Displays
Install the display in the cab and start it up.  If the display hasn’t been used since last year, it’s time to install the current firmware version. You can check the current firmware versions for all of our monitors on our knowledge base.

It may also be time to start a new season of crops if the monitor is only used for yield monitoring; you should be prompted by the display to do this.  The reason for creating a new season is to separate data for use in analysis software, such as SMS.

GPS Receivers
The receiver should power on with the display if it’s an Ag Leader receiver, such as the GPS 1500 or GPS 2500.  After a short wait – given a clear view of the sky – the GPS icon should show that the GPS is tracking satellites and is locked on to the set differential source.  If you are using an OmniSTAR subscription, make sure you are up to date on your dues to avoid any delays as the harvest season gets going.

Now is also a good time to familiarize yourself with the information in the GPS Information area of your display. You can reference the owner’s manual for details on the information provided in this screen.

OnTrac2
Make sure the system is set up properly in the cab of the vehicle.  If it’s being moved from one machine to the next, mounting the ECU securely will be very important.  Also, if the OnTrac2 was used on a different machine prior to going into the combine, it will be necessary to change the active vehicle to the combine and verify the calibration is up to par.  Even if the system performed to spec last spring or fall, it’s always a good idea to double check your calibration.

ParaDyme
Like the OnTrac2, it is a great idea to start the harvest season off by verifying the active vehicle is set properly and the calibration is still operational.  If it’s a new installation, a trained dealer who has been to classes at Ag Leader Academy to prepare them to best serve you should perform the calibration and setup.

Beyond the setup and calibration of the steering system, you will also want to make sure you have active subscriptions to your differential source provider.  If you had a 4 month RTK Ready Connect unlock this spring, there is a chance it is now expired.  Contact your dealer to renew this subscription.  Also, if you are on a private NTRIP network or using OmniSTAR, your subscription to these services may be up for renewal, too.

For NTRIP users I recommend either you or your dealer setting up several connection options.  This will allow you to change your connection based on the current conditions.

I hope this information helps prepare you for the fall harvest season.  If you have questions on this or any other topic related to Ag Leader’s products I invite you to give us a call at 515-232-5363; our tech support team would be more than happy to explain anything to you.

The guidance and steering videos – available for both the EDGE and INTEGRA displays – include an explanation of the guidance patterns available from Ag Leader and demonstration of the SmartPath pattern.  Another video outlines how to navigate the ParaDyme user interface and where to find some basic settings.  We have also created an overview of the OnTrac2, showing how to create a new vehicle and calibrate the OnTrac2.

Click here to watch the videos.

We will continue to create videos throughout the year, so keep checking back for more!

A fully operational planter and sprayer are being utilized as training aids for SeedCommand™ and DirectCommand™.  The planter features the current supported row units, dual hydraulic drives, vacuum, PMM & STMM modules, SureStop® clutches, and the INTEGRA™, EDGE™ and InSight™ displays. The sprayer features OptRx™ crop sensors, inline, bypass and PWM 12v components, along with direct injection. In addition, we have brought in a fully operational strip till cart and spinner spreader bed.

We are also using four tractors – one Case, one John Deere and two Challengers – fully equipped with ParaDyme® and OnTrac2™ steering units to provide hands-on training of our guidance and steering products.

Finally, one of the classrooms at Ag Leader Academy is equipped with 25 INTEGRA displays, 25 EDGE displays and 25 InSight displays for hands-on display training. In addition, this classroom contains a computer at every workstation and is used for SMS Software training as well.

As you can see, we have worked hard to ensure that our dealers receive a very involved and comprehensive training so they can share that knowledge and expertise with their customers. To see the list of customer training dates available please click here; we look forward to seeing you at training!

Ag Leader Customer Trainings: http://www.agleader.com/customer-support/training-sessions/hardware-training/

The INTEGRA firmware update will enable Virtual Terminal on the display.

The INTEGRA display will gain several new features with this update, including compatibility with the ISO 11783 Virtual Terminal standard, Advanced Seed Monitoring for corn planting, and support for the OnTrac2™ assisted steering system. Both the INTEGRA and EDGE displays will now support Ag Leader’s new GPS 2500 smart antenna/receiver.

Several enhancements have been made to both the INTEGRA and EDGE displays’ firmware as well. The update will provide a reduction in gaps on coverage maps when using AutoSwath with SeedCommand, and the on-screen map will now exclude undesired log points outside of the field operation that previously required a user to “Clear Bounds.” For more information about the latest updates to the INTEGRA and EDGE firmware, see the full release notes on the firmware download page.

