SAM AIR CONTROL. Calibration SAC3 SPRAYER CONTROLLER. RDS Part.No.: Doc. Issue: Software Issue: S/DC/ : 24/9/00 PS

Transcription

1 SAM AIR CONTROL SAC3 SPRAYER CONTROLLER Calibration RDS Part.No.: Doc. Issue: Software Issue: S/DC/ : 24/9/00 PS

2 Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) This product complies with Council Directive 89/336/EEC when installed and used in accordance with the relevant instructions. IMPORTANT, READ THIS BEFORE USING THE SAC 3 The SAC 3 installation can be configured for Variable Rate Treatment ("VRT" mode) as part of an RDS Precision Farming System ("the System"). It is very important that you follow the described calibration procedures before operating the SAC 3 instrument. Calibration and operation of the SAC 3 must be in accordance with these instructions. Use of the System is subject to the following disclaimer; 1. So far as is legally permissible RDS Technology ("RDS"), or its distributors, shall not be liable, whatever the cause, for any increased costs, loss of profits, business, contracts, income, or anticipate savings or for any special, indirect or inconsequential damage whatsover (death or personal injury excluded). 2. The capabilities and functions of the Precision Farming System ("the System") are limited as set out in the specification of the System, details of which are contained in the Help files and product literature and which must be read before using the System. 3. Without prejudice to the generality of the above it is hereby acknowledged that the System is not designed nor intended to a) originate variable treatment plans or b) achieve or avoid any application rate outside application parameters, which in both cases shall be the responsibility of the operator. 4. The standard terms and conditions of RDS (except clause 7), a copy of which is available on request, apply to the supply and operation of this System. Service and Technical Support For service and support please contact; SANDS AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY LTD Main Road, Brunstead, Stalham, Norwich, Norfolk NR12 9ER. UK Tel: +44 (0) Fax: +44 (0) Copyright RDS Technology Ltd 2000 \UK244-2.DTP 2

3 CONTENTS Section 1 Section 2 Section 3 Section 4 Section 5 Section 6 Overview 1.1 The "Setup" Screen page Data Entry The Calibration Menu diagram Sensor Configuration 2.1 Forward Speed Sensor Select Wheel Size "Auto Cal" Manual Calibration Width Setup Set Number of Boom Sections Set Nozzles per Section and Nozzle Spacing Flow / Pressure Sensor Setup Configure for Flow-based regulation Flow Sensor Calibration Configure for Pressure-based regulation Calibrate Pressure Sensor Datum Speed and EP Valve Calibration Calibration procedure Alarms Setup Nozzle Setup Editing the preset Nozzle Type Display Smoothing Calibrating an RPM Sensor RPM Alarms - 15 Liquid Calibration 3.1 Initial Calibration - Using the "Jug Test Wizard" Fine-tuning the Nozzle flow rate Adjusting the Flow Sensor Factor Programming the product density for liquid fertilisers Technician Configuration 4.1 Boom / Cutout Inputs Nudge Step Size Print Calibration data Ports Setup Top Port: Enabling output to a printer or PC Bottom Port: Enabling GPS input for VRT application Change PIN Number Rate Display lock On Factory Configuration 5.1 Factors Reset Factor Stores Change PIN Number User Options 6.1 Set Time and Date Adjust Screen Constrast and Brightness Set Units Language

