So planting might be off to a slow start, but the technology issues this Spring are not. To make it simple, this Spring’s software has caused more issues than I’ve seen an update cause in several years. The updates for the Starfire 3000 and iTC (frequency migration update only) are fine, but the 2630 display and Apex updates seem to be causing some issues, so here’s more on that..
Apex 3.7.1 (latest as of 4-25-15 writing)
Do NOT use Apex for prescriptions. Just don’t do it. Use some other program, I suggest Ag Leader’s SMS w/ a free trial. Here’s a couple examples why in the pictures below. The first image below shows a prescription edited in Apex, but for some reason the program messed up upon saving the changes. The second image below, from a separate computer/incident, is what happens when Apex shows everything to be just fine, but it isn’t. That’s right, nothing planted in that area. Moral of the story, don’t use Apex for prescriptions till this is fixed, or if someone else is writing your prescriptions, just put the shp files in an Rx folder, import as Global Rx, and use the shapefile coverter on the 2600 or 2630 display.
Section Control on the 2630 display
Something strange is going on Section Control on the 2630 display as well this spring. In the image below you’ll notice a purple arrow pointing towards an area that doesn’t look quite right. In that small area, Section Control decided it was outside the boundary across the entire boom of the sprayer. I knew the display thought the sections were all outside the boundary because I look at Menu -> GS3 -> Diagnostics -> change view box to Section Control.
A cold boot (shut off tractor, unplug display, plug back in) fixed the issue. I’m hearing from others that have seen the same issue with planters as well. I’m told one solution is backdating the software on the 2630 display. I prefer to avoid this (especially with new 2015 planters that have never ran on older software), but if the issue keeps repeating itself I won’t be afraid to recommend backdating software. The import thing is to pay attention, and run a home page that shows you a large area of the field. It may even be beneficial to export data and unload it into a computer to look at the maps better.
Operators Manuals – How to find on Stellar Support has changed
An excellent idea was pointed out on Twitter this week for keeping track of calibration numbers, offsets, and other settings. Take a picture with a smartphone or tablet and upload that photo to a cloud service (such as Google Drive). Photos can be re-named, put in folders, add a notes file, etc. It’s a great way to stay organized.
When you finally find the iguide sweet spot settings…you save them to the cloud. #justsaying#plant15
Lots of excitement this week over a Wired.com article about ownership and accessibility of the internal operating software of tractors.
Wired really has over-blown the issue, and Todd Janzen has a good response post.
After all, regulation like the Wired article proposes will just cost us all more on the front end of a purchase. Software protections are also for things like safety and protecting the integrity of warranty. I’m all for open source software, but sometimes it just doesn’t make sense. Maybe someday manufacturers will release the software of out of warranty vehicles?
Winter isn’t coming, it’s already here. Time to take care of your monitors, receivers, and data.
Winter checklist for your AgTech
Download data – Get the data off before the display is unplugged, don’t delete data off the display or card until you’re sure it’s all there.
Label hardware – A piece of masking tape and a sharpie would go a long way towards keeping track of which display or receiver has which activation, or what vehicle it goes in
Bring it inside – Continuous temps below freezing, and especially below zero degrees F are hard on monitors. Any major component that’s easily removable I would recommend bringing into a warm and dry place.
Clean it up – Wipe off the dust and dirt, replace the screen protector if needed. Try not to drive dust and dirt deeper into cracks and crevices. Be careful about generating static electricity. Avoid direct shots of water from power washing to sensitive components. Give a quick look over to cabling, connectors, and antennas while it’s clean. For connectors outside a little dielectric grease would be recommended to prevent corrosion.
Fix unresolved issues – If something didn’t go right during the season, now’s the time to fix it, AgExpress is a great source for physical repairs, or your local dealer may have a reman program. If the issue is more software related, make sure to document the issue as much as possible to give your local service people the best chance of a resolution, or at least an explanation of what went wrong.
Backup data – Don’t just store it in one place. Make copies. Upload it to your favorite cloud service (I use Google Drive and Dropbox). Put a physical copy in a fire safe or in bank lock box. Data services marketed for Agriculture may be an option as well.
Follow up on data – Leave a check strip somewhere? Change populations for part of field? Follow up on it. Most desktop software has the ability to query data (select an area) for a particular attribute, use a transparency option to layer different map types.
Plan for next season – Never too early to start thinking about next season, especially if you’re making a change in equipment, or how you use it.
Edit 11-21-14 – added labeling hardware and dielectric grease
As technology advances, so does its accessibility. Much of this new technology is defined as “wearable”, in other words, it can be attached to your body.
