Rado A100 User manual

A100 control system

instrucon manual

Issue date: 07/2014

Descripon of the A100 control system for seed drill

The device is designed for installaon into all types of seed drills. All important data on the drill operaon and

its sengs are at disposal for the user via a tablet in the tractor cab.

The A100 control system offers the following functions:

• Automac or manual creaon of tramlines

• Pre-emergent marking of tramlines

• Indicaon of minimal level of seed in hoppers, 2x

• Assembly travel speed measuring

• Actual date and me

• Fan speed indicaon

• Seeding mechanism speed indicaon

• Daily hectare measuring

• Summary hectare measuring

• Automac seeding test

• Seeding mechanism driven by a motor – up to 4 motors

• Connuous regulaon of the seeding dose during sowing

• Drill lighng control

• Drill hydraulic funcons control – up to 20 funcons

• Scanning of seed passage in each seeding hoses – up to 128 sowings

Controlling the A100 system:

The display unit is controlled via the colour touchscreen of the tablet. Pressing of a key is indicated by an

acousc signal.

Displaying structure of the A100 system:

The controlling of the system is divided into two basic screens.

Screen No.1: Displays all important data on the operaon of the seed drill which are necessary to monitor

during the sowing process and enables to change the parameters of the tramline, seeding

dose, fan speed limits, doser 1 and doser 2 seeding dose, all this during the course of the

operaon.

Screen No.2: Serves for the user to input the parameters of the seeding test for dosers 1 to 3, the number

of seeding sensors and their sensivity, the C-factor for the travel speed inducon scanning

and mes for the hydraulic funcons. It also comprises the control of the lighng, subsoilers,

mulching secon and seng of markers automacs.

Screen No.1:

Description of the screen No.1:

1.1 Assembly travel speed

Displays the actual travel speed of the seeding assembly based on the signal from the

GPS/Glonass, radar or induction sensor impulses.

In case of usage of the:

• inducon sensor, it is necessary to adjust it correctly. The distance of the M12 indu-

con sensor from the scanning rosee must be 4 mm maximally. If the sensor is co-

rrectly adjusted, its signalling LED must light on every me the rosee metallic tooth

passes around the sensor. In case of an incorrect adjustment, some impulses are

skipped which leads to inaccurate travel speed measuring. This will cause inaccuracy

of the sown dose and reading distoron of the hectare-meter.

• radar, it is necessary to install it so it will not be aﬀected by e.g. the rotang wheels

of the tracle machine (e.g. a tractor) or by a large cloud of dust or other solid parc-

les ﬂying oﬀof the tractor wheels or the seed drill itself. This will again cause increa-

sed inaccuracy of the sowing and hectare-meter values.

• GPS/Glonass, the antenna must be installed at the highest point of the drill and must

not be shaded by any metallic cover. Unless the antenna direct visibility into the sky

is ensured, the GPS system will operate incorrectly and the drill will not react to the

movement, conngently a non-zero speed could be measured due to the poor signal

even in case the drill is at standsll (e.g. when parked under a hall roof).

1.2 Fan speed

Displays the actual value of the fan speed. In case the fan speed value drops under a set

value, the icon will turn red and an acousc signal will sound. To set the speed limit, pre-

ss the fan icon and change the speed value aer the numerical entry dialogue appears.

Conﬁrm the sengs by pressing the OK key.

1.3 Daily hectare-meter

Displays the actual state of the sown area up to a maximal value of 99.9 ha. The dis-

played value can be reset by shortly pressing the daily hectare-meter indicator.

1.4 Summary hectare-meter

Displays the total sown area. This value cannot be reset by the user. Reseng is possible

only by a service intervenon.

1.5 SH1 and SH2 sensors of seed level in hoppers

Displays the actual state of seed in the hopper. When the seed level drops below the

level of the sensor ﬁed in the hopper, the empty hopper symbol will turn red and an

acousc signal will sound.

1.6 Level sensors adjustment

On the sensor rear side there is a small screw under which the adjusng screw of the

sensor sensivity is located.

1.7 A1 sensor of seeding

Displays the actual state of seed passing to the seeding hoses.

• In case the seed is passing through the seeding sensor, a green box symbol is dis-

played in the corresponding posion.

• In case the seed is not passing through the parcular sensor, a yellow box symbol is

displayed in the corresponding posion.

• In case the sensor is not connected, is not communicang or it is faulty or damaged,

a red box symbol is displayed in the corresponding posion.

1.8 Actual date and time

Displays the actual me. The me is set automacally according to the tablet system

me and is corrected by the GPS/Glonass signal during the operaon. In case the GPS/

Glonass signal is unavailable, the me is synchronized with the tablet me upon the

entry into the second screen.

