Norac UC4 Total Control User manual

UC4 Total Control
Automatic Boom Height
Operator’s Manual
2006
Canada
NORAC Systems International Inc.
CALL TOLL FREE: 1-800-667-3921
[phone]
SHIPPING ADDRESS:
3702 Kinnear Place
Saskatoon, SK
S7P 0A6
United States
NORAC, Inc.
CALL TOLL FREE: 1-866-306-6722
[phone]
SHIPPING ADDRESS:
1290 Osborne Rd. NE, Suite F
Fridley, MN
55432-2892
For other service locations please view our website:
www.norac.ca
Improving the Competitiveness of Industry and Agriculture
through Precision Measurement

Table of Contents
1 INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................... 2
2 CHECK YOUR SOFTWARE VERSION ............................................................. 2
3 OPERATOR SAFETY ............................................................................................ 3
4 GENERAL SYSTEM DESCRIPTION .................................................................. 4
4.1 INSTALLATION.......................................................................................5
4.2 SENSORS................................................................................................5
4.3 MOUNTING THE CENTER SENSOR ..........................................................7
4.3.1 Turning the Center (Main lift Section) Off....................................7
4.3.2 Adjust the Sensor Offset................................................................8
4.3.3 Add an Additional Sensor .............................................................8
4.4 POWER CABLE .......................................................................................9
4.5 SENSOR CABLES ..................................................................................10
4.6 CONTROL PANEL .................................................................................10
4.6.1 LCD Screen.................................................................................11
4.6.2 SENSOR DISPLAY/SETUP Switch (NO)....................................11
4.6.3 The +/- switch .............................................................................11
4.6.4 AUTO/MANUAL switch (YES) ...................................................12
4.6.5 POWER switch............................................................................12
4.7 REMOTE CONTROLS ............................................................................12
5 SYSTEM OPERATION........................................................................................ 13
5.1 TYPICAL OPERATION ...........................................................................13
5.1.1 Using the Toggle Switches..........................................................15
5.1.2 Change to Automatic or Manual Mode.......................................15
5.1.3 Adjust the Target Height (Setpoint) ............................................16
5.1.4 View the Actual Boom Height.....................................................16
5.1.5 Change the Sensitivity of the System (SENSI).............................16
5.1.6 Change Between SOIL and CROP mode ....................................16
5.2 UNDERSTANDING PERFORMANCE ISSUES ............................................17
5.3 UNDERSTANDING CROP MODE ............................................................20
5.4 MENU NAVIGATION.............................................................................22
5.4.1 Normal Operating Screen...........................................................22
5.4.2 Main Menu Overview..................................................................23
5.4.3 Menu Structure Map ...................................................................24
6 SYSTEM SETUP ................................................................................................... 25
6.1 INITIAL POWER UP..............................................................................25
6.2 INSTALL...............................................................................................25
6.3 RETUNE...............................................................................................26
6.4 LEVELING CHAINS...............................................................................26
6.5 AUTOMATIC SYSTEM SETUP.......................................................27
6.6 MANUAL SYSTEM SETUP .............................................................40
6.6.1 Setting Up Sensors......................................................................40
6.6.2 Setting Up Hydraulic Valves.......................................................42
6.6.3 Turning Booms OFF or ON........................................................46
6.6.4 "Other ?" SETUP Options ..........................................................46

1
6.6.5 "Other ?" SENSOR Options........................................................47
7 MAINTENANCE................................................................................................... 49
8 TROUBLESHOOTING ........................................................................................ 50
8.1 POWER SUPPLY ...................................................................................51
8.2 SENSOR ...............................................................................................51
8.3 REMOTE SWITCH .................................................................................52
8.4 HYDRAULIC .........................................................................................53
8.5 CONTROL PANEL .................................................................................54
8.6 OTHER .................................................................................................54
9 STATEMENT OF LIMITED WARRANTY....................................................... 55

