Patchwork Technology BlackBox Advance User manual

Patchwork Technology
BlackBox Advance Operating Instructions
(Downloadable)
PWdoc0040 v1.0

Contents
page
Mounting the Screen to vehicles windscreen
Mounting the Receiver
Connection Diagram
Main Unit
Connecting a switch to control coverage
area recording
Connecting a Weather station
Overview
Navigation Bar
Entering details and settings
Initial Setup Wizard
Home Screen
Program Sub Menu
Setup
Recording Details
Local Setting
GPS Options
Ports Setup
VRT Options
Save / Load Profiles
Advanced
Start Job
New Job
Farm / Field Recognition
Resume unplanned job
Planned job
Guidance Modes
Product Overview
Fitting Instructions
Unit Functions
Unit Setup
Starting a Job
5
7
8
9
9
10
11
12
13
13
13
15
16
17
18
19
22
23
26
29
31
32
33
34
34
35
35
36

Job Screen
Using WebTrack with
the BlackBox
Troubleshooting
Overview
Menu
Creating a Field Boundary Map
Starting a Field Boundary Map
Pausing the boundary mapping
Completing a field boundary map
Future use for the maps
Using Guidance and Coverage Area Recording
Using First Pass Guidance
Setting and Resetting a Guidance line
Using a guidance line
Using the Coverage Area Recording
Creating a WebTrack Account
Logging on to WebTrack
Downloading and Installing WebSync
Using ‘BlackBox Setup’ for recording jobs
Adding Details
Enhancing Details (Farm Fields)
Creating and Adding Form Items to Job
Types
Transferring data to and from WebTrack via
WebSync
37
39
40
40
41
41
41
42
42
42
43
43
46
47
48
49
49
50
50
52
54
page

5
Product Overview
The BlackBox unit can be upgraded by unlocking various areas of the software
allowing it to perform additional tasks. The Advance unit will be supplied with the
both the GO and Advance software unlocked, please see the following for
details on the different software versions:-
BlackBox Go
The Go software is a simplified version of the Advance software that enables the
use of Guidance and Area measurement only.
Features: Simple Setup
Multiple 3D Guidance modes
Farm / Field Recognition*
Resume Job*
BlackBox Advance
Further to the Go software capabilities the Advance software allows the
recording and storage of work done for record keeping, if used in conjunction
with WebTrack these records can be enhanced with Notes (see below). The
software is also the platform for adding additional hardware and software
features, including an Auto Steer and Boom Switching system.
Other Features include : Headland Warning
Weather Station Connection
Setup Profile Manager
Link up with Farm Management Software
Compatibility list: Muddy Boots
Pear Technology
Farmade GateKeeper
Notes (WebTrack required) –This allows the farm manager to add notes (form
items) to a specific job type and when that job type is selected on the BlackBox
the notes will appear for the operator to fill in on the Blackbox before the job is
completed.
*SD Card must be inserted

6
VRT
This upgrade allows the unit to send application rate information using variable
rate application maps to the controller attached to the implement. Adding
Variable Rate to the Blackbox is simple and the compatibility list of controllers is
extensive:
Amazone Amatron+ and Amados+
Bogballe 2003w, Uniq and Icon’
Raven 400, 600, 4000
LH Agro 5000, 500, 6000
Kuhn Quantron L, M, P, E
Kverneland Group
Passtronic
RDS Pro Series
Vaderstad
Dickey John
Teagle Tulip Centreliner
Auto Shut Off
With auto shut off setup on the unit, when driving into an area which has been
worked (indicated by the green area coverage recording in the job screen), a
signal will be sent to the controller to stop the implement working. After driving
out of the worked area the unit will send a new signal to the controller to start the
implement working again.
N.B. Function not fully compatible with Amazone controllers.
Product Overview

7
Mounting the Screen to vehicle windscreen
N.B. Supplied suction mount and ram arm my differ from the image below.
Ensure the area on the windscreen where the suction mount will be attached is
clean, and then push it on the windscreen turning the lever clockwise to lock it in
place.
The ram ball and suction mount are then connected together using the supplied
“Ram Arm”. This allows for multi-positional flexibility and is simply tightened with
the thumb screw.
Warranty Void if suction mount fails !! - Its is advised that the suction
mount is removed from the windscreen when the unit is not in operation
and reattached on a day to day basis.
For a more permanent fixing please detach the ram ball from the suction mount
and secure down in the vehicle.
Fitting Instructions
Tighten Screw
Turn Lever

8
Mounting the Receiver
Mount on the cab of vehicle, as close as possible width ways to the centre of the
vehicle with the red arrow pointing towards the direction of travel.
The bottom of the receiver is magnetised ready to attach to a metal surface. Use
the supplied metal plate for vehicle roofs that are not made of metal.
To fit, first clean a small area and ensure it is dry, then remove the plastic covers
from the self adhesive strips on the metal plate and stick to the vehicle roof.
The antenna will now stick to this plate and be held safely on the roof.
N.B. In many cases running the cable in through a window or door is acceptable,
please make sure that there is enough of a gap in the rubber to allow this,
otherwise the cable could be damaged and with no signal from the receiver the
BlackBox will not function correctly.
Fitting Instructions

