RDS Technology APOLLO 8000 Use and care manual

APOLLO 8000
METERING TYPE (BELT)
SPREADER CONTROLLER
Calibration
RDS Part.No:
Doc. Issue:
Software Issue:
S/DC/500-10-316
1c : 15/1/02
PS516-000 rev.30
1

Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)
This product complies with Council Directive 89/336/EEC when
installed and used in accordance with the relevant instructions.
IMPORTANT, READ THIS BEFORE USING THE APOLLO
The Apollo installation is a part of the Precision Farming System
("the System"). It is very important that you follow the described
calibration procedures before operating the Apollo instrument.
Calibration and operation of the Apollo must be in accordance with
these instructions. Use of the System is subject to the following
disclaimer;
1. So far as is legally permissible RDS Technology ("RDS"), or its
distributors, shall not be liable, whatever the cause, for any
increased costs, loss of profits, business, contracts, income, or
anticipate savings or for any special, indirect or inconsequential
damage whatsover (death or personal injury excluded).
2. The capabilities and functions of the Precision Farming System
("the System") are limited as set out in the specification of the
System, details of which are contained in the Help files and
product literature and which must be read before using the
System.
3. Without prejudice to the generality of the above it is hereby
acknowledged that the System is not designed nor intended to
a) originate variable treatment plans or b) achieve or avoid any
application rate outside application parameters, which in both
cases shall be the responsibility of the operator.
4. The standard terms and conditions of RDS (except clause 7), a
copy of which is available on request, apply to the supply and
operation of this System.
Service and Technical Support
PLEASE CONTACT YOUR NEAREST DISTRIBUTOR
If unknown then fax: [phone] for further information.
Our policy is one of continuous improvement and the information in
this document is subject to change without notice.
Check that the software reference matches that displayed by the
instrument.
© Copyright RDS Technology Ltd 2002
\UK316-1c.DTP
2

Section 1 Overview
1.1 Selecting the Control Software 5......................................
1.2 The "SETUP" screen page 5.........................................
1.3 Control Channels and "Tanks" 6......................................
1.4 Data Entry 6....................................................
Section 2 Motor/Valve Configuration
Calibration Menu 7/8..............................................
2.1 Machine Options 9...............................................
2.2 PWM/Valve Setup 9...............................................
2.2.1 Response - 9
2.2.2 "I" Factor - 10
2.2.3 "Z" Factor - 10
2.2.4 Maximum/Minimum Duty - 10
2.2.5 Startup Delay - 10
2.2.6 Valve Type - 10
2.2.7 Deadband - 10
2.2.8 PWM Frequency - 10
2.3 "Flow" Sensor Setup 10.............................................
2.3.1 Flow Sensor Cal. Factors - 11
2.3.2 Sensed Width - 11
Section 3 Product Calibration
3.1 Bucket Test 12...................................................
3.2 View Calibration Factors 12..........................................
Section 4 General Configuration
4.1 Forward Speed Sensor 13...........................................
4.1.1 Select Wheel Size / Radar Sensor - 13
4.1.2 Autocal - 13
4.1.3 Manual Calibration - 14
4.2 Width Setup 14........................................................
4.3 Alarms Setup 15.......................................................
4.4 Calibrating an RPM Sensor 15............................................
Section 5 Technician Configuration Menu
5.1 Display Options 16.....................................................
5.1.1 Speed Smoothing Factor - 16
5.1.2 Rate Lock-On - 16
5.1.3 Rate Smoothing - 16
5.2 Control Options 17.....................................................
5.2.1 Nudge Step Size - 17
5.2.2 Off Target Alarm - 17
5.2.3 Speed Related Options - 17
5.3 Boom/Cutout Inputs 17..................................................
CONTENTS
3

