Topcon ISOBUS Athene - SL2 User manual

500-036-07 UK
ISOBUS Athene - SL2
Belt Spreader Controller
Installation Guide

ISOBUS ATHENE – INSTALLATION GUIDE
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Preface
This manual provides information about installing this Topcon Precision Agriculture product. Correct installation is
important for safe and reliable operation of the product.
NOTE: FITTING, CALIBRATION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE SYSTEM MUST ONLY BE UNDERTAKEN BY A TRAINED
INSTALLER. ANY ATTEMPT BY UNQUALIFIED PERSONNEL TO INTERFERE WITH OR ALTER THE INSTALLATION OR SETUP OF
THE SYSTEM, MAY RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE MACHINE, PERSONAL INJURY OR POSSIBLE DEATH!
TopconTechnology Ltd does not accept responsibility for faulty operation of the system or consequential damage, as a
result of poor workmanship of installation, or any aspect of component installation that does not comply with the
requirements for correct operation as stated in this manual. The installer is responsible to ensure proper fitting
Information in this manual is current at the time of publication. A system may vary slightly. The manufacturer reserves the
right to redesign and change the system as necessary without notification.
Terms and Conditions
Note: Please read these Terms and Conditions carefully.
General
APPLICATION - You accept these Terms and Conditions by purchasing the product from Topcon Precision Agriculture
(TPA) or from one of TPA’s product dealers.
COPYRIGHT - All information contained in this manual is the intellectual property of, and copyrighted material of TPA. All
rights are reserved. You may not use, access, copy, store, display, create derivative works of, sell, modify, publish, distribute,
or allow any third parties access to, any graphics, content, information or data in this manual without TPA’s express written
consent and may only use such information for the care and operation of your product. The information and data in this
manual are a valuable asset of TPA and are developed by the expenditure of considerable work, time and money, and are
the result of original selection, coordination and arrangement by TPA.
TRADEMARKS – ZYNX, PROSTEER, EAGLE, KEE Technologies, Topcon, Topcon Positioning Systems and Topcon Precision
Agriculture are trademarks or registered trademarks of the Topcon Group of companies. Microsoft and Windows are
trademarks or registered trademarks in the United States and/or other countries of Microsoft Corporation. Product and
company names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.
WEBSITE AND OTHER STATEMENTS - No statement contained at the website of TPA or any other Topcon Group company
or in any other advertisements or TPA literature or made by an employee or independent contractor of TPA modifies these
Terms and Conditions.
IMPORTANT: SAFETY - Improper use of the product can lead to death or injury to persons, damage to property and/or
malfunction of the product. The product should only be repaired by authorized TPA service centers. You should closely
review the safety warnings and directions as to the proper use of the product in this manual and at all times comply with the
same.
Limited Warranty
ELECTRONIC AND MECHANICAL COMPONENTS -TPA warrants that the electronic components manufactured by TPA shall
be free of defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one year from the original date of shipment to the dealer.
TPA warrants that all valves, hoses, cables and mechanical parts manufactured by TPA shall be free of defects in materials
and workmanship for a period of 90 days from the date of purchase.
RETURN AND REPAIR - During the respective warranty periods, any of the above items found defective may be shipped to
TPA for repair. TPA will promptly repair or replace the defective item at no charge, and ship it back to you. You must pay
the shipping and handling charges in respect of the same. Calibration of components, labor and travel expenses incurred
for in-field removal and replacement of components are not covered in this warranty policy. The foregoing warranty shall
NOT apply to damage or defects resulting from:

