C-Dax Pasture Meter Assembly And Operation Manual
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C-Dax Pasture Meter Assembly And Operation Manual

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Assembly and Operation Manual
Version: 2400-6651–1 February 2011
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Summary of Contents for C-Dax Pasture Meter

  • Page 1 Assembly and Operation Manual Version: 2400-6651–1 February 2011...

  • Page 2: Important Safety Warning

    This section contains: • Introduction • Important Safety Warning • Important Safety Information • Table of Contents • Warranty • Disclaimer. Limit of Liability • Unpacking your Pasture Meter...
  • Page 3 We anticipate these tools will deliver economic benefits to our customers - please be assured that this is our objective. We are confident that your Pasture Meter will perform for many years as long as sensible equipment husbandry practices are followed. Extensive trials have been conducted during the development phase to ensure that this product is able to function reliably in the punishing agricultural environment.
  • Page 4 IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FOR OWNERS & OPERATORS OF C-Dax ATTACHMENTS / ACCESSORIES Be warned of the dangers of loading your ATV or other vehicle in excess of its carrying capacity. It is important to understand that any loads or attachments whether fastened to, or placed on a vehicle or an ATV, will alter the stability or handling characteristics of that vehicle or ATV.

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Section 1 - Introduction Introduction Important Safety Warning Important Safety Information Table of Contents Warranty Disclaimer/Extent of Liability Unpacking Your Pasture Meter Section 2 - Descriptions General Description The Sled Assembly The Sensor The Indicator Console Section 3 - Assembly & Setup...
  • Page 6 Section 7 – Trouble Shooting Installation Troublshooting Bluetooth Trouble Shooting Section 8 – Quick Reference Quick Reference Guide – Tier 2 DIY calibration method...

  • Page 7: Warranty

    All goods returned to C-Dax Ltd are freight paid by the sender and if subject to a warranty claim, must be accompanied by a completed warranty claim form.
  • Page 8 Disclaimer/Limit of Liability The maximum liability accepted by C-Dax Ltd, is limited to repair or replacement of faulty goods expressly operated in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. While every care has been taken to ensure that this product has been designed and manufactured to a standard suitable for the purpose intended, it is acknowledged that use of the product is outside of the manufacturer’s control.
  • Page 9 Customer Services - Technical C-Dax Ltd P O Box 1010 Palmerston North New Zealand Email:sales@c-dax.co.nz...
  • Page 10 This section contains: • General Description • The Sled Assembly • Safety Warning • The Sensor • The Indicator Console...

  • Page 11: General Description

    These methods can either be subjective, time consuming or rely on a limited number of individual measurements per paddock. The C-Dax Pasture Meter has been designed to greatly improve the collection of pasture cover data in quantity, speed and ease of collection.
  • Page 12 The Pasture Meter has been designed to measure the height of pasture grass and average the readings. Internal software then converts the averaged readings to kgDM/ha by using a calibration equation that can be changed for different times of the year.

  • Page 13: The Sled Assembly

    In this position, the wheels act as stabilising outriggers minimising the effects of sideways rocking. Please Note. The wheels should be placed in the transport position whenever the Pasture Meter is not being operated on grass, however brief the period is. FIG 2...

  • Page 14: The Sensor

    The geometry and construction of the central section of the sled frame has been designed to minimize dirt fouling the glass windows covering the sensor’s light beams. However, given the nature of measuring pasture cover, particularly post grazing, the glass may occasionally need cleaning. How often this is required is entirely dependant upon the environment in which the device is working.
  • Page 15 The sensor measures the height of grass at 20mm increments and then converts this into kgDM/ha. Some grass obviously falls between the light beams and must therefore be factored into the measurement. It has been scientifically established that a 10mm adjustment provides an accurate overall reading. The height shown on the indicator console in mm is the number of light paths broken at any instant, multiplied by 20mm, plus the 10mm adjustment.

  • Page 16: The Indicator Console

    The Indicator Console This is normally mounted in a convenient position on the front carrier of the ATV. It is connected by cable to the ATVs battery and also by a thick black cable to the sensor at the rear of the sled. Various functions are shown on the display and the operator has the ability to input the calibration equation of choice.

  • Page 17: The Sled

    This section contains: • The Sled • The Indicator Console • Using your Pasture Meter • Understanding the Sensor • Understanding the Indicator Console • Measuring your First Paddock • Indicator Console Settings...
  • Page 18 If angled downwards, the front of the sled is likely to dig into the ground. Particular care should be taken in conditions where stones are present to ensure the angle of the Pasture Meter is set to ride over stones that might be protruding slightly through the soil.
  • Page 19 To fit the draw-bar: 1. Slide the drawbar into approximate position ensuring tow hitch is the correct way up (See FIG 6, on Page 17). 2. Loosely fit rear attachment bolts (See FIG 8, on Page 18). 3. Attach draw bar to tow-ball on ATV or other towing vehicle. 4.
  • Page 20 FIG 6 Should further adjustment be necessary, follow the steps in the next 2 illustrations. Should the angle be satisfactory as it is, then tighten the bolts as indicated by Step 4 (See FIG 8 on Page 18). Once the sled is correctly adjusted, the equipment is ready for use. 5 adjustment positions each side for angle of sled to ground...
  • Page 21 Step 1. Loosely fit rear attachment bolts. Step 2. Attach drawbar to tow-ball on ATV or other vehicle. Raise the front of the sled slightly above horizontal. Step 3. Loosely fit adjustment bolts and nuts Step 4. Tighten adjustment bolts and the 2 rear attachment bolts.
  • Page 22 Set-up Sled & Sensor Assembly. Attach coupling on the sled to the tow-ball on the ATV. Ensure wheels are down in the transport position. FIG 9 Connect sled cable to indicator console cable hanging from rear (See FIG 9). Maneuver sled to extreme left and right positions to ensure cable will not foul wheels and not be damaged by hot exhaust pipe or hot exhaust emissions.
  • Page 23 CAUTION When raising the sled into the transport position, be careful to follow safe lifting practice. Always ensure you have secure footing, bend knees and do not lift weight with your back. Keep feet and hands away from the underside of the sled. REMEMBER: Let your legs do the lifting.
  • Page 24 Assembly & Setup – Indicator Console Step One Locate bottom plate under carrier • tube and position as desired Place bolts through the carrier mounting • bracket Tighten nuts firmly – do not over • tighten to the point where the carrier or bracket deforms FIG 10 Attach two smaller bolts through brackets...
  • Page 25 Note: The battery connector cable is supplied for connection to batteries that do not already have a C-Dax battery connector cable fitted. If already fitted, connect the blue / white power cable directly to it. The path to run the cables to the battery and rear carrier is up to the installer but should be chosen to protect the cables and so as not to obstruct the operator.

  • Page 26: Using Your Pasture Meter

    Using Your Pasture Meter This series of steps assumes that the operator has read and understood the operator’s chart supplied and familiarised him/herself with the use of this equipment. Operating Hints 1. Tyre pressure requirement will vary depending on the terrain. Smooth terrain would best suit higher pressures.

  • Page 27: Raising & Lowering The Sled

    Raising and Lowering the Sled FIG 13 FIG 14 Grasp draw-bar on one side at Using other hand, raise or position shown and carefully lower the wheels as desired lift off the ground Repeat the operation to raise or lower each side of the sled CAUTION When raising the sled into the transport position, be careful to follow safe lifting practice.

  • Page 28: Understanding The Sensor

    Understanding the Sensor Assuming the indicator console is switched on and set to mm while in the ‘wheels-down’ transport position, and has no light paths broken, the indicator console will be reading 10mm. Note. Should any other height reading be shown while in this position, it indicates that one or more of the beams is obstructed.
  • Page 29 NOTE: The following applies to both sides of the sensor Keep clear poly carbonate clean FIG 15 Warning: Do NOT use cleaning objects likely to damage the polycarbonate. Metal objects are likely chip or scratch which may lead to moisture contacting electronic components.

  • Page 30: Understanding The Indicator Console

    Understanding the Indicator Console In preparation for use of your Pasture Meter Indicator Console you need to ensure that you have attended to the following: • Made the initial hardware setups for the Pasture Meter • You have successfully installed the Farmkeeper software •...

  • Page 31: Understanding Pasture Covers

    KgDM/ha = Pasture height x 18.6 + 750 Pasture cover equation adjustment If low covers are reading too high on the Pasture Meter then reduce the adder • If low covers are reading too low on the Pasture Meter then increase the adder •...

  • Page 32: How The Measurement Process Works

    How the measurement process works The steps below outline the overall process for obtaining and recording your farm's pasture cover. They will be explained in the remaining sections of this guide. Turn on Pasture Press ON Button Meter Unit Press MENU Button and Adjust Calibration scroll through menu Equation if Necessary...