I want to make sure expectations are realistic for one segment of wearable, the smart watch. Some of you might remember the calculator watches of the 80’s (they’re as old as I am), well they’re back, in a slightly more fashionable and functional way.
PRO’s
Accessibility
– Easier to glance at than digging a phone out
– May catch more phone calls and notifications by being able to feel smart watch’s vibration better than a typical smartphone
– May be appropriate to use for a quick phone call (when in a quiet, private place ~ think similar to speakerphone)
– Although the on board camera tends to be poor, it’s a quick option
– Effective range of the wireless Bluetooth connection is around 40 feet, it’s nice for when you’re out of the cab, but didn’t grab the phone
CON’s
Durability
– Most are made with decent dust resistance and some water resistance, but as a friend of mine discovered, a smart watch is no match for a mean spirited hog
– It’s one more thing to get caught and/or break or lose
Accessibility
– Takes two hands to interact with
– Long sleeves or a jacket hinder the look at a glance capability
– Viewing outdoors may be difficult in direct sunlight, but this is improving on newer models
– Most devices aren’t capable of typing out a reply message, this is changing daily but will be cumbersome and time consuming no matter what
Battery Life
– Most won’t make it through more than a day, if that, depending on usage
– It’s one more thing to charge, and some of the charger designs leave a lot to be desired
– Will use at least a little more battery life on your phone if you’re not already using Bluetooth
Cost
– They’re not cheap, $150-$300+, and they are outdated quickly.
Usefulness
– Few apps take advantage of smart watches as of this writing, but will change over time
What I use My Smart Watch For
– I have a Samsung Galaxy Gear (the original model).
– I got the Gear as a cheap refurbished model, which has been a good deal considering it’s pristine quality, but minimal usefulness.
– The main usefulness for me has been not missing phone calls in loud environments
BOTTOM LINE:
– Smart watches aren’t for everyone.
– Make sure to do your research.
– Purchase from a retailer with a good return policy and stick to a brand name.
Wikipedia has a general overview of recent history for the wearable and Smartwatch terminologies.
Fall harvest won’t be before long, so it’s time to get things ready. But while you’re doing combine and header inspections, don’t forget about the displays, GPS receivers, moisture sensor, setup data, etc., etc.
Move Equipment onto the Combine / Check Operation
– Make the touch screen work
– Pull outside and let the GPS receiver acquire signal
– If you use AutoTrac in the combine, would recommend set and AB line, turn AT on, flip on the feederhouse switch and press 2 or 3 on the hydro handle to make sure it steers (resume switch if you use an ATU)
– Look over sensors and wiring harnesses
– If your moisture sensor is in the grain tank, make sure you hear the plunger cycle when the machine key is cycled, also wouldn’t hurt to check for water in it, or make sure drain plug is back in
Update the Software – 2630 displays and StarFire 3000 receivers had new software released last week.
– Link to software: https://stellarsupport.deere.com/en_US/categories/downloads/ (or open GS live update, click next, if it’s already on your computer)
– 2600 software wasn’t new, but it does include the update files if you’re using a StarFire 3000 receiver
– Apex may have had multiple updates since last spring. Open Apex, go to Help, check for Apex updates
Clean Data from Last Year
– 2630 users: This years planting data on the display is ok, but if last years harvest is still on the display, please make sure you have a backup of the files and delete everything off the display (don’t delete setup data, unless you have everything in Apex)
– 2600 users: Would prefer to see a clean card each season, unload it all in Apex, make a backup copy if you wish, and delete everything on the card
Setup Data for This Year
– Make certain everything you need is checked in the Save to card screen, INCLUDING all necessary crop types
– Setup variety locator, if you have accurate planting maps. Make sure to consider the consequences of using variety locator if you split mapped with the planter
– Background maps are sometimes a nice aide for harvest, also any kind of map can be loaded onto an iPad / Android device with Mobile Farm Manager activation
Final Preparations
– 2630 users: make sure to import the correct profile
– Go to Menu -> GS2/3 -> GS2/3 -> Setup tab.. check Documentation (and guidance if necessary), follow the steps to fill in equipment and crop information
– Setup home pages, configure field and load total displays on those pages
– Go to Menu -> Gs2/3 -> Mapping.. map settings.. make sure yield is on there, and set the scale while you’re on this page
– Make sure you know how to do a yield calibration.. Sloan’s has an excellent S-Series Guide PDF: http://www.sloans.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/S-Series-Calibration-Guide3.pdf …
— Also see Stellar Support for documents, or Deere machine operators manuals
Know Resources for Help
– THE DIAGNOSTICS BUTTON – Don’t be afraid of it, it’s an excellent live list of what’s going on.. Menu -> GS2/3 -> Diagnostics … pick the appropriate view from the drop down box – Your local dealer
– Stellar Support Answer Center – Google… yes sometimes it’s just easy to search for it.. you may find results from this blog, AgTalk forums, and others
– Twitter.. don’t be afraid to tweet me @AaronBobeck
– Turn the key off, unplug display and receiver…. yes sometimes it still works
These kind of posts have been popular in the past (and hopefully helped others), so I’m doing one for April 2014. Here’s a summary of the most popular #DeereAMS questions I’ve received this month..