5.4 Print Calibration Data 18...............................................
5.5 Ports Setup - Top Port 18..............................................
5.5.1 Enabling Printer Output - 18
5.5.2 Connecting an RDS Data Module - 19
5.5.3 Receiving Variable-Rate Instructions from other control systems - 19
5.5.4 Direct transfer of Field Data to a PC - 19
5.6 Ports Setup - Bottom Port 19...........................................
5.6.1 Enabling GPS Input - 19
5.6.2 Sending Variable Rate Instructions to other control systems - 19
5.7 Change PIN for Technician Menu 19.....................................
Section 6 Factory Configuration Menu
6.1 Total Software Reset 20...........................................
6.2 Backing up and Restoring Calibration Data 20...........................
6.3 Change PIN for Factory Configuration Menu 20..........................
Section 7 User Options
7.1 Set Time and Date 21............................................
7.2 Adjust Screen Contrast and Brightness 21.............................
7.3 Set Units 21...................................................
7.4 language 22...................................................
7.5 Select Control Software 22.......................................
Section 8 General PF Setup
8.1 Set Logging Interval 23.................................................................................
8.2 Edit Tag Names 23......................................................................................
8.3 Edit Function Names and Values 24................................................................
8.4 Set GPS Antenna Offset 24............................................................................
8.5 GPS Home Location 25................................................................................
8.5.1 Setting the Home Location - 25
8.5.2 Moving to another location - 26
Appendix 1 Spreader Calibration data
CONTENTS
4

1 - Overview
Overview
This manual covers the calibration of the Pro-Series 8000 for metering type spreaders.
The instrument must be calibrated before commencing normal operation. Many
settings are made only on initial installation e.g. from the 'SENSOR CONFIGURATION'
screen. Other calibration settings may need to be altered on a regular basis (e.g.
according to the product being spread).
1.1 Selecting the Control Software
With the purchase of an optional "software module" which comes in the form of an
electronic chip loaded into the back of the instrument, the Pro-Series can be instantly
switched to perform another function e.g. from a Spreader Controller to a Data
Logger for route navigation and soil mapping tasks. This is done from "Instrument
Select" in the "USER OPTIONS" menu.
1.2 The "Setup" Screen page
Press the key to select the SETUP menu (fig. 1).
Calibration on installation
Work through the 'SENSOR CONFIGURATION' menu first. Most of these settings
need be done only once on installation.
Calibration in normal use
Calibration settings that need to be accessed more frequently are highlighted in bold
type on figure 1. These settings include;
Product calibration
Tank and Product selection
1
Figure 1
The information displayed
on the SETUP screen
Time/Date
Contrast/Brightness
Units
Language
Print Cal. Data
Ports configuration Fwd Speed
calibration
Set simulated speed
Set spread width
Logging Interval
Tag Names
Function Names / Values
GPS Antenna Offsets
GPS Home Location
Select / Calibrate Product
Width Setup
Flow Sensor
Valve/Actuator
Alarms
RPM Setup
Display Options
Control Options
Boom/Cutout Inputs
Print Cal. Data
Ports Setup
5

1 - Overview
1.3 Control Channels and 'Tanks'
There are two main types of metering mechanism,
(i) Belt drive via a hydraulic motor (e.g. Bredal)
(ii) Metering shaft via a hydraulic or electric motor (e.g. Kuhn Pnuematic)
The Apollo 8000 is an extremely versatile control system with 4 separate control
channels. To enable spreading more than one product at the same time, the
instrument can simultaneously control up to three metering systems each comprising
a motor/proportional hydraulic valve and flow rate sensor (rotary encoder), albeit
through a single distribution system (i.e. wiring loom and junction box). The fourth
channel cannot be used for driving a motor/valve.
A 'tank' is the default description for each channel (you can programme your own
descriptionaccordingly).
Single belt operation
By default, only 'tank 1' (channel 1) is enabled, for controlling a belt spreader with a
single belt.
Multiple belt operation
Some belt spreaders have more than one metering system/hopper for simultaneously
spreading more than one type of product, or for spreading independently to the left
and right.
Additional 'tanks' are enabled from the 'Machine Options' screen in the calibration
menu. The MAIN menu key is then used to cycle between the separate "tank" display
screens and also a screen displaying application rates for all 'tanks'.
NOTE: This manual predominantly covers single belt operation.
The symbol indicates additional information specifically pertaining to multi-tank
operation.
1.4 Data Entry
Alpha-numeric values are entered via the right-hand keypad. You must press the key
from 2 to 5 times to select the required letter. (Some keys also have additional
special characters not shown on the key legend).
The key will either toggle between lower and upper case characters or when
preceeding a numerical entry, will set a MINUS value.
The key will toggle between 0 and a SPACE.
The key will BACKSPACE the screen cursor if you need to re-enter a character.
The key is the RETURN key and is normally pressed to confirm the data entry
into memory.
6

