Additional System Features - micro-trak RateKing Dual Plus System Manual

SERIAL PORT
The RateKing
(VRA) connector on the back panel which allows it to
be connected to a "GPS / Mapping Controller"
(GMC) that supports 3rd Party controllers
using a RS232 serial connection. Once the
GMC is properly setup, the RateKing
Plus can then accept variable target rates
from a prescription map. If the GMC does
not include 'Micro-Trak' as a supported serial
controller, then the Raven 660 protocol may be
used instead (See Special Cal parameter 'Serial
Protocol Type' page 26).
VRA Status Indicator ('V' icon)
While in AUTO and in the RATE position, the
'V' icon is lit as long as the console is receiving
target rates from the GMC. The 'V' icon
disappears if a new rate command has not been
received within 2 seconds. This can be useful to
troubleshoot connection issues.
VARIABLE RATE APPLICATION
In order to accept VRA commands, the console
must be operating in AUTO, the GMC is in control
of the application rate and the console will
automatically control to the prescribed target rate.
If the connection is lost, console will revert back to
internal console rate.
TARGET ZERO HOLD
When outside of the prescribed mapping area,
most GMC's have a setting that allows Target
Rate = 0 to be sent. Whenever a target rate
of zero is received, the RateKing
will go into HOLD (stop spraying) and if in the
RATE position it will show "PHold" (Prescription
HOLD).
VRA "OVERRIDE"
There may be times when the operator needs
to apply more or less than the prescribed rate
(or override Target Hold). To override, hold
the Rate Adjust button for 1 second while in
the RATE position ( 'V' icon should disappear).
The RateKing
commands, and starts using its own calibrated
TARGET RATE, which can then be further
adjusted by momentarily pressing the Rate
Adjust buttons. To exit override, simply press
and hold the Increase button for 1 second
until the 'V' icon reappears, and the console
will resume using the prescribed rate from the
GMC.
"AS APPLIED" MAPPING
Some GMC's may also be run without using a
prescription map. In this case, the GMC does
not send any target rates, it simply records the
actual rate applied, and which sections are On
or Off, as reported by the RateKing
console.
Dual Plus has a 9-pin serial
TM
Dual
TM
Dual Plus
TM
Dual Plus now ignores all VRA
TM
Dual Plus
TM

Additional System Features

EMERGENCY If the Flow signal is lost while running
STOP in AUTO, the system will automatically
(No Flow) increase the flow to maximum to
compensate for the low Application
Rate. This can quickly create a severe
over-application. The Emergency Stop
feature helps prevent over-application and
chemical spills if the Flow signal is lost.
If the Flow signal is missing for 15 seconds
or more, it automatically stops the flow
(turns section outputs off, closes control
valve) and displays "noFl o" to alert the
operator. The system will remain disabled
until Run/Hold is switched to Hold, or
power is cycled off and on, or CALIBRATE is
entered and exited.
Note: See the 'Closed Loop Override' section in
Appendix F for override info.
COUNTER The VOLUME, AREA, & DISTANCE data
RESET counters can be reset as needed. The
VOLUME and AREA data have three
separate sets of counters and are linked
together (clearing VOLUME will also clear
AREA etc.)
To reset a counter:
1. Switch system to HOLD.
2. Turn rotary knob to desired position.
3. Select desired channel.
4. Select which data set you wish to clear
by pressing the Increase button. The
number of data set is shown on display.
(Does not apply to DISTANCE counter)
5. Press and hold Decrease button. Display
will show "CLEAr" and then ".0".
NOTE: If the console is locked, only Data
Set 1 can be cleared.
SUPERVISOR
When activated, this prevents clearing
LOCKOUT the data counters and blocks changes to
calibration settings. Supervisor Lockout
mode can be entered by holding down
Auto/Man button for 3 seconds while in
Special Calibration mode. Use the Increase/
Decrease buttons to enable/disable feature.
Press CAL button to exit.
31
Operation (cont.)