January 2, 2012
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Thanks for visiting AgSnap.com, a blog by Aaron Bobeck.
Please take a look at the About page to get an idea of what this blog is all about.
*** Under construction ***
(Please excuse my mess while I get this site going, things may change quite a bit for next couple of months:)
April 8, 2013
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All,
I am writing today to inform you that I have decided to resign from Gilsinger Implement Co., Inc., “Gilsinger’s”. Gilsinger’s is a six store John Deere dealer in North-Central Indiana. I appreciate the opportunities Gilsinger’s gave me and I wish them the best. My tenure with Gilsinger’s ended in a very nice and professional manner.
A little background on what I did at Gilsinger’s…
My tenure with Gilsinger’s began as an intern working with John Deere’s Ag Management Solutions (AMS) products and learning about sales. After graduating from Purdue University in May of 2010, I accepted a full time position selling new and used Ag equipment while working with Apex and other AMS products. Since starting at Gilsinger’s, AMS experienced tremendous growth, and was renamed Integrated Solutions by John Deere. In December of 2011, my job description changed, reducing my involvement in sales and increasing my time and effort in Integrated Solutions. I was also given additional responsibilities like taking care of computer maintenance, a new phone system, and selling used equipment to out of state customers at the Leesburg location.
New opportunities ahead…
I am currently weighing different options within the Agriculture industry. I’m interested in technology and equipment in a sales, marketing, consulting, or management role. If you know of an opportunity I should consider, please feel free to contact me via email: a.bobeck@gmail.com.
Thanks for your support,
Aaron Bobeck
November 12, 2012
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Summer is over, fall is almost over, and it’s time to knock the dust off this blog and get things going again!
I have everything updated now, I think (it’s only software, so let me know if something doesn’t work, or is wrong).
There’s also a new mobile version of this site, which is already switched on.
But, I can’t get this going without your help.. I’m looking for precision ag subjects ranging from data, to mobile devices, to how-to walk-throughs and videos for John Deere products, such as Apex. If you could stick to conceptual ideas and thoughts for general subjects, and only the deepest technical level for modern Deere products that would be appreciated. I’m also interested on ideas for a couple of weekly series (could be on general technology, etc.). I do have plans already in the works for a weekly poll on ag / technology related items.
Please send your suggestions to agsnap@aaronbobeck.com, or comment below.
Thanks!
- Aaron
EDIT: I’ve added a poll below as to the frequency of posting here, please vote!
April 28, 2012
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Finally got a little rain and a chance to get this written, so I’m combining the last couple of weeks here.
Thanks for reading and here’s your AMS Questions for April 16-28.
Guidance & GPS
Q: My AutoTrac on my planter or drill tractor has little wiggles in it or acts strange.
A: There are some ground conditions having a profound effect on guidance we’re seeing this week. Soft, dry, even powdery conditions (especially for conventional tillage practices) are making steering a little more difficult than normal. One tip is to make sure your front wheel assist is turned on, if the vehicle is so equipped. Having MFWD on can have a profound effect on guidance performance because the vehicle is able to acquire the correct position much more quickly while keeping over-reaction to a minimum. Another way to compensate for different ground conditions is using Advanced AutoTrac settings. If you have an ATU on your vehicle you already have these settings, or if your vehicle has an integrated valve you can see if these settings are available by going to Menu -> GS2/3 -> Guidance -> Guidance Settings tab -> Advanced AutoTrac Settings. Advanced AutoTrac Settings is only supported on certain integrated vehicles, check with your dealer for a possible software update to enable them or see if they’re available if the button isn’t showing.
There was a good sized Geomagnetic event last week that really disrupted some things in the middle of the week (as evidenced by this thread on New Ag Talk forums). Some were affected more than others, and unfortunately there’s not much any of us can do about it other than let nature run its course. The NOAA / NWS has a Space Weather Prediction Center website with lots of information regarding current conditions affecting GPS signals. The satellite environment plot is good to watch for current conditions and the Alerts and Warning page is good for forecasts as well. When the Geomatic sudden impulse gets to G1 or higher expect issues.