Q: Why isn’t this thing recording? / Why isn’t my section control working at all? / Why isn’t ________ working?
A: Don’t be afraid of the Diagnostics button! There’s most likely something not setup right, or a height sensor isn’t working properly.
Press Menu
Press GS3 (or 2 if you’re on a 2600)
Press Diagnostics (the book with the wrench over it on the right of the screen)
To the right of the word “View” there is a box. It is white, but may be highlighted in red blue or green. Color doesn’t matter, just press on the box.
A list should appear, press the item you’re having difficulty with, for example Recording.
You should now see the item you pressed on from the list, and a whole list of things underneath.
These items are live.. meaning they update when the planter is raised for example.
This page is for telling you what’s wrong. No settings can be changed here.
Often times I see people with an Operation with – – – next to it.
Unless you’re recording multiple products (such as seeding and liquid fert) at the same time, you shouldn’t see a task with – – – next to it.
N/a with – – – next to it is not an issue.
Q: Should I update software on my display / receiver / desktop software?
A: 99% of the time the answer to this is Yes; Unless you’re doing something very strange and custom and have specifically been told not to update software. If you’re broke in the field and you call a support specialist the first thing they will most likely ask is your software version. You don’t need to be on the bleeding edge and install an update the day it comes out, but don’t let a 25 minute software update hold you up in the field either. There are a few cases where a planter controller will have to be updated by someone at the dealership. Also, it is possible updates can fail. If you’re not comfortable with it, then call someone to come do it for you. It’s important that Apex (or your other desktop software) be updated before you load data to an updated display as well.
A: Margin is the DIFFERENCE between how hard the sum of the row unit (airbag/springs, structure, seed, insecticide, gravity) pushes down AND how hard the ground pushes back. IN OTHER WORDS: It’s how hard the gauge wheels push up against the stop.
VERY IMPORTANT DIFFERENCE:
Some of you have SeedStar XP “Set Point” (aka regular SeedStar XP).. this is an electric compressor, which you control on the screen. You tell the planter how many lbs (not PSI) you want in the air bag. Margin is displayed. You aren’t setting margin. Again, you aren’t setting margin, just reading a sensor. Let’s say for example you fill with seed from clear empty, but leave the downforce set on 100lbs. Your margin may start as 175lbs and be 75 by the time you’re empty with seed. It may even change that much throughout the field due to soil types/conditions, etc. . It’s up to you to adjust the lbs of downforce setting on the display so that the margin is where you want it to be.
The video below can help with understanding SeedStar XP Set Point:
Others of you have SeedStar XP Active Pneumatic Downforce. This is a different system, but it’s easily identified by a hydraulic air compressor. When looking at planter functions on the display you’ll see it described as “Active PDF“. Assuming Active PDF is turned on (indicated by a check box), you are telling the planter how much margin you want, and it automatically adjusts lbs of downforce on the airbags to meet the entered target margin. Don’t ask your neighbors with a SeedStar XP Set Point planter what they’re running for downforce, it’ll only confuse you both. If you must compare something, let it be the margin number only when it comes to downforce.
This video below can help with SeedStar XP Active Pneumatic Downforce:
Q: What is the right amount of margin?
A: Many factors depend on margin. Wet/dry soils, soil types, clods, the list goes on and on. You must get out and check out the seed trench. If you’re starting from scratch somewhere between 75lbs – 150lbs may be a decent place to start.
This video below can help understand what margin in general better:
Q: Why am I always hearing / seeing alarms going through the field on my SeedStar XP planter?
A: SeedStar XP alarms may be less forgiving than necessary based on where they were set from the factory. It’s all about what you consider to be acceptable. The videos for both systems above should have shown how to change the alarms by pressing and holding on one of the SeedStar XP function buttons (Seed spacing for example). The alarms page will display after that. Make sure to press the right facing arrow to accept after you’re done making changes.
