RDS Technology Athene 100 User manual

1
Athene 100
Belt Spreader Monitor/
Variable Rate Controller
Operation
Software Reference A810-000 rev.2
Electro-Magnetic Compatibility (EMC)
This product complies w
ith Council Directive 89/336/EEC
when installed and used in accordance with the relevant
instructions.
Service and Technical Support
PLEASE CONTACT YOUR NEAREST DISTRIBUTOR
If unknown then fax: [phone]
© Copyright RDS Technology Ltd 2003
Document number
S/DC/500-10-376 : Issue 1 : 7/1/03
\UK376-1.DOC
User Guide

ATHENE 100 –SPREADER RATE CONTROLLER
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Contents
1Overview_________________________________________4
This Manual ................................................................................................... 4
Application..................................................................................................... 4
The Head Unit................................................................................................ 4
Calibration(Rate Controller) ........................................................................... 5
2Switch functions in Normal Operating Mode ________6
2.1 Work Status Indicator .................................................................................... 7
2.2 Set Units ........................................................................................................ 7
2.3 Channel Selection ......................................................................................... 7
3Forward Speed Display ___________________________8
3.1 Low Speed Alarm .......................................................................................... 8
3.2 High Speed Alarm (Under-application) ......................................................... 8
4Area Display _____________________________________9
4.1 Select Area Total ........................................................................................... 9
4.2 Reset Area Total ............................................................................................ 9
5Work Rate Display _______________________________10
6Application Rate_________________________________11
6.1 Rate Control ................................................................................................ 11
6.2 Under-application (excessive speed) .......................................................... 11
6.3 Setting the Target Rate................................................................................ 11
6.4 Nudging the Target Rate ............................................................................. 12
6.5 Work Monitoring (without Rate Control) ...................................................... 12
7Product Calibration ______________________________13
7.1 Static Calibration ......................................................................................... 13
7.2 Dynamic Calibration .................................................................................... 14
7.3 FAQ’s about Calibration .............................................................................. 15
There is a small discrepancy in the amount applied. ................................... 15
There is a big discrepancy in the amount applied. ...................................... 15
The instrument beeps continuously during the calibration test .................... 15

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7.4 Nudging the Calibration ...............................................................................16
7.4.1 Under-application...........................................................................16
7.4.2 Over-application.............................................................................16
7.4.3 Setting a Nudge Factor ..................................................................16
7.4.4 Re-calculating the Calibration Factor .............................................17
7.4.5 Adjusting the Calibration Factor .....................................................17
8RPM Display____________________________________ 18
8.1 RPM Alarm ...................................................................................................18
9Hopper Contents Display ________________________ 19
9.1 Low Level Alarm (using Hopper Level Sensor) ............................................19
9.2 Weight display (Qty left in hopper/ Qty dispensed) .....................................19
9.3 The “Quantity in Hopper” display ................................................................20
9.3.1 Set Alarm Quantity..........................................................................20
9.3.2 Resetting the “Hopper Maximum Quantity” figure .........................20
9.3.3 Adjusting the “Hopper Maximum quantity” figure ...........................21
“9.4 Quantity Dispensed” display........................................................................21
9.4.1 Resetting the “Quantity Dispensed” display to Zero.......................21

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1Overview
This Manual
This manual explains the everyday use of the instrument to the operator,
including regular calibration e.g. for spreading different products. It describes
both the basic work monitoring system (“monitor mode”) and separates the
additional features of the full rate control system, should you have them
installed on your machine.
Application
The Athene 100 instrument is installed in one of two configurations. The basic
configuration is a simple work measurement monitor for belt spreaders, but
without controlling the application rate.
The full configuration uses a PWM (Pulse Width Modulated) output to also
give variable rate control of moving-belt type fertiliser spreaders. When set
up as a rate controller, you have on-the-move rate adjustment up to ±50% of
the target rate. The rate is maintained as forward speed varies. The
instrument also warns the operator when the application rate cannot be met,
i.e. when the forward speed is too high.
The Head Unit
The head unit is ruggedly designed for maximum reliability in harsh
environments, and is rated to IP67 (effectively waterproof). The instrument
has a 4-digit back-lit LCD display with 6 display channels for different work
measurement functions.
In the normal operating mode the following functions can be selected,
?? Forward Speed (km /hr)
?? Area Worked* (hectares)
?? Work Rate (hectares /hr)
?? Application Rate (kg/ha or tonnes/ha) or RPM depending on the application
?? Shaft Speed (normally PTO or Spinner speed)
?? Hopper Contents (kg or tonnes)
*There are two memory registers to record area worked. The area is
accumulated to whichever total is selected on the display –‘Total 1’ or ‘Total
2’.
The head unit is switched on/off by the switch on the back the instrument.
Area totals (and all calibration data) are automatically stored in memory
when the instrument is powered off.