4 1 - Overview 1 Overview The instrument must be calibrated before commencing normal operation. Many settings are made only on initial installation e.g. from the 'SENSOR CONFIGURATION' screen. Other calibration settings may need to be altered on a regular basis according to the liquid being sprayed, nozzle types being used etc. 1.1 The "Setup" Screen page Press the key to select the SETUP menu (fig. 1). Figure 1 The information displayed on the SETUP screen Boom configuration Flow sensor Pressure sensor Tank fill sensor Speed / Flow alarms Nozzle setup Display smoothing RPM sensor Boom Cutout/Inputs Nudge Step Size Print Cal Data Ports Setup PIN Change Rate Display Lock -on Select Tank Select Machine type Control options Factors reset Factors Store PIN Change Time/Date Contrast/Brightness Units Language Fwd Speed calibration Product selection/ calibration Set simulated speed Select nozzle type (NOZZLE WIZARD) Calibration on installation Work through the 'SENSOR CONFIGURATION' menu first. Most of these settings need be done only once on installation. Calibration in normal use Calibration settings that need to be accessed more frequently are highlighted in bold type on figure 1. These settings include; Product selection and calibration. Nozzle settings (NOZZLE WIZARD) Alarm settings 4

5 1 - Overview 1.2 Data Entry Alpha-numeric values are entered via the right hand keypad. You must press and HOLD any of keys 1 to 9 to select the required letter. (Some keys have additional special characters not shown on the key legend). The key will either toggle between lower and upper case characters or when preceeding a numerical entry, will set a MINUS value. The The character. key will toggle between 0 and a SPACE. key will BACKSPACE the screen cursor if you need to re-enter a The key is the RETURN key and is normally pressed to confirm the data entry into memory. 5

6 SELECT/CALIBRATE FWD SPEED SENSOR (NO FUNCTION) SELECT/CALIBRATE PRODUCT SET SIMULATED SPEED NOZZLE WIZARD NOTE: DEFAULT SETTINGS IN BRACKETS [] PRESS ENTER THEN '2' 1 SENSOR 1 WIDTH SETUP* BOOM SECTIONS CONFIGURATION *SWITCH ON INDIVIDUAL SECTIONSTO SET NO. OF NOZZLESAND NOZZLE SPACING 2 FLOW SENSOR CHANNEL: 1-4[1] FUNCTION: NOT USED /[INFO ONLY] /REGULATION /TANK FILL CAL FACTOR: [650.0] SENSED WIDTH: [24.0] MIN FLOW: [10] MAX FLOW: [200] VALVE TYPE: [n] /r 3 PRESSURE SENSOR CHANNEL 1-4[1] FUNCTION: NOT USED /[INFO ONLY] /REGULATION /TANK FILL PRESSURE ZERO: [0] PRESSURE GAIN: [20] PRESSURE CALIBRATION ROUTINE: DATUM SPEED DATUM SPEED: [9.0] 5 ALARMS SETUP MAX.SPEED MIN. SPEED MAX.FLOW: MIN. FLOW: OFF TARGET: [22.7 km/h] [200 l/min] [10.0 l/min] %[0 %] JUG TEST NOZZLE SETUP SELECT NOZZLE A-H 7 DISPLAY FORWARD SPEED [2.0] SMOOTHING APP RATE [2.0] EDIT NOZZLE.DATA VIEW NOZZLE COMBINATIONS FOR TWIN SPRAY LINES EDIT NAME SPACING REF.PRESSURE REF.FLOW SPEED LIMIT SPRAY QUALITY MIN. PRESSURE 2 TECHNICIAN CONFIG 3 FACTORY CONFIG (ENTER PIN ) 8 RPMSETUP 1 BOOM/CUTOUTINPUTS 3 PRINT CALDATA 4 PORTS SETUP CAL FACTOR: MASTER CUTOUT: BOOM INPUTS: 2 NUDGE STEPSIZE 0-50% [5%] PULSESPER REV [1.0] RPM [0.0] RPM [0.0] PIN CHANGE FOR TECH. 5 CONFIGMENU ENTERNEW PIN CONFIRM NEW PIN (ENTERPIN) 6 RATE DISPLAY LOCK-ON 1 RESET FACTORS (ENTER PIN) 2 FACTOR STORES 3 PIN CHANGE FOR FACTORY CONFIG MENU (ENTER PIN) TOP PORT BTM PORT TANK:1 ENTERNEW PIN [2.0] CONFIRM RESET TO FACTORY DEFAULT SAVE TO STORE A RESTORE FROM STORE A SAVE TO STORE B RESTORE FROM STORE B [NORMAL] /INVERTED /[PULLED UP] /PULLED DOWN CONFIRM NEW PIN NOT USED RDSPRINTER PC DOWNLOAD RDSPF MODULE FIELDSTARTYPE 1 SOYL OPTI AGROCOM ACT HYDRO N-SENSOR NOT USED GPS (4800) 0NLY GPS (4800) +VICON GPS (4800) +BOGBALLE GPS (4800) +AMATRON GPS (4800) +RDS MODE B GPS (4800) +RDS DEBUG GPS (9600) 0NLY GPS (9600) +VICON GPS (9600) +BOGBALLE GPS (9600) +AMATRON GPS (9600) +RDS MODE B GPS (9600) +RDS DEBUG 6 4 USEROPTIONS. *../PB CDR DIAGNOSTICS 1 TIME /DATE HOURS MINUTES 2 CONTRAST/ DATE BRIGHTNESS MONTH YEAR 3 UNITS 4 LANGUAGE ENGLISH 5 HELPLINE DEUTSCH NEDERLANDS FRANCAIS PORTUGESE SPANISH [Km /Ha /L/kg] Km /Ha /m 3 /kg Mile /Acre /Gal /lb Mile /Acre /kgal /tons Mile /Acre /US Gal /lb SANDS SAC 3 CALIBRATION MENU (PRESSURE BASED CONTROL) SOFTWARE VERSIONPS