1.9 Night and day mode change

Pressing the display in the date and me displaying area will invoke the night mode

display which is less highlighted and does not disturb during work at night. Pressing the

same area again will return the day mode display.

1.10 Seeding mechanism speed

Displays the actual value of seeding mechanism speed during the drill operaon. The

speed range is within a scale of 0 rpm to 255 rpm. The maximal speed range is given by

the manufacturer and is derived from the width and the maximal travel speed of the

drill. In case the seeding mechanism stops during drill operaon, a zero speed value is

displayed and an acousc signal is sound to alert the operator about this serious fault.

In case the speed value is lower or higher than the required speed, the speed numerical

value is highlighted in red and an acousc signal is sound. This signals to the operator

that he must either reduce the seeding assembly travel speed or stop the drill and check

the seeding mechanism for possible faults. To manually stop the doser, press the

speed numerical value. By this, the STOP symbol will be displayed instead of the speed

value and the doser motor will be blocked during driving. By pressing the STOP symbol,

the doser motor will return to the standard operaon mode.

1.11 Setting and displaying the tramline

This secon of the screen is intended for displaying and seng all data related to the

tramline creaon.

The ﬁrst key on the top and in the middle of the screen represents the seed drill width

seng. To set a value, press this key and set the required width of the seed drill by me-

ans of the numerical dialogue.

The second line is for seng the sprayer width. The seng is carried out as descri-

bed above. Aer seng the sprayer width, the number of tramline rides is automa-

cally calculated and displayed. Also the permied sides of sowing start are displayed.

The permied sides are highlighted in green and the unpermied sides are in grey.

Select any of the permied (green) sides of sowing start by pressing it and its colour will

change to yellow. The sowing sides can be changed anyme. In case a non-exisng com-

binaon of the seed drill and sprayer widths is set, the number of rides is calculated as

zero and all sowing sides are highlighted in grey. The tramline sengs and the state of

the counter are stored in the internal memory of the unit even aer turning the system

oﬀ. Aer turning the feeding power on, all data are set to the state as they were before

turning oﬀ.

1.12 Tramline automatic mode

The tramline creaon is displayed as two strips in the middle of the screen boom side.

If the strips are uncoloured, the tramline is not created. If the strips are colored, the

tramline is created.

Aer pressing the tramline symbol, the STOP symbol will be displayed across both stri-

ps. By this, the tramline creaon is manually stopped. The funcon is enabled by pre-

ssing it again. This is useful when it is necessary to drive around obstacles. With the

STOP symbol displayed, the tramline rides counng is blocked.

1.13 Tramline manual mode

Shortly pressing the tramline key will manually add up one ride. By pressing it for a lon-

ger me, the tramline counter is reset to the default state, i.e. to 1.

1.14 Pre-sowing function

Pre-sowing is a funcon that ensures rotaon of all dosers for about 7 seconds while

the drill is stopped. This enables to sow places which cannot be sown during driving,

e.g. a place where it is necessary to reverse-drive ﬁrst, turn the pre-sowing on and

then drive forward. Press the START key to start the pre-sowing. Pre-sowing is accom-

panied by an acousc signal during the whole me the funcon is in operaon. Aer

the assembly is set in moon, the dosers automacally switch to the regulaon mode

according to the assembly speed.

1.15 Seeding dose

The combined round indicator states informaon on the set seeding dose in kilograms

per hectare. This value can be changed by tapping on the numerical value of the see-

ding dose, changing the value in the dialogue window and pressing the OK key. When

changing the value during driving, the speed of the dosers motors is changed based on

the new dose value.

Based on your actual need, you can also add or reduce the dose anyme during opera-

on.

Controlling the drill hydraulics:

1.16 Hydraulics turning on and off

Pressing this key will turn on all hydraulic controlling funcons. In case the hydraulics

are not turned on, none of the hydraulic funcons controlling keys will be funconal. By

pressing the key again, the hydraulics controlling funcons are turned oﬀ.

1.17 Drill unfolding

Pressing this key will start the drill unfolding funcon which will be in operaon for

a pre-programmed me. During the pre-programmed me, the drill remains unfolded

and aer the me elapses, the funcon will automacally turn oﬀ.

1.18 Drill folding

Pressing this key will start the drill folding funcon which will be in operaon for a pre

-programmed me. During the pre-programmed me, the drill remains folded and aer

the me elapses, the funcon will automacally turn oﬀ.

1.19 Left side marker

Pressing the key will start the lemarking funcon which will be in operaon

for a pre-programmed me. Aer the set me elapses, the funcon will automacally

turn oﬀ.

