Yara N-Sensor User manual

Yara N-Sensor V3.10 Operation Manual
OPERATION MANUAL
for the
Yara N-Sensor
Software release 3.10
© 2005-2009 YARA GmbH & Co. KG
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Yara N-Sensor V3.10 Operation Manual
Table of contents
Table of contents .............................................................................................................................. 2
Preface.............................................................................................................................................. 3
Safety notes...................................................................................................................................... 3
1General issues........................................................................................................................... 4
1.1 Scope of this document...................................................................................................... 4
1.2 Prerequisites....................................................................................................................... 4
2System operation....................................................................................................................... 5
2.1 Screen layout...................................................................................................................... 5
2.2 Buttons and menus............................................................................................................. 5
2.3 The work screen................................................................................................................. 7
2.4 Alarms and warnings........................................................................................................ 12
2.5 Main menu........................................................................................................................ 15
3Setting up the System.............................................................................................................. 16
3.1 Application device submenu............................................................................................. 16
3.2 N-Sensor submenu........................................................................................................... 17
3.3 System menu.................................................................................................................... 18
4Task management................................................................................................................... 23
4.1 Batch processing.............................................................................................................. 25
5Operation Modes..................................................................................................................... 28
5.1 Base application............................................................................................................... 30
5.2 N-Application.................................................................................................................... 33
5.3 Target rate application...................................................................................................... 40
5.4 Potato haulm killing .......................................................................................................... 44
6Using raster maps (prescription maps).................................................................................... 52
6.1 Select the application mode ............................................................................................. 52
6.2 Linking raster maps to tasks............................................................................................. 53
6.3 Apply fertilizer (or other products) from the map .............................................................. 54
7Task management on the office PC ........................................................................................ 56
7.1 Data retrieval and batch processing................................................................................. 56
7.2 Task preparation............................................................................................................... 57
8Using task specific presets...................................................................................................... 61
8.1 Enabling the task specific presets feature........................................................................ 61
8.2 Task preparation............................................................................................................... 62
8.3 Operating the N-Sensor with task presets........................................................................ 63
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Yara N-Sensor V3.10 Operation Manual
Preface
The Yara N-Sensor is a responsible and carefully developed tool for
the detection of in-field variability in agricultural crops and variable
rate application of farm inputs on-the-go. Because of the multitude of
crops, grown in different production systems, on various soils, and
under countless climatic conditions, Yara disclaims all warranties, ex-
press or implied, as to the accuracy of the information gathered by
the tool and takes no liability for management decisions based on this
information. When using the Yara N-Sensor and its related software
modules the user accepts that he will take full responsibility for agro-
nomic decisions.
We carefully select the materials and components used in the pro-
duction process of the Yara N-Sensor. Therefore, we cannot accept
any liability for any damages to Yara N-Sensors and other objects of
legal protection caused by the use of accessories and spare parts not
delivered by Yara. Neither can Yara take over any liability for im-
proper use and application of the Yara N-Sensor, nor for any proce-
dures not described in this manual.
We have a policy of constant product improvement and reserve the
right to discontinue or to modify product specifications, models or de-
signs without previous notice.
Safety notes
A proper utilisation and a trouble-free operation are only possible in
case of a competent and specialised installation. A faulty installation,
any system modifications, as well as the use of accessories and
spare parts not delivered by Yara, can lead to malfunctions and
cause damages to the Yara N-Sensor as well as personal and prop-
erty damage; Yara does not take over any liability for these damages.
Any person responsible for the operation, must observe the safety
regulations. This has to be assured by the operator of the Yara N-
Sensor for every single case.
Furthermore, the operator must assure that all safety regulations for
add-on parts or peripheral parts, which do not belong to the Yara N-
Sensor, are known to the persons responsible for the operation.
Arbitrary modifications at the Yara N-Sensor are not allowed due to
safety reasons. A non-observance of this results in a loss of any war-
ranty claims and may lead to unpredictable dangers for persons or
properties. In case of repair procedures, only original parts of the
manufacturer must be used.
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Yara N-Sensor V3.10 Operation Manual
1 General issues
1.1 Scope of this document
This manual describes the operation of the N-Sensor software. It does not cover hard-
ware nor software installation issues. If there are questions regarding installation
please contact your local service partner.
As the software handles various platforms (terminals, operating systems, GPS receiv-
ers, variable-rate controllers) there may be various platform- or device-specific issues.
Contact your local service partner for support.