(MENUCONTINUEDOVERLEAF)
SENSOR
CONFIGURATION
11 11
22
55
WIDTHSETUP*
CHANNEL:
CALFACTOR:
SENSEDWIDTH:
CHANNEL
FUNCTION:
LOADZERO:
LOADGAIN:
CALIBRATIONROUTINE:
CURRENTRESULT:
ANGLESENSORCAL: L/RZERO 0-9999.0 [2.50000][2.50000]
0-9999.0 [25.0000][25.0000]
0-9999.0 [2.50000][2.50000]
0-9999.0 [25.0000][25.0000]
L/RSLOPE
F/BZERO
F/BSLOPE
[OFF]/ON
[OFF]/ON
[OFF]/ON
PULSESPERREV [1.0][1.0]
RPM [0.0][0.0]
RPM [0.0][0.0]
1-4[1][1]
[NOTUSED][NOTUSED] /WEIGHING
0.0-9999.0 [0.00000][0.00000]
[0.00000][0.00000]
0-99.9 [24.0][24.0]
0-999 [600][600]
1-4[1][1]
FLOWSENSOR
LOADSENSOR
(notapplicable)
ALARMSSETUP
66 CALFACTOR:RPMSETUP
SELECT/CALIBRATE
FWDSPEEDSENSOR (NOFUNCTION) SELECT/CALIBRATE PRODUCT SETSIMULATED SPEED
[1.0][1.0] /2.0/3.0
CHANNEL:
RESPONSE:
DEADBAND:
FACTORI:
FACTORZ:
MINDUTY:
PWMFREQUENCY:
0.0-9999 [5.0][5.0]
0.0-9999 [0.0][0.0]
0.0-9999 [100][100]
0.0-50.0 [5.0][5.0]
0.0-99.9 [0.0][0.0]
0.0-2000 [100.0][100.0]
0.0-99.9 [1.0][1.0]
0.0-99.5[2.0][2.0]
STARTUPDELAY:
VALVETYPE:
VALVE/ACTUATOR
APOLLO8000APOLLO8000
CALIBRATIONMENUCALIBRATIONMENU
(BELTSPREADERS)(BELTSPREADERS)
SOFTWAREVERSIONPS516-000rev.30SOFTWAREVERSIONPS516-000rev.30
../CL516000rev30.CDRPage1
NOTE:DEFAULTSETTINGSINBRACKETS [][]
11
22
33
TANK:
CALIBRATIONFACTORS
DENSITY
LITRES/REV
1-4:[1][1]
A-H:[A][A]
[1.00][1.00]
PRODUCT
DENSITY
CAL.TEST
CALIBRATION
WIDTH1
WIDTH2
WIDTH3
[24.0metres][24.0metres]
[24.0metres][24.0metres]
[24.0metres][24.0metres]
SETSPREAD
WIDTH

