AMVAC SmartBox User manual

Parts and Operator’s Manual

Introduction
CONGRATULATIONS! By purchasing the SmartBox®system, you have obtained the
world’s rst variable-rate, speed-compensated and totally enclosed system for the
application of low-rate granular insecticides. The SmartBox®system was created to
allow granular insecticides to be applied accurately, efciently and safely to your crops.
The information presented in this Parts & Operator’s Manual will introduce you to the
components of the SmartBox® system; provide step-by-step instructions on how to
install the system on your planter, and lead you through the programming and operating
steps required to obtain the most accurate application and record keeping possible.
Please read all of the information in Section A before proceeding to Sections B, C, D
and E. Section A will tell you the tools needed for installation and operation, as well as
give you helpful hints to make installing the system as effortless as possible.
From all of the employees at AMVAC Chemical Corporation who have worked to offer
you the SmartBox® system, we are condent that you will enjoy the many benets
of our product. Should you have any questions or comments, please feel free to
contact your local AMVAC sales representative or call our Customer Service Center
at 1-888-SMARTBOX (1-888-762-7826). You may also write to us at the following
address:
AMVAC Chemical Corporation
Attn: SmartBox®Customer Service
2110 Davie Avenue
Commerce, CA 90040
www.amvac-chemical.com or www.amvacSmartBox.com
SmartBox® is a registered trademark of AMVAC Chemical Corp.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Safety Precautions
Warranty
System Installation Section A
System Overview
System Description
What’s Included
What’s Not Included
How to Get Started
Installation
Controller System
Row Units
Transfer Container
Wiring Cables
Lift Switch (Whisker)
Appendix A
Planter Drawings
System Setup Section B
Controller Setup
Controller Functions
RowConguration
PlanterConguration
Speed Calibration
Grouping
Console Adjust
Chemical Information
Computer Setup Section C
Installation of SmartBox®System Manager
System Manager Setup
SmartBox®System Manager
Add a New Controller
Set Current Controller
Data Download
Clear All Controller Info
Delete a Controller
(Continued Next Page)

Computer Setup
(continued) Section C
Grower Information
Add a New Grower
Update Grower Info
Delete a Grower
Print Grower Info Report
Operator Information
Add a New Operator
Update Operator Info
Delete an Operator
Print Operator Listing
Field Information
Update Field Info
Print Field Listing
Report Options
Printing Reports
Operations
Section D
Pre-Season Checklist
Operation
Transfer Container
Meter Calibration
SmartBox®Calibration Record
Replacing a Meter
Speed Calibration
Select Field Number
Field Cal Adjust
On/Off
Set Weather Specs
AB Control Switch
Area Information
Variable Rate
MPH...Area Monitor
Troubleshooting
2013 SmartBox System Trouble
shooting Section E
Troubleshooting
Speed Calibration
Meter Calibration
Meter Catch Test
Guide for Operation
System Application Issues

4
A

5
A
5
System Overview
System Description:
The SmartBox®System is a closed transfer and application system which uses electron
-
ically controlled metering technology to accurately and safely apply low-rate granular in-
secticides. The system features a controller which can store and record the necessary
information required by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for record keeping.
The controller can easily download the stored information to a personal computer at the
user’s convenience. Information can be transferred to a Widows based personal com-
puterusingaUSBashdrive.AWindowsbasedrecordkeepingsoftwareprogramis
also included with the system.
An added feature of the SmartBox®System is the ability to enter controller information
and function into the supplied AMVAC SmartBox®system manager software and trans-
fertothecontrollerusingaUSBashdriveforeasiersetup.
The SmartBox®Systemprovidestheoperatorwithon-the-goexibilitytomonitorand
change various operation parameters or set the system and allow it to run automatically.
The controller, which mounts inside the tractor cab, enables the user to quickly change
thechemicalapplicationrateorshutoffowtoone,all,oranycombinationofplanter
rows.
Input from a lift switch mounted on the planter will shut the system off when the planter
is raised. Audio and visual alarms on the controller alert the user of a possible plugged
rowtube,non-owingmeter,oranemptychemicalbox.
The accuracy of the SmartBox®system is elevated if true ground speed is measured
using radar, GPS, or another true wheel speed measurement device. With accurate
speed input and proper calibration, the meters will automatically compensate for varia-
tions in planter speed to keep the chemical application rate accurate. If true ground
speedisnotavailable,axedplantingspeedcanbeentered,butapplicationaccuracy
willdependonhowclosetheactualgroundspeedmatchesthexedspeedenteredin
the controller.
The SmartBox®System requires an activation code for use. Users are required to
register and activate their SmartBox®System annually. Upon registration the user will

6
A
receive any updated software that has been released. Updates can be easily installed
on your SmartBox®controllerusingaUSBashdrive.
The SmartBox®System can be registered by going to www.AMVACsmartbox.com.
AMVAC SmartBox®Home Web Page

7
A
What’s Included:
The AMVAC SmartBox
®System consists of the components listed below. All compo-
nents will be received in the quantities required for your planter according to the manu
-
facturer, row count, planter fold type, and row mounting bracket style (if required).
Controller:
The controller is the central control of the SmartBox®System. It is installed
in the tractor cab and connects to the 12-volt power port located in the tractor cab.
A mounting bracket and hardware is included.
Power Distribution Box:
The power distribution box controls the communication and
regulates the power supply to each meter. It is mounted at the center of the main plant
-
er bar near the row units.
Controller Power Distribution Box

8
A
SmartBox®System Manager:
The SmartBox®System Manager software can be used for setting up your controller
and storing application information.
The SmartBox System Manager software is a Windows based PC program that is
compatible with Windows XP – Service Pack 3, Windows Vista, Windows 7 and
Windows 8.
AMVAC SmartBox®Home Web Page
Meter: The meter is attached to the base container and includes both the metering
deviceandaowsensor.Oncethemetersarecongured,thecontrollerisabletoiden
-
tify the exact meter and row number if a problem occurs. A 30” vinyl braided tube, hose
clamp, gasket, and meter screen is also provided with each meter.
Meter

9
A
Wiring Cables: Cables included with the system include
:tractor harness, (30 or 60
Amp) planter harness, (30 or 60 Amp), console pigtail harness, row adapter cables,
4-row harness and 8-row harness, and meter extension cable. These cables make
electrical and communication connections between the controller and meters.
30
Amp tractor and 30 Amp planter cables are for use on system 23 rows and less.
60 Amp tractor and 60 Amp planter cables are for use on systems 24 rows and greater.
Lift Switch:
The mechanical lift switch with cable is used to signal the controller that the
planter is either in the raised or lowered position. This input tells the controller when to
start and stop the meters to avoid discharge of chemical when the planter is in the up
position. The lift switch is connected directly to the power distribution box.
Lift Switch