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Calibration(Rate Controller)
The instrument must be initially calibrated to suit the implement being
controlled. There are 4 programme modes for the various system settings to
be altered as required. Most of these settings do not need to be accessed in
normal use.
The instrument must be re-calibrated each time you change the product
being applied. By setting a simulated speed, a static calibration test can be
done in the yard. Alternatively, you can do a dynamic calibration test in the
field.

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2Switch functions in Normal Operating Mode
The front panel has five buttons. On systems configured for rate control, the
outer two buttons are used to adjust the application rate.
SELECT AREA TOTAL
Select the channel then
press to switch between Area
Total 1 and 2.
SET APPLICATION RATE
Select the channel then
HOLD for 3 seconds.
If the existing rate set = the
target rate, then the target rate
is displayed and you can adjust
it using the rate + and –
buttons.
If the existing rate set is abo
ve
or below the target rate, that
rate is set as the new target rate.
Press and hold the button
for 3 seconds to return to the
normal display.
Decrease Rate
Increase Rate
RESET
With “tot.1” or “tot.2
” selected
on channel 2, HOLD for ten
beeps to reset the area register
to zero
SELECT CHANNEL
Ch.1 Forward Speed
Ch.2 Area Total 1 or 2
Ch.3 Work Rate
Ch.4 Appl. Rate/RPM
Ch.5 RPM -
Shaft/Spinner
Ch.6 Hopper Contents
Channel / Work
Status Indicator
Tar
get Rate
Indicator

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2.1 Work Status Indicator
The indicator is used to indicate the channel to which the information on
the display relates. It also shows the working status of the spreader.
The cursor flashes when the spreader is out of work (e.g on the
headland) and the area accumulation stops.
The cursor is on continuously when the spreader is in work and area
accumulation takes place.
Spreading is started and stopped via the separate Cutout Switch, not
from the head unit.
2.2 Set Units
The application rate can be displayed in
units of kg/ha or tonnes/ha.
To check which is selected, select the
channel then press the button (as for
setting the target rate)
The dashes indicate the units set.
2.3 Channel Selection
Simply press the button to cycle through the channels.
In the Work Monitor configuration only, the instrument will stay on the
channel you have selected.
In the Rate Controller configuration, the instrument will always default to
the application rate display 10 seconds after selecting any other channel (the
exception to this is when there is an alarm condition).
Figure 3: Check Units

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3Forward Speed Display
The forward speed is displayed in km/hr.
3.1 Low Speed Alarm
If the forward speed drops below 0.5 km/hr, the instrument defaults to a
flashing forward speed display and the instrument beeps. The belt drive will
stop.
The instrument will return to the application rate display when forward speed
increases above 0.5 km/hr. The belt drive will re-start.
3.2 High Speed Alarm (Under-application)
If your forward speed exceeds the maximum beyond which the target
application rate cannot be achieved, then the instrument defaults to a
flashing forward speed display and beeps continuously.
The instrument will return to the application rate display when forward speed
is reduced sufficiently for the target rate to be met.

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4Area Display
The area in hectares is derived from the forward speed (or the simulated
speed for the calibration test) and the programmed implement width, and is
accumulated to whichever total is selected on the display –Total 1 or Total 2.
The two separate area totals can be independently reset to zero.
The master cutout when switched off, stops area accumulating. The channel
indicator will flash when area accumulation is overridden and will be on
permanently when area is being recorded.
4.1 Select Area Total
1. Select the channel.
2. Press to cycle between the two
area totals.
The display will then show ‘tot.1’ or ‘tot.2’
before displaying the area accumulated
since that total was last reset
4.2 Reset Area Total
1. Select the channel.
2.Press to cycle between the two area
totals.
3. Hold for 5 seconds to zero that total.
Figure 4: Select Area Total
Figure 5: Reset Total 1 / Total 2
HOLD
–
5 SEC

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5Work Rate Display
The work rate is displayed in ha/hr. It is an instantaneous rate which is re-
calculated every 3 seconds from the working width set and the current
forward speed.