ISOBUS ATHENE – INSTALLATION GUIDE
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(i) disaster, accident or abuse
(ii) normal wear and tear
(iii) improper use and/or maintenance
(iv) unauthorized modifications of the product; and/or
(v) use of the product in combination with other products not supplied or specified byTPA.
Software accompanying any product is licensed for use in connection with the product and not sold. Use of software that is
provided with a separate end user license agreement (“EULA”) will be subject to the terms and conditions, including those
relating to limited warranty, of the applicable EULA, notwithstanding anything in these Terms and Conditions to the contrary.
WARRANTY DISCLAIMER -OTHER THAN FOR THE ABOVE WARRANTIES, WARRANTIES PROVIDED IN AN APPLICABLE
WARRANTY CARD, APPENDIX OR END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT, THIS MANUAL, THE PRODUCT AND RELATED
SOFTWARE ARE PROVIDE ‘AS-IS’. THERE ARE NO OTHER WARRANTIES AND TO THE EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW TPA
EXCLUDES ALL IMPLIED TERMS, CONDITIONS AND WARRANTIES IN RESPECT OF THE MANUAL AND THE PRODUCT
(INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OR MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR USE OR PURPOSE).
TPA IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE OPERATION OF GNSS SATELLITES AND/OR AVAILABILITY, CONTINUITY, ACCURACY,
OR INTEGRITY OF GNSS SATELLITE SIGNALS.
LIABILITY LIMIT AND INDEMNITY -TPA and its dealers, agents and representatives shall not be liable for technical or
editorial errors or omissions contained herein or for special, indirect, economic, incidental or consequential damages resulting
from the furnishing, performance or use of this material, the product or its accompanying software (including where TPA has
been advised of the possibility of such damage). Such disclaimed damages include but are not limited to loss of time, loss or
destruction of data, loss of profit, savings or revenue or loss of or damage to the product. You shall defend, indemnify and
hold TPA harmless from and against any claims, actions, suits, damages, losses, liabilities and costs (including attorneys’ fees)
arising from, or relating to (a) your operation use, or maintenance of the product and/or software other than as provided for
in this manual or the applicable end user license agreement; and (b) your negligence or wrongful act or omission in respect
of theproduct.
In any event, TPA’s liability to you or any other person for any claim, loss or damage (in contract, tort or on any other basis)
will be limited (in TPA’s option) to either (a) the replacement or repair of the product, or (b) payment of the cost of replacing
or repairing the product.
Other
These Terms and Conditions may be amended, modified, superseded or cancelled, at any time by TPA. These Terms and
Conditions will be governed by, and construed in accordance with:
the laws of South Australia if the product is sold and supplied to you in Australia (in which case the courts of South
Australia or the Federal Court of Australia (Adelaide Registry) have exclusive jurisdiction in respect of any claim or
dispute) or
the laws of the State of California if the product is sold and supplied to you outside of Australia
the provisions of the United Nations Convention on Contracts forthe International Sale of Goods shall not apply to
these Terms and Conditions.
All information, illustrations, and applications contained herein are based on the latest available information at the time of
publication. TPA reserves the right to make product changes at any time without notice.
If any part of these Terms and Conditions would be unenforceable, the provision must be read down to the extent
necessary to avoid that result, and if the provision cannot be read down to that extent, it must be severed without affecting
the validity and enforceability of the remainder of these Terms and Conditions.
Service Information
Service assistance can be provided by contacting your local TPA Authorized Dealer.

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Communications Regulation Information
FCC Compliance Statement (USA)
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class ‘A’ digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of
the FCC Rules. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the
user will be required to correct the interference at the user's expense.
FCC Compliance Statement (Canada)
This Class A digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulation.
CE EMC Statement (European Community)
Warning: This is a class ‘A’ product. In a domestic environment this product may cause radio interference in which case
the user may be required to take adequate measures.
‘C’ Tick EMC Statement (Australia & New Zealand)
This product meets the applicable requirements of the Australia and New Zealand EMC Framework.
Type Approval and Safety Regulations
Type approval may be required in some countries to license the use of transmitters on certain band frequencies. Check
with local authorities and your dealer.
Unauthorized modification of the equipment may void that approval, the warranty and the license to use the equipment.
The receiver contains an internal radio-modem. This can potentially send signals. Regulations vary between countries, so
check with the dealer and local regulators for information on licensed and unlicensed frequencies. Some may involve
subscriptions.
Radio and Television Interference
This computer equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio-frequency energy. If it is not installed and used
correctly in strict accordance with TOPCON Precision Agriculture instructions, it may cause interference with radio
communication.
You can check if interference is being caused by this equipment by turning the Topcon equipment off to see if the
interference stops. If the equipment is causing interference to a radio or other electronic device, try:
Turning the radio antenna until the interference stops
Moving the equipment to either side of the radio or other electronic device
Moving the equipment farther away from the radio or other electronic device
Connecting the equipment to another circuit that is not linked to the radio.
To reduce potential interference operate the equipment at the lowest gain level that will allow successful communication.
If necessary, contact your nearest Topcon Precision Agriculture dealer for assistance.
Note: Changes or modifications to this product not authorized by TOPCON Precision Agriculture could void the EMC compliance
and negate authority to operate the product.
This product was tested for EMC compliance using Topcon Precision Agriculture peripheral devices, shielded cables and
connectors. It is important to use Topcon Precision Agriculture devices between system components to reduce the
possibility of interference with other devices