66 ENTER
NEWPIN CONFIRM NEWPIN
55
PINCHANGE
FORTECH.
CONFIGMENU
(ENTERPIN)
NOTUSED
RDSPRINTERTYPE1(ICP100)
[RDSPRINTERTYPE2(ICP200)]
PCDOWN;OAD
RDSPFMODULE
FIELDSTARTYPE1
SOYLOPTI
HYDRON-SENSOR
AGROCOMACT
[NOTUSED]
GPS(4800)ONLY
GPS(9600)ONLY
GPS(4800)+VICON
GPS(9600)+VICON
GPS(4800)+BOGBALLE
GPS(9600)+BOGBALLE
GPS(4800)+AMATRON
GPS(9600)+AMATRON
GPS(4800)+RDSMODEB
GPS(9600)+RDSMODEB
GPS(4800)+RDSDEBUG
GPS(9600)+RDSDEBUG
TOPPORT
BTMPORT
PORTSSETUP
FROMSETUP
MENU
44
PINCHANGE
FORFACTORY
CONFIGMENU
(ENTERPIN) ENTERNEWPIN CONFIRMNEWPIN
22 RESETFACTORS
(ENTERPIN) CONFIRMRESETTO
FACTORYDEFAULT
PWMVALVE/MOTOR
33 FACTORSTORES SAVETOSTOREA
RESTOREFROMSTOREA
EDITNAME [TANK1][TANK1]
11
33 FACTORY
CONFIG
(ENTERPIN) MACHINEOPTIONS 1-3[]11
TANKNO:
NAME:
INUSE:
** DIAGNOSTICS
22
22
CONTRAST/
BRIGHTNESS
TAGNAMES
11
11
TIME/DATE
LOGGINGINTERVAL
HOURS
DATE
MINUTES
MONTH
YEAR
44 USEROPTIONS.
GENERALPF
SETUP
33
33
44
UNITS
FUNCTIONNAMES/VALUES
GPSANTENNAOFFSETS
GPSHOMELOCATION
PORTSSETUP
55
66
HELPLINE
INSTRUMENTSELECT APPLICABLEONLYWHENFITTEDWITHANOPTIONALSOFTWAREMODULE
44 LANGUAGE ENGLISHENGLISH
DEUTSCH
NEDERLANDS
FRANCAIS
PORTUGESE
SPANISH
44
11
22
33
22 TECHNICIAN
CONFIG
(ENTERPIN)
TECHNICIAN
CONFIG
(ENTERPIN)
BOOM/CUTOUT
INPUTS
PRINTCALDATA
MASTERCUTOUT:
BOOMINPUTS:
CUTOUT:
BOOMS:
[NORMAL][NORMAL] /INVERTED
[NORMAL][NORMAL] /INVERTED
[PULLEDUP][PULLEDUP] /PULLEDDOWN
PULLEDUP/[PULLEDDOWN][PULLEDDOWN]
0.0-19.0 [2.0][2.0]
0.0-50.0 [5.0][5.0]
0.0-50.0 [2.0][2.0]
0.0-50.0 [20][20]
0.0-19.0 [2.0][2.0]
[YES][YES] /NO
[YES][YES] /NO
[YES][YES] /NO
0.0-19.0 [2.0][2.0]
0.0-19.0 [2.0][2.0]
SPEEDSMOOTHING
NUDGESTEPSIZE
RATELOCKON%
OFFTARGETALARM
RATE1SMOOTHING
SPEEDRELATED(1)
SPEEDRELATED(2)
SPEEDRELATED(3)
RATE2SMOOTHING
RATE3SMOOTHING
DISPLAYOPTIONS
CONTROLOPTIONS
../CL516000rev30.CDRPage2
[Km/Ha/L/kg][Km/Ha/L/kg]
Km/Ha/m/kg3
Mile/Acre/Gal/lb
Mile/Acre/kGal/tons
Mile/Acre/USGal/lb

2 - Motor/Valve Configuration
2Motor/Valve Configuration
This section applies to a spreader where there is some type of metering mechanism
metering the product onto spinning discs or into a pneumatic distribution system..
There are two main types;
(i) Moving belt driven by a hydraulic motor (e.g. Bredal).
(ii) Meter shaft with hydraulic or electric motor (e.g. Kuhn Pneumatic)
2.1 Machine Options (enter PIN)
Default PIN = 1234
Go to the "MACHINE OPTIONS" screen (figure 2) to change the 'tank' settings.
By default only channel 1 is enabled for a single motor/valve setup. To enable
additional channels, select "tank" 2 or 3 using the arrow keys, move the cursor to the
line "IN USE" and select "YES".
2.2 PWM Valve / Motor Setup
2.2.1 Response
The System Response function sets the frequency at which the system adjusts the
motor/proportional control valve when reacting to a change in forward speed. A lower
setting results in a slower response, and increases the time taken for the application
rate to match the target rate. A higher setting results in a faster response. If the
application rate is unstable and varies about the target rate, then the response setting
may be too high.
Default: 5.0 Range: 0.1 - 9999
3. Factory Config
1. Machine Options
Figure 2
The MACHINE OPTIONS
screen
Figure 3
The VALVE/ACTUATOR
setup screen
1. Sensor Configuration
4. Valve/Actuator
9