  • Page 33: Measuring Your First Paddock

    Measuring your First Paddock Step 1 – Turning the Indicator Console ON Push this button Step 2 – Adjust Your Calibration Equation if Necessary Press MENU: MENU Scroll by pressing the grey cursor key on the right hand side • until ConSt appears Adjust the constant by pressing the up and down cursor •...
  • Page 34 Step 4 – Recording Your First Paddock • When you have entered the selected calibration equation in the Indicator Console you are ready to start measuring pasture cover. Before you start, make sure that you read the following: o Ensure the wheels are down on the sled for travelling o Check the sensor glass is clean o Press UNITS to switch between mm and kgDM/ha Showing...
  • Page 35 PAUSE will be displayed to confirm that recording has been paused, as shown: Then the average paddock value will flash on the display. • From the paused state, to either stop or restart recording, press right cursor is displayed. • To restart recording, do not press any key. is displayed •...
  • Page 36 Turning Farm ID and Paddock ID On and Off • The Farm ID and Paddock ID options allow you to allocate a number to a specific farm and paddock (i.e. Farm 1, Paddock 12) • To turn Farm ID and Paddock ID On and Off, Turn the console off.
  • Page 37 This section contains: • Bluetooth Software Installation • Downloading Your Pasture Measurements • Creating a Feed Wedge...

  • Page 38: Software Installation

    Software Installation Introduction • This installation and setup guide will assist you in getting the C-Dax Pasture Meter Bluetooth™ software for the Rapid Pasture Meter up and running. Installation Components There are 2 key components as follows: • LIC Farmkeeper software.

  • Page 39: Bluetooth Installation

    Bluetooth™ Installation (Tier 2 and XP1) The Tier 2 Pasture Meter uses a Bluetooth™ wireless link to transfer data to the PC. [Note: Bluetooth™ is not the same as 802.11a/b/g - otherwise known as WiFi]. Note: The process for installing and enabling Bluetooth™ drivers differs between various models of computer.
  • Page 40 • Bluetooth adapter and continue. Bluetooth Services required The only Bluetooth™ service required for the Pasture Meter is the serial port service. You • may wish to disable other services such as headphones or wireless keyboards. Unique name for computer (on Bluetooth network) You will also be required at some point to enter a unique name for your computer when it •...
  • Page 41 (or possibly green) state like this -> Step 2 – Turning on Pasture Meter Next plug the power into the Pasture Meter indicator console and turn it on. (It may show • ERR – this is OK if it is not connected to the sensors on the sled). Ensure that the indicator console is near the computer –...
  • Page 42 If the Pasture Meter indicator console does not appear, then try turning the indicator • console off and on, and then repeat the search. Note: You may also discover other Bluetooth-equipped devices in the vicinity such as cell phones. Step 4 - Enabling the Serial Port Service Once the Pasture Meter device has appeared, double-click on it to display the services •...
  • Page 43 You will see a dialog box such as the following, asking for a PIN code then enter 0000 • (that is four zeros), and click OK. IMPORTANT: Please take note of the COM port number e.g. COM4 that is allocated – this will be used later when configuring the Linker.
  • Page 44 Once the serial port is connected correctly, the serial port service icon will have some • green arrows on it as shown below. NOTE: The Bluetooth icon in the System Tray should also have a green centre like this -> Step 5 –...

  • Page 45: Downloading Your Paddock Measurements

    • The next step is to import the paddock data into your computer from the Indicator Console. To do this, CHOOSE Tools from the main menu bar, and SELECT Pasture Covers, as shown below: • Next make sure the Download C-Dax Pasture Cover Data is selected and then click Import C-Dax Pasture Cover Data...
  • Page 46 (see page 42 if you are not sure). Click next to start download. • Farmkeeper has now initiated the data download, if Farmkeeper does not display the Import Pasture Meter Results Screen then please read the following note. If the Bluetooth virtual port does not connect, check the following: The Indicator Console is pluged into your external power source and turned on;...
  • Page 47 • After downloading the data successfully you will need to reference the incoming paddock numbers with existing paddock names. In this case incoming paddock 10 is referenced to C-Dax Demo Farm 10 and so on. Once allocated, click next ->...
  • Page 48 • Once you have confirmed the pasture cover data then click Next -> and the following screen will appear with the number of covers imported.
  • Page 49 • Pasture cover data from the C-Dax Pasture Meter has now been downloaded and you can created your first feed wedge by navigating to the Reports -> Feed Wedge report (see below) • Next, select you farm then click Generate Report. You can then view the report in either the Report, Graph or Map tabs highlighted below.
  • Page 50 This section contains: • Maintaining your Pasture Meter • Removing the Sensor • Dispatching for Repair...

