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FARMSCAN canlink 3500 Operator's Manual

Airseeder vrc
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Canlink 3500 Airseeder VRC
Operator's
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Manual
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Version 5.00
Airseeder VRC

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Summary of Contents for FARMSCAN canlink 3500

  • Page 1 Canlink 3500 Airseeder VRC Operator’s perator’s erator’s rator’s ator’s tor’s or’s r’s ’s s Manual anual nual ual al l Version 5.00 Airseeder VRC...
  • Page 2 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual System Overview The canlink 3500 is a flexible instrument designed to fulfil a variety of monitoring, guidance and control operations using GPS equipment. The canlink VRC cab module is setup to run variable rate control of the airseeder through a processor (pod), mounted on the airseeder that manages up to 4 bin metering units and monitors essential airseeder functions.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    3500 VRC Operator’s Manual Contents Step 1............................4 1.1 - Units Selection ..........................4 1.2 – Pod Selection..........................5 Step 2............................6 2 - Drive Setup ............................6 Step 3............................17 3.1 - Product Calibration ........................17 3.2 – Target Rate and Step Size ......................29 3.3 - Fine Tuning Calibration Factors....................
  • Page 4 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual 10.4 - Headland Hold .......................... 60 10.5 - Nudge ............................61 Operation ..........................62 Run/Hold Operation ..........................63 Alarm Key............................64 Cal Key ............................... 64 Mode Key ............................65 Main Screen ..........................66 Main Screen Features .......................... 66 Bin Controls............................

  • Page 5: Step 1

    3500 VRC Operator’s Manual Step 1 1.1 - Units Selection To display quantities in US imperial units follow the steps below. Otherwise skip to “1.2 – Pod Selection” on the next page. Note Default setting is units displayed in metric. 1.1.1 - Select US imperial 1.

  • Page 6: Pod Selection

    3500 VRC Operator’s Manual 1.2 – Pod Selection The canlink 3500 controller will work with either the 3500 or 3000 control pod versions. Whereas, the canlink 3000 will only work with the 3000 control pod. The control pod version must be selected before starting calibration.

  • Page 7: Step 2

    3500 VRC Operator’s Manual Step 2 2 - Drive Setup Drives for each bin must be selected and calibrated (setup) before operation. 2.1 – Drives Available Bins 1, 2 & 3 Bin 4 Output 5 & 6 Description DC MOTOR DC MOTOR 12 volt DC motor GATE ACT...
  • Page 8 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual 2.2 – Setting Up Drives To calibrate a bin drive, the bin must be enabled and a drive selected. Follow the procedures below “2.2.1 - Enable Bin Drive” and “2.2.2 - Select Bin Drive” for each bin. 2.2.1 - Enable Bin Drive 1.
  • Page 9 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual 2.2.2 - Select Bin Drive CONTROL SETUP MENU LIQUID BIN 1 ENABLED SETUP OK BIN 2 Use to select C A L DISABLED correct control type BIN 3 DISABLED BIN 4 DISABLED <PREV NEXT> SELECT RATES BACK EXIT Press to setup...
  • Page 10 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual DC Motor 1. Check “MOTOR CALIBRATION” screen is displayed. See below. 2. Press the bottom “START” softkey. 3. Press the green button on the pod. The motor will run for 5 seconds at maximum speed. Caution! Product will be metered if the bin is not empty.
  • Page 11 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual Linear Actuator over Gearbox No setup screen is displayed. The gearbox drive is immediately calibrated upon selection. Hydraulic Proportional & Danfoss 1. Check “MOTOR CALIBRATION” screen is displayed. See below. 2. Press the bottom “START” softkey. 3.
  • Page 12 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual Hydraulic Motorised Flow Control 1. Check the “MOTORISED VALVE CALS” screen is displayed. See below. 2. Press the “START” softkey at the bottom of the screen. 3. Press green button on pod. The control valve will open and then close after five seconds. 4.
  • Page 13 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual Output 5 & 6 These two outputs are only selected if “LIQUID” or “HYD DANFOSS L” is being used. Output 5 & 6 have the ability to run two wire and three wire master on/off valves for liquid only. They must be associated with a bin 1, 2, 3 or 4.
  • Page 14 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual Liquid Liquid control is available on all four bins. It is typically set up on bin 4 however the 3500 software will allow it to work on four bins. Note: Prior to selecting liquid, if a master valve is being used with the liquid then this must be selected.
  • Page 15 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual Bypass and Direct Control Explained Pictured below is an example of Bypass control and Direct Control. Please consult your airseeder manufacturer if you are unsure of which control is being used. BYPASS CONTROL This type of control requires a Master On/Off Valve setup on either OUTPUT 5 or 6. This type of control regulates the flow back to the tank, which in turn controls the amount of fluid output to the airseeder bar.
  • Page 16 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual Hydraulic Danfoss L Hydraulic Danfoss Liquid control is available on all four bins. It is typically set up on bin 4 however the 3500 software will allow it to work on four bins. Note: Prior to selecting Hydraulic Danfoss Liquid a master valve must be selected. See OUTPUT 5&6.
  • Page 17 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual Linear Clutch No setup screen is displayed. The linear clutch drive is immediately calibrated upon selection. Clutch Solenoid No setup screen is displayed. The clutch solenoid drive is immediately calibrated upon selection. Revision B Part No. : AM-3500VRCV5 OCT 2005 Updated : 19/10/2005...