7 2 - Sensor Configuration 2 Sensor Configuration Calibrate the Forward Speed Sensor and Flow / Pressure Sensors before commencing liquid calibration. 2.1 Forward Speed Sensor The Speed Sensor Factor ("SSF")is the distance travelled forward in the time between two pulses from the forward speed sensor. This could be calculated based on the nominal tyre diameter or rolling distance and then entered manually, however this does not take into account wheel slip, compaction, or tyre deformation under practical operating conditions. The best method is to do an "Auto Cal" Select Wheel Size (Wheel sensor fitted) / Radar Sensor If the sprayer has a standard wheel sensor and magnets installed, you can programme the instrument with two speed sensor factors e.g. one for flotation tyres and another for row crop wheels. Remember to select the appropriate factor after changing wheels. 1 Press to select the "SPEED FACTOR" screen (fig. 3). 2 Move the arrow cursor to select the factor appropriate for flotation tyre or row crop wheel size (or radar sensor if fitted), and press to confirm. Figure 3 Selecting the wheel size /Radar Sensor Wheel Sensor (Flotation tyres) Wheel Sensor (Row crop wheels) 3rd Wheel Option (could be used for a Radar Sensor) "Auto Cal" The "Auto Cal" procedure is the same for a wheel sensor or a Radar Sensor. Mark a set distance of 100 metres (or 100 yards depending on the units set on the instrument) by suitable means. The surface should be representative of the average field conditions (i.e. not a paved surface). Position the vehicle with the first marker level with a suitable reference point on the vehicle. Select '2. Auto Cal', press and then follow the screen instructions.. Stop the vehicle when the second marker lies up with the pre-determined reference point on the vehicle and press to end the "Auto Cal" procedure. The Speed Sensor Factor is automatically re-calculated and stored in memory. NOTE: If you overrun the marker, do not simply reverse - repeat the "Auto Cal" procedure from the beginning. 7