2 - Motor/Valve Configuration
2.2.2 "I" Factor
Default = 0.0
Don't change it unless advised!
2.2.3 "Z" Factor (or "Z Boost")
To assist getting "up to rate" as quickly as possible after switching the spreader on
you can set a "zero boost" figure. The system will immediately regulate to the % duty
cycle set. It shouldn't need to be changed.
Default: 5%
2.2.4 Maximum/Minimum Duty
This sets the maximum and minimum PWM output to the valve/motor. Proportional
valves don't respond over the full PWM range from 1 -100%. Typically they will
operate from 20% to 70%. To ascertain the minimum and maximum PWM, proceed
as follows:-
Set Minimum Duty. In manual control mode starting from zero rate, slowly increase
the rate using the up arrow rate key until the belt just starts to move. Go to the
diagnostics screen in the SETUP menu, select the appropriate control channel 1, 2 or
3 and note the PWM %. Programme this figure on the VALVE/ACTUATOR screen.
Set Maximum Duty. Slowly increase the rate using the up arrow rate key. The rate
figure will reach a maximum beyond which pressing the rate key will have no effect.
The valve/motor is now running flat out. Note the PWM % reading on the diagnostics
screen as before, and programme this figure (or slightly less) on the
VALVE/ACTUATOR screen.
Default: 100% max : 0% min
2.2.5 Startup Delay
This should not need any adjustment for PWM valve/motor operation.
2.2.6 Valve type
Default = "NORMAL PWM".
If, when you press the UP manual rate adjustment key on the MAIN screen, the belt
slows down, then set Valve Type to "INVERTED PWM".
2.2.7 Deadband
The Deadband function sets the range over which the application rate will vary about
the target rate before the valve/motor will respond. A lower value will make the
valve/motor adjust more frequently and vice versa.
Default:: 0.01 Range:0 - 9999
2.2.8 PWM Frequency
Default = 100 Hz
The Vickers valve and the Danfoss PVG valve with the RDS interface module work on
100 Hz. If you are fitting any other type of valve and are not sure what the PWM
frequency should be, please contact RDS for assistance.
10

2 - Motor/Valve Configuration
2.3 "Flow" Sensor Setup
2.3.1 Flow Sensor Cal. Factor
The "flow" sensor is a rotary encoder mounted at a suitable point on the metering
drive. The flow sensor factor is the number of pulses per rev of the encoder.
The Revtel™ type encoder normally fitted gives 60 pulses per rev, therefore set the
cal. factor to "60". In some cases where the shaft speed to be measured is very slow,
an encoder giving 360 pulses per rev may be fitted. In this case set the cal. factor to
"360".
If it is possible on your particular machine to change the speed ratio between the
shaft onto which the encoder is fitted and the belt drive shaft (e.g. according to the
application rate you require), then you must do a product calibration after changing
the ratio.
2.3.2 Sensed Width
The sensed width is the full spread width.
Figure 4
Setting the Shaft Encoder
factor (pulses per rev)
1. Sensor Configuration
2. Flow Sensor
11

3 - Product Calibration
Product Calibration
Before spreading a product for the first time you need to establish an initial
calibration factor for that product . What you must establish is the volume of product
dispensed per revolution of the metering shaft encoder.
Default: 1 litre/rev
3.1 Bucket Test
1 Set the gate opening as per the manufacturers chart to suit the type of product and
nominal spread rate. Set up the spreader as you normally would for a bucket test.
2. From the SETUP screen, press to select the PRODUCT SELECTION screen.
Set the appropriate tank and product using the arrow keys.
3. Set the product density.
4. From the MAIN screen, set the desired target rate.
5. Check the spread width is set correctly.
6. Go back to the PRODUCT SELECTION screen, select "PRODUCT CALIBRATION",
then press ENTER. Select "2 CAL TEST" .
7. Enter the calibration area (default = 1ha). It is not critical that you set this, because
you can stop the cal test at any point when you have collected sufficient product,
without the calculation being affected.
8. Enter the simulation speed (default = 8km/h) - the forward speed at which you will be
spreading in the field.
9. Switch the spreader on to start the test. The CAL TEST screen displays the
accumulated cal. area, no. of encoder pulses and the encoder revs. Switch off the
spreader when you have collected a sufficient quantity of product, and weigh it.
10. Enter the weight collected. The new cal factor is automatically calculated and
displayed. Press the "YES" key to accept.
11.If you subsequently find a discrepancy between the actual amount spread and the
instrument reading, you can "nudge" the cal factor from the CAL NUDGE screen. This
is described in the operation manual under "Daily Calibration".
NOTE: If you change the gate opening, you must re-calibrate.
If it is possible on your particular machine to change the speed ratio between the
shaft onto which the encoder is fitted and the belt drive shaft (e.g. according to the
application rate you require), then you must do a product calibration after changing
the ratio.
3.2 View Calibration Factors
After the bucket test the instrument defaults to the PRODUCT CALIBRATION screen.
Select "1. CALIBRATION FACTORS" to view the cal. factor and density set for the
selected product.
3
12

