Norac UC4.5 User manual

Operator Manual
Version 2
Software

Printed in Canada
Copyright 2012 by NORAC Systems International Inc.
Reorder P/N: UC4.5-BC-MANUAL-OPERATOR Rev D (UC4.5 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
1INTRODUCTION...................................................................................................1
1.1Warranty Registration .................................................................................................................................................... 1
2SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ......................................................................................2
3KEY FEATURES......................................................................................................3
4SYSTEM DESCRIPTION .......................................................................................4
4.1General UC4.5 System Layout...................................................................................................................................... 4
4.2Height Sensors.................................................................................................................................................................. 5
4.3Roll Sensors....................................................................................................................................................................... 5
4.4Position Sensors ............................................................................................................................................................... 6
4.5Control Panel.................................................................................................................................................................... 6
5ICON DESCRIPTIONS ..........................................................................................7
6OPERATION ...........................................................................................................8
6.1Basic UC4.5 Operation................................................................................................................................................... 8
6.2Sprayer Switches .............................................................................................................................................................. 9
6.3Main Menu Settings........................................................................................................................................................ 10
6.4Main Menu Map .............................................................................................................................................................. 11
7UNDERSTANDING THE UC4.5 SYSTEM........................................................12
7.1Ditches, Waterways and Outside Rounds................................................................................................................ 12
7.2Driving Through Ditches and Over Terraces.......................................................................................................... 12
7.3Soil Mode, Crop Mode and Hybrid Mode ................................................................................................................ 12
7.4Sensing Further Ahead of the Boom.......................................................................................................................... 13
7.5Height Sensor Limitations ............................................................................................................................................ 13
8SETUP ....................................................................................................................14
8.1Automatic System Setup............................................................................................................................................... 14
8.2Retune .............................................................................................................................................................................. 19
8.3Manual Setup................................................................................................................................................................... 20
8.4Quick Install..................................................................................................................................................................... 29
9OPTIONAL KITS..................................................................................................31
9.1Main Lift Kit..................................................................................................................................................................... 31
9.2Severe Terrain Kit ......................................................................................................................................................... 31
9.3Enhanced Stability Kit.................................................................................................................................................... 31
9.4Roll Bias (Active Roll) Kit............................................................................................................................................. 32
10OPTIONS...............................................................................................................33
10.1Headland Assist .............................................................................................................................................................. 33
10.2Remote Switches............................................................................................................................................................ 35
10.3High Oil Temperature Alarm ...................................................................................................................................... 35
10.4Sensor Reading Alarm................................................................................................................................................... 35
10.5Minimum Height Mode ................................................................................................................................................. 35
10.6Changing the Units......................................................................................................................................................... 36
10.7Valve and Air Temperature ......................................................................................................................................... 36

11MAINTENANCE...................................................................................................37
12TROUBLESHOOTING ........................................................................................38
12.1General Operation ........................................................................................................................................................ 38
12.2Sensors ............................................................................................................................................................................. 39
12.3Hydraulics ........................................................................................................................................................................ 41
12.4Boom Stability................................................................................................................................................................. 43
12.5Setup Messages............................................................................................................................................................... 44
12.6Operational Messages ................................................................................................................................................... 46
13STATEMENT OF LIMITED WARRANTY ........................................................47
14SPRAYER TYPES..................................................................................................48
15UC4.5 MENU STRUCTURE ................................................................................49

1
1Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of a NORAC UC4.5 Spray Height Control System. This
system has an unmatched reputation within the industry for boom protection and spray height
accuracy.
When properly used, the UC4.5 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 UC4.5 Spray Height
Control system, please contact us.
The information in this manual applies to systems with Version 2 software.

2
2Safety Precautions
The UC4.5 Spray Height Control system will greatly improve spray 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 UC4.5 Spray Height Control system is in the automatic mode.
Always ensure that the UC4.5 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 UC4.5 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 UC4.5 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 the
operator only has to watch the boom along the obstacle, knowing that the UC4.5 is
maintaining the height on the rest of the boom sections.
NOTE: Individual boom overrides may not be available for all sprayer makes and models. Consult
your sales representative or technical support with any questions or concerns.
Smart Sensor Technology:
All sensors are designed by NORAC specifically for the agricultural industry.