  • Page 18: Step 3

    3500 VRC Operator’s Manual Step 3 3.1 - Product Calibration Before seeding, product calibrations must be created. Product calibrations are the “PULSES/KG” or “PULSES/L” values seen in the rates screen. Each product calibration factor is bin and product specific. Product calibration factors are calculated by dividing the number of test pulses by the test weight.
  • Page 19 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual 3.1.2 - Select Bin & Product 1. Press “CAL”. Calibration menu appears. 2. Highlight “RATES” and press “CAL”. The “TRP001 RATES” menu appears. Note If trip 2 or any other trip is active, the “TRP002 RATES” or other menu will appear. 3.
  • Page 20 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual 5. Press the bottom “<PREV” or “NEXT>” softkeys to display the product to select. 6. Press the left hand softkey pointing at the product, until it has the >> arrow heads next to it. 7. Press the bottom “SELECT” softkey. 8.
  • Page 21 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual 3.1.3 - Calibrate Bin & Product 1. Press softkey pointing at “CALIB PRODUCT”. The “PRODUCT CALIBRATION” screen appears. 2. Follow the drive specific instructions on the following pages to calibrate product. Revision B Part No. : AM-3500VRCV5 OCT 2005 Updated : 19/10/2005...
  • Page 22 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual DC Motor 1. Check “PRODUCT CALIBRATION” screen is displayed. See below. 2. Enter a “CAL SPEED” value between 1 and 10. The “CAL SPEED” value indicates what percentage of maximum speed the motor will be driven at. The greater the value the more product will be metered.
  • Page 23 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual Linear Actuator Over Variable Gearbox 1. Check ”PRODUCT CALIBRATION” screen is displayed. See below. 2. Press bottom “READY” softkey. 3. Press green button on the pod to move the gearbox actuator in one direction. Release and press the green button again to move the gearbox actuator in the opposite direction.
  • Page 24 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual Hydraulic Proportional, Hydraulic MFC & Hydraulic Danfoss 1. Check “PRODUCT CALIBRATION” screen is displayed. See below. 2. Press the softkey pointing at “CAL SPEED”. Use the arrow keys to enter the airseeder manufacturer’s recommended metering speed for the product being calibrated. Slowest Speed Half Speed (use if unknown) 100%...
  • Page 25 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual 9. Accurately weigh the product. 10. Press the softkey pointing at “TEST WEIGHT”. Use the arrow keys to enter the weight of product caught. 11. Press the bottom “UPDATE” softkey. A new “PULSE/KG” factor will be calculated. See section 3.3 Fine Tuning Calibration Factors.
  • Page 26 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual Liquid 1. Check “PRODUCT CALIBRATION” screen is displayed. See below. 3. Press the softkey pointing at “CAL SPEED”. Use the arrow keys to enter the airseeder manufacturer’s recommended metering speed for the product being calibrated. Slowest Speed Half Speed (Use if unknown) 100% Maximum Speed...
  • Page 27 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual 9. Accurately measure volume of product caught. 10. Press the softkey pointing at “TEST VOL”. Use the arrow keys to enter the volume of product caught. 11. Press the bottom “UPDATE” softkey. A new “PULSE/L” factor will be calculated. See section 3.3 Fine Tuning Calibration Factors.
  • Page 28 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual Hydraulic Danfoss L 1. Check “PRODUCT CALIBRATION” screen is displayed. See below. 2. Press the softkey pointing at “CAL SPEED”. Use the arrow keys to enter the airseeder manufacturer’s recommended metering speed for the product being calibrated. Slowest Speed Half Speed (use if unknown) 100%...
  • Page 29 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual 10. Accurately measure volume of product caught. 11. Press the softkey pointing at “TEST VOL”. Use the arrow keys to enter the volume of product caught. 12. Press the bottom “UPDATE” softkey. A new “PULSE/L” factor will be calculated. 13.

  • Page 30: Target Rate And Step Size

    3500 VRC Operator’s Manual 3.2 – Target Rate and Step Size The target rate and step size for each bin is set in the rates screen. Follow the instructions below. The target rate is the rate in kg/ha that the bin once turned on will automatically control to. This rate can be increased/decreased in the main screen using the up and down arrows keys.

