Norac UC4+ User manual

Spray Height Controlle
r
Ope
r
ator Manual
Version 7
Software

Printed in Canada
Copyright 2010 by NORAC Systems International Inc.
Reorder P/N: 446BC+MAN7 Rev C (UC4+ Operator Manual)
NOTICE: NORAC Systems International Inc. reserves the right to improve products and their specifications without notice and
without the requirement to update products sold previously. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information
contained in this manual. The technical information in this manual was reviewed at the time of approval for publication.

Contents
1INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................1
2SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.................................................................................2
3KEY FEATURES ................................................................................................3
4SYSTEM DESCRIPTION..................................................................................4
4.1 General UC4+ System Layout................................................................................................................................ 4
4.2 Height Sensors ........................................................................................................................................................... 5
4.3 Roll Sensors ................................................................................................................................................................ 5
4.4 Control Panel ............................................................................................................................................................. 5
5OPERATION .....................................................................................................6
5.1 Basic UC4+ Operation............................................................................................................................................. 6
5.2 Sprayer Switches........................................................................................................................................................ 7
5.3 Main Menu Settings ................................................................................................................................................... 8
5.4 Main Menu Map.......................................................................................................................................................... 9
6UNDERSTANDING THE UC4+ SYSTEM ...................................................10
6.1 Ditches, Waterways and Outside Rounds ......................................................................................................... 10
6.2 Driving Through Ditches and Over Terraces ................................................................................................... 10
6.3 Height Sensor Capabilities and Limitations........................................................................................................ 10
6.4 Soil Mode and Crop Mode .................................................................................................................................... 11
7SETUP ..............................................................................................................12
7.1 Automatic System Setup ........................................................................................................................................ 12
7.2 Retune........................................................................................................................................................................ 18
7.3 Manual Setup............................................................................................................................................................. 19
7.4 Quick Install.............................................................................................................................................................. 28
8OPTIONAL KITS ............................................................................................30
8.1 Severe Terrain Kit................................................................................................................................................... 30
8.2 Enhanced Stability Kit ............................................................................................................................................. 30
8.3 Roll Bias (Active Roll) Kit ...................................................................................................................................... 31
9OPTIONS .........................................................................................................32
9.1 Headland Assist........................................................................................................................................................ 32
9.2 Remote Switches ..................................................................................................................................................... 34
9.3 Crop Filter Toggle................................................................................................................................................... 34
9.4 High Oil Temperature Alarm................................................................................................................................ 34
9.5 Sensor Reading Alarm ............................................................................................................................................ 34

9.6 Minimum Height Mode........................................................................................................................................... 35
9.7 Changing the Units.................................................................................................................................................. 35
9.8 Valve and Air Temperature................................................................................................................................... 35
10 MAINTENANCE .............................................................................................36
11 TROUBLESHOOTING...................................................................................37
11.1General Operation.................................................................................................................................................. 37
11.2Sensors....................................................................................................................................................................... 38
11.3Hydraulics.................................................................................................................................................................. 40
11.4Boom Stability .......................................................................................................................................................... 41
11.5Setup Messages......................................................................................................................................................... 42
11.6Operational Messages............................................................................................................................................. 43
12 STATEMENT OF LIMITED WARRANTY...................................................44
13 SPRAYER TYPES ............................................................................................45
14 UC4+ MENU STRUCTURE ...........................................................................46

1
1Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of a NORAC UC4+ Spray Height Control System. This
system has an unmatched reputation within the industry for boom protection and spray height
accuracy.
When properly used, the UC4+ Spray Height Control system provides protection from boom
damage as well as improving sprayer efficiency and chemical performance by ensuring correct
chemical application.
To fully understand your new system and use it to its fullest capacity it is recommended that
you read this manual. This manual provides a general overview, key features, operating
instructions, assistance with system setup, regular maintenance recommendations and
troubleshooting.
If you have any questions, feedback or comments regarding the NORAC UC4+ Spray Height
Control system, please contact any of the numbers below.
Phone: [phone] Canada (Toll Free)
1 866 306 6722 United States (Toll Free)
(+33) (0)4 26 47 04 42 Europe
([phone] All other regions
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.norac.ca
The information in this manual applies to systems with Version 7 software.

