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Veris U3 Operating Instructions Manual

Ec/om/ph
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Section 1
1-2
1-3
Section 2
2-1
2-6
Section 3
3-1
Section 4
4-1
4-2
4-8
4-9
4-11
Section 5
5-1
5-4
5-6
5-9
Section 6
6-1
6-2
6-3
6-5
6-11
6-13
6-14
6-16
6-17
6-18
6-19
6-21
Operating Instructions
U3 EC/OM/pH

Table of Contents

Warranty
Safety
Software Set-up: SoilViewer
SoilViewer and Controller Set-up
Overview and file naming
pH Controller overview and settings
SoilViewer messages
Optical system check
Implement and EC Settings
Optical settings
pH settings
Maintenance and Service Procedures
#1. OM signal testing
#2. EC signal testing
#5. Spring plunger testing and replacement
#7. Implement lubrication
#8. Bearing replacement
#9. Optical Wear plate replacement
#11 Establishing Bluetooth connection to V.Sense Controller
1-1
Pub# OM20-U3-pH

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  • Page 1 Pub# OM20-U3-pH Operating Instructions U3 EC/OM/pH Table of Contents Section 1 Warranty Safety Section 2 Electronics Overview and Set-up: V.Sense Controller Software Set-up: SoilViewer Section 3 Implement Overview and Set-up Section 4 SoilViewer and Controller Set-up Overview and file naming...
  • Page 2 Veris Technologies warrants this product to be free of defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the date of delivery to the purchaser. Veris Technologies will repair or replace any product returned to Salina, Kansas, which appears upon inspection to be defective in materials or workmanship.
  • Page 3 • If an accident occurs, see a doctor immediately. Any fluid injected into the skin must be surgically removed within a few hours or gangrene may result. • Pinch point hazard: to prevent injury, stand clear when raising or lowering any part of the Veris implement. • Install all transport locks before transporting or working underneath.
  • Page 4 Pub# OM20-U3-pH Section 2 Electronics Overview and Set-up The U3 electronics kit includes the items shown below U3000 USB Serial Implement Adapter test box SoilViewer EC Test Load Software OM Reference OM Test Load Block Figure 1 Keep all diagnostics and operations manual with system when mapping.
  • Page 5 GPS input Figure 6 V.Sense Controller (front) Optic Power Delivers power to Optical sensor with supplied cable EC Signal U3 pH Comm port On/Off Power Indicator 3A Fuse Turns power to Indicates when power to Bluetooth V.Sense...
  • Page 6 Pub# OM20-U3-pH The pH controller is mounted on the rear of the implement and controls the functions on the pH sampling system. Figure 7 Manual Manual Man/Auto On/off wash switch electrode sampler switch switch ports Up/down Backup battery and voltage isolator These components are connected to the V.Sense controller to maintain 12 volts to the controller during...
  • Page 7 EC and Optical signals, and communicates with the U3 pH controller, and the PC (SoilViewer software) either via serial or Bluetooth. The SoilViewer software reads the status of the GPS and U3 pH controller signal inputs (ex. up or down proximity sensors), and initiates the pH cycling when the cycle criteria are met.
  • Page 8 Software Setup Note: For computers outside the United States of America, please make the following change to the computer’s regional settings before installing the Veris SoilViewer Software. Step 1: Open control panel and double click on Region Step 2: Click on Additional Settings, the following screen will appear. The Decimal symbol needs to be a “.”...
  • Page 9 Pub# OM20-U3-pH Next two license agreements will need to be accepted before continuing. Figure 12 Click Next to continue through installation Figures 13 The installer will install all necessary components. Figure 14...
  • Page 10 Pub# OM20-U3-pH Click Next to install the USB drivers. Figure 15 Click Next to continue through installation Figure 16 Click Finish to complete the installation of SoilViewer. Figure 17...
  • Page 11 Pub# OM20-U3-pH Section 3 Implement Overview and Set-up If the unit is crated, some assembly may be required. To do so, please take precautions to ensure that the framework is properly supported to ensure safety. Below in Figure 1 are the key components of the unit.
  • Page 12 2) The GPS comm cable connects to the Veris-supplied GPS or to your existing GPS source. 3) The remote control for the electro-hydraulic lift is routed to the operator location for raising and lowering the unit.
  • Page 13 Pub# OM20-U3-pH Electro-hydraulic lift operation 1) The remote control offers simple operation of the power unit. Push button to raise and lower. Route to prevent damage of cable. Be sure to lower the unit only as deep as needed to obtain proper penetration of all 4 coulters.
  • Page 14 Section 4 SoilViewer Set-up Select UTV Series for either EC and OM, or EC, OM and pH (U3) operation. Figure 1 Figure 2 Name the data file for sensor data. All sensor data is stored into a single file (VSENSE.RAW).
  • Page 15 Pub# OM20-U3-pH The SoilViewer mapping software will automatically detect the Bluetooth or Serial port the controller is connected to, and begin communicating. If the V.Sense controller is not detected, the software will wait 45 seconds for the connection of the electronics and search again; this will repeat until the connection is established.
  • Page 16 Pub# OM20-U3-pH Figure 4 U3 pH Controls and Indicators. Note: these indicators will only be present when the U3 pH Controller is turned on. These indicators help the operator know when it’s time to stop for a pH sample. These lights indicate when the operator is within 30%,15%, and 5% of their designated target sampling distance.
  • Page 17 Pub# OM20-U3-pH pH I/O indicators pH Cycle state indicator. These correspond to the various pH input and output functions. A green light indicates that parameter is active. The settle method reports the status of the last pH point recorded; the time indicates how long the sampler has been in the pH recording state.