April 12, 2012
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With spring field work off to a start for many here’s a few common questions I’ve had this week about a variety of John Deere AMS products… Hope these answers help!
Prescriptions
Q: I’m running a SeedStar Gen II planter with a Original GreenStar monitor (aka “brown box”) beside a 2600 or 2630 display, what do I need to do to get it to work?
A: On your Original GreenStar display go to Setup -> Planter -> Rates -> More rates -> JDOffice and turn it on. This is the rate to run your Rx that will be received from your primary monitor.
Q: I can’t see my prescription as a background map
A: Go to Menu -> GS2 or GS3 -> Mapping -> Maps tab -> Map Settings. Setup the appropriate items for what you would like to see background and foreground. You may also have to zoom out, I’ve found the latest update zoomed in maps so far users aren’t able to see anything. By going to Menu -> Layout Manager you may be able to set this up on certain home pages as well.
Q: What is the Look Ahead and Prescription Multiplier?
A: The Look Ahead is designed to control the time at which the controller tells the hydraulic drive to actually change rates. It’s designed to make up for the mechanical delay for the ramp up and ramp down down times on hydraulic drives. The number you chose here depends on your equipment and how you’re using it, but many are running 0-3 second Look Ahead settings. Watch your target population, and actual population to see how quick your system reacts to changes in rates. Prescription multiplier takes all your rates in the selected prescription and multiplies them by the % in the white box. Default is 100%. For example: 100% multiplied by 35,000 population is still 35,000. Example 2: 110% multiplied by 35,000 pop is 38,500. This effects every single rate in the Rx, including loss of GPS and Out of Field rates. It is to be used in situations where say the field is in poor condition and you’re worried about final stand. You might put in 110% to bump up all the populations.
Q: I have shape files for Prescriptions, what do I do with them?
A: That would depend on which display you are operation that actually sends the Rx. If you have an Original Display you must use Apex (or JDOffice if you’re still using it) or the JD Rx Converter. If you have a 2600 or 2630 I highly suggest the built-in convertor on your display, but Apex is optional as well. Just put the files in a Rx folder in the main portion of your card (not within any other folders). On a 2630 you will have to import the shp files before converting them. More info on this quick reference guide. (PDF file)
Important note on the 2630 display: it has a limit of 120 prescriptions, so keep this in mind and delete some already used if necessary.
March 19, 2012
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One of the most frequent questions I get in the spring has to do with the new multiple variety documentation capability that was upgraded a couple of years ago on John Deere’s GreenStar GS2 2100/2600 displays and on the current model GS3 2630 display. Multiple variety doc is an awesome feature, its very flexible, and I’m sure a lot of people were asking for it.
Heck, you can even document male seed rows as "row not planting" and come back later and fill them in. (read: pretty maps)
March 19, 2012
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Documentation sounds complicated, it sounds like more time and more work, and to many it sounds like a waste. But, documentation shouldn’t be a waste. It’s data, or information, that must meant something because you took the time to collect it accurately right?
Get Setup to do Documentation
I hope we’re all taking the time to do documentation as much as possible, especially if we already have the hardware to do so. Many times a producer using auto steer already has all the necessary to document the variety of the seed, chemical, or type of operation being done, such a form or tillage, with their existing equipment. Sometimes a producer might need to purchase an input device, such as a certain type of height switch, other times they can use a hydraulic remote for a recording source; or it could be as simple as pushing the record button on the screen. If you’re an operator with multiple monitors in a cab don’t forget that sometimes they can be hooked together for proper documentation too. Take a Raven SCS controller for example: many of these have serial ports that can be tied into other brand displays with an inexpensive cable and a little bit of setup. Many displays can document rates and sections for other controllers, and even send prescriptions in certain cases. It might take some time, help from others, and a small investment, but getting documentation going could be very powerful for your operation.
Store Your Documentation
Even if you don’t think you need it anymore, its important to hang onto documentation data. Get your data into farm management software on your computer and keep it. In an age where computer storage is virtually unlimited and cheaper than ever, using that delete key is rarely necessary. See my post on purchasing the right computer for your farm if you’re shy on storage for your needs.