Download Version 2.1 Firmware for the INTEGRA display

Download Version 4.1 Firmware for the EDGE display

In addition, the latest firmware update for the ParaDyme® automated steering system has also been released. Click here to download the ParaDyme firmware update.

Research and testing is one of INTA’s main priorities. INTA tests new technologies and tries to adapt them to the unique needs of Argentinean farmers and educate the farmers on the benefits of these technologies.  One area that INTA has spent significant time on is precision farming.  The group has tested and analyzed technologies such as yield monitoring, variable rate application, autoswath, autosteer and, most recently, crop sensors.  In fact, INTA will soon start a second round of field trials using crop sensors when applying nitrogen and we will be looking forward to their results.

In addition to research, INTA also focuses on education. Ag Leader was introduced to INTA through our Argentinean distributor D&E.   D&E and INTA have worked together to educate Argentinean farmers on the benefits of precision farming.  Part of this education is INTA’s annual trip to the US with a group of 50-60 Argentinian farmers. This trip allows the farmers to talk with various agricultural companies and see the latest products at the Farm Progress Show.

Andres Mendez, the National Coordinator of the Precision Farming Machinery Project at INTA, says the technologies that Argentinian farmers have adopted the most are planter monitors, yield monitors, guidance, steering and variable rate application.  Moving forward, he believes Argentinean farmers will look to bio-mass and crop sensors along with row-by-row planter control for the greatest improvements in their operations.  “As Argentinean farmers increase their knowledge of their crops, this will lead to a more efficient use of inputs and machinery,” Andres stated.  This, as we know, is the common goal of farmers around the world.

It is always rewarding to work with organizations such as INTA that promote the benefits of precision farming to growers.  INTA has been performing research and providing education to farmers on precision farming for fourteen years, and I hope they continue to do so for many more years to come.  I look forward to working with them in the future and meeting their group at the next Farm Progress Show.

You can learn more about the INTA group by visiting their website at:  www.inta.gov.ar (The website is in Spanish but you can use Microsoft Translator to translate the pages:  http://www.microsofttranslator.com/Default.aspx .  Just copy the URL into the first box, select “Spanish to English” and the web page will be translated.)

Well, whatever your rule of thumb might be, we all know fall is coming and preparations need to be made for the upcoming seasons. This summer Ag Leader dealers have been preparing by attending dealer training at Ag Leader Academy.  When visiting the Academy they get hands on experience with installing, calibrating and troubleshooting Ag Leader products on tractors, planters, application equipment and combines.  The result is our dealers take pride in continuing to provide excellent support and training for the end user.

To help prepare users for fall, Ag Leader dealers are passing their knowledge along by hosting training events to ensure their customers have a smooth harvest season.  The topics that will be covered at these trainings include yield monitoring, DirectCommand for fall application operations, as well as ParaDyme and OnTrac2 steering systems.  At these trainings attendees will learn what needs to be done before taking their combines, applicators and tractors to the field.

A complete list of trainings can be found here.  We look forward to seeing you at training!

“By offering an affordable and reliable hands-free steering solution with the OnTrac2, growers are able to cover more ground with greater accuracy and higher efficiency,” says GPS and Guidance Product Manager, Matt Leinen. “When using OnTrac2, vehicle operators can better focus on the task at hand while performing field operations.”

This new assisted steering solution features quick and easy installation. The unique split-gear design of OnTrac2 does not require removal of the steering wheel for installation, but instead simply latches on and off. With this easy “Lock-n’-Roll” installation, OnTrac2 offers easy transfer across multiple brands and types of vehicles.

“OnTrac2 was designed for quick and easy installation, saving growers time. With optional switch kits, transferring OnTrac2 takes just minutes,” adds Leinen.

The high-torque, positive gear drive of the OnTrac2 delivers the turning power needed for the most demanding of agricultural vehicles and eliminates slippage that is typical of friction motor steering systems.

In addition, the OnTrac2 system has a precision electro-mechanical drive unit that provides for quiet operation. OnTrac2 also provides many guidance patterns for operators to choose from including: Straight AB, A+, Identical Curve, Adaptive Curve and Pivot.

About Ag Leader
Ag Leader Technology, Inc. is a pioneer and recognized technology innovator of precision agriculture hardware and software. Located in Ames, Iowa the company manufactures and markets industry leading precision farming technology designed to help growers make smart, profitable business decisions. Founded in 1992 the company has achieved consistent growth and expansion by providing value-based products that help growers and ag professionals achieve and maintain a successful operation.

For more information visit: www.agleader.com