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6Application Rate
6.1 Rate Control
This channel displays the application rate (kg/ha or tonnes/ha), when
controlling a moving belt type spreader.
With the system in work, if the actual application rate is within 10% of the
target rate, the target rate is displayed,
At more than 10% from the target rate, the display shows the actual
application rate.
Also, when in work and stationary, the target rate is displayed.
6.2 Under-application (excessive speed)
If your forward speed exceeds the maximum beyond which the target
application rate cannot be achieved, then the instrument defaults to a
flashing forward speed display and beeps continuously.
You must reduce your forward speed sufficiently for the target rate to be
maintained, at which point the instrument will stop beeping and return to the
application rate display.
6.3 Setting the Target Rate
Select the channel then press and hold the button for 3 seconds
(in the meantime the bars indicate the units set).
If the existing target rate set = Target rate (i.e. you had not nudged it up
or down –see next section), then the target rate will be displayed, at which
point you can release the button.
Then you then can adjust the rate up or down using the or button.
Press and hold the button for 3 seconds to return to the normal rate
display mode.
NOTE: If the existing rate had been nudged up or down from the target rate, then
after holding the button for 3 seconds, instead of you being able to adjust the
rate as above, the nudged rate is set as a new target rate.

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6.4 Nudging the Target Rate
You can adjust the application rate up to 50% above or below the target rate
whilst in work.
Press the or button to nudge the rate up or down by a pre-
programmed % (5% by default).
The bar on the left side of the display indicates when you are above or below
the target rate e.g.,
Similarly, use the or to return to the target rate.
When nudged above or below the target rate the application rate display will
flash, alternating between the application rate and the the % nudge e.g, if a
target rate of 500 kg/ha is nudged minus 5%, the display will then alternate
between ‘475’ (kg/ha) and ‘-5’.
The instrument will also beep every 30 seconds reminding that you are still
applying above or below the target rate
6.5 Work Monitoring (without Rate Control)
On the basic system without PWM (Pulse Width Modulated) rate control, this
channel is simply programmed with the application rate that you intend
applying at, so that the instrument can calculate and display the hopper
contents correctly.
-
5% below target
At target
+5% above target

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7Product Calibration
The PWM control system must be correctly calibrated after installation
(as described in the Installation and Calibration manual) before
attempting to calibrate the instrument for individual products as
described here.
If you are going to spread a product for the first time you need to
establish an initial calibration factor for that product . The calibration factor is
the quantity of product dispensed per revolution of the metering shaft
encoder. There are two possible options for calibrating the spreader. The
choice of method may depend on the nature of the product in use e.g. ease
of handling, value etc.
?? A static calibration test in the yard using a simulated forward speed (7.1).
?? A dynamic calibration test on the field (7.2). A dynamic test should prove
more accurate as it accounts for normal operating conditions.
Once you have established factors for the various products, you should note
them in the back of this manual for future reference, so that the calibration
test does not have to be repeated.
If you are changing to another product and you have already established a
reliable calibration factor, then you simply need to re-programme the existing
calibration factor accordingly (7.4.5). The calibration factor must be re-
programmed each time a different product is applied.
7.1 Static Calibration
NOTE: Whenever possible, the system should be calibrated at the application rate
that you are going to apply.
1. Check the spread width and Target Rate is correctly set.
2. Set the gate opening for the product and application rate according to the
manufacturer’s chart.
3. Load the hopper. For the test, you need to establish the weight of product
dispensed. You can, depending on the circumstances and the type of
product, either,
(i) Load bagged product of known weight, and dispense all for the test.
(ii) Weigh the product as you load the hopper, and dispense all for the test.
(iii) Collect and weigh the quantity dispensed.
(iii) Weigh the entire vehicle before and after the test to calculate the weight
dispensed during the test.
Position the machine to discharge where convenient.