8 2 - Sensor Configuration Manual Calibration If a two-magnet wheel sensor is fitted, drive in field conditions for exactly 5 turns of the sensed wheel. If a propshaft sensor is fitted, drive in field conditions for exactly 10 turns of the propshaft. In either case calculate the factor = Distance travelled 10 and enter the value. If an RDS Radar sensor is fitted (at the correct angle of 37±1 ), 1 Set a factor of metres/pulse (0.306 inches/pulse in Imperial mode). 2 Set the implement full width to 100m. 1. Sensor Configuration 1. Width Setup 3 Select the "INFO" screen to display area accumulation and drive over a 100 metre measured distance. This must be a rolling 100 metres, not a start-stop 100 metres. If the TGSS factor is correct, the AREA display will show hectares. If not (for example if the angle of the sensor is not within ± 37 ) then adjust the factor based on the following calculation, New factor = existing factor x displayed area (ha) 4 Go back to the "SPEED FACTOR" screen and enter the new factor. Don't forget to reset the implement width to normal. 2.2 Width Setup Select the "Width Setup" screen. Figure 4 Setting the number of boom sections 1. Sensor Configuration 1. Width Setup Boom Sections To change the number of boom sections, position the cursor opposite 'BOOM SECTIONS', key-in the number required and press. Default = 7 8

9 2 - Sensor Configuration Set Nozzles per Section and Nozzle Spacing Switch on each boom section in turn to configure the number of nozzles and the nozzle spacing. This screen (fig. 5) appears when a boom switch is switched on. Figure 5 Setting the nozzle spacing and number of nozzles per section 1. Sensor Configuration 1. Width Setup Boom Switch On Default: 10 nozzles per section 0.5 metre spacing 2.3 Flow / Pressure Sensor Setup The sprayer control system is installed with both a flow sensor and a pressure sensor. The signal from both sensors is used for information only i.e. they do not play any part in regulating the flow/pressure. The flow sensor is used to display volumes and actual application rate. The pressure sensor is used to display the operating pressure. Do the Flow / Pressure Sensor Setup before doing the liquid calibration Configure for Flow-based Regulation Figure 6 Flow Sensor Setup 1. Sensor Configuration 2. Flow Sensor Channel The instrument has 4 control channels in total however for the SAC 3 instrument only channels 1 is configured. NOTE: Channel 4 by default is set for controlling a tank-filling flow sensor however this function cannot be configured with software version PS

10 2 - Sensor Configuration Function The function must be left set to "INFO ONLY"". If "NOT USED" were to be set,the instrument would not then display the actual application rate. Sensed Width Programme the total width of the boom section(s) to which liquid is delivered via the flow sensor. This is normally the full boom width but in some installations for practical reasons, it may be a single boom section. Default: 24 metres Flow sensor Calibration Factor Initially set the calibration factor (pulses per litre or pulses per gallon) as given below, according to the size of turbine installed. Turbine size pulses/litre pulses/imperial gallon pulses/us gallon 1/2" /4" " /2" " These values will be sufficient until you do a liquid calibration. Default setting: 650 pulses/litre for a 1" turbine Flow Sensor Calibration Use only clean water. Either perform a jug test using the 'Jug Test Wizard' or alternatively spray out a known volume (e.g. a full tank) and calculate the new factor manually. Jug Test Wizard Go to the 'Nozzle Wizard' screen and press. Follow the screen prompts or for detailed instructions see section 3.1 on 'Liquid Calibration'. The new calibration factor is automatically re-calculated. Spraying a known volume It is recommended in any case to confirm a jug test calibration by spraying out a tank in the field. See section for detailed instructions. 10

11 2 - Sensor Configuration Minimum flow and Maximum flow Set the values according to the size of turbine fitted. Turbine size Min. flow (l / min) Max. flow (l / min) 1/2" /4" " /4" /2" " These values set the DEFAULT threshold for the "FLOW LOW" and "FLOW HIGH" alarms during operation. Minimum and maximum flow can also be set from the "ALARMS SETUP" screen. Default: Min. flow = 0 l/min Max. flow = 220 l/min Valve Type Non-configurable for the SAC 3 control system Configure for Pressure-based Regulation Figure 7 Pressure Sensor Setup 1. Sensor Configuration 3. Pressure Sensor Channel Only channel 1 is enabled. If you select any other channel, you will receive the screen message "NO PRESSURE INPUT" and the instrument would not display pressure. Function The function must be left set to "INFO ONLY"". If "NOT USED" were to be set, the instrument would not display pressure. 11