  • Page 31: Fine Tuning Calibration Factors

    3500 VRC Operator’s Manual 3.3 - Fine Tuning Calibration Factors Calibration factors can be fine tuned in two ways. One - after metering a known quantity and applying an adjustment formula. Two - by using the two tenths of a hectare test. The two tenths of a hectare test runs the selected drive for 2/10 of a hectare while stationery.
  • Page 32 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual 3.3.2 - Two Tenths of a Hectare 1. Press the softkey pointing at “PRIME” until the “2/10 HA” speed is highlighted. 2. Use the arrow keys to enter the typical working speed while seeding. 3. Press the “EXIT” softkey to escape to the main screen. Check the bins to be tested are in the “READY”...

  • Page 33: Reusing Product Calibration Factors

    3500 VRC Operator’s Manual 3.4 - Reusing Product Calibration Factors Product calibration factors for each bin are saved in the active trip. To re-use the same calibration factors simply activate this trip. When another trip is activated previous product selections and product calibration factors will be absent.

  • Page 34: Step 4

    3500 VRC Operator’s Manual Step 4 4.1 - Machine Calibration Enter calibration factors to calculate area (width factor) and speed (wheel factor). 1. Press “CAL” key. Calibration menu appears. 2. Highlight “MACHINE” and press “CAL”. “MACHINE MENU” appears, see above. 4.1.1 - Width Factor 1.
  • Page 35 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual 4.1.2 - Wheel Factor 1. Measure out a distance of at least 100m inside the field. 2. Park at start of marked distance. 3. Press the softkey pointing at “COUNT WHEEL PULSE”. 4. Press the “RESET” key to reset wheel pulses. 5.

  • Page 36: Step 5

    3500 VRC Operator’s Manual Step 5 5.1 - Alarms Setup Setup fan, air pressure, shaft, bin level, depth, oil and liquid pressure alarms. Sensors must be enabled prior to setting alarm points. 5.1.1 – Alarm Points Menu 1. Press “CAL” key. Calibration menu appears. 2.
  • Page 37 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual 3. Press the “<PREV” and “NEXT>” softkeys to scroll through all the alarm screens. ALARM POINTS FAN 1 9000 DISABLED LOW ALARM HI ALARM AIR 1 0.00 20.00 5.00 HI ALARM DISABLED LOW ALARM FAN 2 9000 LOW ALARM HI ALARM...
  • Page 38 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual 5.2 - Fan Alarm The 3500VRC has two RPM inputs. Both of these inputs can be set up as either a Fan rpm input or in the case of liquid a pump rpm input (see 5.8 Pump RPM). The fan alarm warns the operator when the fan rpm is outside the low and high set points.

  • Page 39: Air Pressure Alarm (Where Fitted)

    3500 VRC Operator’s Manual 5.3 - Air Pressure Alarm (where fitted) Warns the operator when air pressure in the primary hose is outside the low and high set points. Two air pressure alarms available in case a second fan is installed. Enabling this alarm displays a live readout of primary hose pressure.

  • Page 40: Drive Ratio/Shaft Alarms (Where Fitted)

    3500 VRC Operator’s Manual 5.4 - Drive Ratio/Shaft Alarms (where fitted) Warns the operator of breakdown, slippage or incorrect sprockets between the controlled drive and the final metering mechanism. Drive ratio alarms are available for all four bins. Once enabled and set, all drive ratios are monitored continuously and will alarm if the ratio is ±10% outside of the set ratio.
  • Page 41 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual 5.4.2 - Set Ratios If drive ratios are already known, alarm points can be manually set. If drive ratios are unknown they can be displayed live and set while operating. Manual Setting 1. Press softkey pointing at “DRIVE 1 RATIO” to highlight the far right column. 2.

  • Page 42: Bin Level Alarm

    3500 VRC Operator’s Manual 5.5 - Bin Level Alarm Warns the operator when the bin level sensor (fitted at a low point in the bin) is uncovered. Bin level alarms are available on all four bins, and must be enabled before being ready to use. Enabling bin level alarms will display the bin level indicator bar on the main screen.

  • Page 43: Depth Alarm (Where Fitted)

    3500 VRC Operator’s Manual 5.6 - Depth Alarm (where fitted) Provides a visual readout of implement ram position using a scale of 0 to 99. 0 is full ram extension and 99 is maximum depth. The depth alarm is set using a “HOLD” point, which automatically puts the unit on hold when the implement is raised above this point.

  • Page 44: Aux Alarm (Where Fitted)

    3500 VRC Operator’s Manual 5.7 - Aux Alarm (where fitted) The AUX alarm is an optional alarm with two functions – oil and liquid pressure alarms. 5.7.1 – Enable Oil Pressure Alarm 1. Press the “NEXT>” softkey to display “AUX”. 2.

  • Page 45: Pump 1 & Pump 2 Speed (Where Fitted)

    3500 VRC Operator’s Manual 5.8 – Pump 1 & Pump 2 Speed (where fitted) The 3500VRC has two RPM inputs. Both of these inputs can be set up as either a Fan rpm input (see 5.2 Fan RPM) or in the case of liquid a pump rpm input. The pump alarm warns the operator when the pump rpm is outside the low and high set points.