1.2 Prerequisites
To successfully operate the N-Sensor, make sure that the following hardware and
software has been set-up properly:
• N-Sensor mounted on the vehicle and connected to power supply
• GPS receiver mounted on the vehicle and connected to power supply
• Variable-rate controller mounted in the cabin, connected to power supply and
fertilizer distributor
• Terminal computer (Panel PC) mounted in the cabin and connected to power
supply
• N-Sensor, GPS and variable-rate controller connected to the terminal computer
• N-Sensor software installed and pre-configured on the terminal computer
• N-Sensor internally calibrated
• (optional) CardWriter software installed on the office PC
• (optional) Internet connection on the office PC
• (optional) Internet connection on the in-cab terminal computer
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2 System operation
2.1 Screen layout
Depending on the screen layout (portrait or landscape) and resolution the layout of the
menus and screens looks slightly different, but the functionality is all the same.
Work screen and agronomic calibration menu in portrait format:
The same work screen and agronomic calibration menu in landscape format:
For clarity, all screenshots in this manual are shown in landscape format.
2.2 Buttons and menus
Generally, the menu structure and the size of the buttons is designed to do the stan-
dard N-Sensor operation by touching the screen with bare fingertips, even on small
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displays. A pen is only required for more sophisticated settings that are usually made
only once and left untouched afterwards.
In menus, list items can be selected by successively pressing the menu key several
times until the desired setting appears on the menu button:
Numeric entries are edited by pressing the menu button. A numeric keypad will pop up
to enter a number:
Pressing OK replaces the old setting with the new number. ESC will dismiss the new
value and keep the old setting. The Cbutton clears the number that has been entered
so far.
Text fields have to be filled by touching the text field first and then using the keyboard
to enter the text.
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If no hardware keyboard is available and depending on the individual set-up, an alpha-
numeric software keyboard pops up if the text field is touched:
Pressing OK overwrites the old setting with the new text. ESC dismisses the new text
and keeps the old setting. To clear the whole line, press CLR. The << button clears the
last character that has been entered.
Capital letters can be accessed through the ABC button. Language-specific characters
are entered through the ÄÉǛbutton.
2.3 The work screen
When the N-Sensor program is started, it will first display the work screen. This screen
contains all relevant information that is required for successful operation of the N-
Sensor. Depending on the selected operation mode (see section 5), the work screen
may look slightly different from what is shown below, but the general structure will be
the same.
Operation
mode title
Current
application
rate
Status
icons
Task
Information Main
menu
Start/stop
status Start/Stop
button
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In particular, the work screen displays:
Operation mode title: The current operation mode is displayed as menu header. For
standard N-Sensor operation, make sure N-Application is selected. Refer to section
3.2 to change between operation modes.
Operation mode icon: A logo is displayed dependent on the selected operation mode.
Refer to section 3.2 to change between operation modes.
Current application rate: The application rate that is currently being calculated from
the sensor reading and/or the prescription map. This rate will be sent to the
spreader controller and will be logged in the N-Sensor log-file as soon as the Start
button is pressed. Be aware that the rate unit may depend on the operation mode.
For standard N-Sensor operation the rate is always displayed in kg nitrogen per
ha, whereas the spreader controller receives and displays a product rate.
Status icons: Status icons are arranged on the left side of the work screen. They pro-
vide information about GPS, N-Sensor connection, irradiance conditions, crop
density and prescription maps. Generally, if no icon is displayed the system is run-
ning properly. For a more detailed description, see section 2.3.1.
Start/Stop button:. By pressing the Start button on the main menu bar you can toggle
between active and non-active mode. Only in active mode rates are transmitted to
the fertilizer distributor and logged to the N-Sensor log-file. If a padlock is dis-
played, the system requires a proper software license code for unlocking. Contact
your local service partner in this case. See section 2.3.2 for further information.
Task information: The task information line displays the current task number together
with the name of the field associated to this task.
2.3.1 Status icons
No GPS connection: The connection to the GPS receiver is lost. Ei-
ther the receiver itself is not working properly or the connection itself
is faulty.
If the Reconnect manually option (see section 3.3) is checked, the con-
nection needs to be re-established manually by touching the GPS
icon. Otherwise the GPS will be reconnected automatically as soon
as it is available.
No GPS signal available: The GPS receiver is still connected, but it
cannot process valid positioning information. Probably the receiver is
shaded from the satellites by buildings, trees or the vehicle itself.
In case no GPS signal is available, the system will continue to work
normally, but it will be impossible to process a map of the respective
part of the field. Furthermore, if prescription maps are used, default
rates are applied depending on the application mode.
No N-Sensor signal available: The connection to the N-Sensor is
lost. Either the N-Sensor is not working properly or the connection it-
self is faulty. Probably the N-Sensor is not powered properly. The N-
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Sensor will be reconnected automatically as soon as it is available
again.