12 2 - Sensor Configuration Calibrate Pressure Sensor Figure 8 Calibrating the Pressure Sensor 1 Select "CALIBRATION ROUTINE" (fig. 7) and press. 2 Depressurize the manifold and press to set "PRESSURE ZERO". 3 Start the sprayer and set the reference pressure (the typical working pressure) using the keys (fig. 8). 4 Key-in the pressure indicated on the sprayer pressure gauge and press. The "PRESSURE GAIN" is then set and is displayed on the "PRESSURE SENSOR" screen (fig. 7). The pressure sensor is now calibrated ready for nozzle calibration. 2.4 Datum Speed and Electro-Pnuematic Valve Calibration Distinct from Liquid Calibration (section 3), EP Valve Calibration sets the correct relationship between forward speed and control pressure output from the electropnuematic valve. The Datum Speed is different from the "Simulation Speed". It defines the centre point of the output calibration. A voltage output of 4.8v coincides with the datum speed (9 km/h), and converts to an air pressure output of 1 bar by the EP valve. As the actual or simulated speed changes either side of the datum speed so the output voltage to the EP valve will vary, thus varying the control pressure Calibration Procedure The pressure and flow sensors should have been calibrated first. 1 Set the simulated speed to the desired spraying speed e.g. 12 km/h (default = 8 km/h). 2 Set the desired Target Application rate either on the MAIN page or in the Nozzle Wizard. 3 In the Nozzle Wizard, select a nozzle closest to the desired spraying pressure and fit those to the the sprayer (e.g. GREEN, DATUM PRESSURE 2.6 bar) 4 Start Speed Simulation and switch the sprayer on. The symbol should be flashing on the MAIN screen. 12

13 2 - Sensor Configuration 5 Manually adjust the input pressure into the x 6 Amplifier via the needle valve until the actual application rate displayed on the MAIN screen equals the target rate set. NOTE: The actual rate is derived from the pressure sensor fitted on the bottom of the diaphragm cylinder. The pressure now displayed on the MAIN screen should be the Datum pressure as defined in the Nozzle Wizard (e.g 2.6 bar). 6 From the SETUP screen, press and then to stop Speed Simulation, or press. The actual flow rate then reverts to the value calculated from the flow sensor. 2.5 Alarms Setup Figure 9 Alarms Setup 1. Sensor Configuration 5. Alarm Setup MAX. SPEED and MIN. SPEED These values set the thresholds for the forward speed alarm. The Forward Speed alarm and Flow alarms function indepentently from the minimum and maximum values displayed on the nozzle wizard screen. MAX. FLOW and MIN. FLOW These values set the thresholds for the "FLOW HIGH" and "FLOW LOW" alarms during operation. Minimum and maximum flow can also be set from the "FLOW SENSOR" screen. Set the values according to the size of turbine fitted (ref. section 2.3.2). OFF TARGET The "OFF TARGET" setting sets the percentage above or below the target rate at which the alarm will operate e.g. if your target rate is set to 200 litres /ha and your "OFF TARGET" setting is 20%, then the alarm will operate when the actual application rate exceeds 240 litres /ha or drops below 160 litres /ha. Manually key-in the required settings via the alpha-numeric keypad. 13