  • Page 46: Bin Liquid Pressure Alarm (Where Fitted)

    3500 VRC Operator’s Manual 5.9 – Bin Liquid Pressure Alarm (where fitted) Warns the operator when the liquid pressure in the liquid manifold is outside the low and high set points. Four liquid pressure alarms are available in the event of liquid control being used on all bins. Enabling this alarm displays a live readout of liquid manifold pressure.

  • Page 47: Step 6

    3500 VRC Operator’s Manual Step 6 6.1 - Options Setup Prime, two tenths of a hectare, external bin 4 hold, Run/Hold input and units are settable from this menu. 1. Press the “CAL” key to display the calibration menu. 2. Use the arrow keys to highlight “OPTIONS”. 3.

  • Page 48: Run/Hold Input

    3500 VRC Operator’s Manual 6.3 – Run/Hold Input Master operation of the system can be controlled in a number of ways. 1. Run/Hold Input – Disabled Using the front panel “RUN/HOLD” key. 2. Run/Hold Input – Clutch This requires a connection to an external clutch switch that will activate the “RUN/HOLD” function when operated.

  • Page 49: Units

    3500 VRC Operator’s Manual 6.4 - Units Units are selected in Step 1 before starting calibration. If the units are changed after calibration, all stored calibration factors and records will be converted into the new system of units and can be recovered after reverting to the previous selection.

  • Page 50: Th Bin

    3500 VRC Operator’s Manual 6.7 - External Hold 4 Provides facility to put bin 4 (only) on or off hold using a remote switch. Set to “DISABLED” if not being used. 6.7.1 - Remote Run/Hold Switch • The remote run/hold switch must be connected to pin 19 of the controller’s 25 way ‘D’ connector.

  • Page 51: Step 7

    3500 VRC Operator’s Manual Step 7 7.1 - Display Setup The display menu provides control over contrast, backlighting brightness, display inversion and lightbar brightness. 1. Press the “CAL” key to display the calibration menu. 2. Use the arrow keys to highlight “DISPLAY” 3.

  • Page 52: Backlighting

    3500 VRC Operator’s Manual 7.3 - Backlighting Toggles the backlighting between “LOW”, “MED” and “HIGH”. The low and medium settings are better suited to night operation while the high setting is better for day operation. 7.3.1 - Change Backlight Setting 1.

  • Page 53: Step 8

    3500 VRC Operator’s Manual Step 8 8.1 - Time, Date and GPS Setup When GPS or DGPS data is being received co-ordinates are displayed at the top of the main screen. Co-ordinates preceded by a “D” indicate that DGPS data is being received. The time is always displayed in the top line of the main screen to the right of the GPS co-ordinates.

  • Page 54: Gps

    3500 VRC Operator’s Manual 8.2.2 - Set GMT offset 1. Press the softkey pointing at “GMT OFFSET”. 2. Use the arrow keys to set the correct offset. For example in Western Australia it is +8 hours. 8.3 - GPS Differential GPS (DGPS) or raw GPS output in the NMEA data standard at frequencies of 1, 2,5 and 10 Hz will be accepted.

  • Page 55: Step 9

    3500 VRC Operator’s Manual Step 9 9.1 - Data Card & Logging Interval Rates applied and GPS co-ordinates can be logged onto an MMC card. The data card is also used to upload new software onto the canlink platform. To log data and upload software the data card must be enabled.

  • Page 56: Logging Interval

    3500 VRC Operator’s Manual 9.2 - Logging Interval The time in seconds between successive data logging events. The smaller the logging interval (time) the less data will be logged. Intervals of 1 to 10 seconds can be set. 9.2.1 - Set Logging Interval 1.

  • Page 57: Upload Software

    3500 VRC Operator’s Manual 9.3 – Upload Software New or updated canlink software can be uploaded into the canlink and pod straight from the data card. Software is uploaded through the “FIELD UPLOAD V#.##.##” menu. The screen will momentarily turn black before entering this menu. See the “Data Card Operation”...

  • Page 58: Application Maps

    3500 VRC Operator’s Manual 9.4 – Application Maps Application maps for auto control are uploaded into the canlink from the data card menu. See the “AUTO CONTROL” section of this manual for more instructions. Note Only one application map can be uploaded into the canlink at a time. 9.4.1 –...
  • Page 59 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual 9.4.2 – Viewing Maps 5. In the “DATA CAD” screen press the bottom "SHOW" softkey. The application map for all four bins will be drawn. Only rates greater than zero are drawn black. See below. A white flashing dot is your current position on the map. If you are outside the map the message "OUTSIDE OF MAP"...

