RDS PS 8000 Instruction Manual

PS 8000
APOLLO / DELTA 34
SPRAYER CONTROLLER
Operation
RDS Part.No.:
Doc. Issue:
Software Issue:
S/DC/500-10-221
4b : 10/8/01
PS515-002 rev..27 (Apollo)
PS521-000 rev.10(Delta)
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 orpersonal 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 2001
\UK221-4b.DTP
2

Section 1 Overview
1.1 The RDSPrecision Farming System (Apollo 8000) 4........................
1.2 Installationand Inter-operabilitywithother systems(Apollo8000) 4.............
1.3 ControlSoftware(Apollo8000) 4.....................................
1.4 Control Channels and "Tanks"(Apollo8000) 5............................
1.5 Sprayer Control Modes (Apollo 8000 / Delta 34) 5.........................
1.6 The Operating screens (Apollo 8000 / Delta 34) 7.........................
1.6.1 Menu keys - 7
1.6.2 The MAIN screen page (Single implement operation) - 7
1.6.3 Status Indicators - 8
1.6.4 The MAIN screen page (Multi-tank operation) - 9
1.6.5 The INFOscreen page - 10
1.6.6 The LOG screen page - 10
1.6.7 The SETUP screen page - 11
1.6.8 Data Entry - 11
1.6.9 Units - 12
Section 2 Operation (Apollo 8000 / Delta 34)
2.1 Startup 13......................................................
2.2 Selecting the Tank / Product 13.......................................
2.2.1 Editing Product Names - 13
2.3 Nozzle Settings - the "Nozzle Wizard" 14.................................
2.3.1 Setting the Target Speed - 15
2.3.2 Using the Nozzle Wizard - 15
2.3.3 Editing a Preset Nozzle Type - 15
2.3.4 Programming the Product Density - 16
2.4 AutomaticRateControl 17...........................................
2.4.1 Setting the Target Rate - 17
2.4.2 Overriding the Target rate - 17
2.5 ManualRateControl 17.............................................
2.6 MAINScreen DisplayOptions 18......................................
2.7 TankContents 18.................................................
2.7.1 Tank Filling (Manual) - 19
2.7.2 Tank Filling (Automatic) - 19
2.8 Part / Total Accumulation and RPM Display 20.............................
2.8.1 Reset Totals - 20
2.9 Forward Speed and Flow Rate Alarm 21.................................
2.9.1 Spray Performance Indicator - 21
2.9.2 Setting the Alarm Thresholds - 21
Section 3 Logging Options (Not available on "Delta 34" Model)
3.1 HardwareSetup 22................................................
3.2 Variable Rate Treatment (VRT) 23......................................
3.2.1 Running a Variable-rate Treatment Plan - 23
3.2.2 Overriding the VRT Application Rate - 24
3.2.3 Stopping a VRT Job - 24
3.2.4 Tagging - 25
3.2.5 Extended Data Functions - 25
3.2.6 Display Vehicle Track (MAP) - 26
3.2.7 Display GPSStatus - 26
3.3. DynamicdataLogging 27...........................................
3.4 Field Data Logging 28..............................................
3.5 Review, Reset or Download a Job Summary 29...........................
CONTENTS
3

1 - Overview
Overview
This manual covers the operation of the Pro-Series 8000 when configured as an Apollo
8000 Variable-Rate Spray Controller. Separate manuals are supplied for other
applications. The "Delta 34" instrument has identical sprayer control functions and
capabilities with the exception of Data Logging. This menu is not available.
1.1 The RDS Precision Farming System (Apollo only)
The RDS PS 8000 is a fully DGPS compatible, multi-function cab computer for a wide
range of applications and is the central component of RDS Precision Farming
hardware (figure 1).
1.2 Installation and Inter-operability with other systems (Apollo
only)
An RDS control system comprises several component kits. This modular approach
means that a suitable control system can be specified for a very wide range of
implements. When re-configured with the appropriate control software the PS 8000
head unit can be simplytransferred between different implements.
The PS 8000 can also output variable-rate instructions to other control systems
including Vicon, Bogballe and Amatron systems, as well as acting on variable-rate
instructions received from Fieldstar, Soyl Opti, Agrocom ACT and Hydro-N Sensor
systems.
1.3 Control Software (Apollo only)
Your instrument is pre-loaded with "Apollo Sprayer Control"software only.
With the purchase of a "secondary software module" - 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 Sprayer Controller to a Data Logger for route navigation
and soil mapping tasks. This is done from "Instrument Select" in the "USER
OPTIONS"menu.
There are software modules for yield monitoring/mapping, route/soil mapping,
variable-rate sprayer control, variable-rate belt spreader control, variable-rate disc
spreader control,and variable-rate seed drilling.
For information on connecting and configuring RDS PF hardware e.g. the Data Card
Module, Secondary Software Module, DGPS Receiver, cables etc, and data transfer
to your PC, please refer to the "Precision Farming Supplement".
1
Figure 1
The Pro-Series 8000 is the
central component of RDS
Precision Farming hardware
4