  • Page 18 Pub# OM20-U3-pH The pH Cycle State indicator will alert the operator to the current state of the pH sequence. In addition, the indicator lights on the screen will show the state of the controller input and outputs. The information provided in these steps is for reference only, once the conditions for starting the pH cycle have been met, the following sequence will automatically take place.
  • Page 19 Pub# OM20-U3-pH Settle Method Criteria Figure 16 The electrodes are pre rinsed with water before cycling into the soil. This removes any dust which may have built up on the electrodes, and establishes moisture for the pH sensor to properly function. A measurement time of 7-15 seconds is required to allow the pH reading to move from the water pH to a stabilized soil pH reading.
  • Page 20 Pub# OM20-U3-pH pH Controller Settings These system settings can be found under Options pH Controller Setup Figure 18 Wash Time – Amount of time wash water sprays the electrodes at the end of a pH cycle. Default is 1 second. If issues arise with electrode cleaning in sticky soils, increase to 2 or 3 seconds) Max Measurement time –...
  • Page 21 Pub# OM20-U3-pH SoilViewer Warning Messages There are warning signals programmed into the SoilViewer to warn the operator that data are not being recorded, so that corrective action can be taken. If data aren’t being recorded, a warning beep will sound from the computer, and the text indicator of the data that is missing information will blink.
  • Page 22 Pub# OM20-U3-pH SoilViewer OM System Check Select OM from the Sensor Checks drop down menu. Figure 21 After clicking the button the following will appear: Figure 22 Make sure the window is clean and in good condition. (see below) Place the dark side of the reference block under the window, and click continue.
  • Page 23 Pub# OM20-U3-pH 4-10...
  • Page 24 Pub# OM20-U3-pH Optical Wearplate Below is a comparision of two wearplates. The left is a brand new wearplate, and the right has about 2500 acres on it. Inspect the leading edge,shown below, as the steel wears the window can chip or crack. As this contiues to wear it will eventually need replaced.
  • Page 25 Pub# OM20-U3-pH pH System Check Select pH from the Sensor Checks drop down menu Figure 26 Operator will be asked to continue the system check or restore ideal settings. Figure 27 Figure 28 The software will prompt for the electrodes to be inserted into pH buffer 4 solution; Carefully lower electrodes into solution cup (figure 13).
  • Page 26 Pub# OM20-U3-pH The software will read the electrodes for 10 seconds, displaying the output (as it counts seconds): Figure 30 After 10 seconds, the software will display the final pH reading and offer the options to Accept pH 4 buffer readings; Redo pH 4 buffer readings; or Cancel pH electrode system check. If the readings are satisfactory, press Accept;...
  • Page 27 Pub# OM20-U3-pH After accepting the pH 7 buffer readings, the software will determine if each electrode’s response is sufficient to provide suitable readings. A score is displayed for each electrode; the acceptable score range is between 75 and 102. If both electrodes are within this range, the software will...
  • Page 28 1-2” (2.5-5 cm) is recommended. To insure this depth is consistently achieved, 400- 600 lbs. (180-275 kg) of additional weight are normally required on non-pH units. Veris offers optional weights, or they can be supplied by the customer. Do not adjust the tension on the coulter electrode springs to increase soil contact or penetration.
  • Page 29 Pub# OM20-U3-pH Pulling Vehicle The implement may be pulled with a variety of vehicles: UTV, 40 hp tractor or a 4WD pickup. • Be very careful when mapping stubble fields with a gasoline engine. Be prepared if a fire starts.
  • Page 30 Pub# OM20-U3-pH OM Data Quality Monitoring the window – This can be done by watching OM readings at row ends when unit is raised, if they are not within 10% of the initial raised readings check windows for mud, smearing, and/or window breakage.
  • Page 31 Pub# OM20-U3-pH Field Operations : Optical Row Unit Setting Sensor Depth To adjust sensor depth, move “T” handle forward or back accordingly • For shallower sensing, move handle forward. • For deeper sensing move handle back “T” Handle OM Sensor...
  • Page 32 Pub# OM20-U3-pH Setting Optical Row Unit Down pressure The spring down pressure settings on the optical row unit are determined by the firmness of the soil being mapped. For soft soils, low to medium spring pressure should be adequate. In firm soil conditions, down pressure may need to be added.
  • Page 33 Pub# OM20-U3-pH Field Operations: pH Sampler While the EC and OM sensors are continuously logging data when the unit is in the soil and moving, the pH sampler will only cycle when the unit is in “Automatic” mode and the unit is fully stopped.
  • Page 34 Pub# OM20-U3-pH Tank valve Forward -- on (shown) Vertical – off Rearward -- drain Figure 9. Note: You may have to bleed the air from the system to allow the pump to properly prime. This is accomplished by removing one of the wash hoses by releasing the auto-lock fitting. Simultaneously push down on lock collar and pull up to release hose.
  • Page 35 Pub# OM20-U3-pH 5) Raise sampler into top position and press manual wash switch. Check to see if both electrodes are being sprayed correctly for cleaning. (figure 11) RH wash jet is focused on rear electrode LH jet is focused on...
  • Page 36 Pub# OM20-U3-pH Winterization and Storage During periods when the temperature is below freezing overnight, you must take precautions to protect the wash system and ISE electrodes. 1) Turn off tank valve and manually depress wash switch until no more water appears from the wash jets.