  • Page 60: Step 10

    3500 VRC Operator’s Manual Step 10 10.1 - Guidance Setup Pressing the front panel “MODE” key activates parallel guidance. Settings affecting the main screen guidance prompts are set in this screen. 1. Press “CAL” to display the calibration menu. 2. Use the arrow keys to highlight “GUIDANCE”. 3.

  • Page 61: Gps To Implement

    3500 VRC Operator’s Manual 10.3 - GPS to Implement The distance between the GPS antenna and the bar. For example, if the GPS antenna is mounted on the tractor and the bar is 15m away, enter 15m. Enter GPS to Implement Distance 1.

  • Page 62: Nudge

    3500 VRC Operator’s Manual 10.5 - Nudge Compensates for errors in GPS position that may occur when guidance was stopped and resumed after a long period. 10.5.1 – Using the Nudge Function A swath is left half finished and on the next day the operator resumes work. The operator finds the same unfinished swath and follows the same tyre tracks observing a cross track error.

  • Page 63: Operation

    3500 VRC Operator’s Manual Operation Press once to turn on. Twice to turn off. (1) ON / OFF Activates/deactivates guidance mode. (2) MODE Starts/stops product metering, record accumulation, alarms and data (3) RUN / HOLD logging. (4) RECORDS Selects active “TRIP” and displays overall totals, weight/volume applied and area covered for each product.

  • Page 64: Run/Hold Operation

    3500 VRC Operator’s Manual Run/Hold Operation The “RUN/HOLD” function is used to immediately stop all product metering. This function is used when travelling to refill, covering headlands or driving between fields etc. When on hold, trip, load and total records will stop accumulating and data logging will cease. Speed (km/h), work rate (ha/h), air pressure, fan rpm and depth will be displayed live when on hold.

  • Page 65: Alarm Key

    3500 VRC Operator’s Manual Alarm Key Step through Messages Press the “ALARM” key to step through the active messages. Silence Non Critical Alarms Press the “ALARM” key to silence non-critical alarms, such as the “BIN 1 RATE LOW” alarm. Note Critical alarms can not be silenced by pressing the “ALARM”...

  • Page 66: Mode Key

    3500 VRC Operator’s Manual Mode Key Is used to toggle parallel guidance mode on/off (main screen). See below. Revision B Part No. : AM-3500VRCV5 OCT 2005 Updated : 19/10/2005...

  • Page 67: Main Screen

    3500 VRC Operator’s Manual Main Screen Main Screen Features The main screen is divided into four sections: Revision B Part No. : AM-3500VRCV5 OCT 2005 Updated : 19/10/2005...
  • Page 68 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual GPS/Time Information The top of the main screen displays the time in 24 hour mode as well as latitude and longitude co- ordinates from a GPS/DGPS (if connected). See step 7 of the setup section to set the time and enable the GPS.
  • Page 69 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual Airseeder Monitoring Divided into 6 sections. Displaying: 1. Speed/distance/work rate. 2. Fan rpm - fans 1 and 2. 3. head blockage – lines 1 and 2. 4. Air pressure - air 1 and 2. 5. Load/area covered. 6.
  • Page 70 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual 1 - Speed/Distance/Work Rate Displays ground speed, distance travelled and work rate (hectares / hour). Display Speed/Distance/Work Rate 1. Press bottom “SELECT” softkey until speed/distance/work rate is highlighted. 2. Use up and down arrow keys to toggle between speed, distance and work rate. Reset Distance 1.
  • Page 71 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual 4 - Air Pressure The “AIR” display shows the primary airseeder operating pressure for fans 1 and 2, if a second fan is installed. Primary air pressure is influenced by many factors and can be used as an indication of changed operating circumstances that may point to a problem.
  • Page 72 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual Message/Memory Display Message The message section displays an alarm message whenever an alarm condition is activated. If two or more messages are activated at the same time, the display will cycle the messages, and display the total number of messages in the que. 1/3 UNIT ON HOLD 2/3 BIN 1 LOW 3/3 FAN SLOW 1...
  • Page 73 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual Non Critical Alarms Non-critical alarms such as “BIN 1 LOW” may be silenced by pressing the “ALARM” key. The alarm message will remain in the que to be displayed until that alarm condition has been rectified. A list of non-critical alarm messages is given below.
  • Page 74 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual Critical Alarm Messages Critical alarm messages related to the seeding operation, such as “BIN 1 RATE LOW” or “DRIVE 2 STOPPED” can not be silenced and must be rectified to cancel the alarm. Refer to the list of alarm messages below. Message Explanation BAD VOLTAGE...