1.20 Right side marker

Pressing the key will start the right marking funcon which will be in opera-

on for a pre-programmed me. Aer the set me elapses, the funcon will automa-

cally turn oﬀ.

1.21 Seed drill lowering

Pressing this key will turn on the drill lowering funcon which will start the lowering for

sowing for a pre-programmed me. Aer lowering, the funcon will automacally turn

oﬀ.

1.22 Seed drill raising

Pressing this key will turn on the drill raising funcon which will start the raising from

sowing for a pre-programmed me. Aer raising, the funcon will automacally turn

oﬀ.

1.23 Info bar

This symbol represents the wireless connecon with the control unit via BLUE-

TOOTH. If the symbol is not yellow colored, the tablet is disconnected from

the control unit and it cannot be controlled. The following noce is displayed

on the tablet:

This symbol informs the user that the GPS/Glonass signal is available. In case

the drill is equipped with and controlled by the GPS/Glonass, it is necessary to

wait unl the symbol turns yellow before starng work.

!Unless the symbol is highlighted in yellow, the speed measuring, hectare

counng and the regulaon of dosers motors will be blocked!

1.24 Access to the second screen

Press this key to access the screen No.2 which enables adjustment of other parameters.

Screen No.2:

Description of the screen No.2:

2.1 Seeding test

This screen enables adjustment of the seeding test for the doser 1 to 3.

2.1.1 Setting the seeding dose for a given doser

Before carrying out the seeding test, it is necessary to set the seeding dose for a given

doser. This is carried out in the ﬁrst screen, see the chapter 1.14.

2.1.2 Setting the number of metal rosette teeth for the doser speed scanning

This parameter is set by the drill manufacturer. Before starng the seeding test, it is

necessary to check the number of teeth and in case the displayed value does not co-

rrespond with the number of the rosee teeth of the given doser, it must be changed.

Carry out the change by pressing the gearwheel symbol and entering the correct

number of teeth aer the seng dialogue is displayed. Conﬁrm the set value by means

of the OK key. Aer this, the newly set value will be displayed under the gearwheel

symbol.

2.1.3 Seeding test speed counter resetting

Pressing the key will reset the speed counter. The value 000 will be displayed

under the key.

2.1.4 Starting/stopping the seeding test

Pressing this key will start the motor of a given doser. The counter will start to count

the doser speed. To stop the doser, press the key. The seed falling from the doser

during the test must be caught into a suitable container or a bag. Allow the doser to

rotate unl the required amount of seed ﬁlls the container. Aer the test ends, weigh

its weight and input the value according to the following table (2.1.5).

2.1.5 Entering the seed weight

Aer stopping the seeding test, it is necessary to enter the weight of the seed which has

been dosed during the seeding test. To enter the weight, press the key and use

the sengs dialogue to input the value. Conﬁrm the input by pressing the OK key and

the new value will be displayed under the symbol of a scale.

2.1.6 Checking the correctness of the seeding test

To check the correctness of the seeding test, use the so called zonal regulaon diagram.

The aim is to get the black lines to the centre of the green zone. In case both black lines

are not within the green zone in the middle of the diagram, the seeding test has been

carried out incorrectly and it is necessary to repeat it. In case both black lines are within

the green zone, the test has been carried out correctly and the doser regulation will

proceed correctly within the whole range of the travel speed.

!The maximal travel speed of the assembly must be taken into account. It

must not be exceeded, otherwise the seed will be incorrectly dosed!

Use the same procedure for other dosers.

2.2 Seeding sensors setting

This ﬁeld of display serves for seng the number of connected seeding sensors and their scanning sensivity.

2.2.1 Setting the number of seeding sensors

Pressing this key will allow to set the number of sensors connected to the control unit

bus. This value is set by the manufacturer and is intended for service purposes only.

2.2.2 Setting the seed passage scanning sensitivity

The range of the sensor sensivity is from 1 to 255. The value depends on the size of the

seed and the selected seeding dose. Seng the sensivity to 5 means that minimally

5 pieces of seed must pass through the sensor within 1 second in order for the sensor

to evaluate that the seeding is correct and “SOWS”. In case less than 5 pieces of seed

passes through within 1 second, the sensor evaluates this as the seed is not passing

through, i.e. “DOES NOT SOW”.

1. For small seeds, such as poppy and rape, the recommended value is 3 to 12.

2. For medium-sized seeds, such as wheat and barley, the recommended value is 30 to

100.