2
1 Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of the Norac UC4 automated sprayer boom
height control system. The system is manufactured with top quality
components and is engineered using the latest technology to provide
operating features and reliability unmatched for years to come.
When properly used the system can provide protection from sprayer boom
damage, improve sprayer efficiency, and ensure chemicals are applied
correctly.
Please take the time to read this manual completely through before attempting
to use the system. Although the UC4 has been designed for easy set up and
use, a thorough understanding of this manual will ensure that you receive the
maximum benefit from the system. If you have any questions or comments
regarding the operation of the UC4 please contact Norac at any of the
numbers below. If you require service, phone us or visit our web site for the
location of the Norac Service center nearest to you.
Phone (toll free):
1-800-667-3921 in Canada
1-866-306-6722 in the United States
0-800-404-8389 in the United Kingdom
1-306-664-6711 all other regions
E-mail: [email protected]
Web Site: www.norac.ca
2 Check Your Software Version
The information in this manual applies to systems with Version 4 UC4
control panel software. When the panel is turned on, the software version and
revision will be displayed for a few seconds. If your panel does not display a
version when it is turned on, your software is Version 1 (all revisions).
All UC4 panels can have their software upgraded for a nominal fee. It is
recommended that all panels with earlier software be updated to the current
software version. Contact your local dealer or Norac for more information.

3
3 Operator Safety
**************** DANGER ****************
1. Always ensure that the UC4 system is powered down or
in Manual Mode:
•before leaving the operator’s seat;
•while the machine is not moving;
•or when transporting the machine;
2. Under no circumstances should any service work be
performed on the machinery while the UC4 system is in
the Automatic Mode.
3. Before working on any part of the booms the following
action must be taken:
•set the UC4 system to Manual Mode using the
AUTO/MAN switch;
•turn the sprayer’s engine off.
4. Do not operate this machine before:
•reading & understanding the operator's manual;
•gaining a thorough understanding of how to
conduct machine operations.
5. To show technical details of the machine some figures in
this manual may show safety shields removed. Never
operate this machine with any safety devices removed or
disconnected.
6. The UC4 system will greatly improve your spraying
height accuracy and protect the boom against damage in
a wide variety of field conditions.
Under some circumstances performance may be limited.
The OPERATOR of the sprayer must remain ALERT at
all times and override the automatic control when
necessary. Refer to the warranty statement in Section 9
for more details.

4
4 General System Description
Figure 1 shows the general layout of the UC4 Boom Control system. The
function of each of the major system components is described in this section.
RIGHT OUTER
SENSOR (RO)
LEFT OUTER
SENSOR (LO)
OPTIONAL
MAIN LIFT
SENSOR (ML)
SENSOR BRANCH
CABLE CONNECTION
SENSOR BRACKET
OPTIONAL LEFT
INNER SENSOR (LI) OPTIONAL RIGHT
INNER SENSOR (RI)
CONTROL PANEL
POWER CABLE
SENSOR TRUNK
CABLE
MAIN ROLL
SENSOR (MR)
LEFT OUTER
SENSOR (LO)
OPTIONAL MAIN
LIFT SENSOR (ML)
OPTIONAL LEFT
INNER SENSOR (LI)
RIGHT OUTER
SENSOR (RO)
OPTIONAL RIGHT
INNER SENSOR (RI)
MAIN ROLL
SENSOR (MR)
Figure 1. System Components and General Location

5
4.1 Installation
For proper installation of the UC4 boom control system please refer to the
installation manual for your model of sprayer.
4.2 Sensors
Three sensors are provided with your UC4 boom control kit. The sensors use
ultrasound to measure the distance to the ground, or the top of the crop.
Three sensors are required to provide good overall height management of the
boom. Two sensors are mounted on the outer sections of each wing (see
Figure 2). These sensors maintain each wing at the set target height
independently.
Figure 2 – UC4 Sensor and Mounting Bracket
The third sensor is mounted on the main boom (center section). The center
sensor is useful for setting your initial spray height when you begin a field. It
is true that the center height will not change much, in consistent soil
conditions, since both ends of the main boom follow the height of the power
unit. However, it is extremely difficult to accurately judge the boom’s actual
height from the cab. It is also normally quite difficult for the operator to see
the center section nozzles. It is common for operators to be in error from 8 to
12 inches or more. How often does your operator check nozzle height with a
tape measure? The UC4 panel will give you an actual height reading in the
cab, and allow active control to the desired height.

