Sunday, 20 September 2015 15:00

Nifty interface links more ISOBUS-compliant machines

Written by 
The new virtual terminal communicates with any ISOBUS-compliant machines. The new virtual terminal communicates with any ISOBUS-compliant machines.

Looking at the diverse range of machinery parked in the average farmer or contractor’s shed it’s easy to forget that each one probably comes with its own control box. 

This acts as the link between operator and machine for any adjustments or change of function and will have to be installed in or removed from the tractor each time the implement is changed.

If the user has, say, a baler, sprayer, seed drill or large mower, each will have a box, and very quickly the right side console of the tractor can look like the control panel for an Apollo spacecraft.

To overcome this many manufacturers are introducing more machines with ISOBUS compatible control systems. This will enable the machine to be ‘plug and play’ connected to the tractor, requiring a compatible display terminal. Unfortunately, this type of terminal is largely only available on high-end, high-spec tractors, so a ‘plain Jane’ operator can’t benefit from this technology.

But now appears a neat solution from the Kverneland Group – a virtual terminal called the Isomatch Tellus. Using ISOBUS as the interface between tractor and machine, the unit communicates with any ISOBUS compliant machines and can work with all current GPS systems. 

The Tellus allows simultaneous display of two screens, perhaps one showing GPS and area coverage, while the second might show the operation of a multi-row planter. There is also the ability to take signals from up to four cameras, using them typically to watch tank levels, coulter blockages or perhaps the wrapping function on a combi baler unit.

An added benefit of using Tellus with Kverneland’s own range of machines is the connectivity to Geo Control applications which allows the company’s sprayers, spreaders and seeders to be controlled smartly and efficiently. This includes section control that automatically switches the implement on and off as it crosses headlands, boundaries or already covered ground; and variable rate control of inputs from prescribed maps or field sensors; or the AutosetApp that can automatically set fertiliser spreaders to achieve target rates with known fertiliser products. 

The GEOseed application takes precision farming to a new level when used with the precision implements produced by the company. The system ensures seeds are placed in line and in relation to each other and across the full working width of the machine. Operators can choose either parallel or triangular patterns, which make for best use of nutrients, water and sunshine, help with soil erosion and allow mechanical weeding across the seeding direction.

To facilitate connection to tractors’ integral information such as speed, an adapter cable can be specified to connect to the Tellus terminal. Currently the only function not supported by the unit is auto steering which is more likely to be controlled by a GPS feed to a supplementary steering wheel or valve package. 

Unlike many technology suites aimed at agriculture, access to the Kverneland is achieved by a one-off payment for instant access.

www.powerfarming.co.nz

 

More like this

Is augmented reality the future of farming?

Imagine a farmer being able to tell a paddock’s pasture cover and dry matter content just by looking at it, or accessing information about a cow’s body condition score in the same way.

Better tedders, smarter balers

Kverneland has introduced a new 15.6m tedder aimed at high outputs, accuracy and operator comfort, incorporating a new ground-following system, with easy and simple operations.

Improved sprayer hits the spot

Kverneland has recently announced several upgrades for its iXtrack T4 trailed sprayer range – including a clever a 24/36m dual format, steel boom, 25cm nozzle distance and the next generation boom height control system.

Flexible front hopper

Suitable for applying all types of seeds and fertiliser, Kverneland’s f-drill front hopper can also be paired with a range of implements over a range of working widths.

Featured

Sheep drench resistance costly

Analysis by Dunedin-based Techion New Zealand shows the cost of undetected drench resistance in sheep has exploded to an estimated $98 million a year.

Dairy sheep and goat turmoil

Dairy sheep and goat farmers are being told to reduce milk supply as processors face a slump in global demand for their products.

Hurry up and slow down!

OPINION: We have good friends from way back who had lived in one of our major cities for many years.

National

Knowing bugs means fewer drugs

A mastitis management company claims to deliver the fastest and most accurate mastitis testing available at scale for New Zealand…

Machinery & Products

AGTEK and ARGO part ways

After 12 years of representing the Landini and McCormick brands in New Zealand, Bay of Plenty-based AGTEK and the brands’…

100 years of Farmall Tractors

Returning after an enforced break, the Wheat and Wheels Rally will take place on the Lauriston -Barhill Road, North-East of…

JD unveils its latest beast

John Deere has unveiled its most powerful tractor ever, with the launch of the all new 9RX Series Tractor line-up…

Biggest Quadtrac coming to NZ!

In the biggest announcement that Case IH Australia/New Zealand has made around its tractor range, its biggest tractor is about…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Why?

OPINION: A mate of yours truly wants to know why the beef schedule differential is now more than 45-50 cents…

Fat to cut

OPINION: Your canine crusader understands that MPI were recently in front of the Parliamentary Primary Sector Select Committee for an…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter