Raven RCM User manual

Copyright 2019, 2020, 2021
Raven Rate Control
Module (RCM) Operation
Manual for Dry Manure/
Litter Applications
016-0171-694 Rev. C 1/2021 E36584

016-0171-686 Rev. A 8/18 E31924
We Solve Great Challenges.
DISCLAIMER
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this document, Raven Industries assumes no
responsibility for omissions and errors. Nor is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of
information contained herein.
Raven Industries shall not be responsible or liable for incidental or consequential damages or a loss of anticipated
benefits or profits, work stoppage or loss, or impairment of data arising out of the use, or inability to use, this
system or any of its components. Raven Industries shall not be held responsible for any modifications or repairs
made outside our facilities, nor damages resulting from inadequate maintenance of this system.
As with all wireless and satellite signals, several factors may affect the availability and accuracy of wireless and
satellite navigation and correction services (e.g. GPS, GNSS, SBAS, etc.). Therefore, Raven Industries cannot
guarantee the accuracy, integrity, continuity, or availability of these services and cannot guarantee the ability to
use Raven systems, or products used as components of systems, which rely upon the reception of these signals or
availability of these services. Raven Industries accepts no responsibility for the use of any of these signals or
services for other than the stated purpose.

CHAPTER
1
Important Information: Safety 1
CHAPTER 1 IMPORTANT INFORMATION
SAFETY
Follow the operation and safety instructions included with the implement and/or controller and read this manual
carefully before installing or operating this Raven system.
• Follow all safety information presented within this manual. Review implement operation with your local dealer.
• Contact a local Raven dealer for assistance with any portion of the installation, service, or operation of Raven
equipment.
• Follow all safety labels affixed to system components. Be sure to keep safety labels in good condition and
replace any missing or damaged labels. Contact a local Raven dealer to obtain replacements for safety labels.
Observe the following safety measures when operating the implement after installing this Raven system:
• Do not operate this Raven system or any agricultural equipment while under the influence of alcohol or an
illegal substance.
• Be alert and aware of surroundings and remain in the operator seat at all times when operating this Raven
system. •Do not operate the implement on any public road with this Raven system enabled.
•Disable this Raven system before exiting the operator seat.
•Determine and remain a safe working distance from obstacles and bystanders. The operator is
responsible for disabling the system when a safe working distance has diminished.
•Disable this Raven system prior to starting any maintenance work on the implement or components
of this Raven system.
• Do not attempt to modify or lengthen any of the system control cables. Extension cables are available from a
local Raven dealer.
NOTICE

CHAPTER 1
2 RCM Dry Manure/Litter Setup Guide
AGRICULTURAL CHEMICAL SAFETY
Follow all federal, state, and local regulations regarding the handling, use, and disposal of agricultural chemicals,
products, and containers. Triple-rinse and puncture or crush empty containers before properly disposing of them.
Contact a local environmental agency or recycling center for additional information.
• Always follow safety labels and instructions provided by the chemical manufacturer or supplier.
• Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment as recommended by the chemical and/or equipment
manufacturer.
• When storing unused agricultural chemicals:
•Store agricultural chemicals in the original container and do not transfer chemicals to unmarked
containers or containers used for food or drink.
•Store chemicals in a secure, locked area away from human and livestock food.
•Keep children away from chemical storage areas.
• Fill, flush, calibrate, and decontaminate chemical application systems in an area where runoff will not reach
ponds, lakes, streams, livestock areas, gardens, or populated areas.
• Follow all label instructions for chemical mixing, handling, and disposal.
• Avoid direct contact with agricultural chemicals or inhaling chemical dust or spray particulate. Seek immediate
medical attention if symptoms of illness occur during, or soon after, use of agricultural chemicals or products.
• After handling or applying agricultural chemicals:
•Thoroughly wash hands and face after using agricultural chemicals and before eating, drinking, or
using the restroom.
•Thoroughly flush or rinse equipment used to mix, transfer, or apply chemicals with water after use
or before servicing any component of the application system.
HYDRAULIC SAFETY
When installing or servicing a hydraulic system or hydraulic components, be aware that hydraulic fluid may be
extremely hot and under high pressure. Caution must be exercised.
• Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment when installing or servicing hydraulic systems.
• Never attempt to open or work on a hydraulic system with the implement running.
• Any work performed on the hydraulic system must be done in accordance with the machine manufacturer’s
approved maintenance instructions.
• Care should always be taken when servicing or opening a system that has been pressurized.
• The implement or machine must remain stationary and switched off with booms or implement sections
unfolded and supported during installation or maintenance.
• Take precautions to prevent foreign material or contaminants from being introduced into the implement
hydraulic system. Contaminants that are able to bypass the hydraulic filtration system will reduce performance
and may damage hydraulic components.
• Stand clear of the implement when starting the system for the first time after installing or servicing hydraulic
components in case a hose has not been properly connected or tightened.
WARNING

Important Information: Recommendations and Best Practices 3
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
ELECTRICAL SAFETY
• Always verify that power leads are connected to the correct polarity as marked. Reversing the power leads
could cause severe damage to the Raven system or other components.
• To prevent personal injury or fire, replace defective or blown fuses with only fuses of the same type and
amperage.
• Do not connect the power leads to the battery until all system components are mounted and all electrical
connections are completed.
• Always start the machine before initializing this Raven system to prevent power surges or peak voltage.
• To avoid tripping and entanglement hazards, route cables and harnesses away from walkways, steps, grab bars,
and other areas used by the operator or service personnel when operating or servicing the equipment.
RECOMMENDATIONS AND BEST PRACTICES
HOSE ROUTING
The word “hose” is used to describe any flexible, fluid carrying components. Use the following guidelines and
recommendations when connecting and routing hoses while installing or maintaining this Raven system:
• Leave protective caps/covers over hose ends until connecting the end into the hydraulic system to help
prevent contaminants from entering the system.
• Follow existing hose runs already routed on the implement as much as possible. Proper hose routing should:
•Secure hoses and prevent hoses from hanging below the implement.
•Provide sufficient clearance from moving components and operational zones around shafts;
universal joints and suspension components; pulleys, gears, belts, and chains; moving linkages,
cylinders, articulation joints, etc.
•Protect hoses from field debris and surrounding hazards (e.g. tree limbs, fence posts, crop stubble,
dirt clumps or rocks that may fall or be thrown by the implement).
•Protect hoses from sharp bends, twisting, or flexing over short distances and normal implement
operation.
•Ensure sufficient length for free movement of the implement during normal operation and prevent
pulling, pinching, catching, or rubbing, especially in articulation and pivot points. Clamp hoses
securely to force controlled movement of the hose.
•Avoid abrasive surfaces and sharp edges such as sheared or flame cut corners, fastener threads or
cap screw heads, hose clamp ends, etc.
•Avoid areas where the operator or service personnel might step or use as a grab bar.
• Do not connect, affix, or allow hoses to come into contact with components with high vibration forces, hot
surfaces, or components carrying hot fluids beyond the temperature rating of hose components.
•Hoses should be protected or shielded if routing requires the hose to be exposed to conditions
beyond hose component specifications.
• Avoid routing hoses in areas where damage may occur due to build up of material (e.g. dirt, mud, snow, ice,
etc.).
CAUTION

CHAPTER 1
4 RCM Dry Manure/Litter Setup Guide
HARNESS ROUTING
The word “harness” is used to describe any electrical cables and leads, both bundled and unbundled. Use the
following guidelines and recommendations when connecting and routing harnesses while installing or maintaining
this Raven system:
• Leave protective caps/covers over harness connectors until needed to avoid dirt and moisture from
contaminating electrical circuits.
• Secure the harness to the frame or solid structural members at least every 12 in [30 cm].
• Follow existing harness runs already routed on the implement as much as possible. Proper harness routing
should: •Secure harnessing and prevent the harness from hanging below the implement.
•Provide sufficient clearance from moving components and operational zones around shafts;
universal joints and suspension components; pulleys, gears, belts, and chains; moving linkages,
cylinders, articulation joints, etc.
•Protect harnessing from field debris and surrounding hazards (e.g. tree limbs, fence posts, crop
stubble, dirt clumps or rocks that may fall or be thrown by the implement).
•Protect harnessing from sharp bends, twisting, or flexing over short distances and normal
implement operation.
•Connectors and splices should not be located at bending points or in harness sections that move.
•Ensure sufficient length for free movement of the implement during normal operation and prevent
pulling, pinching, catching, or rubbing, especially in articulation and pivot points. Clamp harnessing
securely to force controlled movement of the harness.
•Avoid abrasive surfaces and sharp edges such as sheared or flame cut corners, fastener threads or
cap screw heads, hose clamp ends, etc.
• Do not connect, affix, or allow harnessing to come into contact with components with high vibration forces, hot
surfaces, or components carrying hot fluids beyond the temperature rating of harness components.
•Harnessing should be protected or shielded if routing requires the hose to be exposed to
conditions beyond harnessing component specifications.
• Avoid routing harnesses in areas where damage may occur due to build up of material (e.g. dirt, mud, snow,
ice, etc.).
• Avoid routing harnesses in areas where the operator or service personnel might step or use as a grab bar.
IMPORTANT: Avoid applying direct spray or pressure washing of electrical components and connections. High pressure
streams and sprays can penetrate seals, cause corrosion, or otherwise damage electrical components.
When performing maintenance:
• Inspect electrical components and connectors for corrosion, damaged pins or housings, etc. Repair or replace
components or harnessing as necessary.
• Ensure connectors are kept clean and dry. Apply dielectric grease to the sealing surfaces of all connections
exposed to moisture, dirt, debris, and other contaminates. Repair or replace harnessing as necessary.
• Clean electrical components with pressurized air, aerosol electrical cleaning agent, or low pressure rinse.
• Remove visible surface water from electrical components and connections using pressurized air or an aerosol
cleaning agent. Allow components to dry thoroughly before reconnecting cables.

CHAPTER
2
016-0171-694 Rev. B 5
CHAPTER 2 INTRODUCTION
RCM OVERVIEW
Thank you for choosing Raven Applied Technologies. The Raven Rate Control Module (RCM) is a multi-product
application control system built on an ISOBUS platform. The RCM offers a machine operator with the ability to
simultaneously monitor and control dry manure or litter application via ISOBUS Universal Terminal (UT) and task
control for as-applied documentation, prescription rate, and section control.
LITTER AND DRY MANURE CONTROLLER FEATURES
DYNAMIC CALIBRATION
The dynamic calibration automatically adjusts the “density factor” to compensate for varying product density, even
when the product is highly variable. Refer to the Dynamic Calibration section on page 21 for additional assistance
with the dynamic calibration feature.
CLEANOUT MODE
The clean out mode is used to compensate for the end of a load when the beaters or spinners are no longer full.
The apron chain will continue to speed up until it is at full speed. The controller will resume normal operation
when the spreader has been refilled to a level above the trigger weight. Review the Cleanout Setup section on
page 23 for additional assistance with setting up the cleanout mode.
GATE HEIGHT MONITORING
Gate height monitoring is used to actively monitor the real time position of the physical gate height on the
machine. This always allows the system to know the precise height of the gate and adjust the spreader constant
accordingly to maintain a reliable and consistent application rate. Refer to the Gate Height Sensor Calibration
section on page 24 for additional assistance.

CHAPTER 2
6 RCM Dry Manure/Litter Setup Guide
MULTIPLE UTS
When an RCM is used in a system with more than one UT (universal terminal), the RCM can be assigned a primary
UT.
FIGURE 1. Set Primary UT Menu
RCM DRY MANURE AND LITTER CONTROLLER OPTIONS
This guide is intended to assist with the setup and configuration of the Raven Rate Control Module (RCM) on pull-
type or self-propelled dry manure and litter applicators.
• Initial Setup and Navigation
• Calibration
NOTE: Prior to using the Raven Rate Control Module control features with any UT display, the Raven Rate
Control Module electronic control unit (ECU) must be calibrated for the control system. Refer to
Chapter 3, Calibration, for assistance with completing the calibration wizard.
This manual assumes that the required control hardware is already installed on supported equipment
and is properly connected. Contact a local Raven dealer for additional information on supported
equipment configurations.

016-0171-694 Rev. B 7
INTRODUCTION
MACHINE TYPES
The information provided in this manual is intended for the following machine types:
NOTE: See Chapter 3 for Setup, Calibration, and Operation Instructions. Settings depicted are generic values.
Reference Chapter 6, Machine Settings, for machine specific settings.
RCM LVL 0 – SCALE ONLY
NOTE: RCM Level 0 does not offer dynamic calibration, cleanout mode, or gate height monitoring features.
RCM LVL 0 (Scale Only) does not provide product or task control features with base functionality. These features
may be unlocked to achieve dry manure and litter application control features if desired.
RCM LVL 3 – DRY MANURE/LITTER APPLICATION CONTROL
RCM Level 3 is required for dynamic calibration, cleanout mode, and gate height monitoring features and is only
available for granular spreaders operating in the dry manure/litter application mode and equipped with a product
scale.
When paired with a scale system, the Raven Rate Control Module (RCM) is capable of compensating for varying
product density within a spreader load. This capability offers optimal consistency of application even when the
product composition is highly variable.
TABLE 1. RCM Machine Types
Machine
Type Feature
Unlock
Level Application
Type Application Mode Uses
Scale Only 0 N/A General purpose scale without product
control.
Pull-Behind
Spreader 3Dry Manure/ Litter Granular full width control using litter or manure application control features.
Self-
propelled
Spreader 3Dry Manure/
Litter Granular full width control using litter or manure application control features.
TABLE 2. Applicable Part Numbers for Scale Only Applications
Part Number Description
063-0173-940 Raven Rate Control Module - Level 0
117-7100-004 Kit - RCM LVL 0 Gen 1 ISOBUS ECU Harness
117-7100-001 Kit - RCM LVL 0 Gen 3 ECU Harness
TABLE 3. Applicable Part Numbers for Dry Manure/Litter Applications
Part Number Description
063-0173-953 Raven Rate Control Module - Level 3
117-7100-007 Kit - RCM LVL 3 Gen 1 ISOBUS ECU Harness
117-7100-008 Kit - RCM LVL 3 Gen 3 ECU Harness

CHAPTER 2
8 RCM Dry Manure/Litter Setup Guide
FEATURE UNLOCKS
Many control features require specific unlock levels. If control features are not available with the RCM installed on
your machine, contact your local Raven dealer or visit the Raven Precision portal at the link below to unlock
additional control features if needed.
https://portal.ravenprecision.com
UPDATES
Updates for Raven manuals as well as software updates for Raven consoles and product controllers are available at
the Applied Technology Division web site:
https://portal.ravenprecision.com
The Raven Service Tool and a laptop PC are required to perform software updates of the Raven Rate Control
Module. Refer to the Raven Service Tool Operation manual for additional assistance with updating the Raven Rate
Control Module.
Sign up for e-mail alerts to receive notifications when updates for your Raven products are available on the Raven
web site.
TABLE 4. Feature Unlock
Part Number Description Reason
077-0180-198 Auth Code, Raven Control Module -
Lvl 0 to Lvl 1
077-0180-200 Auth Code, Raven Control Module -
Lvl 1 to Lvl 2
077-0180-241 Auth Code, Raven Control Module -
Lvl 2 to Lvl 3
Required for dynamic calibration,
cleanout mode, and gate height
monitoring features.
At Raven Industries, we strive to make your experience with our products as rewarding as
possible. One way to improve this experience is to provide us with feedback on this manual.
Your feedback will help shape the future of our product documentation and the overall service we
provide. We appreciate the opportunity to see ourselves as our customers see us and are eager
to gather ideas on how we have been helping or how we can do better.
To serve you best, please send an email with the following information to
[e-mail]
-RCM Dry Manure/Litter Setup Guide
-016-0171-694 Rev. B
-Any comments or feedback (include chapter or page numbers if applicable).
-Let us know how long have you been using this or other Raven products.
We will not share your email or any information you provide with anyone else. Your feedback is
valued and extremely important to us.
Thank you for your time.

CHAPTER
3
Calibration: Calibration Wizard 9
CHAPTER 3 CALIBRATION
CALIBRATION WIZARD
NOTE: Complete the following calibration steps to setup an RCM Level 3 with dry manure or litter spreading
features.
1. Enter the profile name for the implement.
2. Select Pull-Behind Spreader from the drop down menu.
NOTE: If the spreader box is installed on a truck chassis, select the “Self-Propelled Spreader” option for the
machine type.
3. Enter the application width of the spreader.
4. Select the Next button in the lower, right corner of the page to proceed.
FIGURE 1. Name Profile Page
5. The ECU number will remain at 1.
6. The Number of Products will also be set to 1.
7. Select the Next button in the lower, right of the page to proceed.
NOTE: Select the Back button in the lower, left corner of the page to return to the previous page if needed.

CHAPTER 3
10 RCM Dry Manure/Litter Setup Guide
FIGURE 2. Setup System
8. Set the number of spinner or fan RPM sensors installed on the implement to 1 if one is installed.
IMPORTANT: Do not check the box to enable Fan/Spinner RPM Control for Pull-Behind applications.
NOTE: Enable Fan/Spinner Control may be used on pull-type or truck mounted boxes which are configured
with hydraulically driven spreaders or beaters.
9. Select the Next button in the lower, right corner of the page to proceed.
FIGURE 3. Setup Fan/Spinner RPM
10. Use the drop down list to select the Granular Fertilizer option.
11. Select the Next button in the lower, right corner of the page to proceed.

Calibration: Calibration Wizard 11
CALIBRATION
FIGURE 4. Setup Application Type
12. Use the drop down list to select Dry Manure/Litter option.
13. Select the Next button in the lower, right corner of the page to proceed.
FIGURE 5. Setup Application Type - Product 1
14. No Auxiliary Drivers are currently used on the Dry Manure/Litter configurations.
15. Ensure all Drivers (Auxiliary Driver 1 - 6) are set to “None”.
16. Select the Next button in the lower, right corner of the page to proceed.

CHAPTER 3
12 RCM Dry Manure/Litter Setup Guide
FIGURE 6. Setup Auxiliary Drivers
17. Review the Section Summary. No changes will be made on this page.
18. Select the Next button in the lower, right corner of the page to proceed.
FIGURE 7. Section Summary
19. Use the drop down list to select Product Scale.
20.Assign the “Product Scale 1” to Product 1 by placing a check mark in the box next to Product Scale 1.
21. Select the Next button in the lower, right corner of the page to proceed.

Calibration: Calibration Wizard 13
CALIBRATION
FIGURE 8. Scale Setup
22.Enter the calibration number for the scale. Refer to Chapter 6, Machine Settings, for manufacturer scale
calibration numbers.
FIGURE 9. Scale Setup
NOTE: The manufacturer scale calibration numbers are an initial starting point for the scale calibration. It is
highly recommended to verify the scale calibration with a known weight of at least 25% of the total
scale capacity, after initial scale calibration, to ensure scale accuracy.
23.Enter the number of pickups which the sensor reads per revolution of the shaft as the RPM 1 Calibration
Number.
NOTE: If the number of pickups is changed, this value must be changed accordingly.
24.Enter an initial value for RPM 1 Low Limit.
NOTE: Refer to Chapter 6, Machine Settings, for assistance with setting an initial RPM 1 Low Limit value.

CHAPTER 3
14 RCM Dry Manure/Litter Setup Guide
25.Enter an initial value for RPM 1 High Limit.
NOTE: The Low and High Limit values may be adjusted as needed for the per each machine configuration as
desired by the operator. Refer to Reference Chapter 6, Machine Settings, for assistance with setting an
initial RPM 1 High Limit value.
NOTE: Optionally, enable the Alarm check boxes for the Low or High Limit values to sound an audible alarm
if the PTO shaft speed nears the limit value.
26.Select the Next button in the lower, right corner of the page to proceed.
FIGURE 10. Setup Fan/Spinner RPM Calibration
27.Place a check mark in the box next to Product 1.
NOTE: This will assign the RPM sensor to Product 1 and disable product application unless the RPM sensor
detects PTO shaft rotation. This is a safety catch to prevent belt movement without the beaters
running.
28.Select the Next button in the lower, right corner of the page to proceed.
FIGURE 11. Setup RPM Sensor Assignment
29.Use the Control Valve Type drop down list to select the PWM Close valve.