6
Another good reason for the main boom sensor is that soil conditions change
along with the weight of the machine. As the level of fluid in the tank of the
sprayer changes throughout the day and soil conditions vary, the height of the
center boom will change because of the amount the tires sink into the soil.
Special attention must be taken into consideration when mounting the center
sensor, as explained in Section 4.3.
Norac ultrasonic sensors are designed to work best in the brackets provided
(shown above). If you decide to use a different style of sensor mount you
may limit the performance of the sensor and/or void your warranty. Further,
it is important to follow the guidelines in the Installation Manual provided
with your kit for mounting the sensors. The sensors should be at least 9
inches above and 9 inches in front of the spray nozzles.
For large boom or severe terrain applications, an additional sensor may be
mounted near the midpoint of each boom to obtain an average height reading.
The average height reading will provide improved height control over the
length of the boom, and protect the boom in severe terrain conditions (see
Figure 3).
POSSIBLE CRASH
WITHOUT ADDITIONAL SENSORS
CRASH AVOIDED
WITH ADDITIONAL SENSORS
Figure 3 – Severe Terrain – Additional Sensors Required
On sprayer models with center frame roll capability (as illustrated in Figure
4) the center boom sensor can also be used adjust the roll angle of the entire
boom. Addition of this sensor to the UC4 system can greatly improve the
speed and stability of the automatic control actions. Contact Norac for more
information on the availability of roll control for your sprayer model.

7
Figure 4 – Roll Control of the Center Frame
4.3 Mounting the Center Sensor
Special attention is necessary when mounting the center roll sensor.
Mounting the center roll sensor directly behind a sprayer tire may impair
main lift control when operating in CROP MODE. Height readings from
crop that is flattened by the sprayer wheel does not provide an accurate
measurement of canopy height, resulting in poor performance. Moving the
roll (center) sensor to a different location away from the wheel is the easiest
solution, however this is not always practical. Other options are explained
below.
4.3.1 Turning the Center (Main lift Section) Off
This workaround will disable the center section’s AUTOMATIC control;
however, manual control will still be possible. Sprayer wings will still be
controlled automatically. Carry out the following procedure using the UC4
control panel:
1. Make sure you are in manual mode, at the operating screen.
↓
↓↓
↓ 35 MM 35
35 MM 3535 MM 35
35 MM 35
2. Navigate to the "More ?" item in the SETUP menu. Press AUTO (YES).
3. Navigate to the "Main ?" item in the SETUP menu. Press AUTO (YES).
4. At the "Main On" prompt, toggle the +/- switch to change to “Main Off”.
↓
↓↓
↓ Main Off
Main OffMain Off
Main Off
5. Press and hold SETUP for two seconds to return to the operational
screen.

8
4.3.2 Adjust the Sensor Offset
To compensate for the lack of crop in the “wheel track”, adjust the main lift
sensor’s height reading offset (Zero Height) so that the sensor will read
higher to match the average height of your crop. Carry out the following
procedure using the UC4 control panel:
1. Make sure you are in manual mode, at the operating screen.
↓
↓↓
↓ 35 MM 35
35 MM 3535 MM 35
35 MM 35
2. Navigate to the "More ?" item in the SENSOR DISPLAY menu. Press
AUTO (YES).
3. Navigate to the "Main ?" item in the SENSOR DISPLAY menu. Press
AUTO (YES).
4. Toggle SENSOR DISPLAY to display the MLht menu item.
↓
↓↓
↓ MLht
MLhtMLht
MLht 47
4747
47
5. The “+” switch will increase the reading, the “–“ switch will decrease the
reading. DECREASE the reading by the difference in height between
standing crop and trampled crop in the “wheel track”. Adjust this until
ALL three sections (right, left, main) are level in the field while in
AUTOMATIC mode. This may take some experimentation in field
conditions.
6. To return to the operating screen, press and hold SETUP for two seconds.
Note that this is subject to a “trial and error” approach to getting this set
adequately. The advantage is that AUTOMATIC control will be retained for
the center section. Depending on the crop, the depression caused by the
wheel might vary. Note that when turning the implement, the “wheel track”
will follow a different path. If the roll sensor detects standing crop in this
situation, the center section will lift momentarily.
NOTE: zero height (for the main lift sensor) will need to be reset when using
SOIL MODE operation.
4.3.3 Add an Additional Sensor
The final option would be to add a fourth sensor to your system to handle the
main lift measuring duties. This sensor would need to be mounted on the
center section such that it will NOT read in the wheel track. If you use this
option, ensure that the roll sensor and the added sensor are located at least 36