If activated, the system will apply the uniform rate predefined in the
Agronomic calibration menu.
Bad N-Sensor data: The N-Sensor is physically connected, but no
valid N-Sensor data can be processed. If this icon appears for more
than two seconds, contact your local service personnel. It is normal if
it shows up for one second from time to time during operation.
Simulation mode: The N-Sensor runs in simulation mode. In this
mode, the N-Sensor program can be run without a real N-Sensor
connected. However, no usable sensor readings are available. In ad-
dition, application rates from prescription maps (raster maps) are ig-
nored. This mode is mainly intended for demonstration and testing
purposes. No real application must be done with this icon on the work
screen!
To disable the simulation mode and return to normal N-Sensor opera-
tion, contact your local service personnel.
Low light level: For passive N-Sensors, the actual irradiance is too
low to receive a suitable signal from the N-Sensor optics. As soon as
irradiance conditions improve, the icon will disappear automatically.
For active N-Sensors, this icon indicates that a too low amount of arti-
ficial light is reflected into the N-Sensor optics. A reason for this may
be dirty optics or that the distance between the sensor heads and the
crop canopy is too high.
In any case the system will switch to the uniform rate predefined in
the Agronomic calibration menu.
Sensors over-modulated: (active N-Sensor only) Too much light is
reflected into the N-Sensor optics. Usually this icon appears because
the distance between the sensor head and the crop canopy is too
short.
The system will switch to the uniform rate predefined in the Agronomic
calibration menu.
Low solar elevation: (passive N-Sensor only) The current solar ele-
vation is below 25° above the horizon. As long as enough light is
available, the system continues to work, but accuracy may be re-
duced and recommended rates may drift over time. It is strongly rec-
ommended to finish N-Sensor work as soon as possible.
Low crop density: The current N-Sensor reading is below the preset
biomass cutoff value (see section 5.1). As obviously other factors
than nitrogen affect the crop growth in this area, the application rate
is reduced. In the extreme cases only the minimum rate may be ap-
plied.
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For proper operation, this symbol should appear only on a small frac-
tion of the whole area. If it displays regularly (i. e. on more than 10%
of the field area), the selected Growth stage or the Biomass cutoff set-
ting may be wrong.
Uniform rate: The N-Sensor is currently applying a uniform applica-
tion rate either because the Uniform button has been pressed in the
work screen or because of an error condition which forced the system
to apply uniformly. Press Sensor again on the work screen to return to
sensor-controlled application.
Raster map: A raster map (prescription map) is available and the ve-
hicle position is within the map borders. The selected application
mode determines whether and how the rates are interpreted: not at
all, as offset map, as overlay map or as application map (see section
3.2 for further details).
The symbol shows an excerpt of the map with the current GPS posi-
tion marked with a red crosshair. As the vehicle is moving, the map
moves beyond the crosshair and the rate changes accordingly.
Unless the selected application mode (see section 3.2) does not
make use of map data, the map rate is displayed on top of the icon in
addition.
This symbol is only displayed if a raster map has been assigned to
the current task and the GPS position is within the map.
Sprayer warning: (Potato haulm killing operation mode only) The
current recommended application rate is too low for the sprayer to
adapt accordingly. If possible, increase the speed of the vehicle.
2.3.2 Start/Stop button
Start: Press the Start button to start the variable-rate application. Ap-
plication rates are continuously transmitted to the controller and data
is logged. The green moving indicator (see below) appears.
Stop: Press Stop to stop the variable-rate application. The system
stops sending rates to the controller and it stops logging data. The
red indicator bar appears (see below).
Padlock: The padlock indicates that the system does not have a
valid license. It cannot be started until a valid license code has been
entered. To enter the code, touch the padlock or select License in the
N-Sensor menu (see section 3.2). The 8-digit license code can be ob-
tained from the local service partner.
2.3.3 Start/Stop symbols
Red indicator bar: The system is currently not activated. In this
mode, the N-Sensor does not communicate with the fertilizer distribu-
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tor nor log any data. Depending on the type of N-Sensor, application
rates may still be processed and displayed continuously.
One green moving indicator: The system is currently active. In this
mode, the N-Sensor continuously measures and displays the applica-
tion rate, sends the rate to the fertilizer distributor and logs data to the
selected task.
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2.4 Alarms and warnings
Not enough light: The current irradiance
is too low to receive a suitable signal from
the N-Sensor optics.
