Take your Target Steering to the Next Level with Estimated Projected Depth
What exactly is Estimated Projected Depth?
This feature adds a new measurement to your Aurora remote display when you use Target Steering. With this updated screen, you can now visualize your drill head’s angle, in addition to its depth below and distance from your locator.
Here’s an example: You’re drilling in relatively flat ground. Your drill head is currently at a depth of 6 feet (1.8 meters) when you reach a road. On the other side, you have to be 9 feet deep (2.7 meters) to avoid a utility. You place your locator on the other side of the road and plan to drill to it with Target Steering.
Without Estimated Projected Depth, you only have the depth data to help you guess where you should be along the way.
With Estimated Projected Depth, you can see the effects of your steering decisions in real time. As soon as you begin changing the angle of your drill head, the Projected Depth data will show where the drill head is estimated to be by the time it reaches your locator.
This makes reaching your steering targets quicker, easier, and more accurate—with a lot less guesswork.
Best ways to use the Estimated Projected Depth feature:
- When you’re planning an exit
- When you need to hit a specific target along your bore path
When using Estimated Projected Depth, there are a few key things to keep in mind.
- Target Steering is only effective when the locator is placed no more than 35 feet (10 meters) ahead of your drill head. The further the drill head is from the locator, the less accurate the estimated projected depth calculation can be.
- Target Steering mode is intended for use on relatively level ground. We don’t recommend using Target Steering and Estimated Projected Depth on highly uneven terrain.
Important: If you do encounter uneven terrain while Target Steering, you will need to interpret the Estimated Projected Depth screen differently.
When you’re in Target Steering, your Aurora will guide you to land your drill head at the locator at zero pitch. This means that if your locator is placed on higher or lower ground—let’s say it’s placed on top of a hill—your bore path will be guided to angle upward before it levels out again at your steering target.
The moment your drill head begins that upward pitch, your Target Steering screen with Estimated Projected Depth may read as if you’re going to overshoot your target. This is because Target Steering aims higher initially in order to level your drill tool off at zero pitch before reaching your target depth, as shown in the video below.
In instances like these, it may be easier to only view the Target Steering screen to check your work, rather than guide it.
But again—this is why we do not recommend using Target Steering on highly uneven terrain.
This short, animated video helps demonstrate this:
How to install the Estimated Projected Depth feature
Adding Estimated Projected Depth to your Aurora is as simple as updating your system. Watch the instructional video below or follow the steps listed on our Support site.
That’s it! The next time you use Target Steering, the Estimated Projected Depth screen will be visible.