9
inches apart to avoid cross-talk. Call NORAC Systems and describe your
situation to get pricing for an additional sensor, cabling, and mounting
brackets/hardware.
Once you have your sensor in place and electrically connected, carry out the
following steps via the control panel to configure your system for four-sensor
operation.
1. Make sure you are in manual mode, at the operating screen.
↓
↓↓
↓ 35 MM 35
35 MM 3535 MM 35
35 MM 35
2. Navigate to the "More ?" item in the SENSOR DISPLAY menu. Press
AUTO (YES).
3. Navigate to the "Main ?" item in the SENSOR DISPLAY menu. Press
AUTO (YES).
4. At the "ML" prompt, it will likely show the following:
↓
↓↓
↓ ML proxy
ML proxyML proxy
ML proxy
Toggle the “+” switch to search for sensors. Then use the “+” switch to
scroll through the list of sensor serial numbers. When the serial number
(that matches the new main sensor that you have installed) is shown,
press AUTO (YES) to confirm. Toggle SENSOR DISPLAY once to
display the “MLht” menu item to check/calibrate the new sensor’s height.
5. Press and hold SETUP for two seconds to return to the operational
screen.
NOTE: Configuring the additional sensor may also be accomplished by
performing a “Install”, as described in Section 6.2.
4.4 Power Cable
The power cable supplies 12 volt D.C. negative ground power to the
control panel and the sensors. The system will function properly with a
supply between 11 and 28 volts and may draw up to 10 amperes during
normal operation.
The control panel contains intelligent valve drive circuitry that helps to
protect the system against short circuits and other wiring problems.
However, it is still recommended to connect the UC4 power cable to a
fused supply, that turns on and off with the ignition key of the
sprayer/tractor.

10
4.5 Sensor Cables
The ultrasound sensors are connected to the control panel via sensor cables.
A "trunk" cable runs from the panel to the sprayer boom. From the trunk
cable, a standard "branch" cable allows for connection of the two standard
boom sensors and an optional center sensor (refer to Figure 5). Another
optional branch cable is required to connect additional sensors.
WING SENSOR
(LO OR RO)
MAIN ROLL
SENSOR (MR)
WING SENSOR
(LO OR RO)
CONNECTS TO
SENSOR TRUNK CABLE
Figure 5 – Branch Cable
4.6 Control Panel
The control panel (Figure 6) is the main component of the UC4 system
because it regulates the operation of the entire system. The panel uses the
readings from the ultrasonic sensors to control solenoid operated valves
(usually hydraulic), that in turn adjust the boom height. The control panel
will:
(1) indicate when the system is in automatic or manual mode,
(2) indicate any hydraulic action which is underway, and
(3) accept input to adjust all control system settings.

11
Figure 6 – UC4 Control Panel
4.6.1 LCD Screen
During normal operation, the LCD screen will show the status of the
system and allow you to examine or change settings. All settings for the
UC4 system are stored in cyclic menus. This type of menu allows the user
to access each menu entry by progressively toggling the appropriate switch.
4.6.2 SENSOR DISPLAY/SETUP Switch (NO)
Pressing UP on the SENSOR DISPLAY / SETUP switch will access the
SENSOR DISPLAY menu. This menu provides information about the
sensors. Pressing DOWN on the SENSOR DISPLAY / SETUP switch will
access the SETUP menu. This menu provides options and settings
regarding the UC4 system parameters.
Toggling this switch in the SETUP direction also provides the alternate
function "NO". In some instances the control panel may prompt the
operator with a question that requires a yes or no response. For a more
detailed description of the SENSOR DISPLAY / SETUP menus, see
Section 5.4 - Menu Navigation.
4.6.3 The +/- switch
Use the +/- switch to change various settings in each of the SETUP and
SENSOR DISPLAY menus. Use the +/- to increment numerical entries. If
the switch is held, the number will continue to automatically increase or
decrease. If the selections for the menu item are to be picked from a list,
this switch will present the next selection in the list. When in AUTO mode
use this switch to modify the control height set point.
Not all menus allow the user to change the setting with the +/- toggle
switch. Some screens are only for informational purposes. In a menu