1 - Overview
1.4 Control Channels and 'Tanks'
The PS 8000 is an extremely versatile control system able to simultaneously control
via 4 different "control channels". Each "channel" is a full control system comprising a
control valve or actuator,and a feedback sensor e.g.
- a sprayer flow control valve and a flow sensor,
- a linear actuator with position (rate) feedback,
- a proportional hydraulic control valve and a flow rate sensor
A 'tank' is the default description for the implement tank or hopper (you can
programme your own description accordingly).
Normally there is one control channel per "tank". Occasionally, two control channels
are controlling the output of one "tank" e.g. a fertiliser spreader with two actuators
controlling left and right sides.
Single implement operation (Delta 34)
By default, only 'Tank 1' is enabled. Only one control channel is required for most
sprayer control systems .
Except for the boom setup, each 'tank' can be configured for different sprayers, so
you can simply transfer the head unit to another sprayer fitted with an RDS
distribution system. On changing sprayers, the appropriate 'tank' is enabled from the
"Machine Options" screen in the calibration menu. You must re-configure the boom
setupasrequired.
Multiple implement operation (Apollo only)
You can simultaneously control more than one implement e.g. front and rear-
mounted spreaders, and all 4 channels can be utilised depending on the total
number ofvalve/actuators/motors in operation.
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 enabled 'tanks'.
NOTES: All "Tanks" must be distributing across the same basic width / boom setup.
This manual predominantly covers single tank operation, however, where applicable,
a symbol indicates information pertaining to multi-tank operation.
1.5 Sprayer Control Modes
The PS 8000 has three control modes. The Delta 34 has only two;
Manual Control Mode (Apollo / Delta 34)
This gives simple manual control of application rate.
On the Apollo only, field data ("job summaries") can be logged and are stored in the
instrument memory. Up to 75 summaries can be stored.
5

1 - Overview
Automatic Control Mode (Apollo / Delta 34)
This gives fully automatic rate control. Flow / pressure is automatically regulated as
forward speed varies, to ensure that the actual application rate constantly matches a
preset target rate. The application rate can be manually nudged up and down from
the target rate as required for spot application in specific areas. Programmable
alarms warn of high and low flow rates.
On the Apollo only, field data ("job summaries") can be logged and are stored in the
instrument memory. Up to 75 summaries can be stored. If you have a GPS receiver
and RDS Data Card Module connected, as well as creating a job summary, you can
also log the vehicle route and application data to a "dynamic log" file on the PCMCIA
card. The job summary data is also appended to this file, which can be viewed in
PLOT/PLAN.
VRT (Variable-rate treatment) Control Mode (Apollo only)
This enables the system to be controlled via treatment instructions prepared using
RDS PLOT/PLAN or similarly capable Precision Farming software programs, in
conjunction with DGPS position data. To enable fully automatic variable-rate
treatment for Precision Farming applications, the Pro-Series 8000 requires a suitable
DGPS receiver and the RDS PCMCIA Card Module to implement treatment plans
generated in RDS PLOT/PLAN.
A work record file is automatically created on the card module to log data confirming
the actual treatment. The job summary data is also appended to this file, which can
be viewed in PLOT/PLAN.
Please refer to the 'Precision Farming Supplement' Pt No. S/DC/500-10-202 for details
of DGPSinstallation, setup and data transfer with the Data Card Module.
6

