Comprehensive Product Guide

At a Glance

The Epiroc Hole Navigation System (HNS) is a satellite-guided, GNSS-based positioning option for SmartROC surface drill rigs. It delivers hole placement accuracy to within ±50 mm, eliminates manual bench marking, and integrates with Epiroc’s Rig Control System (RCS) to guide operators through planning, drilling, and post-blast analysis. The result is lower cost per metre drilled, better fragmentation, reduced explosive consumption, and a safer bench environment.

1. PRODUCT OVERVIEW

What is HNS?

The Hole Navigation System (HNS) is an optional add-on for Epiroc SmartROC drill rigs. It uses GNSS satellite positioning, augmented by a local base station, to achieve drilling accuracy to within ±50 mm in all three dimensions (X, Y and Z axes). Operators are guided in real time to the exact collaring point specified in the drill plan, removing the need for surveyors to manually mark holes on the bench surface.

HNS is fully embedded in the SmartROC’s Rig Control System (RCS) and works seamlessly with Epiroc’s office planning software (ROC Manager / Surface Manager) to create a closed digital loop from drill plan creation through to blast analysis.

Core Technology

GNSS-based satellite positioning (GPS + correction signals)
Local GNSS base station lifts accuracy from ±5 m (raw satellite) to ±50 mm
Three-axis accuracy: X (easting), Y (northing), Z (elevation/depth)
Integrated with Epiroc Rig Control System (RCS) - no third-party hardware required
On-screen colour-coded guidance bars (yellow = approaching, green = on position)
Semi-automatic feed alignment once position is confirmed

Key Positioning Claim

Parameter	Standard GPS	HNS with Base Station
Positioning Accuracy	±5 metres	±50 mm
Depth Control	Manual / estimated	Automatic (end-coord known)
Angle Guidance	None	Real-time feed alignment
Hole Marking Required	Yes	No

2. HOW IT WORKS - WORKFLOW

The 7-Step HNS Workflow

HNS connects every phase of the drill-and-blast cycle into a single data-driven process:

PLANNING - Drill plan is created in ROC Manager or Surface Manager (office PC). Hole positions, angles, depths, and blasting direction are set. GPS coordinates are assigned to every hole.
PLAN TRANSFER - Plan is sent to the SmartROC rig via Wi-Fi network or USB data stick.
TRAMMING / NAVIGATION - Operator selects a hole on the on-screen plan. The HNS display shows colour-coded direction bars, guiding the rig to the exact collaring point. Green = on position, Yellow = still moving.
COLLARING - Rig arrives within ±50 mm of planned position. Feed alignment is confirmed (semi-automatically). Drilling begins.
DRILLING - System monitors depth in real time. Drilling stops automatically when the planned end-coordinate (hole bottom) is reached. MWD (Measure While Drilling) data is logged throughout.
DATA RETRIEVAL - Drilled hole data (actual coordinates, angles, depths, MWD) is logged and sent back to the office via Wi-Fi or USB for analysis.
BLAST PLANNING - Analysed data is used in ROC Manager / Surface Manager to confirm blast readiness, identify deviations, and optimise loading.

On-Screen Operator Interface

Real-time display of planned hole positions on a 2D/3D bench map
Colour coding: Planned (white), Drilled (green), Deviation flagged (red)
Yellow and green navigation bars guide tramming movements
Penetration rate and hole depth visible live during drilling
Number of holes remaining shown at a glance

3. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Performance

Specification	Value / Detail
Positioning Accuracy (with base station)	±50 mm
Raw GNSS Accuracy (no base station)	±5,000 mm (±5 m)
Satellite Systems Supported	GPS (standard); GLONASS available with base station setup
Axes Covered	X (horizontal), Y (horizontal), Z (depth/elevation)
Data Transfer	Wi-Fi network or USB data stick
Drill Plan Format	GPS coordinate-based via ROC Manager / Surface Manager
Depth Control	Automatic stop at planned end-coordinate
MWD Integration	Yes - Measure While Drilling logged concurrently
Feed Alignment	Semi-automatic guidance to correct angle
Display	SmartROC touchscreen (part of RCS)

Compatible Epiroc Drill Rigs

HNS is an optional equipment package for SmartROC rigs equipped with the Rig Control System (RCS). Confirmed compatible models include:

Rig Model	Type	Application
SmartROC C50	Top Hammer (DTH capable)	Selective mining, aggregate & limestone quarrying
SmartROC CL	Top Hammer	Open pit mining, selective mining
SmartROC D50	Down-The-Hole (DTH)	Aggregate, limestone, surface mining, construction
SmartROC D55	Down-The-Hole (DTH)	Aggregate, limestone, surface mining, construction
SmartROC D60	Down-The-Hole (DTH)	Aggregate, limestone, surface mining, construction
SmartROC D65	Down-The-Hole (DTH)	Limestone, aggregate, selective mining, open pit
SmartROC T35	Top Hammer	Quarrying and construction
SmartROC T40	Top Hammer	Quarrying and construction
SmartROC T45	Top Hammer	Mining and quarrying
SmartROC T25 R / T30 R / T30 RX	Top Hammer (Radio Remote)	Construction and quarrying

Note: HNS requires the RCS (Rig Control System) to be fitted. Confirm compatibility with the specific rig serial/build spec prior to quotation.

4. INTEGRATION & ECOSYSTEM

Software Integration

HNS does not operate in isolation - it is the field-execution layer of a broader Epiroc digital ecosystem:

Software / System	Role in Ecosystem	Integration Type
ROC Manager	Office drill planning & evaluation (surface)	Two-way: plan to rig, data from rig
Surface Manager	Advanced drill planning, 3D ground model, blast analysis	Two-way: plan to rig, MWD analysis
Rig Control System (RCS)	On-rig automation layer; HNS operates through RCS	Native / built-in
Rig Remote Access (RRA)	Two-way wireless communication rig ↔ office server	Wi-Fi network
BenchREMOTE	Remote operator console for semi-autonomous operation	Requires RCS + HNS
Certiq Telematics	Fleet GPS position, utilisation, fuel, machine health	Separate telematics channel
Measure While Drilling (MWD)	Real-time rock hardness/formation logging during drilling	Logged via RCS alongside HNS data

Data Flow

Drill plan created in ROC Manager / Surface Manager (office)
Plan transferred to SmartROC via Wi-Fi (RRA) or USB
HNS guides operator to each hole; drilling executes to plan
As-drilled data (positions, depths, MWD) logged automatically
Data transmitted back to office via RRA Wi-Fi or USB
ROC Manager / Surface Manager generates Drill Quality Log File & blast analysis

The Drill Quality Log File (DQLF) contains actual versus planned coordinates for every hole - it replaces manual post-drill survey and provides the input data for blast design.

Note: For further assistance please call 1800 748 324 or email supportgateway@sitechcs.com