Q: Why is my section control leaving gaps or planting into the headland?
A: Section Control is complex, every little detail counts. Speed into the headlands must be consistent. Speed out of the headlands must be consistent. You must dig.
Michael Cline has an excellent write-up that’s still full relevant here: http://precision-nerd.com/blog/?p=122
AgExpress has a row clutch indicator light that tees into the the row clutch harness. It lights up when the clutch is powered up. When the clutch is powered up the seed meter doesn’t turn. This is a good guide and can aid in making an operator feel more comfortable, but it still isn’t a replacement for physically digging seed. http://store.agexpress.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=AE6619K
Q: What is implement detection that pops up everytime I turn the key on?
A: SeedStar 2 and newer (2009+) planters are able to store planter offsets on the planter’s wedgebox (brains). If you’re making changes throughout the season (seed corn growers, shifting over to plant beans in 15″ w/ 30″ planter, etc) be sure to pay extra close attention to the offsets. It may be a good idea to press on the equipment button on the warning itself to check out offsets. It’s my understanding this feature can’t be disabled. You’ll see a serial number when going to Menu -> GS2/3 -> Equipment -> Implement 1. This is the default implement settings at key on.
Q: I’m having some strange issues creating prescriptions in Apex.. Sometimes a rate says its already there, or acres don’t add up correctly
You may also have better luck making the loss of GPS and out of boundary rates slightly different from any rates in the field
Example:
Out of boundary rate: 30,001
Loss of GPS rate: 30,001
Rates inside field: 28,000 ; 30,000 ; 34,000
Q: I have _______ strange error on my display (or in Apex)
A: I always recommend your local dealership professionals, but if you’d like to look it up yourself check out the StellarSupport Answer Center: http://stellarsupport.custhelp.com/app Some solutions may require a dealer to look up the full information but any time you can help lead someone down the right path you’ll get help even faster.
You’ll see the newest articles from the Answer Center on the right side of any page on AgSnap.com
Also, don’t be afraid to take pictures, or even a short video for your local dealer professionals.
Many of them are just an email away.
OTHER NOTABLE ITEMS THIS SPRING:
The John Deere Mobile Farm Manager app is now on Android
Get it here from the Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.linxsystems.mfm
As with the iPad app, the app itself is free. The activation is in Apex and is a one time fee, purchase it from your local dealer.
Apex reports generate much faster than before.
Make sure to follow me @AaronBobeck on Twitter, as well as the hashtags #DeereAMS, #AgTech, and #PrecisionAg
You can get an email for every new post on AgSnap.com by signing up for AgSnap Email Updates towards the top of the page on the right hand side. Thanks for reading!
DISCLAIMER: All advice is presented as-is without warranty. Any and all trademark terms to their owners.
Part of my goal here (and on Twitter) has always been to make complicated things simple. Tonight, let’s talk about Wifi internet on the farm.
I’m sure Peter Griffin would agree it grinds his gears too
I’m seeing a lot of companies out there selling expensive, complicated products to broadcast internet all over you farm. Between buildings, between farmsteads, inside steel shops, wherever. Many of these companies make it look simple when it isn’t, or complicated when it doesn’t have to be.
Here is what worries me about many of these companies’ promised solutions:
REPEATERS – Wifi is finicky to start with, this makes it twice as much so, not to mention it can slow throughput (speed) and ping (response time).
REBRANDING – Too many out there are taking off the shelf products and marking them up in the name of making things simple.
OVERPROMISING – No, your tablet isn’t going to work good beyond a few hundred feet with your “5 mile range Wifi”… Wifi is a two way street, and traffic needs to see each other coming and going at similar speed (in this case power output).
SETUP / INSTALLATION AND PLANNING FEES – I understand this somewhat, but if you read the manual, or know someone with good technical ability, there is little reason setup fees can be avoided.
What I propose that can work for you:
KNOWLEDGE: Find someone you trust that will be honest about the limitations of Wifi. Wifi is NOT perfect technology and it changes quickly
RESEARCH: Figure out your needs for internet around the farm(s). Write them down in an organized fashion. Look around at different companies that specialize in communications technology, it doesn’t have to be just for the Agriculture industry. Learn what realistic expectations are.
ALTERNATIVES: Consider a cellular data plan. I know it costs money monthly, yearly, whatever. Shop local and see if they’ll let you take a demonstration device home to test coverage and speeds. Consider a local telephone company, some of them have semi-portable devices now too.
And above all, don’t sign on the dotted line until you trust the solution and the provider of the solution.
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.
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.
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.
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)