1 - Overview
1.6 The Operating Screens (Apollo / Delta 34)
1.6.1 Menu keys
All instrument functions are accessed bynine menu keys adjacent to the LCD display.
The four menu keys to the right of the screen (figure 2) access the primary screen
pages (those viewed during normal operation). There are three primary screens
MAIN, INFO and LOG (Apollo only)for normal operating functions, and a SETUP
screenforcalibration functions.
The five sub-menu keys below the screen control the various display functions and
settings for each of the primary screen pages. Text or icons are displayed adjacent to
the sub-menu keys to denote their function.
1.6.2 The MAIN screen page (Single implement operation)
The instrument will always default to the MAIN screen on startup. The MAIN screen
displays the following information (figure 3).
Figure 2
The functions are con-
trolled via the menu
keys next to the dis-
play
Figure 3
The information displayed
on the MAIN screen
SprayPerformance
Indicator
Forwardspeed
Instantaneous
Applicationrate
Volumeremaining
in tank
OR
Area sprayed
OR
Flow Rate
OR
Pressure (when pressure-
sensor configured for "INFO
ONLY" or "REGULATION")
Tank / Product
Select Spray mode
Select Flow, Area, or Tank
volume (Pressure) display
Return to Target Rate
Target Rate
Boom section
ON/OFF indicator
Adjust application rate
(AUTO or MAN spray mode)
In/Out of work
(Areaaccumulation)GPSLogging Card Module
StatusIndicators
7

1 - Overview
1.6.3 Status Indicators
The row of icons at the top of the page show the following;
(i) if logging is in progress or not (Apollo only) :-
Logging stopped Logging started
(ii) if the Card Module is connected and whether a card is inserted (Apollo only):-
No Module Module but no card OK
(iii) if a GPS signal is being received (Apollo only):-
No Position Standalone (No Diff.) Full DGPS
(iv) if the area / distance is being accumulated (Apollo / Delta 34):-
No accumulation Accumulation
NOTE: The GPS icon and the Data module status icons will only appear if the GPS / Data
Module settings are selected in the "PORTS SETUP" menu (refer to the calibration
manual).
Otherwise, the status indicators will appear on all the screen pages
8

1 - Overview
1.6.4 The MAIN screen page (multi-tank operation - Apollo only)
The instrument will always default to the MAIN screen on startup. The MAIN screen
differs from that for single tank operation only in the respect of there being a separate
screen page for each tank or hopper enabled (fig. 4), and also a screen page which
shows the application rates for all tanks - the "multi-tank" page (fig.5).
The text line at the top of the screen indicates which tank/product the screen
information is referring to.
Individual tank - display and settings
Press the MAIN menu key repeatedly to cycle between the MAIN screen pages
for each tank.
You can independentlyset the target rate,application mode (AUTOor MAN) and alter
the target rate (AUTOmode) or actual application rate (MAN mode) for each tank,
Multi-tank display and settings
From the "multi-tank" page you can alter the target rate simultaneously for all tanks
set for AUTO (fig. 5) by pressing the arrow keys. All rates will change by the same
increment (default = 5%).
The target rate from each tank is displayed by the graphic. If the
application rate from an individual tank has been adjusted above or below the target
rate, then that target rate will be flashing on the "multi-tank" page. Note that in this
example, tanks 3 and 4 do not show a target rate because they are set to MAN
mode.
Pressing the key will reset all tank rates to their respective pre-programmed
targetrates.
Figure 4
The MAIN screen page with
multiple "tanks" enabled
Figure 5
The multi-tank"MAIN screen
Current Tank / Product Selected
9

1.6.5 The INFO screen page
Additional work measurement functions are displayed on this page.If onlyone tank is
enabled,the screen will displayonlythe product selected and not the tank number as
shown in figure 6.
NOTE: If more than one tank is enabled there is a separate screen page for each tank (as for
the MAIN screen). Press the INFO menu key repeatedly to cycle between each
page.
1.6.6 The LOG screen page (Apollo only)
This page controls data logging (Field Summary data), and P.F. functions (when the
Data Card Module is connected and enabled) and data transfer (e.g. printing a job
summary).
1 - Overview
Figure 6
The INFO screen In/Out of work indication
(Areaaccumulation)
Amountsprayed
AreaAccumulated
RPM indicator
e.g.for Fan,PTO,
orEnginedepending
on the installation
Tank / Product
Reset PART or
NORMAL Totals
Select Tank-filling options
Select PART or
NORMAL Total
display
Select and review / clear / print
summary data for stored jobs
Start/endlogging
Figure 7
The LOG screen
Select GPS Status
screen
Check Alarm
Condition
10