ISOBUS ATHENE – INSTALLATION GUIDE
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General Safety
DANGER: It is essential that the following information and the product specific safety information is read and
understood.
Most incidents arising during operation, maintenance and repair are caused by a failure to observe basic safety rules or
precautions. Always be alert to potential hazards and hazardous situations.
Always follow the instructions that accompany a Warning or Caution. The information these provide aims to minimize
risk of injury and/or damage to property. In particular, follow instructions presented as Safety Messages.
Safety Messages and Warnings
The safety symbol is used with the relevant word: DANGER, WARNING or CAUTION.
Messages marked in this way recommend safety precautions and practices. LEARN and apply them.
DANGER: Indicates an imminently hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in DEATH OR VERY SERIOUS
INJURY.
WARNING: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY.
CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, may result in MINOR INJURY.
Safety Signs
WARNING: DO NOT remove or obscure safety signs. Replace any safety signs that are not readable or are missing.
Replacement signs are available from your dealer in the event of loss or damage.
If a used vehicle has been purchased, make sure all safety signs are in the correct location and can be read. Replace any
safety signs that cannot be read or are missing. Replacement safety signs are available from your dealer.
Operator Safety
WARNING: It is YOUR responsibility to read and understand the safety sections in this book before operating this
vehicle. Remember that YOU are the key to safety.
Good safety practices not only protect you, but also the people around you. Study this manual as part of your safety
program. This safety information only relates to Topcon equipment and does not replace other usual safe work practices.
WARNING: Ensure power is removed from the Topcon equipment prior to maintenance or repair of the vehicle or
implements.
WARNING: Ensure appropriate precautions are taken prior to hand- ling any hazardous substances. Always read
the Material Safety Data Sheet prior to commencing work.
WARNING: In some of the illustrations or photos used in this manual, panels or guards may have been removed for
demonstration purposes. Never operate the vehicle with any panels or guards removed. If the removal of panels or
guards is necessary to make a repair, these MUST be replaced before operation.
WARNING: Always check that any suspended vehicle attachments are lowered to the ground before beginning
repair or maintenance work on a vehicle.
WARNING: Vehicle and implement parts can become hot during oper- ation and may be under pressure. Refer to
vehicle manuals.
WARNING: Wear appropriate protective clothing for the task being undertaken and conditions.
WARNING: Do not operate equipment around explosive equipment or supplies.
WARNING: Topcon is committed to good environmental performance and minimizes the use of any potentially harmful
substances in its products. However, it is always advisable not to handle damaged elec- tronic equipment. This Topcon
product may contain a sealed lithium battery. Always dispose of any electronic equipment thoughtfully and
responsibly.

ISOBUS ATHENE – INSTALLATION GUIDE
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Exposure to Radio Frequency
Exposure to energy from radio frequencies is an important safety issue. Keep a distance of at least 20 cm (7.8 inches)
between people and any radiating antenna. Keep a distance of at least 20 cm between transmitting antennas.
WARNING: Products using cellular modem or an RTK base station can transmit radio frequency energy. Check with your
dealer.
This device is designed to operate with TPA approved antennas. Discuss with your dealer.
Preparation for Operation
Read and understand this manual and learn all of the controls before you use the equipment.
Keep the manual with the equipment. If the equipment is moved to another vehicle, move the manual as well.
Read the manual for the vehicle with which the equipment will be used and check that the vehicle has the correct
equipment required by local regulations.
Make sure you understand the speed, brakes, steering, stability, and load characteristics of the vehicle before you
start.
Check all controls in an area clear of people and obstacles before starting work.
Identify possible hazards.
WARNING: Topcon equipment must not be used by an operator affected by alcohol or drugs. Seek medical advice if
using prescription or over-the-counter medication.
Disclaimer
Topcon accepts no responsibility or liability for damages to property, personal injuries, or death resulting from the misuse
or abuse of any of its products.
Further, Topcon accepts no responsibility for the use of Topcon equipment or the GNSS signal for any purpose other than
the intended purpose.
Topcon cannot guarantee the accuracy, integrity, continuity, or availability of the GNSS signal.
The operator must ensure that the equipment is correctly turned off when not in use. Before operating any vehicle
equipped with Topcon products, read and understand the following product specific safety precautions.
Important Safety Information
Operator Alertness and Responsibility
The console helps the operator to steer the vehicle, but the operator remains in charge and must be alert and in complete
control of the vehicle at all times. The operator is ultimately responsible for safe operation of this equipment.
It is essential that safety requirements are met when operating the console and any of its components. All operators and
other relevant personnel must be advised of safety requirements.
Electrical Safety
WARNING: Incorrectly connected power can cause severe injury and damage to people or the equipment.
When working with electrical components, you must do the following:
Make sure the negative terminal of the battery is disconnected before doing any welding on the vehicle.
Check that all power cables to system components are connected to the correct polarity as marked. Please refer
to the vehicle manual for safety information.
Check that equipment is grounded in accordance with installation instructions.