9
.
Fitting Instructions
Connection Diagram
Main Unit
Warning - Please disconnect the unit from the power supply, if
you need to jump start your vehicle.
Guidance Screen
12v DC Plug
To 3-pin socket on
vehicle.
Receiver

10
Fitting Instructions
...Connection Diagrams
Connecting a switch to control area coverage recording
The BlackBox will need to be configured to work correctly with the switch, for
details see Ports Setup menu ‘On/Off’ on page 26.
1 2
3
Ref Description Part No.
1 Boom Sense Cable 03-05-0006
2 Switch (request when ordered) N/A
3 Relay (request when ordered) N/A

11
Fitting Instructions
...Connection Diagrams
Connecting a Weather Station
The BlackBox will need to be configured to work correctly with the Weather
Station, for details see Recording Options menu ‘Weather Station’ on page 20.
Weather Station
To port on
Weather Station
Ref Description Part No.
1 VRT Xover to Female Cable 03-05-0007
2 Watchdog Sprayer Station 3349SSC
1
2

12
Screen
Power On/Off button –This
turns the screen on and off.
Please Note: this does not
turn off the system completely,
the system needs to be
disconnected from the power
source.
Brightness button –Press
this button to scroll through
different levels of brightness
for the display screen
Touch Screen –The unit uses an LCD Touch Screen which allows the user to
interact with the BlackBox software. Use the Touch Screen by pressing and
applying some pressure to the area of the screen where the required button or
option is.
Receiver
Hi Gain Antenna - The unit has a built in Hi Gain antenna for receiving GPS
signals.
GPS Receiver -A built in receiver
board translates the messages
detected by the antenna for use
with the BlackBox software.
Tilt Compensator - An
inclinometer is built in to the unit,
which when active will correct the
guidance position when working on
side slopes and/or hills.
Important !! The red arrow must
be pointing towards the direction of
travel for the Tilt Compensator to
work correctly.
Unit Functions
Power On/Off Brightness
Touch Screen

13
Unit Setup
Overview
Navigation Bar
On various screens within the BlackBox software a Navigation Bar will appear
across the bottom of the screen. It allows the user to move back and forth
between setup screens when entering details and settings.
If any of the icons appear black they have no function on the current setup
screen.
Entering details and settings
When using the BlackBox there will be a requirement to enter information or
select an option from a list to continue. This will occur in the menus or when
starting a job and there are Four different input methods:-
Selection list
Some of the selection lists are predefined in the BlackBox, others can be setup
by the user on WebTrack in the My Units Setup section (see page 49 for
details). The selection lists that can be setup by the user have a *NEW* option
which if selected will open the text entry screen so the information can be
entered manually (see ‘Text Entry’ on page 14 for more details).
To use the Selection List firstly
highlight the option in the list by
pressing on it or use the Up and
Down buttons. Once the desired
option is highlighted set it by
pressing OK. To exit the selection
screen without making changes
press Cancel.
Previous Next Home Information Cancel Confirm

14
Text Entry
This input screen will appear if the information that is required is text that needs
to be typed in manually.
To use the text entry screen,
press the letters or numbers on
the screen to enter the details.
Once complete press on OK to
add the details and close the text
entry screen. To exit the text
entry screen without adding any
details press on Cancel.
Numerical Entry
This input screen will appear if the information that is required is a number that
needs to be entered manually.
To use the numerical entry
screen, press the numbers on
the screen to enter the figure.
Once complete press on OK to
add the figure and close the
numerical entry screen. To exit
the numerical entry screen
without adding a figure, press on
Cancel.
Option Box
The option box will appear if the required
information is a simple Yes/No selection.
Unit Setup

15
Initial Setup Wizard
Once the unit has been installed in the vehicle and all the wired connections
secured, insert the 3-pin plug into the 3-pin socket of the vehicle. The unit will
power on automatically and if using the unit for the first time a setup wizard will
launch. The wizard will take the user through the basic settings so the system is
ready for Guidance, Recording and Area measurement.
To work through the wizard
screens :-
Select the required option and
if required enter the relevant
details.
Press the green tick (confirm)
when it appears to move to the
next screen.
On some of the screens the
‘?’ (Information) icon will
appear, pressing this will give
details about the options on the
current screen and how it will
effect the working of the
system.
On completing the initial setup, the settings that have been entered will be saved
as a profile under the profile manager (see Load / Save profiles on page 31).
If you have selected ’No’ to run the wizard on start up , it can be re-launched by
selecting Setup from the home screen, then Load / Save Profiles > Run Initial
Setup Wizard.
Unit Setup