2
2Safety Precautions
The UC4+ Spray Height Control system will greatly improve your spraying height accuracy and
protect the boom against damage in a wide variety of field conditions. However, 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.
CAUTION
Under no circumstances should any service work be performed on the machinery
while the UC4+ Spray Height Control system is in the automatic mode.
Always ensure that the UC4+ Spray Height Control system is powered down or in
manual mode:
Before leaving the operator’s seat.
While the machine is not moving.
When transporting the machine.
Before working on any part of the booms:
Set the UC4+ system to manual mode.
Turn the sprayer engine off.
Do not operate this system before:
Reading and understanding the operator’s manual.
Thoroughly understanding the machine operation.

3
3Key Features
Non-contact Sensing:
Sensing is done using ultrasonic sensors which means no parts of the UC4+ Spray Height
Control System come in contact with the ground.
Using a non-contact system means there will be no additional forces put on the boom,
which could cause damage to the sprayer boom.
Automatic Software Setup:
The system completes an automatic system setup, which calibrates the software
specifically for the sprayer.
This provides the maximum performance for the height control system.
Individual Boom Overrides:
When necessary one boom section can be put into manual mode to avoid an obstacle,
while the other boom sections stay in automatic.
This can take the stress out of spraying along obstacles such as fences because you only
have to watch the boom along the obstacle, knowing that the UC4+ is maintaining the
height on the rest of the boom sections.
Smart Sensor Technology:
All sensors are designed by NORAC specifically for the agricultural industry.

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4System Description
4.1 General UC4+ System Layout
Figure 1: General UC4+ System Layout (Self Propelled)

5
4.2 Height Sensors
Height sensors use an ultrasonic signal to measure distance to the ground or crop canopy.
Normally there are three height sensors used, but a system may have as many as 6
sensors. A sensor is mounted to the outer part of each boom tip, and another sensor is
mounted to the center section.
4.3 Roll Sensors
Roll sensors are important for measuring boom and sprayer roll dynamics.
Two roll sensors are normally used for a UC4+ Spray Height Control System.
The mounting position of the roll sensors vary from sprayer to sprayer depending on
boom geometry and suspension.
4.4 Control Panel
The UC4+ control panel (Figure 2) is the main component of the UC4+ Spray Height Control
System. The control panel uses the readings from the ultrasonic sensors to control solenoid
operated valves that in turn adjust the boom height. The control panel will:
Indicate when the system is in AUTOMATIC or MANUAL mode.
Indicate any hydraulic action which is underway.
Accept input to adjust all control system settings.
Figure 2: UC4+ Control Panel
LCD
SCREEN
+/-
AUTO & MANUAL
SWITCH
POWER
SWITCH
SENSOR DISPLAY &
SETUP SWITCH

6
5Operation
5.1 Basic UC4+ Operation
Upon power-up a sequence of messages are temporarily displayed on the control panel LCD
screen. The system is ready for use once the run screen is displayed.
To access either the "SENSOR DISPLAY" or "SETUP" menus, ensure you are at the run
screen.
Toggle toward the menu you wish to access.
Adjust the menu settings using the "+/-" switch while the prompt is displayed.
After 30 seconds menu prompts will return to the run screen.
To return to the run screen press and hold "SETUP" for two seconds.
New settings take effect once the run screen is displayed.
When the UC4+ Height Control System is in automatic mode, arrows will appear on the
screen above or below the boom sections. These arrows indicate the UC4+ system is making
a correction to part of the boom in the displayed direction. Often the correction will be very
small and there may not be a noticeable change in boom position.
Figure 3: Run Screen
Changing to Automatic or Manual Mode:
From the run screen, toggle the control panel "AUTO" switch to put the system into automatic
mode. The run screen will show an "A" for each side of the boom to indicate the system is in
auto. Toggling the "MANUAL" switch or a sprayer joystick function will put the system into
manual mode. The run screen will show an "M" for each boom to indicate the system is in
manual mode.
A45 A
LEFT BOOM
ARROW
AUTO / MANUAL
(Left Boom) or
MAIN LIFT ARROW
TARGET
HEIGHT RIGHT BOOM ARROW
AUTO / MANUAL
(Right Boom)