  • Page 51: Maintaining Your Pasture Meter

    5. Regularly inspect the two strips of glass on either side of the sensor uprights for damage and signs of water ingress. Evidence of condensation on the inside of the glass indicates the presence of moisture. If moisture is present internally, return the sensor to C-Dax for inspection immediately.
  • Page 52 Welding must not be undertaken on the sensor. Damage to electronics resulting from welding will void warranty. Please Note: Welding may distort the frame of the sled making realignment necessary. If this occurs you will need to contact C-Dax Limited to arrange repair.

  • Page 53: Removing The Sensor

    Removing the Sensor Should the Sensor need to be removed for any reason, it must be disconnected from the ATV, unbolted from the sled uprights and the cable protector unscrewed from the draw-bar. FIG 16 Once unbolted, slide the sensor back and away from the sled.

  • Page 54: Dispatching For Repair

    Dispatching for Repair The cable protector tube can be laid diagonally across the sensor and the excess cable coiled inside the sensor for packing. (See far left illustration below) Both legs of the sensor must be securely wrapped in suitable packaging material eg: bubble wrap, cardboard etc.

  • Page 55: Parts List

    This section contains: • Exploded parts diagram • Parts list...

  • Page 56: Exploded Parts Diagram

    Exploded Parts Diagram...
  • Page 57 Notes:...
  • Page 59 This section contains: • Trouble Shooting Tips...
  • Page 61 Installation Troubleshooting If the CD does not automatically start (auto run) please follow these steps: • Go to ‘Start’ Windows • Go to ‘Run’ • Then type d:/ slcdmenu.exe and click on ‘OK’. Manually starting Installation CD Please note: The letter d refers to the CD Drive. The CD Drive name will vary from computer to computer.
  • Page 62 Bluetooth Troubleshooting Tips Icon Status • Firstly look for the Bluetooth icon in the System Tray (at the bottom right hand corner of the desktop). • The Bluetooth icon in the tray shows the status of the Bluetooth link as follows: •...
  • Page 63 • Check that the Pasture Meter indicator console has power (e.g. power pack is plugged in) and is turned on. • Check that the Pasture Meter indicator console is less than 10 meters away. • Double click on the Bluetooth icon to bring up the Bluetooth manager.
  • Page 64 (or this dialog), then the Pasture Meter Bluetooth device needs to be paired with the computer by entering the code 0000 (that’s four zeros). • Click on the yellow box and you should see the following dialog appear.

  • Page 65: Diy Calibration Method

    This section contains: • Quick Reference Guide • DIY Calibration Method...
  • Page 66 Tier 2 Model – Quick Reference Guide 1. Ensure wheels are down for travelling to place of use. 2. Check that sensor glass is clean. 3. Turn on indicator, select “Farm ID” (if enabled) and switch display to show height in mm. 4.
  • Page 67 10. When measuring/recording is completed within a paddock or area, press the right cursor button again. This will cease recording until measuring is recommenced by repeating steps 10 and 11. 11. Save the data by pressing the right cursor button twice. “Saved” will appear on the screen followed by “Stop”...
  • Page 68 This DIY Calibration Method will allow you to self calibrate your pasture meter so you can make decisions with confidence on your collected data.
  • Page 69 Step 6 – Calculate parameters to use in pasture equation Calculate Slope of line (Factr) M = L ÷ K Calculate the Constant (Const) N = J – (M x I) Pasture Meter Formula Equation Table Pasture Sample Pasture Height...
  • Page 70 Understanding the Pasture Calibration Process Calibration Equations are used to convert the raw sensor measurement, pasture height (reordered in mm), to pasture cover (kgDM/ha). There are several ways to do this; these include comparing your height reading with: o Calibration cuts o Visual assessment o Rising Plate Meter A calibration equation is most commonly expressed as a straight line formula, a straight...
  • Page 71 110 x 18.6 + 750 = 2796 kgDM/ha During 2008, AgResearch, DairyNZ and Massey University with the support of Pastoral 21 Feeds Program conducted extensive independent calibration of the C-Dax Pasture Meter on dairy pastures throughout New Zealand. Pastoral 21 is funded by NZ Governments Foundation for Research, Science and Technology (FRST), DairyNZ, Fonterra and Meat &Wool NZ.

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