Before the questions and answers, first a few reminders:

• If you have yet to update your iTC or 3000 receiver to the Fall 2015 release software (SU2015-2), make sure the the StarFire network frequency has been changed to the new number, 1545.9675. See previous post for more info, as well instructions as for the Original (Gen2) StarFire, which does not have any new software.

• Remember to update to Apex 3.7.3   (current as of writing this post), or whatever program you utilize to load setup data to your display

• Don’t use symbols such as apostrophes, dollar signs, pound signs, etc. in the names of anything in Apex. Trust me, this may prevent a lot of inexplecible errors in the future. I used to preach this at customer clinics all the time, but nobody seems to do preventative support anymore.

• Remember to make sure last year’s yield data is off the display/card. Mixing multiple years of yield data will throw off your totals pages, and possibly mess up maps as well

• Most pricing from new products can be found on configurator.deere.com

• If you’re view the mobile version of this page, you may not be able to see the QUICK INFORMATION, etc on the right side of the screen. By switching to desktop version there are some shortcuts that will be at the bottom of the screen, sorry I’ll see if I can get this fixed better.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Q: Why doesn’t ____ work? It worked when I put the machine away.

A: Remember the changed StarFire network frequency. Yield mapping will likely work with no StarFire signal, but other items like AutoTrac won’t work. Utilize the built-in diagnostics capabilities as well, go there first.

 

Q: Why doesn’t variety locator work?

A: Try going into Apex and retire any variety you no longer use, then reload setup data to your card / flash drive. There seems to be software issues with variety locator this year. I’m going to try and leave the displays in combines on this spring’s software (SU2015-1), I updated everything else to this fall’s software.

 

Q: I didn’t change fields in my display, why isn’t my section control or ___ working right?

A: Every display has temporary memory called RAM. Every time time you start a new field, there’s a reference point set. By not changing fields in the display, you will eventually fill up the RAM, causing the display to act strange or even freeze up and require a cold boot. Make sure to change fields in the display when you physically change fields with the vehicle and use the system the way its meant to be used.

 

Q: Why does the background layer for Yield show as wet yield?

A: I’m really not sure, it used to say just “Yield”. This changed last year, there’s no way to change it. I have to find anyone that has an answer for this.

 

Q: (Display in combine) Why does the map on my home page look like ___ or not show ____?

A: Press Menu -> GS2/3 -> Mapping … These map settings control what is displayed on many home pages, to what level it is zoomed in and oriented.  Note: Some types of home page maps are only for guidance an coverage.

 

Q: I’m trying to restore an Apex backup to a new computer, why does Apex say the database is too old?

A: It’s likely that your old computer was out of date by several versions, now that you’ve skipped over so many versions the back end processes have changed too much to go directly to the new version. Possible solutions are loading said backup onto a computer that has had Apex installed for several years and had been updated to the current version. Once the database is updated, you can export back out and onto your own computer. See your dealer if you don’t have access to a computer that has been through multiple years of Apex updates, they will be able to help on their own or with help from dealer support services.

 

Q: How do I transfer activations from a 2630 to an GS3 Command Center armrest dispaly?

A: Call the activation line: 888-953-3373, or contact your dealer… Remember, if a 2630 or other display is on the armrest, it will take over all AutoTrac and documentation functions. There is no cost to go from GS3 to GS3 displays, the $250 (upgrade, not moving) charge was to go from GS2 to GS3 displays.

 

Q: What’s the difference between my AutoTrac SF1 or AutoTrac SF2 activation and the new “AutoTrac Activation”.

A: The new AutoTrac activation covers all signal levels on the display end for AutoTrac. In other words, if you have the new AutoTrac Activation, the level of steering accuracy is determined by your receiver. Displays can upgrade from SF1 AutoTrac to the new AutoTrac Activation for a very reasonable fee, just keep in mind this fee was offset by an increase in pricing on receiver activations. Pricing ends up about the same in the end, for the whole package.

 

Q: Will my Deere display continue to record with Precision Planting’s YieldSense system installed?

A: Yes, and I would recommend still mapping with it as well, otherwise the display may say processing grain without recording, depending on the model and if a documentation task is setup. PP has an awesome system, but a little redundancy never hurt right? Apex will bring in shp file harvest maps from other monitors, but said maps will only display as management zones, and do not have the ability to be analyzed and modified like regular harvest maps.

 

As always, feel free to ask questions or add to the conversation here in the comments, or preferably on Twitter @AaronBobeck