12
where a setting cannot be changed, the +/- toggle switch is ignored.
4.6.4 AUTO/MANUAL switch (YES)
The UC4 boom control system has two operational modes – automatic and
manual. This switch changes the operational mode of the system. In
automatic mode (AUTO), the control panel will regulate the height of each
boom to a predetermined set point. In manual mode (MANUAL), the
sprayer functions as if no automatic control system is present.
When the system is in AUTO the operator can override automatic control
by operating the manual switches on the sprayer's boom controls (usually a
joystick or multifunction handgrip).
The AUTO switch also provides the alternate function "YES". In some
instances the control panel may prompt the operator with a question that
requires a yes or no response.
4.6.5 POWER switch
This switch is located on the left side of the panel and is used to turn the
power to the system on or off. For safety reasons, the system always
powers up in manual mode. Consequently it is important to make sure that
the power switch cannot be accidentally bumped during field operation.
4.7 Remote Controls
Remote control of several functions on the UC4 panel is possible. Remote
AUTO and remote MANUAL switches can be wired to the control panel.
This feature allows the operator to control the mode of the UC4 system
from an external switch or controller.
A motion inhibit wire is also available that will stop automatic control
actions unless the sprayer indicates that it is in motion. See Section 6.6.4.1
for more information on remote control settings.

13
5 System Operation
This section outlines the system’s features and controls during basic field
operation. Before you can operate your UC4 system in automatic, it needs
to be configured either automatically or manually. If your panel will allow
automatic mode as shown below, it has been configured. If your panel will
not allow automatic mode, it will attempt to begin or resume automatic
setup. Refer to Section 6 for setup instructions.
5.1 Typical Operation
The operating screen provides information pertaining to the height and
mode of both booms. Figure 7 shows a typical operating screen.
LEFT BOOM
TARGET HEIGHT
LEFT BOOM VALVE
COMMAND (DOWN)
LEFT BOOM CONTROL
MODE (AUTOMATIC)
RIGHT BOOM CONTROL
MODE (MANUAL)
RIGHT BOOM
ACTUAL HEIGHT
Figure 7 – Normal Operating Screen
When a boom is in automatic mode, indicated by an "A" in the control
mode portion of the screen, the UC4 panel shows the target boom height.
In manual mode, indicted by an "M" in the control mode portion of the
screen, the UC4 panel shows the current boom height reading.
In both automatic and manual modes the screen will also show arrows to
indicate that the boom is being commanded to move. Table 1 explains
some examples of typical operating screens.

14
Table 1 – Example Operating Screens
Screen Meaning
3
33
36
66
6 A
AA
A A
AA
A 3
33
3 6
66
6
Both sides in automatic control, the target boom height
is 36 inches.
3
33
36
66
6
↑
↑↑
↑
A
AA
A A
AA
A 3
33
3 6
66
6
As above, but now the left side is taking corrective
action, upwards.
3
33
36
66
6 A
AA
A A
AA
A
↓
↓↓
↓
3
33
3 6
66
6
As above, but now the right side is taking corrective
action, downwards.
3
33
36
66
6
↓
↓↓
↓
3
33
3 6
66
6
As above, but now the main lift (center) is taking
corrective action, downwards. Control mode temporarily
disappears while center is active.
3
33
36
66
6
⌠
⌠⌠
⌠
3
33
3 6
66
6
A curved arrow in this direction indicates that the mai
n
roll section is taking action in the clockwise direction
(left boom up).
3
33
34
44
4 M
MM
M A
AA
A 3
33
3 6
66
6
Left boom is in manual control, current actual boo
m
height is 34 inches. Right boom is in automatic control,
the target boom height is 36 inches.
3
33
34
44
4 M
MM
M M
MM
M
↓
↓↓
↓
3
33
3 6
66
6
Left boom is in manual control, the current actual height
is 34 inches. The operator is manually lowering the right
boom, the current actual height is 36 inches.
Table 2 - Special Screens
↓
↓↓
↓Minimum
MinimumMinimum
Minimum↓
↓↓
↓
⇒ Override
OverrideOverride
Override↓
↓↓
↓
This screen indicates that an attempt has been made to adjust the target
height below the minimum height allowed. Refer to Section 6.6.5.1 for
more information.
↓
↓↓
↓SafteyOn
SafteyOnSafteyOn
SafteyOn↓
↓↓
↓
This screen means that the system is inhibiting automatic mode because the
sprayer indicates that it is not ready (not in motion or operator seat switch is
invalid etc). Your system must be wired properly and the sprayer must
have the proper sensors to take advantage of this feature – see Section
6.6.4.1 for more information.
↓
↓↓
↓>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>↓
↓↓
↓ ⇒ >>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>> ↓
↓↓
↓
The control panel is busy with a task that may take a few seconds. Wait for
the arrows to disappear before activating any UC4 toggle switches.