4 - General Configuration
General Configuration
The remainder of the Sensor Configuration menu is common to all spreaders.
4.1 Forward Speed Sensor
The Speed Sensor Factor ("SSF")is the distance travelled forward in the time between
two pulses from the forward speed sensor. This could be calculated based on the
nominal tyre diameter or rolling distance and then entered manually, however this
does not take into account wheel slip, compaction, or tyre deformation under
practical operating conditions. The best method is to do an "Auto Cal".
4.1.1 Select Wheel Size (Wheel sensor fitted) / Radar Sensor
If the vehicle has a standard wheel sensor and magnets installed, you can
programme the instrument with two speed sensor factors for flotation tyres and for
row crop wheels. Remember to select the appropriate factor after changing wheels.
1 Press to select the "SPEED FACTOR" screen (fig. 4).
2 Move the arrow cursor to select the factor appropriate for flotation tyre or row crop
wheel size (or radar sensor if fitted), and press to confirm.
4.1.2 "Auto Cal"
The "Auto Cal" procedure is the same for a wheel sensor or a Radar Sensor.
Mark a set distance of 100 metres (or 100 yards depending on the units set on the
instrument) by suitable means. The surface should be representative of the average
field conditions (i.e. not a paved surface). Position the vehicle with the first marker
level with a suitable reference point on the vehicle.
With the appropriate setting highlighted on the "SPEED FACTOR" page, press
ENTER, then select "Auto Cal'. Press and then follow the screen instructions.
Stop the vehicle when the second marker lies up with the pre-determined reference
point on the vehicle and press to end the "Auto Cal" procedure. The Speed
Sensor Factor is automatically re-calculated and stored in memory.
NOTE: If you overrun the marker, do not simply reverse - repeat the "Auto Cal" procedure
from the beginning.
4
Figure 4
Selecting the wheel size
/Radar Sensor Wheel Sensor (Flotation tyres)
Wheel Sensor (Row crop wheels)
Radar Sensor
13

4 - General Configuration
4.1.3 Manual Calibration
If a two-magnet wheel sensor is fitted, drive in field conditions for exactly 10 turns
of the sensed wheel.
If a propshaft sensor is fitted, drive in field conditions for exactly 20 turns of the
propshaft.
In either case calculate the factor = Distance travelled and enter the value as
follows; 10
With the appropriate sensor highlighted on the "SPEED FACTOR" page, press
Key-in the new factor and press to confirm the change.
If a an RDS Radar sensor is fitted (at the correct angle of 37±1°),
1 Accept the default factor of 0.0078 metres/pulse.
2 Set the implement full width to 100m.
3 Select the "INFO" screen to display area accumulation and drive over a 100 metre
measured distance. This must be a rolling 100 metres, not a start-stop 100 metres.
If the TGSS factor is correct, the AREA display will show 1.000 hectares. If not then
adjust the factor based on the following calculation,
New factor = existing factor x displayed area (ha)
4 Go back to the "SPEED FACTOR" screen and enter the new factor (see above). Don't
forget to reset the implement width to normal.
4.2 Width Setup
From the SETUP screen, press to select the "Width Setup" screen or:-
1. Sensor Configuration
1. Width Setup
1. Sensor Configuration
Figure 5
Setting the spread width 1. Width Setup
14