  • Page 75: Bin Controls

    3500 VRC Operator’s Manual Bin Controls Switching a Bin On/Off 1. Press and hold for 3 seconds the softkey pointing at a bin. 2. The bin will turn to “OFF” or to “READY”(on hold) or to “RUN” (off hold). Rates The live rate is displayed to the right of each bin.
  • Page 76 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual Display Current Target Rate 1. Press the softkey pointing at the rate to update. 2. The target rate will be instantly displayed. 3. Within a few seconds the live rate will be displayed again. Increasing/Decreasing Rates The target rate can be increased/decreased using the up/down arrow keys in the main screen.
  • Page 77 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual Return to Target Rate 1. Press the softkey pointing at the bin rate to reset. 2. Press the “RESET” softkey at bottom left of screen. 3. The set rate will return instantly to the target rate. 12:41 D 27°...
  • Page 78 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual Start Airseeding 1. Check all bins are ‘READY’ and target rates are correct. 2. Activate air seeder fan/s and check both (if applicable) fan rpm’s are above ‘low alarm’ point. 3. Press “RUN/HOLD” key to clear “UNIT ON HOLD” message. Or engage clutch. 4.
  • Page 79 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual Prime The “PRIME” function is only applicable on DC or hydraulic drive airseeder bins and allows the operator to pre-start the product metering unit to avoid missed gaps at start off or to test product delivery to the sowing boots when stationary. To set the “PRIME” time see step 6. 1.

  • Page 80: Auto Control

    Such ‘templates’ can be created with Farmscan ‘Soil Sampling and Mapping’ or ‘Yield Monitoring’ software loaded onto a canlink. Application rates are assigned to areas on the field map using Farmscan Data Manager or other PC software packages. Finished application maps can be copied onto the card using a multimedia card reader and Windows Explorer.
  • Page 81 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual Start Auto Control 1. Insert the data card containing saved application maps. 2. Press “CAL” key to display calibration menu. Select “DATA CARD” and press “CAL”. 3. Check that “DATA CARD ENABLED” is displayed. If not use the arrow keys to change to “ENABLED”.
  • Page 82 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual 5. With the correct map highlighted, press the "LOAD" softkey at the bottom of the screen. The highlighted map will be uploaded. Once uploaded the map name will be displayed under “CURRENT MAP”. Note • Only one map can be selected at a time. •...
  • Page 83 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual 7. Press "EXIT" softkey to return to the main screen. Once you are in the field pre-assigned rates will be applied. If you are not in the field zero rates will be applied. Turn off Auto Control You can turn off automatic application to the map by pressing the “RESET”...
  • Page 84 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual Bin Auto Control Override 1. Highlight the bin to override using the adjacent horizontal softkeys. 2. Press “RESET” softkey at bottom left of screen to disable auto control for that bin. 3. Press “RESET” softkey again to resume auto control for the highlighted bin. Important! Always turn the unit off before taking the data card out of the slot.

  • Page 85: Records Screen

    3500 VRC Operator’s Manual Records Screen The “RECORDS” key provides access to accumulated product areas and weights for up to 100 separate trips (fields) plus overall totals of product areas and tonnages for the season. Before changing products or fields, operators must select a new trip number (1-100), thereby starting a new record and retaining current records.
  • Page 86 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual Viewing Trip Records 1. Press the front panel “RECORDS” key to display “TRIP” records. 2. Use the bottom “<PREV” and “NEXT>” softkeys to view different trip records. Note Press the “RECORDS” key again to toggle the display between “TRIP” and “PRODUCT TOTALS”. Resetting Trip Records 1.
  • Page 87 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual Viewing Product Totals Records 1. Press the “RECORDS” key to toggle the display from “TRIP” records to “PRODUCT TOTALS” records. 2. Use the bottom “<PREV” and “NEXT>” softkeys to view different product records. Note Product totals are the sum total of product areas and weights/volumes for each trip. Resetting Product Total Records 1.
  • Page 88 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual 5. Press “RESET” key a 3 time, a message asking confirmation to reset all trips and product total records will appear. 6. Press “RESET” key a 4 time to reset all trips and product total records. “PRODUCT TOTALS”...
  • Page 89 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual Activate a New or Pre-Programmed Trip 1. Press the “RECORDS” key to display the current trip record. 2. Use bottom “<PREV” and “NEXT>” softkeys to display the required trip memory location. 3. Press the bottom “SELECT” softkey to engage the new trip memory. Copy Products to a New Trip 1.
  • Page 90 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual Changing Trip Names To make record keeping and operation more familiar and logical to the operator, existing trip numbers 1-100 can be edited to reflect true field names or numbers. Note Trip names must be 6 characters long. Editing Trip Names 1.
  • Page 91 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual Changing Product Names Up to 24 seed and fertiliser names can be created for selection when calibrating bins. Product names have a maximum length of 6 characters. Product type can also be set, as either liquid or solid. Setting the product type determines the units used to display calibration factors, rates and product totals for that product.