15
5.1.1 Using the Toggle Switches
All functions on the UC4 panel are activated using its three toggle switches.
To access either the SENSOR DISPLAY or SETUP menus, make sure you
are at the Normal Operating Screen. Toggle toward the word describing
the menu you wish to access. To adjust the setting of individual menu
items use the +/- switch while the item is displayed.
DISPLAY
SENSOR
SETUP MANUA L
+
DISPLAY
SENSOR AUTO
UC4
BOOM
CO NTR O L
CONTROL
+
SETUP
SETUP
SENSOR
DISPLAY
MANUAL
AUTO
BOOM
UC4
Menu items will time out and return to the Normal Operating Screen after
30 seconds. If you wish to return to the operating screen sooner, press and
hold the SETUP switch for two seconds. Any new settings will take affect
once the Normal Operating Screen is displayed.
If you wish to lock the sensor height readings on the screen indefinitely,
press the + switch once while viewing the desired sensors. This will
override the timeout feature.
5.1.2 Change to Automatic or Manual Mode
Change the mode from manual to automatic with the AUTO/MANUAL
toggle switch on the UC4 control panel. Make sure you are at the Normal
Operating Screen.
When the system is in manual mode the boom may be controlled as usual
with the boom control switches on the sprayers multifunction handgrip.
When the system is in automatic mode, operating the sprayer's left or right
boom control switches will immediately cause that boom to revert to
manual mode. The sprayer (joystick) switches will override automatic boom
height control on either the left or right side. The AUTO switch must be
activated to return that boom to automatic mode.
The sprayer's main lift switches provide a target height adjustment feature
(see Section 5.1.3). If you press and hold the main up or main down
switches for more than two seconds, your panel will switch ALL booms
(left, right, main, and roll) to manual mode. This feature provides a
convenient method of switching to manual mode when folding the sprayer
for transport.

16
5.1.3 Adjust the Target Height (Setpoint)
Adjust the target height setting with the +/- switch while in AUTOMATIC
MODE. The smallest target height setting allowed is called the minimum
height override. By default the minimum height settings are 25 inches in
soil mode, and 25 inches in crop mode. See Section 6.6.5.1 to adjust these
settings.
You can also adjust your target height by pressing the sprayer's main lift
control switches. Each press of the up switch will increase the target height
by one inch. Each press of the down switch will decrease the target height
by one inch.
5.1.4 View the Actual Boom Height
Toggle SENSOR DISPLAY to view the actual boom heights. This screen
will show you the left, main (center), and right boom heights. Toggle
SENSOR DISPLAY again to view additional sensors if they are installed.
You can view the height screens in both automatic and manual modes. See
Section 5.4.2 for more information on the sensor height screens.
5.1.5 Change the Sensitivity of the System (SENSI)
The SENSI setting can be adjusted in both manual and automatic modes.
Toggle SETUP to view the current SENSI setting. While viewing this
screen toggle the +/- switch to adjust the value.
A lower number will reduce the system sensitivity and improve stability.
Increasing the number will speed up the response.
Five is the normal setting. At the start of operation, before the sprayer is
warmed up, a lower SENSI setting may be required for stable control. As
the sprayer warms up, increase the SENSI up until the performance reaches
an optimum level.
Changes in terrain that include driving through ditches and over terraces are
special performance cases. This type of terrain can cause the sprayer to
pitch and roll significantly. See Section 5.2 for a discussion of performance
issues.
5.1.6 Change Between SOIL and CROP mode
The SOIL or CROP setting can be adjusted in both manual and automatic
modes. Toggle the SETUP twice to view the current setting. While viewing
this screen use the +/- switch to change between SOIL and CROP mode.