The system switches to the preset uniform
application rate. After the alarm is ac-
knowledged, the low light level symbol (see
section 2.3.1) is displayed on the work
screen until the irradiance conditions have
improved. When this happens, the system
continues to apply the uniform rate until it is
switched back to sensor control manually.
No connection to N-Sensor: The connec-
tion to the N-Sensor is lost. Either the N-
Sensor is not working properly or the con-
nection itself is faulty. Eventually the N-
Sensor is not powered properly.
The system switches to the preset uniform
application rate. After the alarm is ac-
knowledged, the no-N-Sensor-symbol (see
section 2.3.1) is displayed on the work
screen until the connection has been re-
established.
No connection to the variable-rate con-
troller: The connection to the spreader or
sprayer is lost. Probably the controller is
not working properly or it is set up wrongly.
The system will be automatically deacti-
vated and stop data logging and sending
application rates.
To circumvent this warning, the Unidirec-
tional only option may be checked in the
Controller page of the System menu (see
section3.3). With this option checked, no
warning will be generated at all, but as-
applied rates will not be logged.
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Solar elevation below limit: (passive N-
Sensors only) The current solar elevation is
below 25° above the horizon. As long as
enough light is available, the system con-
tinues to work, but accuracy may be re-
duced and recommended rates may drift
over time. It is strongly recommended to
finish N-Sensor work as soon as possible.
Wrong growth stage: An agronomic cali-
bration function is not available for the se-
lected combination of Crop type and Growth
stage. This warning is displayed immedi-
ately after crop type and growth stage have
been entered in the agronomic calibration
menu.
Regardless of the warning message, the
system will work using the most suitable
agronomic calibration function.
Protein quality dressing: In cereals, at
growth stages between EC 59 and EC 69 a
protein quality dressing will be applied. In
general, the agronomic calibration function
is opposite to the “normal” calibration func-
tions at earlier growth stages. Application
rates will increase with increasing N-
Sensor readings, whereas at earlier stages
rates generally decrease with increasing
readings.
You should be aware of this principal dif-
ference and make sure that a protein qual-
ity dressing is really required.
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Biomass cutoff: (N-application only) The
average sensor value on the reference
area is close to or lower than the Biomass
cutoff entered in the Agronomic calibration
menu.
The cutoff value should be reduced or an-
other, more representative reference area
should be chosen.
Wrong field: The current position of the
vehicle is more than 2 km away from the
last position recorded in the selected task.
It is not allowed to store data from distant
fields into a single task.
Select a new task in order to start a new
field.
Wrong operation mode: The selected
task already contains data which has been
acquired using a different operation mode
(see section 5). It is not possible to store
data from different operation modes into a
single task.
Select a new task or select a task that was
started with the same operation mode.
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2.5 Main menu
Generally, to work with the N-Sensor, you only need to go through the main menu bar
from top to bottom:
The Setup menu makes some general settings to the spreader or sprayer, the N-
Sensor, the GPS receiver and the program itself (see section 3). Normally, you will
rarely enter this menu after you have made your initial settings. In contrast, the Select
tasks menu (see section 4) and the Agronomic calibration. menu (see section 5) have to
be entered once every time a new field is started. Finally, the Start/Stop button will be
used several times within the field to activate and deactivate the N-Sensor.
The following sections will guide through the menus and the relevant settings. If the ini-
tial setting have already been made, you can skip the following section and continue
with the Task menu in section 4.
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3 Setting up the System
Prior to first use, the Setup/Diagnosis menu has to be entered for initial settings. To do
so, press the Setup button in the main menu bar. The following menu appears:
The Back button will get you back to the main menu bar on the work screen. Pressing
Close program will quit the N-Sensor program.
3.1 Application device submenu
Press the Application device... button in the Setup/Diagnosis menu to enter this submenu.
It provides settings associated to the spreader or sprayer.
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Send zero rate: Determines whether you want to send a zero rate command to the
controller when you press the Stop key on the work screen. It is recommended to
select “yes” unless your controller cannot handle zero rates properly. Some con-
trollers, especially those connected to sprayers, might display an alarm message
when they receive a zero rate.
Signal delay: The application rate calculated by the N-Sensor usually has to be de-
layed several seconds before it is sent to the controller in order to match the
scanned and the treated area. As a rule of thumb, the signal delay can be calcu-
lated as follows:
Working width: The distance between two tramlines. This information is not required
for the N-Sensor operation itself, but will be used by the mapping software for
processing the application map afterwards.
Signal delay = d/ v- ts- 2 [s]
d: distance sensor - centre of spreading pattern [m]
v: tractor speed [m/s]
ts: time constant spreader [s] (usually 1...2 s for granular spreaders)
3.2 N-Sensor submenu
Press the N-Sensor... button to open the N-Sensor submenu. This menu provides set-
tings and diagnosis for the N-Sensor itself.