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Viewing the Sensor or Target Height:
When in manual mode the run screen shows the average of all the sensor heights. In automatic
mode the number shown on the run screen is the target height.
Toggle "SENSOR DISPLAY" to view the actual sensor heights. The left, right, and main (center)
sensor heights are each displayed on a separate screen. If there are 2 sensors on each wing,
both sensor heights will be displayed on the same screen. The sensor heights are shown in
either centimeters or inches depending on the sprayer type. The height displayed is measured
from the spray nozzles to the soil (soil mode) or crop canopy (crop mode).
To lock the currently viewed sensor heights on the screen indefinitely, toggle the "+" switch
once. Sensor height menus can be viewed in both automatic and manual mode.
5.2 Sprayer Switches
When a sprayer switch is pressed, an arrow will be displayed on the screen showing which
function is being activated. For example, if the left up switch is pressed then an arrow will be
shown on the left side pointing up.
Tilt Switches:
While in automatic mode if either left or right tilt switches are pressed, the corresponding
boom section will go into manual mode. The corresponding "A" on the display will change to
an "M" to indicate that boom is in manual mode. This is useful when spraying near ditches or
fences where you would like to manually control one of the booms while leaving the other
boom in automatic mode. To return all boom sections to automatic mode, toggle the "AUTO
(YES)" switch. If the system is operating with only one boom in automatic mode, you will
occasionally hear an audible chirp to remind you that one of the booms is in manual mode.
Main Lift Switch:
While in automatic mode if the main lift up or down switch is momentarily pressed, the target
height is incrementally adjusted up or down.
If Headland Assist is enabled with the trigger as the main lift switch, then the main lift switch
will be used to control Headland Assist instead of the target height. The main lift up switch will
activate Headland Assist. By toggling main lift down the system will return to automatic mode.
Refer to Section 9.1 for more information on Headland Assist.
Pressing and holding the main lift switch will always put the system into manual mode.
Note: These features may not be available for all sprayer types.

8
5.3 Main Menu Settings
Soil / Crop Mode:
Soil mode configures the sensors to read the height from the spray nozzles to the ground,
where as crop mode will read the height from the spray nozzles to the top of the crop canopy.
To change between soil and crop mode, toggle "SETUP" twice from the run screen. The
screen will display either "SOIL" or "CROP". Toggle the "+/-" switch once to change the
setting. For more information on crop and soil mode refer to Section 6.4.
Sensitivity:
The sensitivity can be adjusted from 1 to 10, with 5 being the default setting. A lower number
will reduce the system sensitivity. Higher settings will speed up the response and also create a
greater demand on the hydraulics.
To change the sensitivity, toggle the "SETUP (NO)" switch once from the run screen. The
current sensitivity will be displayed. Use the "+/-" switch to change the setting.
Target Height:
The target height is the height you would like the boom to be set at when spraying. When
operating in soil mode, the target height is measured from the spray nozzles to the soil. In crop
mode the target height is measured from the crop canopy to the spray nozzles. The target
height can be changed from the run screen while the system is in automatic mode by using the
"+/-" switch.
Severe Terrain Mode:
Some sprayers have the ability to fold in the boom tips and spray with only the inner sections of
the boom. If your sprayer has this ability and is equipped with a five sensor system (severe
terrain kit) then this feature may be used when spraying with the tips folded in.
Toggle "SENSOR DISPLAY" from the run screen until you see "Tips on". Toggle the "+/-"
switch to turn it on or off. By turning the tips off, the two outer sensors on the wings will be
disabled and only the inner wing sensors will be used to control the height.
When the tips are turned off the run screen will show a lower case "a" in automatic to indicate
the outer sensors are turned off. The Severe Terrain Mode is defaulted to “Tips on” and will
return to "Tips on" anytime the power is cycled. When spraying with the full boom, the setting
should be "Tips on" to allow the outer sensors to operate again.

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5.4 Main Menu Map
Sensor Settings
Severe Terrain Mode
Roll Information
Center Height
Right Height
Left Height
Run Screen
Sensitivity
Crop or Soil Mode
Retune Hydraulics
Control Settings
Figure 4: UC4+ Main Menu Map
Note: Refer to Section 14 for a full menu structure map.
Tips on
More ?
11 ()
89
87 89
90 89
M 82 M
Sensi 5
Soil On
ReTune ?
More ?
Sensor
Display
Setup