  • Page 37: Om Signal Testing

    4) The display should show: Red: 833 +/-10 289+/-10 5) If the readings vary significantly contact Veris service department. 6) Once the test is complete, remove the test load and reinstall the optical power cable. OM Signal Test Load Figure 1.1 OM Signal Test Load installed...

  • Page 38: Ec Signal Testing

    3) Switch on the V.Sense controller and view display in SoilViewer or Data. 4) The display should show: 0-2: 5) If the readings vary significantly (more than one whole number) contact Veris service department. 6) Once the test is complete, remove the test load and reinstall the implement signal cable.

  • Page 39: Testing Electrical Continuity

    If unfamiliar with ‘ohming-out’ or resistance testing, make a few trial tests before performing the Veris signal test procedure. Touching the meter leads together will display a zero resistance reading, touching two places on the same piece of metal will produce a nearly zero reading, touching nothing will produce an OL (overload or over limit) reading—...
  • Page 40 Pub# OM20-U3-pH Firmly press one lead of the ohmmeter to the #1 coulter blade edge (left hand, standing behind the unit) and the other lead to the #1 terminal on the test box. Maintain firm pressure on the ohmmeter lead touching the disk blade.

  • Page 41: Diagnosing And Correcting Ec Signal Problems

    Procedure #4: Diagnosing and Correcting EC Signal Problems. Pub# OM20-U3-pH Use this Troubleshooting tree to work through the system, locate the problem, and take corrective action. Figure 4.1...
  • Page 42 Pub# OM20-U3-pH Coulter Electrode Functions- Each coulter electrode on the implement is part of a pair, and each pair has a distinct function. a) Coulters 2 & 3 are the 0-2’ receptors. b) Coulters 1 & 4 are the “charged” coulters that inject the voltage into the soil. If you are getting no (or intermittent) readings -- continuity to one of these two coulter-electrodes is likely the cause.
  • Page 43 Pub# OM20-U3-pH Figure 4.2 Testing cable at end of signal cable wiring harness Figure 4.3 Separating Weatherpack connector 4.3 Testing terminal connector wire 4. To ohm out the wiring harness, disconnect from the implement and check continuity through the harness as shown in Figure 4.4. While doing so, check the pins and the sockets of the 12-pin...
  • Page 44 Because electrical signals cannot be sent consistently through the coulter bearing, Veris has designed a more reliable path for the EC signal to travel. A special hub with a spring plunger presses against the spindle of the coulter, serving as a commutator.
  • Page 45 Pub# OM20-U3-pH hubcap commutator coulter spindle Figure 4.6 C. Testing Coulter-Electrode isolation If continuity tests show no excessive resistance on any channel, yet erratic soil EC readings continue, or if EC readings do not drop to –1 when unit is out of the soil, it is possible that the channels are not isolated.
  • Page 46 Pub# OM20-U3-pH 2. Inspect nylon insulation slides under coulter-electrode mounting brackets. These nylon insulators may become worn or brittle, or may slip out from under mounting bracket. Repair and replace as necessary. Make sure that all electrode coulter U-bolts are properly tightened to clamp mounting bracket and insulation tightly to frame.
  • Page 47 Pub# OM20-U3-pH Procedure #5 Spring Plunger adjustment and replacement The spring plungers are located in the center of each coulter electrode hub cap, and are vital to maintain good continuity through the coulter hub bearings. They are factory preset, and should not need routine adjustment.