Calibration: Calibration Wizard 15
CALIBRATION
30.Valve Response Rate will be set to 50.
31. Control Deadband will be set to 2.
32.Enable PWM Smart Control box will remain unchecked.
33.Select the Next button in the lower, right corner of the page to proceed.
FIGURE 12. Setup Control Valve
34.The Coil Frequency defaults to 60 Hz. Refer to Chapter 6, Machine Settings,for machine specific settings.
35.PWM High Limit is set to “100”.
36.PWM Low Limit is set to “20”.
37.PWM Startup is set to “25”.
NOTE: The High, Low, and Startup PWM values can be adjusted per each machine configuration as desired
by the operator.
38.Select the Next button in the lower, right corner of the page to proceed.
FIGURE 13. Setup PWM
RATE SENSOR WITHOUT GATE HEIGHT SENSOR ENABLED
NOTE: Complete the following steps to calibrate a granular product without a gate height sensor enabled.

CHAPTER 3
16 RCM Dry Manure/Litter Setup Guide
a. Enter a Density Factor value of “60”.
NOTE: If the density value of the product is known, it is recommended to enter the known value as the
Density Factor to provide a closer starting calibration from which the dynamic calibration will begin
adjusting during operation.
b. Based upon the equipment make and model being calibrated, enter:
•Spreader Constant value.
•Pulses/Revolution value.
•Gate Height value.
NOTE: Refer to Reference Chapter 6, Machine Settings, for assistance with initial and default values on
specific make and model equipment.
During initial setup, it is recommended to enter the maximum gate height value. Spreader constant
values shown in Chapter 6, Machine Settings, are based upon max gate height opening.
During normal operation of the system, manually adjust the gate height value to the physical gate
height measurement. The system will automatically adjust the Spreader Constant based upon the
Gate Height entered.
c. Select the Next button in the lower, right corner of the page to proceed.
FIGURE 14. Setup Rate Sensor

Calibration: Calibration Wizard 17
CALIBRATION
RATE SENSOR WITH GATE HEIGHT SENSOR ENABLED
NOTE: Complete the following steps to calibrate a granular product with a gate height sensor enabled.
a. Enter a Density Factor value of “60”.
NOTE: If the density value of the product is known, it is recommended to enter the known value as the
Density Factor to provide a closer starting calibration from which the dynamic calibration will begin
adjusting during operation.
b. Based upon the equipment make and model being calibrated, enter:
•Spreader Constant value based on the model that is being setup.
•Pulses/Revolution value.
•Gate Height value.
NOTE: Refer to Reference Chapter 6, Machine Settings, for assistance with initial and default values on
specific make and model equipment.
During initial setup, it is recommended to enter the maximum gate height value. Spreader constant
values shown in Reference Chapter 6, Machine Settings, are based upon max gate height opening.
During normal operation of the system, the system will monitor the gate height and automatically
adjust the spreader constant.
c. Select the Next button in the lower, right corner of the page to proceed.
FIGURE 15. Setup Rate Sensor
39.Enter the total tank capacity of the spreader.
40.Enter a Low Tank level amount as desired.
41. Enable the Low Tank Level Alarm as desired.
NOTE: It may be beneficial to the end user to set the Low Tank Alarm to alarm when the spreader enters
Cleanout Mode.
42.Leave the Low Bin Level Sensor box unchecked.
43.Select the Next button in the lower, right corner of the page to proceed.

CHAPTER 3
18 RCM Dry Manure/Litter Setup Guide
FIGURE 16. Setup Tank/Bin
44.Enter desired application rates into the Preset Rate Value boxes.
NOTE: It is only required to enter one present rate value to complete profile setup.
45.Enter a Rate Bump value if desired.
NOTE: If the Rate bump Value is to be used, change the Rate Selection drop down menu from “Predefined or
RX” to “Rate Bump or RX”.
46.Select the desired Rate Selection.
NOTE: For predefined rate entries, use “Predefined or RX” selection. For rate bump abilities, use “Rate Bump
or RX” selection.
47.Ensure the Display Smoothing box is checked.
48.Decimal Shift should remain at “0”.
49.Select the Next button in the lower, right corner of the page to proceed.
FIGURE 17. Setup Rates
50.Off Rate Alarm should be set to “20”.
51. Ensure the alarm box is checked.
52.Ensure the Shaft Sensor Alarm box is unchecked.