10
6Understanding the UC4+ System
The UC4+ Spray Height Control System will work well in most situations. As with any
equipment, it is important that the operator remains alert at all times. There may be some
situations and terrain where performance is limited and in these situations the operator must
resume manual control of the booms.
Sprayer hydraulics and boom suspension systems are the governing components to boom
reaction time. The maximum hydraulic speed of the boom is determined by the sprayer
manufacturer and is not diminished by the addition of the UC4+ hydraulic system.
6.1 Ditches, Waterways and Outside Rounds
In many situations it is necessary to spray with one sensor reading over terrain that does not
reflect the same situation of the rest of the boom. These situations may arise when spraying
over ditches, waterways, or field edges. When spraying in these situations the operator must
remain alert and override the height controller when necessary.
6.2 Driving Through Ditches and Over Terraces
Changes in terrain such as driving over terraces or through ditches are special performance
situations. This type of terrain can cause the sprayer to pitch and roll significantly and when
operating at high speeds this can cause rapid changes in boom tip height. Sprayer hydraulic
systems are not capable of tip speeds high enough to correct for the boom tip error. There
are two solutions to this problem.
The first is for the operator to recognize these situations before they occur and manually
raise the boom to a safe height.
The second is to add the Roll Control option, if one is available for the specific sprayer.
This will compensate for the sprayer roll and make the required corrections faster and
smoother, allowing for increased boom protection and higher spraying speeds. For a
description of the Roll Control, see Section 8.3.
6.3 Height Sensor Capabilities and Limitations
The UC4+ sensors are designed and built specifically for agricultural purposes. However, the
ultrasonic transducer must be clean and dry for optimal performance. The foam disc fitted into
the bottom of the sensor protects the transducer from dust. If the protective foams become
wet (from rain, drift from the spray nozzles... etc) the sensors may have trouble reading.
The height sensors will provide height readings from 22 to 300 cm (9 to 120 inches), under
typical conditions. In order to optimize sensor performance, the UC4+ sensor has a minimum
distance that it will read (also known as the blanking range). As a result, the UC4+ sensor is
designed to ignore targets closer than 8 inches (20cm) from the bottom of the sensor housing.

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6.4 Soil Mode and Crop Mode
Height sensors use “smart sensor” technology, which take measurements from both the top of
the crop canopy and from the soil surface. This allows the user to select either “Crop” or
“Soil” mode. In “Soil” mode the target height is measured from the soil to the sprayer nozzle.
In “Crop” mode the target height is measured from the crop canopy to the sprayer nozzle.
Crop mode is usually used when operating in mature cereal grains, row crops or specialty
crops. Soil mode is generally used to follow the ground through young crops, stubble or
normal trash. Generally, if 60 percent of the ground is covered, crop mode should be used.
Sometimes either mode may be used, depending on the crop.
In row-crops, crop mode will work best with the sensor placed directly above a row. Soil
mode will work best with the sensor placed between two rows.
Crops in growing stages are relatively good targets for crop mode.
Bearded crops are relatively poor targets for crop mode as they are a poor reflector of
sound.
Some crops will produce a more varying canopy than others. In these situations, the
severe terrain option will provide more representative measurements when in crop mode
and better performance.
When mounting the main lift height sensor, ensure the sensor does not measure behind a
wheel or tramline, when driving straight or turning. The crop behind a wheel will be
flattened, resulting in inaccurate readings and poor crop mode performance.
When operating in crop mode when the crop is lodged, or where there is no crop, the
sensor will follow the target down and begin to track the soil. However, when the crop
resumes, the sensor may be beneath the crop canopy therefore preventing the sensor
from making proper measurements. This situation may require the operator to manually
raise the boom.
Figure 5: Area of No Crop When Operating in Crop Mode