16
Unit Setup
Home Screen
The Home Screen is the main
menu for setting up and accessing
the different job modes of the
BlackBox software.
Start Job - Start a guidance job, Field Boundary Map, Resume a Job, Planned
Job (Farm Management Software plan) or Variable Rate Plan (VRT Software
required) for more details see ‘Starting a Job > Start Job’ on page 33.
Setup - Opens the setup menu for the unit. Before starting a job it is important
that the unit is setup for your requirements (see Setup Menu on page 18).
Shutdown - Will shutdown the software and open up to the Program Sub Menu
(See page 17).
Status Screen - Displays relevant system information.
Status Screen
No GPS
Signal GPS No Differential GPS With
Differential
GPS status
1 to 4
Satellites 5 to 6 Satellites 7 to 8
Satellites 9 or more
Satellites
GPS signal strength
Field Recognition
GPS Status*
Selected Controller Feature Status
*GPS Status icons

17
Program Sub Menu
The Program Sub Menu is used to
load and update the BlackBox
software.
Start BlackBox - Accesses the BlackBox Home Screen (for more details see
Home Screen on page 16).
Start BlackBox DR - Not applicable
Start Field Note - Not applicable
Upgrade - Initiates and installs any updates for the BlackBox that are stored on
the memory stick.
Updates are available from the Support Services section on the Patchwork
website www.patchwork.co.uk
Sync - Used to transfer data to and from WebTrack via a wireless modem
connection (Additional hardware required call Patchwork on 01291 673366).

18
Unit Setup
Setup
The Setup menu is used to setup
the hardware and software for use
within the job modes and it is vital
that the settings are setup
correctly for the unit to function as
you require.
Recording Details - Sets the details that will be recorded against the job for
record keeping and also the implement working width which is important to
accurately set the tracks when using the unit for guidance (See page 19 for
more details).
Local Setting - This option is used to set your preferences based on your
location in the world (See page 22 for more details).
GPS Options - Accesses the options for adjusting the antenna position,
headland warning and display soothing (See page 23 for more details).
Ports Setup - Used to setup the serial ports if using an external GPS source or
Weather Station. The Tilt Compensator reset, Demo Mode and the Coverage
Area Recording On/Off method is also set under this option (See page 26 for
more details).
VRT Options -Accesses the options for setting up data communications
between the unit and a controller for Variable Rate Application and/or Auto Shut
off (See page 29 for more details).
Save/Load Profiles - Opens the profile manager, where settings for specific
jobs can be saved and reloaded, saving time when setting up the unit between
different jobs (See page 31 for details).
Advanced -Accesses the menu to unlock software modules (See page 32) and
setup the steering and boom section add on hardware (see supplied instructions
for details).
Finished - Returns back to the BlackBox menu.

19
Unit Setup
Recording Details
All the details that are entered in
this area will be added to the job
recording. This is viewable within
the information area of a job
report when viewed in WebTrack.
Vehicle - The name of the vehicle that is being used for the job.
Implement - The name of the implement that is being used for the job. If setup
in WebTrack the width will be set automatically.
Job Type - Enter the name of the job operation that is being performed. If the
Job Type selected has form items added to it in WebTrack (see page 50 for
details on setting up Job Types), when the job is finished the operator will be
prompted to fill in information related to the form items.
Operator - The name of the operator that is performing the job.
Width - Sets the working width of the implement, this is vital to achieve the
correct distance between the guidance lines. The width will be set automatically
if an implement that has been setup in WebTrack has been selected in the
Implement option.
Recording Options - These options are used to setup how and/or whether the
trace, farm details and weather station information is recorded (See page 20 for
more details).
Finished - Return to the setup menu.

20
Unit Setup
...Recording Details
Recording Options
The settings entered in this menu
alter how data is recorded on the
BlackBox, this includes the green
trace recording and weather
station information (if fitted).
Recording - This option is used to turn job recording on and off. N.B. If
recording is set to ‘No’ the pause job function will not be available and the
unit will not save any job data when a job is finished.
Autonaming - Sets autonaming on or off. Autonaming is used if the user does
not want to input a farm and field name when starting a new job, if set to ‘Yes’ an
automatic job name will be created. N.B. Only use this option if you do not
plan on keeping accurate records, pause jobs, reload guidance lines or
use field boundary information.
Minimum Speed - Sets the speed that the coverage area recording will start or
stop recording.
Minimum Angle - Sets the number of degrees that the heading can change
since the previous coverage area location point before a new point is set.
Maximum Distance - Sets the maximum distance that can be travelled in a
straight line before a coverage area location point is automatically set. Note if
the minimum angle setting is met or exceeded a point will be automatically set.
Weather Station - Opens the menu where the weather station recording options
can be adjusted. See page 21 for Weather Station Recording Options menu.
Finished - Returns to the Setup Menu.
Important: Decreasing the values of the minimum angle or maximum distance
will result in more location points being created, which can effect the
performance of the unit.