  • Page 92: Guidance

    3500 VRC Operator’s Manual Guidance Boundary The boundary feature calculates field areas and determines headland area locations. With a field boundary stored, operators will be notified when a headland area has been entered. The recorded boundary is stored attached to the active trip. If the trip that contains the boundary recording is not active the boundary feature will not work.
  • Page 93 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual 4. On completion of the boundary press the “BOUNDB” softkey. “HEAD” will now replace the “BOUNDB” softkey and the “RECORDING HEADLAND” message will appear. Indicating headland area is being recorded. 5. Continue driving until all of the headland area has been covered. Press the “HEAD” softkey. Guidance AB points can now be set.
  • Page 94 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual Important - When Recording Boundaries! Max 5km from “BOUNDA” Point You can not drive more than 5 kilometres from the start of the boundary or the “BOUNDA” point. See diagram below. Max 1 hour Boundary and Headland Recording. You can only record boundary and headlands for a maximum duration of 1 hour.
  • Page 95 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual No GPS • If the GPS signal is lost during guidance or boundary recording the bottom three softkeys shown below will be inoperable. • All guidance functions will stop. • To reset a boundary recording or clear AB lines you must first be receiving GPS information before the “RESET”...

  • Page 96: Parallel Swath Guidance

    3500 VRC Operator’s Manual Parallel Swath Guidance Once the setup swath (A to B) has been locked in, the parallel swath guidance feature will guide the operator along up to 200 swaths either side (200 left & 200 right) of the setup swath. Note Swaths can be completed in any order.
  • Page 97 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual Set Up Parallel Swath Guidance 1. Press the front panel “MODE” key to enter parallel swath guidance mode. 2. Drive into the field, check GPS/DGPS coordinates are being received. The canlink can be on or off hold. 3.
  • Page 98 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual Cancelling Guidance Guidance can be cancelled at anytime. Cancel Guidance 1. Highlight “RESET” (bottom right oef screen). 2. Press and hold the top “RESET” key for two seconds. If canlink is Turned Off! If the canlink is turned off or loses power during guidance, guidance to the same swath will start again from the current position once power is restored.
  • Page 99 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual Being Guided Guidance information is displayed in the left hand side of the main screen when in guidance mode. The distance from the guidance line (cross track error) and heading error are displayed. The display of heading error helps to maintain the path along the guidance line. And the display of cross track error helps to maintain zero distance from the guidance line.
  • Page 100 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual Swath Numbering All swaths are numbered and displayed on the top right hand side of the main screen. The setup swath is the middle number and is labelled "1" with swaths to the immediate right being labelled "+2", then "+3"...
  • Page 101 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual Completed Swaths When driving onto previously completed swaths, the number of the finished swaths will immediately appear highlighted. When you have finished a swath and drive to the next swath, the number of the next swath will appear in the middle of the top right hand side of the main screen.
  • Page 102 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual Reacting to Guidance Prompts The two guidance prompts are cross track error and heading error information. Heading Correction To correct the heading error steer in the opposite direction to the direction of the error. That is steer towards the centre line.
  • Page 103 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual Left Heading Error The vehicle is to the left of the swath and has a heading error to the left (see below). To come on track the driver must steer to the right until a heading error to the right of the centre line appears. The driver should straighten out when the cross track error gets very close to zero, see below.
  • Page 104 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual Running Parallel to the Swath With Cross-Track Error to the Left The vehicle has the correct heading (no heading error) but has a cross-track error to the left. In effect the vehicle is being driven along a line parallel to the swath but 1.7m to the left. To correct this the driver must steer to the right until a heading error appears to the right of the centre line and then straighten out when the cross track error is very close to zero, see below.

  • Page 105: Flag

    3500 VRC Operator’s Manual Flag The flag function guides you back to the 'flag' position, which is a position that is stored in memory when the “FLAG” softkey is pressed. As soon as the “FLAG” softkey is pressed guidance to the flag position will start.
  • Page 106 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual Flagging a Position 1. Press the softkey below "FLAG", see diagram below. "GUIDE" will appear in its place. 2. Cross track and heading error will disappear and left/right steering indications (line at apex of triangle) and distance from the flag position will appear. See diagram on the previous page for an example of the flag screen.

  • Page 107: Nudge

    3500 VRC Operator’s Manual Nudge Compensates for errors in GPS position that may occur when guidance was stopped and resumed after a long period. When the nudge function would be used A swath is left half finished and on the next day the operator resumes work. The operator finds the same unfinished swath and follows the same tyre tracks observing a cross track error.

  • Page 108: Data Card Operation

    3500 VRC Operator’s Manual Data Card Operation The canlink operates using the MultiMedia (MMC) data card type. Compatible storage capacities are 16, 32, 64 and 128Mb. Data cards provide the facility to upload new or upgraded product features and application maps into the canlink.
  • Page 109 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual Enable/Disable Data Card 1. Select “DATA CARD” from calibration menu and press “CAL”. 2. Press softkey pointing at “DATA CARD” key to highlight “ENABLED/DISABLED”. 3. Use the arrow keys to toggle between “ENABLED” and “DISABLED”. Note Data card must be disabled if not being used.