14 2 - Sensor Configuration 2.6 Nozzle Setup Figure 10 The Nozzle Setup screen otherwise called the "Nozzle Wizard" 1. Sensor Configuration 6. Nozzle Setup NOTE: The Nozzle Setup screen (the "Nozzle Wizard") is also accessed by pressing the key directly from the "SETUP" screen. The instrument is pre-programmed with nozzle data for 8 ISO standard nozzle types. Press to select a nozzle type with a Datum Pressure closest to the desired spraying pressure. Press to confirm the nozzle selection. Press to start the Jug Test Wizard (see section 3) Editing the nozzle characteristics If you are fitting a nozzle type different from any of the preset ISO nozzles A to H, you can easily edit the nozzle characteristics to suit. From the Nozzle Wizard press to select the "NOZZLE EDIT" screen (fig. 11). Figure 11 Editing preset nozzle data For all parameters except "QUALITY", move the cursor to the appropriate line and enter the new data via the alpha-numeric keypad. To change the "QUALITY" settings, press the key to select one of the three settings and then press the key to cycle between "F" (fine droplets), "M" (medium droplets), and "C" (coarse droplets). 14

15 2 - Sensor Configuration 2.7 Display Smoothing Figure 12 Setting the Display Smoothing time 1. Sensor Configuration 7. Display Smoothing The Forward Speed and Application Rate displays are electronically damped. If the readouts are constantly changing by small increments you can increase the damping time to give a steadier readout. 2.8 Calibrating an RPM Sensor 1. Sensor Configuration 8. RPM Setup The following calibration procedure applies regardless of the speed output being sensed e.g. Engine RPM, PTO Speed, Shaft Speed, Fan Speed etc, depending on the particular installation. In all cases, run the sensed component at a known speed. If necessary measure this speed using a hand-held tachometer. Note the speed displayed on the "INFO" screen. The correct Cal. factor = Initial Factor x Displayed Speed Actual Speed Re-access the "RPM SETUP" screen, key-in the new Cal. Factor and press. Default: 1 pulse per rev (PPR) RPM Alarms From the "RPM SETUP" screen you can also set a minumum and maximum RPM at which an alarm is triggered. Simply key-in the values and press to confirm. 15

16 3 - Liquid Calibration 3 Liquid Calibration Ensure the Flow and Pressure sensors have been properly configured (section 2) before doing a liquid calibration. Use only clean water. When spraying more dense liquids such as liquid fertilisers, ensure beforehand that you have selected the correct product and have programmed the correct density for that product from the "PRODUCT CALIBRATION" screen. 3.1 Initial Calibration - using the "Jug Test Wizard" 1 Set the desired target (simulation) speed and target application rate. 2 From the SETUP menu press to select the "Nozzle Wizard" screen. 3 Press to select a nozzle type with a Datum pressure closest to the desired spraying pressure and press. 4 Press to display the "CAL TEST" screen, then switch the sprayer on with the jug under the appropriate nozzle. When a boom section is switched on, the "CAL TEST" screen then displays pressure. NOTE: It is advisable to repeat the jug test for several nozzles across the boom and enter the average of the individual test volumes. 5 Press the STOP key to end the metering period. 6 Enter the test time and press. 7 Enter the test volume (or averaged test volume) and press. The instrument will then calculate and display the new Calibration Factor (pulses/litre) for the flow sensor, and the corresponding Nozzle Flow Rate (litres/min/nozzle) in the Nozzle Wizard. 8 Press "YES" to confirm and set the new factor into memory. NOTE: (i) (ii) (iii) If you don't want to accept the calculated result, you can either; Press "NO". The "CAL TEST" screen will then display the existing calibration factor. You may at this point either key-in a different value or press to return to the "Nozzle Wizard". Press "ESC" to go back through the "CAL TEST" screen sequence (e.g. to re-enter the test volume and/or the test time after repeating the jug test). Performing the jug test will correct the nozzle reference flow rate figure and will also correct the calibration factor for the flow turbine. This is not the most accurate method of calibrating the flow turbine as the test volume is small. See for more accurate flow sensor calibration. 16