4 - General Configuration
4.3 Alarms Setup
Switches the hopper level sensor(s) on or off.
4.4 Calibrating an RPM Sensor
The following calibration procedure applies regardless of the speed output being
sensed e.g. Engine RPM, PTO Speed, Shaft Speed, Fan Speed etc, depending on
the particular installation.
In all cases, run the sensed component at a known speed. If necessary measure this
speed using a hand-held tachometer. Note the speed displayed on the "INFO"
screen.
The correct Cal. factor = Initial Factor x Displayed Speed
Actual Speed
Go back to the "RPM SETUP" screen, key-in the new Cal. Factor and press .
Default: 1 pulse per rev (PPR)
4.4.1 LOW / HIGH RPM ALARM
From the RPM SETUP screen, you can also set a minimum and maximum RPM at
which an alarm is triggered. Set as necessary.
Default = 0 (Alarms Off)
1. Sensor Configuration
1. Sensor Configuration
5. Alarms Setup
Figure 6
Hopper Level Alarms
Setup
6. RPM Setup
Figure 7
RPM Sensor Setup
15

5 - Technician Configuration Menu
Technician Configuration Menu
The operator is unlikely to need access in normal use. Access to this menu can be
restricted by changing the PIN number from within the menu.
Enter the default PIN number 1234 to access the menu.
5.1 Display Options
5.1.1 Speed Smoothing Factor
The Forward Speed display is electronically damped. If the readouts are constantly
changing by small increments, you can increase the damping time to give a steadier
readout.
Adjustable from 0 to 19 seconds. Default = 2 seconds
5.1.2 Rate Lock-On
"RATE LOCK-ON" sets the % by which the application rate fluctuates either side of a
nominal application rate before the instrument display changes.
For example, if your actual application rate fluctuates in normal operation from 97 to
103 kg/ha for a target application rate of 100 kg/ha, you may decide that it is
acceptable for the instrument to display a steady readout of 100 kg/ha between those
limits i.e. ±3%. In this case the rate lock-on figure should be set to 3.0.
Adjustable from 0 to 50% Default = 2%
5.1.3 Rate Smoothing
The Application rate display is electronically damped. If the readouts are constantly
changing by small increments, you can increase the damping time to give a steadier
readout.
If you have more than one "tank" in use, then you can set rate smoothing for each
tank.
Adjustable from 0 to 19 seconds. Default = 2 seconds
5
Figure 8
"Display Options" page 2. Technician Config
1. Display Options
16

5 - Technician Configuration Menu
5.2 Control Options
5.2.1 Nudge Step Size
The Nudge Step Size sets the % increase / decrease made when you adjust from the
target rate in AUTO mode.
Adjustable from 0 to 50% Default = 5%
5.2.2 Off Target Alarm
This sets the threshold at which the instrument will alarm "UNDER APPLICATION" or
"OVER APPLICATION" when spraying in automatic control mode. It is set as a
percentage either side of the current target rate.
Adjustable from 0 to 50% Default = 20%
5.2.3 SPEED RELATED: Options
Default = "YES" - This enables the flow rate to be automatically adjusted according
to the forward speed, to match the target application rate (kg/ha) in AUTO mode.
5.3 Boom Cutouts / Inputs
NOTE: This screen is common to sprayers, hence reference to "boom" inputs. For the second
line "boom inputs", read "channel inputs", and for "booms" read "channels".
Figure 9
"Control Options" page 2. Technician Config
2. Control Options
Figure 10
"Boom/Cutouts Inputs"
page
2. Technician Config
3. Boom/Cutout Inputs
17

5 - Technician Configuration Menu
Configure the Master Cutout Input / "Boom" Inputs (i.e Channel Cutout Inputs) as
required, using the up/down and left/right arrow keys;
"NORMAL / PULLED UP" - the input goes to 0V when switched OFF
"NORMAL / PULLED DOWN" - the input goes to +V when switched ON (default)
"INVERTED / PULLED UP" - the input goes to 0V when switched ON
"INVERTED / PULLED DOWN" - the input goes to +V when switched OFF
Default settings are: Master Cutout : Normal / Pulled Up
Boom (Channel) Cutout: Normal / Pulled Down
5.4 Print Calibration Data
It is always a good idea to keep a record of calibration data either in the back of the
manual, or as a printout. Connect the printer to the upper serial port. Ensure first that
the port has been configured for a printer (section 5.5.1).
Selecting the "PRINT CAL DATA" menu function immediately sends the data to the
serial port. The message "Printer Busy" is displayed while data transfer is occurring.
If the bar on the screen stops filling up part way, the instrument cannot communicate
with the printer. Check the connections.
5.5 Ports Setup - Top Port
5.5.1 Enabling Printer Output
Set the top port to "RDS PRINTER ICP 100" or "RDS PRINTER ICP 200". The data
protocol is:
ICP 100 ICP 200
Baud rate: 4800 4800
Data Bits: 7 8
Stop Bits: 2 1
Parity: None None
Handshake: Hardware Hardware
These settings cannot be changed. If you are connecting a different printer, it must be
conform to either of these protocols.
2. Technician Config
4. Print Cal Data
18

5 - Technician Configuration Menu
5.5.2 Connecting an RDS Data Module
Set the top port to "RDS PF MODULE".
5.5.3 Receiving Variable Rate Treatment instructions from other control
systems
The Pro-Series 8000 can act on variable-rate treatment instructions received from
from another controller. Presently it can receive instructions from FIELDSTAR (TYPE
1), SOYL OPTI, AGROCOM ACT and HYDRO-N SENSOR instruments.
Set the top port as appropriate.
5.5.4 Direct Transfer of Field Data to a PC
If you are connecting a PC using an RDS Download Lead in order to transfer ordinary
field data and job memos, set the top port to "PC DOWNLOAD".
5.6 Ports Setup - Bottom Port
5.6.1 Enabling GPS Input
If the Pro-Series 8000 is installed with an RDS control system, then set the bottom
port to either "GPS (4800) ONLY" or "GPS (9600) ONLY" , according to the baud rate
that your GPS receiver has been configured.
5.6.2 Sending Variable Rate Treatment instructions to other control systems
The Pro-Series 8000 can also output variable-rate instructions to other control
systems other than an RDS control system. Currently it can send instructions to
Vicon, Bogballe and Amatron systems.
Set the bottom port to the appropriate baud rate/control system option from the
menu:
GPS (4800) + VICON
GPS (9600) + VICON
GPS (4800) + BOGBALLE
GPS (9600) + BOGBALLE
GPS (4800) + AMATRON
GPS (9600) + AMATRON
NOTE: Ignore "RDS MODE B" and "RDS DEBUG" options.
5.7 Change PIN for Technician Menu
You can re-programme your own PIN for this menu. Just follow the screen
instructions.
If you forget your personalised PIN, you will need to contact RDS for instructions.
2. Technician Config
6. PIN # Change
19

6 - Factory Configuration Menu
6.1 Total Software Reset
A "FACTOR RESET" should be considered in two instances. Firstly, if the instrument is
to be transferred to a different spreader, it may be easier to re-calibrate the instrument
from the factory default settings in a systematic way. Secondly, if you are
encountering problems with the instrument during operation but cannot successfully
resolve them, a total software reset may help in the troubleshooting procedure.
Follow the screen prompts to reset the instrument to the factory default settings.
NOTE: All customised factors and other data will be lost. It is recommended you keep
a record of the existing calibration data.
6.2 Backing Up and Restoring Calibration Data
For extra security, calibration data can be manually saved to a separate memory area
called "STORE A". This data will NOT be overwritten each time the instrument is
switched off, but it WILL be cleared after a Total Software Reset ("RESET FACTORS").
If for example, any calibration data is unwittingly changed without keeping a record of
previous settings or data is corrupted, you can restore the calibration data from
"STORE A" at any time.
6.3 Change PIN for Factory Configuration Menu
You can re-programme your own PIN for this menu. Just follow the screen
instructions. If you forget your personalised PIN, you will need to contact RDS for
instructions.
3. Factory Config
3. Factors Store
Figure 12
Save / Restore CAL Data
Figure 11
Resetting the calibration
factors to the factory de-
fault values
3. Factory Config
2. Factors Reset
3. Factory Config
4. PIN # Change
20