  • Page 110: Erase Data Card

    3500 VRC Operator’s Manual Erase Data Card The erase function deletes all log files stored on the data card. Any other files will not be removed. Note Do not erase card while airseeding! All control rates will go to zero during erase! Erase 1.

  • Page 111: How The Canlink Logs Data

    3500 VRC Operator’s Manual How the canlink Logs Data The canlink logs data in files. During data logging a log file is copied onto the card. The log file is named VRC followed by the date (day and month) with the ".log" extension. Example "VRC2703A.log"...

  • Page 112: Upload Software

    If Power is Disconnected During Upload 1. Disconnect canlink power. Reconnect canlink power. 2. Press “ON/OFF” key. As soon as the Farmscan logo appears, press the right most ‘up’ pointing softkey. The “FIELD UPLOAD” screen appears. See below. 3. If there is no display, wait a few seconds and use left and right arrow keys to adjust contrast.

  • Page 113: Data Card Formatting

    3500 VRC Operator’s Manual Upload 3500 Software from Card 1. Insert data card with new software into the card slot. 2. Press “CAL” key. Calibration menu will appear. 3. Highlight “DATA CARD” and press “CAL”. “DATA CARD” menu will appear. 4.
  • Page 114 The contents of the card can be viewed using the card reader and "Windows Explorer". • Log files can be copied straight off the card and stored on a PC. • To open log files the PC will require “WINDOWS 98” or higher and Farmscan “DATA MANAGER” software. Revision B Part No. : AM-3500VRCV5...

  • Page 115: Diagnostics

    3500 VRC Operator’s Manual Diagnostics The diagnostic screen displays statistics and outputs related to the data received from all system sensors. Display Diagnostic Screen 1. Press the “CAL” key. 2. Highlight “DIAGNOSE” and press “CAL”. 3. The diagnostic screen shown below will appear. GPS data received statistics, are displayed at the bottom of the diagnostic screen.

  • Page 116: Troubleshooting

    3500 VRC Operator’s Manual Troubleshooting PROBLEM CAUSE REMEDY • Connect black from loom directly to –ve side and CANLINK DOES NOT Canlink not connected red to +ve side of battery. Check there is 12V across TURN ON. correctly. the red and black power cables. •...
  • Page 117 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual Revision B Part No. : AM-3500VRCV5 OCT 2005 Updated : 19/10/2005...
  • Page 118 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual PROBLEM CAUSE REMEDY • UNIT WILL NOT COME Check fan RPM is above See Step 5 of Set up section to set or check fan rpm OFF HOLD. ‘LOW ALARM’ point. alarm points. • Does the alarms window on Make sure the ram position is above the ‘HOLD’...
  • Page 119 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual PROBLEM CAUSE REMEDY • CANLINK DISPLAYS Incorrect ‘DEPTH HOLD’ Check ‘DEPTH HOLD’ setting. setting. Optional function DEPTH HOLD AND WILL NOT COME OFF HOLD. should be ‘DISABLED’ if not used. • Ensure inline power regulator to sensor is used. Faulty wiring.
  • Page 120 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual Revision B Part No. : AM-3500VRCV5 OCT 2005 Updated : 19/10/2005...
  • Page 121 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual PROBLEM CAUSE REMEDY UNSTABLE OR NO SPEED Incorrect gap of sensor from Proximity Sensor (3 wires). READOUT. (Can be magnet or target. Ensure gap between sensor and targets is no more than checked by setting 3mm. canlink to Distance and Reed Sensor (2 Wires).
  • Page 122 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual PROBLEM CAUSE REMEDY • See Operation section to get Bins ready for seeding. CANLINK DISPLAYS Ensure bins are switched to • Check pulse/kg factor is correct. “RATE 0 ALARM”. ‘READY’ in the main screen. • Check target rate is not set Enter appropriate application rate.
  • Page 123 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual PROBLEM CAUSE REMEDY • Operate at a slower speed or lower rate. CANLINK DISPLAYS DC MOTOR or • “RATE LOW ALARM”. HYDRAULIC MOTOR Increase product delivery from rollers or change Indicates that motor has gearing of metering system and recalibrate metering reached maximum RPM and system.
  • Page 124 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual PROBLEM CAUSE REMEDY • Check bin to determine if sensor is getting uncovered BIN LEVEL SENSOR Sensor uncovered. READS LOW. prematurely. • Reposition sensor. • Check to see if red LED is glowing at the cable entry Sensor may be faulty.
  • Page 125 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual Revision B Part No. : AM-3500VRCV5 OCT 2005 Updated : 19/10/2005...
  • Page 126 3500 VRC Operator’s Manual PROBLEM CAUSE REMEDY • Set correct ratio. See step 5 of set up section. CANLINK DISPLAYS canlink calibrated with • Make sure correct gear/ drive sprocket fitted, incorrect ratio alarm point “DRIVE FAST ALARM”. or wrong gear/sprocket recalibrate ‘pulse/kg’...

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