore plans are manually charted and then transcribed into a table of depths and pitches for the locator. With R1 Integration, the bore plan is no longer just for the locator—the driller can now view the entire bore plan as well. In addition to the pitch, roll, and depth data they’re used to seeing, the R1 Integration feature shows both the chart and depth/pitch table on a single screen. This gives the driller all the information he needs to easily follow the plan and make quick, informed adjustments when necessary.

What’s more, the screen displays several other useful data that helps make the driller's job as easy as possible:

• Distance to Nearest Waypoint: Alerts the driller to upcoming points of interest, like elevation changes or key markers where specific actions (such as hitting a certain depth or exiting the pit) are required.

• Distance to Nearest Marked Utility: Adds an extra layer of safety by helping to avoid costly utility strikes.

• Fluid Pressure and Temperature: All the data you know and love is still there, helping to prevent burn ups and frac outs, ensuring operational efficiency and safety.

There’s also a Projected Rods feature, which illustrates the anticipated path based on your current pitch. You have the option to select how many rods ahead you want to see, giving you complete visibility over your drilling trajectory.

See it in action: Compare the original display to the LWD Live screen below to experience how much more information is provided.

R1 Integration Benefits

The main advantage of R1 Integration is its ability to simplify the drilling process. Everything the driller needs is displayed on a single, easy-to-read screen. One of the toughest challenges in drilling is knowing what to do when things don’t go according to plan, and R1 Integration removes much of the guesswork, making it easier for the driller to get back on track—or to not get off-track in the first place.

R1 Integration also offers unmatched situational awareness for the driller. Imagine your drill as a car—your Aurora screen is the steering wheel, and the R1 Integration feature serves as the map, providing guidance on turns, intersections, and road signs. This helps the driller stay prepared and informed about the road ahead.

Note: The Aurora’s data log file is not exportable; only the log file from your locator can be exported. However, it’s good practice to data log on both your Aurora and locator, as it will provide you with a back-up log.

R1 Integration Use Cases

R1 Integration is beneficial in a variety of scenarios. Here are three examples of how it can make a difference on the job:

1. New drillers with limited experience
   R1 Integration is especially beneficial for less experienced drillers, as it provides clear guidance on what to do and how to stay on track. This helps accelerate the learning curve, allowing new drillers to drill confidently and accurately with greater confidence. When unexpected issues arise, the driller can easily update the bore plan on their phone and upload the changes to Aurora, or use the Projected Rods feature to help them get back on course. Overall, R1 Integration serves as an invaluable training tool for new drillers and crews, ensuring they can perform at their best from the start.
2. New locators with limited experience
   New locators can greatly benefit from how R1 Integration reduces their responsibilities. Locating is a complex and demanding job, with a steep learning curve from the start. However, with the information provided to the driller through R1 Integration, the locator's primary concern is reduced to left/right orientation. This streamlines their role, simplifying their decisions and easing their overall workload. Finally, they can quickly verify that they're still on plan by using their driller as a backup. For instance, they'll be able to verify the distance to the nearest utility at a moment's noticed ("yep, that gas line is indeed 20 feet ahead") since it will be clearly displayed on the R1 Integration screen.
3. Need to make a steering change
   If the driller needs to make a steering change, R1 Integration can help by showing how far they need to pull back, if such a decision is worth the time—or if it’s even possible. This helps save the driller the hassle of steering blind and potentially ruining the shot altogether.

How to Get the R1 Integration Feature

To use the R1 Integration feature, follow these steps:

1. Update your Aurora. For step-by-step instructions, check out our video guide or our Aurora update Support page.
2. Create a bore plan. Use your TeraTrak R1 to generate a bore plan for your intended job.
3. Transfer your TeraTrak job to your Aurora. The video below shows you how.

For written instructions and more information, you can refer to the DigiGuide. Navigate to Remote Displays > Aurora > Jobsite Setup > Transfer Plan to Aurora Display, then within the same section (“Jobsite Setup”) > Start a New Job with an R1 Bore Plan.

Conclusion

While you may keep your bore plan on a notepad or store your locator’s data log in your email, R1 Integration brings all these elements together in one place, giving you a comprehensive view of your entire job from start to finish. It supports both drillers and locators by providing a clear overview of your current progress and your desired outcome, while also accounting for any necessary adjustments along the way. Plus, it adds an increased efficiency and safety aspect to your Aurora, maximizing the value you get from the same piece of equipment.

Whether you're new to the job or a seasoned pro, R1 Integration is designed to give you everything you need to succeed.