GPS & Steering – If a ParaDyme fails calibration verification can I still use it for steering?

No, if  ParaDyme fails this step it ignores the calibration and you must redo the Auto Cal.  You must pass the verification step before the system can be engaged on a line.  For details about the calibration verification step in the Auto Cal process see the current ParaDyme manual for Version 1.6.17177.

SeedCommand – When I pulled into one of my fields to plant I noticed the display was counting acres, AutoSwath was working correctly but I was not able to see my map on the display.  Why didn’t my map show up and what can I do to prevent this from happening again?

Different scenarios can cause this to happen.  The most common scenario is when the operator loads a field on to the run screen while he is at home with the planter lowered to the ground.  The monitor then logs that point as being planted in a field and it is actually miles away.  As the operator drives to the field the onscreen map will zoom out to keep the point that was logged at home.  It also keeps the planter’s current position on the map screen.  By the time the operator arrives at the field the map is zoomed out so far the field is no longer visible on the display.  The short term fix is to press the clear bounds button which re-centers the map over your current position.  The long term solution is to create field boundaries for all of your fields.

DirectCommand – When I am spraying over 10 miles per hour I receive a message on my monitor that says, “Max speed exceeded for Automatic Swath Control with 1 Hz GPS”.  What does this message mean?

When that message appears it means that your GPS receiver is outputting strings of information to your monitor at a rate less than 5 times per second.  Check to make sure the receiver you are using is capable of outputting 5 Hz.   If it is capable of outputting 5 Hz change the receiver Hz to 5, the baud rate to 19200 or higher and the message will no longer appear.

Harvest – What is the difference between Automatic Variety Tracking and Automatic Region Changing?

For starters, both options are used to track the varieties you planted earlier in the year.  The Automatic Variety Tracking option only tracks the varieties; it notifies the operator when he/she enters  a different variety while harvesting.

To help categorize Automatic Region Changing, let’s first define a region.  A region is a way to separate data in a field…some guys separate it by truck loads, some guys define regions by varieties, others do it by bins.   When you use Automatic Region Changing you are automatically separating the data by varieties.  All other regions are logged manually.

Hope the answers to these questions will save you some time in the future.  Remember Ag Leader Hardware Training is going on around the country. Contact your Ag Leader Dealer for dates in your area; a schedule can also be found here.

At Ag Leader Academy we are receiving questions about topics other than rain. Some of the common questions involve guidance and steering, SeedCommand on planters, DirectCommand on applicators and yield monitoring on combines.

Guidance and Steering – How long does it take for ParaDyme to start up after the INTEGRA display or EDGE  display has been powered on?

ParaDyme will start up approximately one to two minutes after controlling display is powered on.

SeedCommand – What is the difference between a RowCommand 1-row section cable and RowCommand 2-row section cable?

I have a John Deere planter with RowCommand.  I’m controlling the planter sections using an Ag Leader display and SeedCommand.  What is the difference between a RowCommand 1-row section cable and RowCommand 2-row section cable?

When using the RowCommand 1-row section cable, you will have 2-row sections on the far left and far right of the harness.   Then it has individual-row shut offs for each row between the 2-row sections.  For example the planter below is a 24-row planter with 1-row sections.  Therefore it has a total of 22 sections divided into 2 2-row sections and 20 1-row sections.  In the diagram below the red is used to show the 2-row sections and the blue is used to show the 1-row sections.

When using a RowCommand 2-row section cable, you will have 2-row sections all the way across the planter.  For example the 24-row planter below has 12 2-row sections.

DirectCommand – What are auxiliary valves used for?

Auxiliary valves are used to control up to two additional on/off valves when all sections are off.  These types of valves have been used on sprayers manufactured overseas, multi-section NH3 applicators, some Hardi sprayers and other applicators.

Harvest – What do I do if my motor does not turn on my elevator mount unit?

Here are three things to try:

-Check the adjustment of the proximity sensor.   If the light on the proximity sensor comes on when you place your finger across it then it should be set correctly.

-Check the fuses in the power cable leading up to the elevator mount unit.

-Try hooking power directly from the battery to the motor on the elevator mount unit.  If the motor turns you may need to check the module or the relay that controls the motor.

If you have other questions, attend an Ag Leader training session near you.  A list can be found here.  Or Ag Leader Technical Support is always there to help you.

AutoSwath

When setting up your systems make sure you check the following things to ensure your section control will work as expected…and will likely eliminate a call to your dealer or Ag Leader Tech Support.

Coverage Options – There are three different coverage options you can choose from:  Minimize Skip, Minimize Overlap and User-Defined.  These options will determine when your sections will turn off as they enter an already-covered area.

• Minimize Skip will turn off the section when the entire section is an already covered area.
• Minimize Overlap will turn off the sections when they first enter a covered area.
• User-Defined allows you to set the percentage of your section that needs to be in a covered area before the sections turn off.

AutoSwath Look Aheads – The “Turn On” and “Turn Off” look aheads are used to determine how far ahead the system looks ahead to turn your sections on or off.  You can find the recommended settings for look aheads in the operator’s manual.  If the Turn Off is larger than the Turn On look ahead you will see issues with the system turning off and back on when entering a covered area.

GPS Offsets – GPS offsets are used to determine the distance from your GPS antenna to the application point on an implement.  When setting up your configurations make sure to enter all the GPS offsets for your equipment. You will need to enter GPS offsets for both the vehicle and implement used in your configuration.

GPS Settings- Most Ag Leader GPS receivers come from the factory setup at lower hertz and baud rates to accommodate basic precision ag monitors.  In order to run AutoSwath minimum requirements of 5 hertz GPS signal and a baud rate of 19200 must be met.  If you are using Ag Leader GPS units, you can change these setting through your Ag Leader display.  If you are using non-Ag Leader GPS, consult the owner’s manual of that unit to determine where to make these settings changes.

Boundaries – Used to determine what parts of the field you would like to apply.  First you will make an outer boundary of the field, generally the field border.  Once you have an outer boundary established, you can add internal boundaries to map out areas of the field you would like to excluded from operations, such as waterways and terraces.

To summarize, if you’re having an issue with AutoSwath, check the above list before calling your dealer or Tech Support.  It will likely save you some time and frustration.

Start by saving last year’s data to your memory device (memory card, USB drive, etc.) then delete it from your display.  Now you’re ready for the new season’s setup.  Check Ag Leader’s website for the latest versions of firmware to update your displays and modules.  Add new Farms, Fields, Operators, Equipment or Products to the display before heading to the field.   This will save you valuable time once you’re in the field.

After you get things ready in the display, you will want to check over the precision ag components on your implement.  Walk around your implement and check for any damage to your cabling and examine your connections. Next, go ahead and turn on the display and test the system before you go to the field.  Try planting some seed or spraying some water in the yard before the season starts  - this will ensure everything works as expected.

For a comprehensive list of the things to check or set up before the busy season, download our Pre-Season Checklist.

Bottom line: Lower seed cost during planting season and improved yield potential at harvest time.