4
4System Description
4.1 General UC4.5 System Layout
Figure 1: General UC4.5 System Layout (Self Propelled)
Figure 2: General UC4.5 System Layout (Pull Type)

5
Figure 3: General UC4.5 System Layout (Front Mount)
4.2 Height Sensors
Height sensors use an ultrasonic signal to measure distance to the ground or crop canopy.
Most standard systems have two height sensors. One mounted on the outer part of each
boom tip. However, there can be as many as six sensors per system.
Height sensor firmware version must be 2.0.0.1 or higher.
4.3 Roll Sensors
Roll sensors are important for measuring boom and sprayer roll dynamics.
Two roll sensors are normally used for a UC4.5 Spray Height Control System.
The mounting position of the roll sensors vary from sprayer to sprayer depending on
boom geometry and suspension.
Roll sensor firmware version must be 2.0.0.0 or higher.

6
4.4 Position Sensors
Position sensors are used to measure boom suspension position and/or cylinder position.
The function of position sensors may be similar to that of a pair of roll sensors.
The mounting position of the position sensors vary from sprayer to sprayer depending on
boom geometry and suspension.
4.5 Control Panel
The UC4.5 control panel (Figure 4) is the main component of the UC4.5 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 4: UC4.5 Control Panel
LCD Screen
- Button
Auto
(
Yes
)
Button
Power Switch
Sensor Dis
p
la
y
Button
+ Button
Setu
p
Button Manual Button
Boom Roll Switch
(Optional)

7
5Icon Descriptions
The following table illustrates and describes the icons used on the control panel buttons.
Table 1: Button Icons
Icon Name Description
Sensor Display Navigates to the Sensor Display menu.
Settings (No) Navigates to the Settings menu.
Declines selections in some menus.
Plus Adjusts setting values.
Minus Adjusts setting values.
Auto (Yes) Puts the system into Automatic mode.
Confirm selections in some menus.
Manual Puts the system into Manual mode.

8
6Operation
6.1 Basic UC4.5 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, the control panel
must be at the run screen.
Press the button corresponding with the menu desired.
Adjust the menu settings using the buttons when the prompt is displayed.
After 30 seconds menu prompts will return to the run screen.
To return to the run screen press and hold for two seconds.
New settings take effect once the run screen is displayed.
When the UC4.5 Height Control System is in automatic mode, arrows will appear on the
screen indicating the UC4.5 system is making a correction. Often the correction will be very
small and there may not be a noticeable change in boom position.
Figure 5: Run Screen
Changing to Automatic or Manual Mode:
From the run screen, press the control panel "AUTO" button ( ) 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. Pressing the "MANUAL" button ( ) 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)

9
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.
Press 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 or the units selected. 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, press the button
once. Sensor height menus can be viewed in both automatic and manual mode.
6.2 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.
NOTE: Some switch functions may not be available for all sprayer makes and models. Consult your
sales representative or technical support with any questions or concerns.
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 it is desired to manually control one of the booms while leaving the other boom
in automatic mode. To return all boom sections to automatic mode, press the button. If
the system is operating with only one boom in automatic mode, the control panel will
occasionally emit an audible chirp as a reminder 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 10.1 for more information on Headland Assist.
Pressing and holding the main lift switch will always put the system into manual mode.

10
6.3 Main Menu Settings
Sensor Mode:
Soil mode configures the sensors to read the height from the spray nozzles to the ground.
Crop mode will read the height from the spray nozzles to the top of the crop canopy. Hybrid
mode will use both the distance measured to the crop canopy and the distance measured to
the ground to determine the crop height. Hybrid mode will create a virtual crop canopy using
historic crop height information preventing the boom from tracking down into the crop when
the crop canopy is thin or in areas of downed crop or wheel tracks.
To change sensor modes, press twice from the run screen. The screen will display either
"SOIL", "CROP", or “HYBRID”. Use the buttons to change the setting. For more
information on sensor modes refer to Section 7.3.
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, press the button once from the run screen. The current
sensitivity will be displayed. Use the buttons to change the setting.
Target Height:
The target height is the height that the operator 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. In Hybrid mode the target height is measured from the crop canopy, or in the absence
of a crop canopy, to the virtual crop canopy. The target height can be changed from the run
screen while the system is in automatic mode by using the buttons.
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 the 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.
Press from the run screen until "Tips on" is displayed. Use the buttons 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.