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7Setup
When the control panel is turned on for the first time, the UC4+ control panel guides the
operator through the Automatic System Setup. Normally the UC4+ Spray Height Control
System will automatically configure and calibrate itself to the sprayer. If this process does not
produce the desired results, perform the Manual System Setup described in Section 7.3.
From time to time it may be necessary to ReTune the UC4+ electronics to your sprayer’s
hydraulics. This procedure is described in Section 7.2.
7.1 Automatic System Setup
The first time the UC4+ Spray Height Control System is powered up, it will guide you through
the Automatic System Setup to customize the UC4+ settings to your sprayer. The entire
procedure should take approximately two to seven minutes.
At any point during the setup procedure, you can exit by toggling the "SETUP (NO)" switch.
However, if you exit without completing the Automatic System Setup, you may not be able to
use the UC4+ in automatic mode.
If you wish to restart this procedure after an initial setup has been completed, navigate to the
"Install?" prompt in the setup menu and confirm the action with the "AUTO (YES)" switch. If
you confirm the "Install?" menu prompt by accident, you can exit by toggling "SETUP (NO)"
before confirming a sprayer type. No settings will be lost. However, if you confirm a sprayer
type and the "Dfalting" message appears, all previous system settings will be lost. You may need
to perform Automatic System Setup again.
CAUTION
All boom sections will move during the automatic install. People and
equipment must be clear of sprayer boom.
Ensure the booms have sufficient range to lift fully and are clear of any power
lines.
7.1.1 Preparation
Unfold the sprayer in a location that is relatively level and where the sensors are over bare soil
or gravel. Do not conduct the system setup or retune procedures over standing crop or
weeds/grass. Also, avoid concrete or asphalt surfaces.
Ensure the boom roll suspension system is functioning properly and smoothly. Friction on
wear surfaces can be relieved using lubricants (grease, etc) or adjustment. Properly tuned
suspension systems will optimize UC4+ performance, especially on roll-bias (active roll)
systems.
For best results, the hydraulic system should be under a normal load and at a normal working
temperature. Start the solution pump and run the sprayer’s engine at a normal working RPM
for the entire setup. Cycle all boom sections up and down manually for five minutes to warm
the oil. For pull-type sprayers, ensure any hydraulic flow controls are adjusted for normal field

13
operation. Changing the hydraulic flow controls after or during the system setup will affect the
UC4+ performance.
7.1.2 Turn On the UC4+ Control Panel
If this is the first setup for the panel, this process will begin automatically. If the panel was
previously setup, you need to select "Install?" from the setup menu to initiate the
Automatic System Setup.
7.1.3 Select the Sprayer Type
Use the "+/-" switch to toggle through a list of available sprayer types. The types are
listed in Section 13.
When the desired type is shown, confirm the selection with the "AUTO (YES)" switch.
If you wish to exit the install now before changing any settings toggle the "SETUP (NO)"
switch.
The control panel is loading all the settings for your sprayer.
AN2 ?
Type +/-Select
Dfalting

14
7.1.4 Wiring Test
Use the sprayer's manual controls to move the left boom up.
If the wrong boom moves or if the direction is incorrect, stop the setup. Consult the
UC4+ Installation Manual to check the hydraulic plumbing and electrical wiring of your
system.
The control panel confirms the wiring is correct. Continue the process with the
remaining booms, as shown below.
Note: Some sprayer types do not support a wiring test or they may support a different style of test. If
you do not see any of the messages in this step, simply continue as prompted by the panel.
Left UpPress
Left Ok
Left DnPress
Rght UpPress
Rght DnPress
Main UpPress
Main DnPress

15
7.1.5 Sensor Detect
Position all boom sections such that the nozzles are 35 inches (90 cm) from the ground.
Toggle "AUTO (YES)" to continue.
Note: If you cannot get all the booms set to exactly 35 inches (90 cm), you can adjust the sensor height
after you have finished the install. Refer to Section 7.3.1 for more details.
Hold the "AUTO (YES)" switch to begin the sensor detect sequence. During the
procedure you must hold the "AUTO (YES)" switch. If "AUTO (YES)" is released, simply
press and hold again to continue the procedure.
The control panel will automatically move the booms to detect and assign the sensors to
the correct locations.
Release the "AUTO (YES)" switch to continue.
SwitchRelease
Proceed?
Hold Auto Until
“Done”
Height
35 inchBooms atLevel

16
7.1.6 Boom Geometry Tuning
Exit the cab and manually push either boom tip down 1 – 3 feet (30 – 90 cm) for a
moment and then let go.
Do not walk near the sensors when approaching the boom. Stay at least 3 feet from the
sensor to not induce a measurement error.
Note: This step may not be applicable for all sprayer types.
7.1.7 Hydraulic Tuning
Hold the "AUTO (YES)" switch to continue the hydraulic tuning. If "AUTO (YES)" is
released before "Done" is displayed, simply press and hold again to continue the
procedure.
The panel will display various messages as it is working. The messages are displayed for
informational purposes only.
Release the "AUTO (YES)" switch, the hydraulic tuning is complete.
Done
“Done”
UntilAutoHold
& let gogroundnear to
boom tippushExit Cab