Application mode: The Application mode setting determines how the N-Sensor handles
prescription maps. Note that only the default Sensor (standard) setting works without
prescription maps. For the other settings it is required to properly prepare the pre-
scription map and to link it to the current task. Refer to section 6for further read-
ing.
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Operation mode: The operation mode setting determines how the N-Sensor works in
general. Depending on the local configuration, various options may be available.
Depending on the operation mode, the work screen and the agronomic calibration
menu (section 5) will be different. For default operation, N-application must be se-
lected.
License: To unlock the N-Sensor software, an 8-digit license code needs to be entered
at this position. Usually, your local service personnel will provide and enter this
code. If the software has not been unlocked, a padlock symbol appears on the
work screen and it is impossible to activate the system.
Diagnosis: Display N-Sensor status information (see section 3.2.1).
3.2.1 N-Sensor Diagnosis submenu
The N-Sensor Diagnosis submenu displays current N-Sensor raw data readings together
with status information and sensor values. Furthermore, some internal calibrations can
be carried out. The layout and the displayed information depend on the type of N-
Sensor connected. Below the diagnosis screen for passive N-Sensors is shown.
Internal calibration: Access to internal calibration procedures for service personnel
only. This section is password-protected to prevent unwanted modification of cali-
bration parameters.
Spectrometer raw data
System serial number
Calculated reflectance
spectrum
3.3 System menu
Press the System... button in the Setup/Diagnosis menu to enter this submenu. It provides
general settings for GPS, application device and the system in general. The System
menu is split up to 3 pages: General settings, GPS and Controller. Select the desired
page by clicking on the tab at the bottom of the page.
Once all settings have been entered properly, press the Back button to return
to the Setup/Diagnosis menu.
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3.3.1 General settings
Position longitude and Position latitude: The approximate geographic longitude and
latitude of the system. These numbers are required for calculation of the current
solar elevation. Normally, values are automatically taken from the GPS receiver.
They only need to be entered if no GPS receiver is connected.
Date (UTC) and Time (UTC): The current time at 0° latitude (Greenwich time). Values
are calculated from local time minus Time difference to UTC (see below). To adjust
your local time, use the standard time setting procedure on your computer. Make
sure that both your local time and the Time difference to UTC are set correctly as
this is a prerequisite for a good and stable N-Sensor reading!
Time difference to UTC: Specify the difference (in hours) between your local time and
Greenwich time. Positive values are time zones east of Greenwich; negative val-
ues are west. Note that you need to change this when you change your clock to
daylight saving time!
Solar elevation: The solar elevation in degrees above the horizon calculated from
date, time and position.
Task specific presets: If enabled, the operation mode and the agronomic calibration
parameters can be pre-programmed for individual tasks. See section 8for further
information.
Directory: Specifies the drive letter and/or the path to the directory where the N-
Sensor stores log-files and prescription maps. By clicking the button you can
select from the existing drives and paths. It is recommended that a drive or a path
is selected that belongs to an (external) flash card. This will allow to easily move
files to and from the N-Sensor and will protect the data from unwanted loss if the
computer crashes.
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3.3.2 GPS data
Reconnect manually: Normally this option should remain unchecked for all hard-wired
and most bluetooth GPS connections. However, for some bluetooth connections it
might be necessary to enable this option to avoid unwanted pop-up of bluetooth
setup screens when the GPS connection is lost. If checked, the system will only
reconnect to the GPS receiver when the GPS icon on the work screen is pressed.
If unchecked, the system will reconnect automatically as soon as the GPS signal is
available again.
Baud rate: The baud rate of the GPS receiver signal. Often 4800 bit/s are common for
hard-wired receivers and 38400 bit/s for bluetooth devices. Check the manual of
the GPS receiver for the right setting.
Status: Displays the status of the GPS connection:
Not connected: The receiver is not connected (electrically or wireless)
No data: The receiver is connected, but does not receive valid positioning data
Data available: The receiver is connected and receiving valid positioning data
Latitude, Longitude, Altitude: Displays the current positioning data from the GPS re-
ceiver
Time (UTC): Displays the current time reading from the GPS receiver. Do not mix up
with the Time (UTC) reading on the General settings page. However, as the GPS
clock signal is highly accurate, you may use this information for setting the clock
on your N-Sensor computer properly.
Satellites: Number of satellites currently used for position calculation
Age: Age of the last valid dataset received by the N-Sensor software. If the last dataset
becomes older than 2 seconds, the GPS connection is lost.
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