17 3 - Liquid Calibration 3.2 Fine-tuning the Nozzle Flow Rate Liquid calibration should be checked and adjusted regularly over the season to compensate for factors including nozzle wear Adjusting the Flow Sensor Factor 1 Select the "INFO" screen and reset the "PART TOTAL" to zero. 2 Return to the "MAIN" screen and set the target application rate. 3 Spray out a known volume e.g. a full tank. Select the "INFO" screen and note the "PART TOTAL" clocked. Compare this with the actual amount that has been sprayed out of the tank. If there is a difference between the two figures, correct the error using the the formula below. Part Total clocked Known Volume x Existing Calibration Factor = NEW Calibration Factor 4 From the "SETUP" page, select the "FLOW SENSOR" setup screen (fig. 13). Figure 13 Adjusting the Flow Sensor Calibration Factor 1. Sensor Configuration 2. Flow Sensor 5 Position the cursor opposite the "CAL FACTOR" and key-in the new value. 17

18 3 - Liquid Calibration 3.3 Programming the Product Density (for liquid fertilisers) You must programme the liquid density when spraying fertilisers. The system will then automatically compensate and increase the spraying pressure in relation to the density of the liquid in order to maintain the correct application rate and spray performance. Whenever the programmed density for the selected product is greater than 1.00 the instrument will display the icon on the main screen. NOTE : "DENSITY" meaning relative density:- the density of the liquid relative to that of water. 1 Press to select the "SETUP" screen. 2 Press to select the "PRODUCT SELECTION" screen. 3 Press to select the "PRODUCT CALIBRATION" screen then "1" or to select "CALIBRATION FACTORS". Product 1-8 factory-set as follows: Product Name Density Spray Spray Spray Spray Spray Spray Spray Spray Select the product using the arrow keys then move to the line "DENSITY" and enter the correct value. 5 Use the "ESC" key or press to return to the "SETUP" screen, (or press the MAIN key to return to the operation screen). 18

19 4 - Technician Configuration 4 Technician Configuration The operator is unlikely to need access in normal use. Access to this menu can be restricted by creating or subsequently changing the PIN number from within the menu. 4.1 Boom / Cutout Inputs Figure 14 Selecting the BOOM/ CUTOUT options 2. Technician Config 1. Boom/Cutout Inputs Configure the Boom / Cutout inputs as required; "NORMAL / PULLED UP" "NORMAL / PULLED DOWN" "INVERTED / PULLED UP" "INVERTED / PULLED DOWN" - input switches to 0V when switched OFF - input switches to +V when switched ON - input switches to 0V when switched ON - input switches to +V when switched OFF 4.2 Nudge Step Size 2. Technician Config 2. Nudge Step Size The "NUDGE STEP SIZE" sets the % increase / decrease when you vary off the target rate in AUTO mode. Default: 5% 4.3 Print Calibration Data 2. Technician Config 2. Nudge Step Size It is always a good idea to keep a record of calibration data either in the back of the manual, or as a printout. Connect the printer to the upper serial port. Ensure first that the port has been configured for a printer (section 4.15). Selecting the "PRINT CAL DATA" menu function immediately sends the data to the serial port. The message "Printer Busy" is displayed while data transfer is ocurring. If the bar on the screen stops filling up part way, the instrument cannot establish communication with the printer. Check the connections. 19