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4. Switch the instrument off
5. Select Cal Mode 3 by pressing the
button and switching the instrument on
again (fig.6). The instrument defaults to
the channel.
(Speed simulation -On/Off)
6. Start forward speed simulation (8km/hr)
by pressing the button (fig.7a).
7. Switch the spreader on.
The belt speed is based on the current
calibration factor, application rate and
simulated forward speed. The instrument
then displays the theoretical area
accumulating.
8. Switch the spreader off as soon as the
hopper is empty (or you have dispensed
an intended quantity).
The instrument then defaults to the
channel and displays the theoretical weight
it has calculated as being dispensed,
based on the current calibration factor.
NOTE: If at this stage the instrument is switched
off for any reason, when switched on again
it will default to this display. You must
adjust and confirm the actual weight
before you can resume normal operation.
9. Enter the actual weight dispensed.
Use the or button to adjust the displayed figure.
Press the button to confirm the figure. The display shows “done”.
The calibration factor is then re-calculated and stored in memory. The new
factor displays for 5 seconds before the instrument defaults to normal
operating mode. If the previous calibration had been “nudged”(7.4), the
nudge factor is “cancelled” and automatically resets to 100%.
7.2 Dynamic Calibration
Proceed as for a Static Calibration procedure except please ignore Step 5 to
switch on the simulated speed (the factory default setting is “OFF”).
Figure 6:
Select CAL Mode 3
4
Figure 7a: Start Speed Simulation

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7.3 FAQ’s about Calibration
There is a small discrepancy in the amount applied.
Possible Cause: Variable factors such as field conditions, nature of
product etc. A dynamic calibration in the field is likely to
be more accurate than a static calibration test.
Remedy: You can “nudge” the calibration factor (7.4).
There is a big discrepancy in the amount applied.
Possible Cause: The gate opening is altered.
The product is changed.
(Certain machines) 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) is
changed.
Product weight incorrectly calculated or entered in
calibration test.
Remedy: Perform the calibration test again.
The instrument beeps continuously during the calibration test
The beeping indicates that the PWM control parameters have been
exceeded, and so the application rate set for the calibration test cannot be
met. As a result the actual quantity dispensed will be less than it should be.
Possible Cause: Gate opening incorrect.
Forward speed too high (Dynamic Calibration)
The initial (current) calibration factor set, is not close
enough to the required factor (e.g. if you have a large
change in product density/application rate between one
calibration test and the next).
Remedy: Check the gate opening is correct according to the
manufacturer’s chart*.
Reduce forward speed during the test.
Programme a larger initial calibration factor and repeat
the test.
*The control system should be capable of metering over the same range of
application rates for a given product and gate setting. Larger gate openings
should not normally be necessary.
In the event custom gate settings need to be established, they can be noted
in the back of this manual for future reference.

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7.4 Nudging the Calibration
If you find a consistent discrepancy between the instrument weight reading
and the actual weight dispensed, you can either,
(i) Leave the existing Calibration Factor as it is and adjust the
calibration by setting a “Nudge Factor” (a % change). The
calibration factor can be nudged up to ±50% in 1% steps.
(ii) Calculate a new Calibration Factor using a simple formula (7.4.4)
and re-programme it.
7.4.1 Under-application
If the weight displayed on the instrument is more than the actual weight
dispensed, the calibration factor must be decreased.
E.g. If the weight reading is 10% high, then set the nudge figure to “90”
(indicating the system is only applying 90% of what it should be). This value
will then nudge the current calibration factor to ensure that 10% more
product will be dispensed, which will then ensure the application rate is
correct.
7.4.2 Over-application
If the weight displayed on the instrument is less than the actual weight
dispensed, the calibration factor must be increased.
E.g. If the weight reading is 15% low, then set the nudge figure to “115”
(indicating the system is applying 15% more than it should be). This value
will then nudge the current calibration factor to ensure that 15% less product
will be dispensed.
7.4.3 Setting a Nudge Factor
1. Switch the instrument off.
2. Select Cal Mode 3 by pressing the button and switching the
instrument on again. The instrument defaults to the channel.
3. Press the button to select the channel.
4. Press the or button to set the nudge factor.
5. Switch the instrument off then back on again to resume the normal operating
mode.