17
5.2 Understanding Performance Issues
Your UC4 height control system will work well in most situations. However,
as with any equipment, it is important that the operator remains alert at all
times. There may be some field and terrain situations where performance is
diminished. In these situations the operator must resume height control of the
booms manually. A discussion of performance issues is given below to help
clarify these situations.
Sensitivity Setting
Your system is configured to work well in most conditions, with warm
hydraulic oil, at a sensitivity of five. When you first begin operation at the
start of a day, it may be necessary to operate at a lower sensitivity until the
oil has reached normal temperature. Keep increasing the SENSI setting
until the performance is optimized.
Different types of terrain may require different SENSI settings. The SENSI
setting controls more than just response time. It also determines how
accurately the system will try to correct for height errors. The higher the
sensitivity the higher the accuracy. At low sensitivity a few inches of error
will be tolerated. At high sensitivity, virtually no error will be tolerated.
Therefore, the system will be much more active at high sensitivity than at
low sensitivity.
Field conditions and operator preference determine the appropriate SENSI
setting. On some sprayer models, it may be difficult to reach an optimum
level of sensitivity while maintaining good boom stability. This could be an
indication that the boom is mechanically under-damped for control
purposes. Additional shock absorbers/dampers can dramatically improve
automatic control performance. Some UC4 sprayer kits come complete
with additional damper kits. Other sprayer models have damper kits
available from the sprayer manufacturer or from Norac as optional
equipment. Contact Norac or your sprayer dealer for more assistance.
Boom Reaction Time
There are two key factors that determine how quickly your boom can react
to changes in terrain. The first factor is the available hydraulic speed. The
maximum hydraulic speed of your boom was designed by the sprayer
manufacturer and is not improved or diminished with the addition of the
UC4 height controller.
The second factor is the mechanical design of the sprayer. The SENSI
setting does affect the reaction time of your boom - the higher the number
the quicker the response. However, how high you can run the SENSI
setting is determined to large extent by mechanical issues related to the
boom and sprayer.

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Important design issues include the style of main boom mount (for example,
center pivot or nonparallel links), the amount of mechanical damping and
spring centering on the main boom mount, and whether a main boom roll
system is available on the sprayer. All of these factors together determine
the maximum sensitivity setting you can run on your UC4 system. This in
turn will set the reaction time of the boom in a given situation.
The UC4 electronics are rarely the limiting factor in determining overall
automatic height control performance.
Sensor Reading Over Ditches, Waterways and Outside Rounds
Many situations exist where one sensor may be reading over terrain that
does not accurately reflect the situation for the rest of the boom. For
example, if you are spraying along a waterway, it may be necessary to run
the outer boom sensor out into the waterway itself. This situation is similar
to the one picture in Figure 3. In this example the outer sensor will bring
the boom lower than desired and may put the mid-point of the boom at risk.
Outside rounds adjacent to very weedy areas or tall thick grass are examples
of the opposite situation. In this situation the outer sensor may bring the
boom higher than desired (if the sensor cannot read through the thick grass).
In these situations the operator must remain alert and override automatic
control when necessary. Addition of the optional severe terrain sensors will
greatly improve performance in these situations.
Driving Through Ditches and Over Terraces
Changes in terrain that include driving over terraces or through ditching are
special performance cases. This type of terrain can cause the sprayer or
spray cart to pitch and roll significantly. Sprayer operation at speeds of 10-
20 mph in severe terrain may result in rapid changes in boom tip height. In
these situations, typical sprayer hydraulic systems are not capable of tip
speeds high enough to correct for the induced error.
There are two solutions to this problem. The first solution is for the
operator to recognize these situations before they occur and manually raise
the boom section(s) to a safe height. Overriding automatic control is made
intentionally easy. As soon as the sprayer’s boom switch is operated the
system will switch that boom to manual control. To return to automatic, use
the AUTO/MANUAL switch. This solution is no different than what would
occur with no control system present.
The second solution is to add a roll control system to your sprayer (if one is
available). This type of system will compensate for the sprayer roll in this
situation and also add stability to your boom in normal operating
conditions.