ISOBUS ATHENE – INSTALLATION GUIDE
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Operation and Risk of Obstacles
The following list is not exhaustive or limited. To use the console for assisted steering along a defined wayline, the
operator must ensure that it is used:
Away from people and obstacles
Away from high voltage power lines or other overhead obstructions (identify any clearance problems before
activating the console)
On private property without public access
Within cleared fields
Off public roads or access ways.
Note that:
The operator needs to know the vehicle’s position and the field conditions at all times.
The operator will need to respond if the GNSS satellite or differential correction signal is lost momentarily.
The console cannot detect obstacles (people, livestock or other).
Only use the console in areas that are clear of obstacles and keep a proper distance.
Steering needs to be disengaged for manual control if an obstacle appears in the path or the vehicle moves away
from the wayline.
On/Off and Manual Control
WARNING: Ensure the steering switch is Off to prevent unintentional engagement of the assisted steering. When
repairing or maintaining the vehicle/implement, ensure the vehicle CANNOT be moved. Dis- engage steering, apply
brakes and remove keys.
The operator must ensure that the steering switch is Off (all LED indicators are off) when assisted steering is not being
used.
The operator must disengage assisted steering and use manual control if an obstacle is in the line of travel or moves into
the line of travel, or if the vehicle steers away from the desired wayline.
To disengage assisted steering:
Turn the steering wheel a few degrees OR
Select the Disengage Auto Steering button on the console AND/OR
If using an external steering switch, disengage using the switch if the above actions do not disengage assisted
steering.
Vehicle Shut Down Safety
Before leaving the vehicle, disengage assisted steering, disengage external steering switch if this is being used, and
remove the key from the key switch.
Using a Reference (Base) Station
WARNING: Do not move a reference station while in operation. Moving an operating reference station can interfere
with the controlled steering of a system using the reference station. This could result in personal injury or damage to
property.
Operators and other affected personnel must be advised of the following safety precautions.
Do not erect the reference station under or within the vicinity of high voltage power lines.
When using the portable reference station, make sure that the tripod is securely mounted.

ISOBUS ATHENE – INSTALLATION GUIDE
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To Get the Best Out of the Product
Back up data regularly. The console has large, but limited storage capacity. Use the Diagnostics Mini-view to view capacity
available. A warning screen displays if storage is reaching its limit.
Be aware of file format compatibility. Discuss compatible formats with the dealer. Topcon Agricultural Products are hardy
and designed to work in tough conditions. However, if equipment is unused for a length of time, store away from water
and direct heat sources.
Alert Symbols
In this manual two alert symbols are used:
Note: This offers additional information.
WARNING: A warning signal appears on safety signs and in this manual to show that this information is very
important to your safety. LEARN these and APPLY them.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Preface 1
Terms and Conditions 1
Communications Regulation Information 3
General Safety 4
Important Safety Information 5
1. OVERVIEW 9
2. ATHENE INSTALLATION 10
2.1 Athene ‘SM1’ / ‘SM3’ ECU 10
2.2 Floor Speed Sensor 11
2.2.1 Floor Speed Sensor Configuration ...............................................................................................12
2.3 RPM Sensors 12
2.3.1 ‘Apollo’ Mode – Beater and Spinner Sensors ..............................................................................12
2.3.2 Apollo Mode - Beater / Spinner Sensor Configuration ................................................................ 12
2.3.3 ‘Athene’ Mode – Spinner Sensors................................................................................................ 13
2.3.4 Athene Mode - Spinner Sensor Configuration .............................................................................13
2.4 Floor Speed Valve 14
2.5 Spinner Speed Valve 14
3. LOAD CELL INTERFACE (OPTIONAL) 15
3.1 ‘SL2’ Load Cell ECU 15
3.1.1 Scale Link Configuration...............................................................................................................15
3.1.2 Loadcell Interface Specifications..................................................................................................16
3.2 Loadcells 17
3.2.1 Loadcell connections....................................................................................................................18
3.2.2 Load Cell calibration..................................................................................................................... 19
3.3 Setup and Calibration Numbers 20
3.3.1 Calibration Number .....................................................................................................................20
3.3.2 Weigh Method ............................................................................................................................. 20
3.3.3 Scale Capacity .............................................................................................................................. 20
3.3.4 Scale Gain.....................................................................................................................................21
3.3.5 Setup Number..............................................................................................................................21
3.4 Machine Setup Checklist 22