3. For large seeds, such as corn and bean, the recommended value is 10 to 30.

2.3 Lighting functions

2.3.1 Seed drill lighting

Pressing this key will turn on the seed drill lighng. Press it again to turn the lighng oﬀ.

2.3.2 Hopper lighting

Pressing this key will turn on the lighng inside the hopper. Press it again to turn the

lighng oﬀ.

2.3.3 Seeding mechanism lighting

Pressing this key will turn on the lighng of the seeding mechanism. Press it again to

turn the lighng oﬀ.

2.4 Other hydraulic functions

2.4.1 Flexible leveller - raising

Upon pressing, the key will highlight in yellow and the ﬂexible leveller will beging to rai-

se. Press it again and the key will highlight in green and the ﬂexible leveller raising stops.

2.4.2 Flexible leveller - lowering

Upon pressing, the key will highlight in yellow and the ﬂexible leveller will beging to

lower. Press it again and the key will highlight in green and the ﬂexible leveller lowering

stops.

2.4.3 Mulching section raising

Pressing this key will turn on the mulching secon raising funcon. To end the raising,

press the key again and the mulching secon raising funcon will turn oﬀ.

2.4.4 Mulching section lowering

Pressing this key will turn on the mulching secon lowering funcon. To end the lowe-

ring, press the key again and the mulching secon lowering funcon will turn oﬀ.

2.4.5 Pre-emergent marking of tramline

Pressing this key will turn on the pre-emergent tramline marking funcon. The funcon

enabling is indicated by yellow color of the key. Its subsequent funcons are derived

from the tramline valves funcon. In case the tramline valves close and unsown marks

are created, the pre-emergent marking automacally lowers. Upon opening of the val-

ves, the pre-emergent marking raises. By pressing the key again, the

pre-emergent tramline marking funcon turns oﬀ.

2.4.6 Markers automatics

Pressing this key will turn on the funcon of automac switching-over of the markers

at the dead centre. The key will be highlighted in yellow . By this, the

automac switching-over is enabled and the posion of markers will always automa-

cally change aer raising.

2.5 Procedure with the markers automatic switching-over function enabled:

If the automac funcon is enabled in the second screen, use the key to return to the

ﬁrst screen.

Now, based on which side of the ﬁeld you intent to start, press either the leor right marker lowering key.

Prior to the selecon of the marker, the seed drill must be uncondionally raised, both keys must be grey-co-

loured and the markers symbols on the icons must point upwards. Aer pressing the marker corresponding

key, both markers will turn green and the symbol of the pressed marker will point down. Immediately aer the

start of the drill lowering, the pre-selected marker will lower as well. At the ride end, during the drill raising,

both marker keys will switch-over and the lowered marker will automacally raise. At the subsequent lowe-

ring of the drill, the second marker will start lowering.

2.6 C-factor (speed correction)

This serves for adjusng the C-factor of the travel speed sensor. This adjustment can only be carried out if the

C-factor is installed on the drill and the GPS/Glonass system is not in use.

Firstly check and, if necessary, correctly set the number of the inducon sensor sensing teeth. This value is

pre-set by the manufacturer. In case the number of teeth diﬀers from the set value, it is necessary to adjust

the value.

2.6.1 Setting the number of the travel speed sensor teeth

Press the symbol to adjust the seng. In the entering numerical dialogue, input the

new value and conﬁrm it by pressing the OK key. The value will be displayed under the

symbol.

2.6.2 Setting the circumference of the travel speed sensor wheel

Press the symbol to set the wheel circumference. In the entering numerical dialogue,

input the new value and conﬁrm it by pressing the OK key. The value will be displayed

under the symbol.

!Aenon, the value must be set in millimetres!

2.6.3 Setting the C-factor

Firstly, it is necessary to mark-out a 100 meters long straight path in the concrete

locaon of your work. This path must be covered by the assembly when measuring

the C-factor. Once the path is marked-out, drive the seed drill to the path beginning and

stop it. Press the key which will start the C-factor measuring. Now, travel along

the marked-out path and stop at its end. Press the key to stop the measuring.

The relave travelled path will appear under the symbol. The speed mea-

suring correcon will be carried out according to this path.

2.7 Setting the operational times of the hydraulic functions

This secon of the screen enables the sengs of the mes necessary for individual hydraulic funcons of the

drill. The mes can be set within a range of 1 to 100 seconds according to your need.

Every drill has a diﬀerent ﬂow rate and oil pressure (hydraulic circuit power output), therefore the mes of

individual movements may signiﬁcantly diﬀer.

In overall, it is possible to set six diﬀerent hydraulic funcons:

2.7.1 Drill folding

Press the key, set the required value in the seng dialogue and conﬁrm it by pressing