  • Page 48 Pub# OM20-U3-pH Procedure: 1) Remove hub cap by turning clockwise with a pipe wrench or large adjustable wrench – these caps have left hand thread to prevent loosening during field rotation. 2) If plunger is frozen in cap, remove allen head set screw on top of plunger and apply penetrating oil on both sides of plunger.

  • Page 49: Diagnosing Gps-Related Problems

    Pub# OM20-U3-pH Procedure #6: Diagnosing GPS-related problems If you do not see a GPS, DGPS, or RTK on SoilViewer screen, you do not have GPS coming in, and no data will be recorded. Figure 6.1(No GPS) Figure 6.2 (With DGPS fix) Insure your GPS receiver is powered and outputting NMEA strings GGA, and either VTG or RMC at a 1hz rate;...
  • Page 50 Pub# OM20-U3-pH Procedure #7: Lubrication • Pinch point hazard: to prevent injury, stand clear when raising or lowering any part of the Veris U3000. Disengage automatic cycling function before working around unit. • Install all transport locks before transporting or working underneath.
  • Page 51 Pub# OM20-U3-pH Hubs --Use good quality wheel bearing or lithium grease for lubrication, but we suggest that you grease the hubs sparingly. Over-lubricating the hub will result in pre-mature seal failure, and an excessive amount of grease in the hub cap/commutator. On an interval of 150 hours, 1-2 strokes of grease should be sufficient.
  • Page 52 2) Remove cotter pin, castle nut, thrust washer, and remove hub. 3) Remove outer bearing and knock out inner bearing and both races (cups) 4) Veris recommends that you purchase our Coulter Hub Repair Kit (PN 32641) that includes new bearings, races, seal, o-ring and cotter pin.
  • Page 53 Pub# OM20-U3-pH Procedure #9: Optical Wear plate and Side Wear plate replacement. 1. Remove the two ½” nuts on top edges of i-Scan side plate 2. Remove the two Torx screws attaching the side plates to the runner. (Figure 9.1) 3.

  • Page 54: Soilviewer Troubleshooting

    Pub# OM20-U3-pH Procedure #10 SoilViewer Troubleshooting V.Sense controller is not found/ No Communication in SoilViewer Check to ensure the com which the V.Sense controller is connected to is present under the device manager. To get to the device manager go to StartSettingsControl PanelSystem Click on the Hardware tab and then click on the device manager button.
  • Page 55 Pub# OM20-U3-pH Procedure # 11 Establishing Bluetooth Connectivity The V.Sense controller is equipped with a class 1 Bluetooth ® connectivity, capable of communicating at distances of 150 feet, and eliminating the need for a physical connection to the PC. Follow the directions below to establish this connection.
  • Page 56 Pub# OM20-U3-pH Enter the passcode 1234, then select Next Figure 11.4 V.Sense controller will show Connected and be ready for use Figure 11.5 6-20...

  • Page 57: U Series Ph Troubleshooting

    Pub# OM20-U3-pH Procedure # 12 U Series pH troubleshooting 1. Unit doesn’t cycle in automatic mode. -Does ‘Fix Window’ show GPS, DGPS, or RTK status? -Solution: connect GPS to system; check baud and herz rate; settings -Is EC/OM communication light green, showing communication between V.Sense controller and -Solution: establish communication between the PC and controller;...
  • Page 58 -Inspect rear of shoe for mud buildup; could be preventing full electrode depth -Are both electrodes bottomed out on electrode holder? -Is the U3 running parallel to the ground? if tipped forward, electrodes may not contact soil correctly. Also check that there is ample spring pressure on electrode holder.

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