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“SL2”
LOAD CELL
ECU
(OPTIONAL
)
ISOBUS UT
+
HARNESS
TO
GROUND
1. Overview
The Athene spreader controller is an ISOBUS UT-compliant monitoring and application control system for self-propelled /
trailed belt spreaders spreading lime / granular materials. Forward speed measurement and cutout sensing enables full
proportional control, to maintain (within limits) a set application irrespective of changes in forward speed.
Shown is a typical retrofitted system compatible with an ISOBUS UT compliant tractor terminal. If using a Topcon X
Console, refer to Chapter 2 “Topcon X-Console Implement Setup”, of the Topcon Athene Operator Manual for console
setup instructions. If using a non-Topcon terminal through ISOBUS, refer to the manufacturer's manual for setup of the
terminal.
Figure 1 General schematic
Some installations will have minor variations, but the key components are the console, spreader ECU, and (optionally),
“SL2” load cell ECU with load cells.
Forward speed sensing may be performed via GPS, or optionally by a magnetic sensor measuring wheel or propshaft
rotation (fitted to the tractor / self-propelled spreader or trailed spreader). The master on/off switch is ‘virtual’ (a softkey
on the Athene operation screen), or optionally via an external switch mounted next to the operator.
The system may be fitted with or without load cells.
Machines without load cells (Athene): The system relies on volumetric calculation from the known gate height and width,
and a known product density. It works best with relatively free-flowing material of consistent density. Chapter 2 provides
general guidance on installing the key components (without Load Cell ECU and Load Cells).
Machines with load cells (Athene + SL2): Load cells enable fully-automatic, continuous calibration. They are
advantageous for controlling the rate of material with more variable density at higher rates. By constantly measuring the
weight of product in the spreader, the floor (belt) speed is continuously adjusted to achieve the correct target application
rate. The system quickly reacts to changes in product characteristics or spreading conditions without having to adjust or
re-calibrate the machine. This works best with higher rates where weight changes are significant. Chapter 3 provides
guidance on installing the “SL2” Load Cell ECU and Load Cell connection.
The system has additional sensor inputs for other spreader functions such as spinner speed, to be monitored or controlled,
with warnings being triggered if they are not operating correctly.

ISOBUS ATHENE – INSTALLATION GUIDE
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2. Athene Installation
Due to the varied types of attachment, OEM or third-party manufacturer, new or old, that may be encountered, these
guidelines are necessarily somewhat generalised. Some adaptation may be required to supplied bracket(s) or to devise a
suitable alternative for mounting.
2.1 Athene ‘SM1’ / ‘SM3’ ECU
Mount the Athene ‘SM1’ / #SM3’ ECU on a vertical surface, out of the way so it is not exposed to excessive water or dirt
(SL2 interface is optional -ref. Chapter 3).
Figure 2: Mounting of ECU and weighing module
Connect the blue ground wire adjacent to the 6-
way Deutsch plug to a suitable grounding point
on the chassis.
Connect the ECU leads as per the schematic (figure 1). The 4-way DT connector is redundant.
In the absence of an “SL2” Load Cell ECU and Load Cells, configure the Athene software as follows,
From the spreader settings screen, select the Factory Menu ( ) > ‘Loadcell Interfaces’ and set Function to ‘NOT
USED’.