11
6.4 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 6: UC4.5 Main Menu Map
Note: Refer to Section 15 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

12
7Understanding the UC4.5 System
The UC4.5 Spray Height Control System will work well in most situations. As with any
equipment, it is important that the operator remain 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 UC4.5 hydraulic system.
7.1 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 control system when necessary.
7.2 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 9.4.
7.3 Soil Mode, Crop Mode and Hybrid Mode
Height sensors use “smart sensor” technology, which take measurements from both the top of
crop canopy and from the soil surface. This allows the user to select Hybrid, 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. Hybrid mode
uses a combination of the crop and oil readings to improve control.
Hybrid and Crop Mode are 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.
In row-crops, Hybrid Mode will work best with the sensor placed directly above a row.

13
Some crops will produce a more varying canopy than others. In these situations, the
severe terrain option (Section 9.1) will provide more representative measurements and
better performance. Hybrid mode is recommended for uneven crops.
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.
7.4 Sensing Further Ahead of the Boom
A common misconception is moving the sensor further ahead of the boom will increase
performance. Moving the sensor further ahead of the boom increases the distance between
the nozzle and sensor. This puts the sensor at a different location within the field than the
nozzles, which introduces a height error at the nozzles. In severe terrain this height error can
bring the nozzles close to the ground as the sensor reads over the crest of the hill or down a
ditch.
7.5 Height Sensor Limitations
The UC5™ 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 or drift from the spray nozzles the sensors may have trouble reading.
Furthermore, if the transducer itself becomes wet, leave the UC5™ system on, but in Manual
Mode. The transducer’s vibrations will clean itself of the water and after a few minutes it will
begin to function again.
The height sensors will provide height readings from 22 to 300cm (9 to 120 inches), under
typical conditions.
In order to optimize sensor performance, the UC5™ sensor has a minimum distance that it will
read, also known as the blanking range. As a result, the UC5™ sensor is designed to ignore
targets closer than 8 inches (20cm) from the bottom of the sensor housing.

14
8Setup
When the control panel is turned on for the first time, the UC4.5 control panel guides the
operator through the Automatic System Setup. Normally the UC4.5 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 8.3.
From time to time it may be necessary to retune the UC4.5 electronics to the sprayer’s
hydraulics. This procedure is described in Section 8.2.
8.1 Automatic System Setup
The first time the UC4.5 Spray Height Control System is powered up, it will guide the user
through the Automatic System Setup to customize the UC4.5 settings to the sprayer. The
entire procedure should take approximately two to seven minutes.
At any point during the setup procedure, the operator can exit by pressing the button.
However, if the Automatic System Setup is not completed, the UC4.5 may not function in
automatic mode.
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 button. If the "Install?" menu
prompt is confirmed accidentally, exit by pressing before confirming a sprayer type. No
settings will be lost. However, if a sprayer type is confirmed and the "Dfalting" message
appears, all previous system settings will be lost. The Automatic System Setup may need to be
performed 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.
8.1.1 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 UC4.5 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

15
the oil. For pull-type sprayers, ensure any hydraulic flow controls are adjusted for normal field
operation. Changing the hydraulic flow controls after or during the system setup will affect the
UC4.5 performance.
8.1.2 Turn On the UC4.5 Control Panel
If this is the first setup for the panel, the process will begin automatically. If the panel was
previously set up, select "Install?" from the setup menu to initiate the Automatic System
Setup.
8.1.3 Select the Sprayer Type
Use the buttons to toggle through a list of available sprayer types. The types are
listed in Section 14.
When the desired type is shown, confirm the selection with the button.
To exit the install now before changing any settings press the button.
The control panel is loading all the settings for the sprayer.
8.1.4 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
UC4.5 Installation Manual to check the hydraulic plumbing and electrical wiring of the
system.
The control panel confirms the wiring is correct. Continue the process with the
remaining booms, as shown.
AN2 ?
Type +/-
Left Up
Select
Dfalting
Press
Left Ok

16
Note: Some sprayer types do not support a wiring test or they may support a different style of test. If
there are no messages displayed in this step, simply continue as prompted by the panel.
8.1.5 Sensor Detect
Position all boom sections such that the nozzles are 35 inches (90 cm) from the ground.
Press to continue.
Note: If it is not possible to get all the booms set to exactly 35 inches (90 cm), the sensor height can be
adjusted after the install is finished. Refer to Section 8.3.1 for more details.
Hold the button to begin the sensor detect sequence. The button must be held for
the duration of the procedure. If 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 button to continue.
SwitchRelease
Proceed?
Hold Auto Until
“Done”
Height
35 inchBooms atLevel
Left DnPress
Rght UpPress
Rght DnPress
Main UpPress
Main DnPress