Press Release

Simlog Announces a Major Upgrade to the Hydraulic Excavator Personal Simulator

Changes include significant improvements to the 3D modeling, simulated physics, and new Simulation Modules

Montreal, September 13, 2011 Simlog Inc., the pioneer and standard in cost-effective PC-based heavy equipment simulators operator training, is pleased to announce the availability of a major upgrade for its Hydraulic Excavator Personal Simulator: Version 2.0.

The Hydraulic Excavator Personal Simulator

The Hydraulic Excavator Personal Simulator is Simlog's flagship product and is used in training tens of thousands of people in over 25 countries throughout the world. The software is designed to train entry-level operators on basic machine operation and core skills, guiding them through a series of twelve Simulation Modules of increasing difficulty.

"Being the first company to offer PC-based simulator training for heavy equipment operators, Simlog continues to show leadership worldwide in this area" says Paul Freedman, Simlog's Founder and President. "As today's PCs continue to evolve and offer more and more computing and graphics power, Simlog will continue to offer more training value through its software upgrades."

New Functionality

The new functionality in Version 2.0 required over two years of research and development in collaboration with key Simlog customers, to help students/trainees experience greater realism when performing the simulated exercises. For example, the excavator now has left and right mirrors for improved jobsite visibility, and introduces truck "spotting", i.e. using the excavator's horn to communicate with the articulated truck for proper positioning (for loading).

"Boom Jacking", to cross a trench or help with excavator positioning, is another new and important functionality.

Five New Simulation Modules - 40% New Instructional Content

Five brand new simulation modules teach more advanced operator techniques. The modules Trench Crossing and Bench Climbing/Descending show the proper and safe way to cross a trench and climb/descend a bench, while later modules such as Bench Loading and Truck Spotting instruct students on how to spot and properly load the articulated truck from a bench.

Students will also learn to work with boulders in addition to simulated dirt, thanks to the new Bench Loading and Truck Spotting - Boulders module while the Ramp Building module will challenge students to build ramps to safely drive to the top of the bench.

"We consolidated some original modules in order to increase the value in operator training," says Freedman. "With five new modules out of twelve, that represents a 40% increase in advanced instructional techniques."

Reduced Training Costs and Increased Productivity

Simlog's Personal Simulator training provides hands-on learning in a safe and economical way to enhance conventional operator training programs. Fuel savings during training for example are in the tens of thousands of dollars and up to $100,000 annually for some Simlog customers.

Accidents involving new operators on jobsites usually result from inexperience. By first preparing for real work on a Simlog Personal Simulator, new operators in the field will be up to 50% more productive and costs associated with repair and maintenance of real equipment will be decreased by 30%, based on documented evidence from Simlog customers.

New Pedals and New Multi-Function Joysticks

Simulator controls for the Hydraulic Excavator Personal Simulator feature Simlog's Replica Controls, consisting of USB-ready industrial joysticks that provide portability and easy connectivity. The new Multi-Function Joysticks feature 8 push-buttons, making it possible to pan left/right, tilt up/down, and change the viewpoint modes. The joysticks are also designed to work with many Simlog simulators.

The Replica Controls Pedal Unit complements all of Simlog's Hydraulic Excavator Personal Simulator controls options (PC Controls, Replica Controls, and OEM Controls). The pedals feature toe-down and heel-down action to reproduce the feel and movement of real excavator pedals. The industrial strength Pedal Unit provides the convenience of plug-and-play PC connectivity in a compact footprint.

Pricing and Availability

Simlog's new Hydraulic Excavator Personal Simulator Version 2.0 is available now at just USD$4,500. Version 1.0 customers should contact Simlog and our Value-Added Resellers around the world about the upgrade to Version 2.0 at a reduced price.

About Simlog

Simlog is the world leader in providing affordable and effective PC-based simulation software for heavy equipment operator training in mining, construction and forestry. Called Personal Simulators, only Simlog's products leverage the power of today's PCs with the variety of USB-ready setup options needed to suit a range of training budgets. With hundreds of training service providers and equipment owner/operators around the world training thousands of people every year, Simlog products have been proven to reduce training costs, increase operator productivity, and help minimize the safety risks associated with operator inexperience. For additional information please visit www.simlog.com.

For More Information

Simlog Inc.
Mike Keffer
Tel: (514) 861-3111 ext. 227
Email: mike.keffer@simlog.com