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2.2 Floor Speed Sensor
A reliable floor speed sensor is critical to the operation of the machine. For smooth control it is recommended that there
are at least 360 feedback pulses per rotation of the floor drive roller. Typically, the floor speed sensor is either an NPN
inductive sensor into the gearbox or hydraulic motor, or an encoder mounted to the drive roller.
Figure 3: Inductive sensor mounted in gearbox
Figure 4: Inductive sensor mounted in hydraulic motor
Figure 5: Encoder mounted to the drive roller

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2.2.1 Floor Speed Sensor Configuration
From the Spreader Settings screen select the Factory Menu ( ) > ‘Channels.’, and set the ppr value of the sensor.
(Topcon encoder = 1024 ppr)
Function / Harness Lead
Input
S/W Parameter
S/W Setting
‘Belt RPM 1’
IP3
Factory Menu -> ‘Channels’ -> ‘Belt Channel’
‘Feedback’
2.3 RPM Sensors
2.3.1 ‘Apollo’ Mode – Beater and Spinner Sensors
On a manure-type spreader (‘Machine Type’ = ‘Apollo’), two RPM sensors can be fitted to monitor the rotation of two
different functions such as Beater RPM and Spinner RPM. Since only RPM is monitored, the pulses per revolution (PPR)
can be lower, typically between 1 and 10.
Figure 6: RPM sensor monitoring beater speed Figure 7 -Toothed sprocket for sensor to monitor beater
speed
2.3.2 Apollo Mode - Beater / Spinner Sensor Configuration
From the Spreader Settings screen select the Factory Menu ( ) > ‘Spreader Config.’, and set the ppr values as below.
Function / Harness Lead
Input
S/W Parameter
S/W Setting
RPM 1 Sensor
IP2
Factory Menu > ‘Spreader Config.’
‘Shaft 1 ppr’
RPM 2 Sensor
IP4
‘Shaft 2 ppr’

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2.3.3 ‘Athene’ Mode – Spinner Sensors
On a granular spreader (‘Machine Type’ = ‘Athene’), the RPM sensors are used to measure the speed of the 2 spinning
discs. Normally the sensors are mounted to measure the speed of the shaft driving the spinners, where they will be much
less susceptible to damage.
Figure 8: Sensor mounted to measure the speed of a spinning disc
2.3.4 Athene Mode - Spinner Sensor Configuration
From the Spreader Settings screen select the Factory Menu ( ) and set the values for the parameters as below.
Function / Harness Lead
Input
S/W Parameter
S/W Setting
‘Spinner 1 RPM’
(controlling spinner 1)
IP2
Factory Menu -> ‘Channels’ > ‘Spinner Channel 1’
‘Feedback’
‘Spinner 2 RPM’ (controlling spinner 2)
IP4
Factory Menu -> ‘Channels’ > ‘Spinner Channel 2’
‘Feedback’
‘Spinner 2 RPM’ (monitoring only)
Factory Menu -> ‘Spreader Config.’
‘Shaft 2 ppr’

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2.4 Floor Speed Valve
The floor speed is controlled by a proportional hydraulic valve (not supplied) operated by a % PWM signal (BELT PWM
FORWARD).
A valve calibration must be performed in Factory Menu ( ) > ‘Channels’ > ‘Valve Setup’ – ‘Valve Auto Cal.’
This routine allows the % PWM to the valve to be incremented in 1% steps so that the minimum PWM signal required to
rotate the floor can be stored, plus the maximum PWM at which the floor will not run any faster.
2.5 Spinner Speed Valve
The spinner speed is controlled by a proportional hydraulic valve (not supplied) operated by a % PWM signal (SPINNER 1
PWM).
As per the floor speed valve, a valve calibration must be performed in Factory Menu ( ) > ‘Channels’ > ‘Valve Setup’
> ‘Valve Auto Cal.’
This routine allows the % PWM to the valve to be incremented in 1% steps so that the minimum PWM signal required to
rotate the spinners can be stored, plus the maximum PWM at which the spinners should rotate.