The Future of Documentation
I think we’re only on the tip of the iceburg on the power of documentation. Acreage reporting using precision agriculture equipment is coming quickly, and I think we’ll see the day when it is required within a matter of years. It was very interesting to hear the progress that’s being made and how government agencies, such as the USDA, are working with the precision agriculture industry at the InfoAg conference last year. John Deere Crop Insurance is already offering their “Automated Crop Reporting” service, for example. No doubt, with technology on the increase, documentation via precision agriculture will become increasingly valuable.
Thanks for reading and be sure to share your thoughts in the comments! – Aaron
February 20, 2012
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If you own a John Deere StarFire™ GPS receiver of ANY model (Original StarFire, StarFire iTC, StarFire 3000) please read on…
Deere has announced that the satellites that send down the SF1 and SF2 signals are changing frequencies and specific action needs to be taken by March 22, 2012 in most cases.
I’ll try and break it down what that means for you by which StarFire receiver you own:
NOTES
- The two satellites that cover the continental U.S. are now named 98W and 54W, 98W, so you’ll use 1539.8725 MHz or 1539.9925 MHz. See the official Deere announcement for instructions.
- You can update software for free using the GreenStar Live Update tool by clicking on your display HERE. Install it, select displays, download update, put in card / usb flash drive, and click Copy. Put in your display and it should pop up with updates or if it doesn’t try pressing on your clock, A, select your GPS receiver and select reprogram and the software version listed above. Contact your local dealer if you have problems with the update.
* If you have an Original GreenStar aka “Brown Box” display paired with your receiver, please see your dealer, or a buddy with an 1800, 2600, 2630 or GS3 CommandCenter display to do the updates OR change the frequency on your iTC or Original.
- Read the official Deere statement here: http://stellarsupport.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/1893/kw/frequency
I’m sure there will be lots of questions, please contact your local John Deere dealership if have questions, concerns, or comments. Refer them to DTAC 91144
For your convenience I’ll cover a few here:
Q: I have RTK does this affect me?
A: Yes, RTK is based off SF2 technology, follow the process above and you’ll be good to go.
Q: I don’t use AutoTrac or SwathPro / Section Control does this affect me?
A: Yes, at least somewhat. If you don’t follow the above process by March 22, 2012, your receiver will not lock onto any Deere signal level. It will instead use the free WAAS signal. That’s OK for a light bar, parallel tracking, yield mapping, etc.., but please follow the process, SF1 signal is free and is almost always far better than WAAS. If you have questions regarding signal level Mike Cline has an excellent article about signal levels on his blog, click here.
I’ll try to keep this up to date and answer questions in the comments below, but please see your dealer if you have questions.
Last Update: 2-20-12 9:30PM EST
*****DISCLAIMER: StarFire (TM) and GreenStar (TM) and Command Center (TM) are trademarks of Deere & Company, this post is simple informational only and is provided without any liability to myself or anyone else. You can read the full disclaimer on the About AgSnap Page*****
February 8, 2012
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A small amount of snow partially covers fall plowed ground. Photo by my sister April Bobeck - aprilbobeck.com
January 25, 2012
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Getting ready for #Plant12!
January 22, 2012
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As an AMS (Ag Management Solutions) Consultant and Ag Sales Professional for the local John Deere dealer I get a fair amount of questions about computers. I work a lot with John Deere’s Apex desktop software for customers and our family farm as well. One of the more frequent questions is get is “How can I make Apex run faster?”. My answer is all too often “upgrade your computer or by a new one ” (preferably the latter). I know some people don’t enjoy hearing that, but its what happens with technology. After all, 512MB of RAM doesn’t cut it anymore according to the system requirements for Apex. Computers get outdated fast! Three to five years fast for most components. So here’s my take on what you should consider when buying a new computer for your operation.
Reminder: These are just suggestions from what I have personally experienced. We’re all different in our computer competency and the application for which we’re using a computer. Support is important before and after the sale. If you’re unable to determine what computer is right for you find someone local that understands your needs and can help you acquire to best computer for the job. Feel free to ask questions in the comments below and I’ll do my best to answer.