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7.4.4 Re-calculating the Calibration Factor
The actual calibration factor can also be determined by a simple calculation
using the actual weight and the displayed weight as follows :
Correct factor = Existing factor x Actual weight
Displayed weight
For example: The existing calibration factor is 1.500. The displayed weight
was 780 kg but the actual weight dispensed was 1000kg.
The correct factor is 1.500 x (1000/780) = 1.923
7.4.5 Adjusting the Calibration Factor
NOTE: The factory default Calibration Factor = 1.000
1. Select Cal Mode 3 by pressing the
button and switching the instrument on
again (fig.6). The instrument defaults to
the channel.
2. Press the button to select the
channel.
The calibration factor is displayed and the
first digit will be flashing (fig.7b).
3. PRESS and RELEASE the button to
select the digit or decimal point to
change.
4. HOLD the button to change the digit
or move the decimal point.
5. Switch the instrument off then back on
again to resume the normal operating
mode.
Figure 7b: Adjust Cal. Factor
3
4

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8RPM Display
This channel will normally display the PTO speed or the spinner speed, but
can be another rotating shaft depending on your particular application.
8.1 RPM Alarm
The RPM channel has an under-speed alarm.
The low speed alarm is programmable in the calibration mode (refer to
Installation/Calibration manual).
Default setting: Low Speed Alarm -2700rpm
The RPM alarm does not function when the forward speed is less than
2km/hr.
If the RPM falls below the programmed threshold, the display will default to
this channel and flash the actual RPM and the instrument will beep 5 times.
You can temporarily ignore the low speed alarm by selecting another channel,
however the instrument beeps and return to this display after 30 seconds. This
will occur until the RPM increases above the threshold.
With a low speed alarm threshold programmed, if the RPM drops to zero, the
PWM output (for variable rate control) is inhibited and the belt drive will stop.
If the alarm threshold is set to zero, then the alarm is disabled and PWM
output is unaffected.

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9Hopper Contents Display
This channel gives either a simple low level alarm or displays the hopper
contents, depending on how the system is configured.
9.1 Low Level Alarm (using Hopper Level Sensor)
If the hopper is fitted with a level sensor, when you select this channel it will
briefly display “1” to indicate that the alarm is enabled
NOTE: This is the default setting. If “0” is displayed then the alarm is disabled.
When the hopper contents fall below the sensor, the display will default to
this channel and flash “Alar”, and the instrument will beep 5 times. You can
temporarily ignore the alarm by selecting another channel, however the
instrument beeps and returns to this display after 30 seconds.
The hopper level alarm does not function when the forward speed is less
than 2km/hr.
9.2 Weight display (Qty left in hopper/ Qty dispensed)
The instrument must already be set the calibration mode for “Volumetric”
hopper contents (if necessary, refer to the Installation/Calibration manual).
The system calculates the theoretical quantity in the hopper, displaying either
the total weight dispensed or the quantity remaining in the hopper,
depending on how the instrument is configured in the calibration mode.
If kg units are selected, the units are kgs up to “9999” thereafter the decimal
point indicating the readout is in tonnes (to the nearest 10kg) e.g. 10.10
tonnes.
NOTE: On systems with rate control, the weight calculation is based on the belt
speed and the area covered. The simpler system without rate control
calculates from the programmed application rate and area covered.
Therefore, the accuracy of the hopper contents display is dependent on the
programmed rate figure matching the actual rate being applied.

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9.3 The “Quantity in Hopper” display
If the Hopper Maximum Quantity is set to a value above zero in the
calibration mode (refer to the Installation/Calibration Manual to set this), the
display will count down from the maximum figure, showing the quantity of
product remaining in the hopper.
When the calculated weight reaches the pre-programmed hopper alarm-
weight, the instrument will alarm in the same manner as described above.
9.3.1 Set Alarm Quantity
1. Select the channel then press and
hold the button for 5 seconds
The current alarm quantity appears (fig
8a). The factory default setting is 500kg
(0500).
2. Continue holding the button.
3. PRESS and RELEASE the button to
select the digit or decimal point to
change, or...
4. HOLD the button to change the digit
or move the decimal point.
Remember, setting a decimal point sets
the units as tonnes. If no decimal point is
set, the units are in kgs.
5. Release the button to return to the
normal operating mode.
9.3.2 Resetting the “Hopper Maximum Quantity” figure
Select the channel, then press and hold the button. The instrument
will give 10 beeps then resets to the default figure.
The factory default setting is 2000kg.
Figure 8a: View Alarm Quantity
Press and Hold
Figure 8b: Set Alarm Quantity
3 4
HOLD