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3. Load Cell Interface (optional)
3.1 ‘SL2’ Load Cell ECU
The SL2 interface is available in either of two versions, differing by the type of connections provided for the load cells.
Part No.
Description
411917
‘KIT-SL2 M12 ATHENE INTERFACE’
‘Y’ cable + ECU with 4 x DIN M12 x 5-pin connectors
411918
‘KIT-SL2 TERM ATHENE INTERFACE’
‘Y’ cable + ECU with 4 x PG 9 Cable Glands / screw terminals
Figure 9 : SL2 Load Cell ECU (411917)
It is recommended to mount the SL2 adjacent to the Athene ECU (ref. figure 2). The SL2 is supplied with a mounting bracket
with the above fixing hole dimensions for ¼” / 6mm diameter fixings. The unit must be mounted on a vertical face with
cable entry glands / DIN M12 connections facing downwards.
3.1.1 Scale Link Configuration
To ensure the software is set to communicate with the load cell interface,
1. From the Spreader Settings screen select the Factory Menu ( ) > ‘Loadcell Interfaces’, and set Function to ‘Scale Link’.
(63.5mm)
(88.9mm)
(152.4mm)
Load Cell connections
‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’ and ‘D’
(DIN M12 or PG9 Gland
options)
(not used)
(not used)

ISOBUS ATHENE – INSTALLATION GUIDE
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To calculate the correct weight, the load cell interface contains an angle sensor. The orientation of the load cell interface
must be entered.
2. From the same menu as before, select ‘Angle Sensor’ and then press the cycle button ( ) to rotate the icon of the ECU
around the spreader until it matches the orientation at which it is mounted.
Note: The ON/OFF button ( ) switches the angle compensation on/off. Always recommended to be ON.
3. With the spreader parked on flat ground, press the TARE button and this will zero the angle sensor.
3.1.2 Loadcell Interface Specifications
VOLTAGE RANGE
11V – 36V DC (12V & 24V* machinery) with reverse polarity protection.
*Limited to 11- 16V with SLC2810 or ISOBUS compliant implements.
CURRENT @ 13.8 VDC OPTIONS
<200mA base scale with 4 load cells to 5.0A maximum with all options. Internal self-
resetting fuses for PCB protection & SLC remote protection.
LOAD CELL PLATFORMS
16 Maximum 350 ohm transducers; 1 platform x 16 bars, 2 x 8, or 4 x 4.
LOAD CELL EXCITATION
Regulated 8.0VDC, current sensing and overcurrent protected.
OPERATING ENVIRONMENT
-29℃to 60℃(-20℉to 140℉); 0 to 95% RH non-condensing.
ENCLOSURE
IP65 per IEC529
REMOTE INPUT
Active high or active low base on software setting; 0 – 10,000Hz.
OUTPUT CONTROL/ALARM
Active high 3.0A continuous, with 5.0A surge.
SERIAL PORT
(Not used)
RS232 Com 1 & Com 2; 1200 – 115K baud; 7/8 bits; E/O/N parity; Scoreboard/
streaming data; Serial Gross Weight; DS ERM compatible.
INTERNAL USB PORT
USB 2.0 A port; FAT32; up to 4G. For Settings Save/ Load, Software Update; ISOBUS
update.
SCALE LINK CONTROL
(Not used)
SPI Bus on 8 pin M12 supports SLC2810, SLC2400,
custom SPI remotes.
CAN 1 PORT
General purpose CAN port; ISOBUS and Universal Terminal (UT) Compatible
Typically connects with DT6, DT4, and other standard Connector types.
CAN 2 PORT
(Not used)
Proprietary CAN port for connection to other devices or sensors.

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3.2 Loadcells
Due to the varied types of Load cells, OEM or third-party manufacturer, new or old, that may be encountered, these
guidelines are necessarily somewhat generalised. You may need to refer to the Load Cell manufacturers installation
instructions, as wire colours / functions may vary from the designations on the SL2 PCB.
Typically, loadcells would be designed as part of the spreader and fitted during manufacture. It is not recommended to
retro-fit loadcells for this system, and any effort to do so is beyond the scope of these instructions. The pictures below
illustrate some common loadcell arrangements for reference only.
For further advice, please contact your local representative.
Figure 10: Shear beam mounted between chassis and spreader body
Figure 11: Double-ended shear beams mounted between drawbar and spreader body

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Figure 12: Double-ended shear beam between chassis and spreader body
Figure 13: Differential Beam (DB) type between chassis and spreader body
3.2.1 Loadcell connections
IMPORTANT ! If connecting non-Topcon branded load cells
to SL2, color schemes and functions may not match that
given below. Please refer to the load cell manufacturers
installation instructions if required.
If you have;
M12-5P connectors on the SL2 and Load Cells: Plug Load
Cells directly in to SL2 connections ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’, ‘D’.
Note: Screw caps are pre-fitted for unused connections.