Importance of Telemetry Data for Maintenance Teams

When we started at GroundHog, our expertise was firmly rooted in software development for mining companies. Our flagship product was (and remains) our Short Interval Control and Fleet Management System, a tool primarily utilized by Operations Teams at mines. However, as our journey unfolded, we increasingly engaged with the Maintenance teams at various mining sites.

Around 2019, our conversations with these teams began to focus on a recurring theme: telemetry data. Maintenance teams consistently asked if we could develop a way to read and utilize telemetry data. Despite numerous false starts and trials over the years (our core team being predominantly software experts), we've made significant progress recently. This leap forward is largely thanks to collaborating with individuals with deep hardware and firmware expertise, particularly in the CAN protocol and the J1939 standard.

In the past few years (2023 & 2024), we've solidified agreements with numerous Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) serving the Mining and Construction markets. Additionally, we've partnered with various aftermarket sensor manufacturers and data logger specialists to address specific use cases. Our approach mirrors the iconic Microsoft-Intel partnership of the 80s and 90s—Microsoft focused on software while Intel concentrated on hardware, ensuring customers received the best of both worlds.

At GroundHog, we are passionately committed to digitizing every mine globally. As part of this mission, we believe in sharing our knowledge and insights to accelerate industry-wide innovation.

Diagnostic Ports in Heavy Equipment for Maintenance and Operations

The diagnostic port in heavy equipment is used primarily by maintenance to perform various maintenance and diagnostic tasks. For certain makes and models, the Diagnostics port also has information on Payload, Trips Counts, etc. A diagnostic port generally looks like the following:

Please note that these ports come in various shapes and sizes depending on the Engine manufacturer (and not necessarily the Equipment Manufacturer)

Most OEMs now comply with the j1939 standard for tools used for Heavy Equipment diagnostics, specifically any equipment that uses a Diesel Engine. Light Vehicles that use Petrol (Gasoline) engines have been standardized on the OBD-II standard. Caterpillar, Komatsu, and Epiroc were some of the first OEMs to adopt the CAN Open Standard, a superset of the j1939 standard) for all Telemetry and Diagnostics data, and for providing access to the equipment's Electronic Control Units (ECUs) and onboard diagnostics systems. This data helps maintenance teams manage the health and performance of the equipment, ensuring it stays reliable, efficient, and safe. This interface supports a proactive, data-driven approach to equipment maintenance, which is key to modern practices.

Here is how this data is used:

1. Retrieving Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)

Technicians use the diagnostic port to connect diagnostic tools or scan tools to retrieve Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs). These codes indicate specific faults or issues within the equipment's systems. By reading these codes, maintenance staff can identify problems like sensor failures, engine issues, or electrical faults, allowing for quick and targeted repairs.

2. Monitoring Equipment Parameters

The diagnostic port provides access to real-time data from various sensors and control modules. Technicians can monitor vital parameters such as engine speed, temperature, and fuel pressure. This real-time monitoring helps assess the equipment's performance, diagnose intermittent issues, and confirm that repairs have been successful.

3. Updating and Reprogramming Software

Maintenance personnel can use the diagnostic port to upload new software or firmware updates to the equipment's ECUs. They can also reprogram settings and calibrations as needed. Keeping the software up-to-date ensures the equipment runs smoothly, meets regulatory standards, and resolves any software-related problems.

4. Generating Health and Status Reports

Diagnostic tools connected to the port can generate detailed health and status reports. These reports give a comprehensive overview of the equipment's condition, helping to spot potential issues early and avoid major breakdowns or expensive repairs.

5. Logging and Analyzing Data

The diagnostic port allows for the collection of operational data over time. This data can be analyzed to identify trends, predict failures, and optimize maintenance schedules. By analyzing this data, maintenance teams can enhance the reliability and longevity of the equipment.

6. Calibrating and Configuring Systems

Technicians can use the diagnostic port to perform calibrations and configure system parameters. Proper calibration and configuration ensure that the equipment operates within the desired tolerances and performance standards, maintaining accuracy and efficiency.

Conclusion

At GroundHog, we’ve made it our mission to bridge the gap between software and hardware in the mining industry. By leveraging diagnostic ports and telemetry data, maintenance teams can unlock powerful insights to ensure equipment remains efficient, reliable, and safe. Our journey is one of continuous innovation, and we’re excited to share this knowledge to drive the industry forward.