20 4 - Technician Configuration 4.4 Ports Setup Configuring the top port Enabling output to a Printer or PC Set the top port to "RDS PRINTER" or "PC DOWNLOAD" as required. The default data transfer protocol for an RDS In-Cab printer is; Baud rate: 4800 Data Bits: 7 Stop Bits: 2 Parity: None Handshake:RTS These settings cannot be changed. If you wish to use another printer, it must be conform to this protocol. Receiving Variable Rate Treatment (VRT) instructions The SAC 3 can act on variable-rate treatment instructions received from either an RDS Data Module or from another controller. Presently it can receive instructions from FIELDSTAR (TYPE 1), SOYL OPTI, AGROCOM ACT and HYDRO-N SENSOR instruments. Set as required Configuring the bottom port Enabling GPS input only If the SAC 3 is is to be configured for VRT applications, then select either "GPS (4800) ONLY" or "GPS (9600) ONLY" according to the baud rate that your GPS receiver is configured. NOTE: Other options in the menu have no relevance for the SAC 3. Ignore "RDS MODE B" and "RDS DEBUG" options. 4.5 PIN Change From the TECHNICIAN CONFIG menu you can programme your own PIN for that menu. Just follow the screen instructions. If you forget your personalised PIN, contact RDS for instructions. 4.6 Rate Display Lock-on 2. Technician Config 6. rate Display lock On 20 "RATE DISPLAY LOCK-ON" is a percentage figure. It sets the % by which the application rate fluctuates either side of a nominal application rate before the instrument display then changes. For example, if your actual application rate fluctuates in normal operation from 97 to 103 l/ha at a nominal application rate of 100 l/ha, you may decide that it is acceptable for the instrument to display a steady readout of 100 l/ha between those limits i.e. ±3%. In this case the lock-on figure should be set to 3.0. "Rate Display Lock-on" is distinct from "Display Smoothing".

21 5 - Factory Configuration 5 Factory Configuration The operator is unlikely to need access in normal use. Access to this menu can be restricted by changing the PIN number from within the menu. Enter the default PIN number 1234 to access the menu. 5.1 Factors Reset Figure 15 Resetting the calibration factors to the factory default values 3. Factory Config 1. Factor Reset A "FACTORS RESET" should be considered in two instances. Firstly, if the instrument is to be transferred to a different sprayer, it may be easier to re-calibrate the instrument from the factory default settings in a systematic way. Secondly, if you are encountering problems with the instrument during operation but cannot successfully resolve them, a total software reset may help in the troubleshooting procedure. Follow the screen prompts to reset the instrument to the factory default settings. NOTE: All customised factors and other data will be lost. Keep a record of the existing calibration data. 5.2 Factor Stores Figure 16 Storing / Restoring CAL data 3. Factory Config 2. Factor Stores Each time the instrument is powered down, all current calibration data is automatically stored to "STORE A", and overwrites the previous data in "STORE A". For extra security the same calibration data can be manually written to "STORE B". This data will NOT be overwritten each time the instrument is switched off, but it WILL be cleared after a Total Software Reset ("RESET FACTORS"). 21

22 4 - Factory Configuration 5.3 PIN Change From the FACTORY CONFIG menu you can programme your own PIN for that menu. Just follow the screen instructions. If you forget your personalised PIN, contact RDS for instructions. 22

23 6 - User Options 6 User Options 6.1 Set Time and date 4. User Options 1. Time / Date If you need to change the time or date setting, position the cursor against the relevant line, key-in the new value and press. 6.2 Adjust Screen Constrast and Brightness Figure 17 Adjusting Constrast and Brightness 4. User Options 2. Constrast Brightness The screen may go darker at very high or very low temperatures. For example, on a very cold morning it may take a short period of time for the display to gain normal constrast as the instrument warms up. This is a normal characteristic of this type of display and does not mean the display is faulty. If by accident the constrast setting is adjusted so that the screen graphics can no longer be viewed (i.e. completely light or dark), don't panic! - you can navigate directly to the "DISPLAY" screen by pressing and holding the key for at least 20 seconds. The instrument will bleep at 0.5 second intervals as long as the key is depressed. You can then adjust the display using the arrow keys. 6.3 Set Units 4. User Options 3. Units The "UNITS" menu gives 5 choices. Km / Ha / L / kg (default) Km / Ha / m 3 / tonnes Mile / Acre / Gal / lb Mile / Acre / kgal / tons Mile / Acre / US gal / lb 23

24 6 - User Options 6.4 Set Language Figure 18 Setting the Language 4. Factory Config 4. Language 24

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26 Document History Issue 1 17/7/00 Original Issue PS Issue 2 24/9/00 Correction / updated for software issue PS