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Patchwork Technology BlackBox Advance Operating Instructions Manual

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Patchwork Technology
BlackBox Advance Operating Instructions
(Downloadable)
PWdoc0040 v1.0

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Summary of Contents for Patchwork Technology BlackBox Advance

  • Page 1 Patchwork Technology BlackBox Advance Operating Instructions (Downloadable) PWdoc0040 v1.0...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Contents page Product Overview Fitting Instructions Mounting the Screen to vehicles windscreen Mounting the Receiver Connection Diagram Main Unit Connecting a switch to control coverage area recording Connecting a Weather station Unit Functions Unit Setup Overview Navigation Bar Entering details and settings Initial Setup Wizard Home Screen Program Sub Menu...
  • Page 4 page Job Screen Overview Menu Creating a Field Boundary Map Starting a Field Boundary Map Pausing the boundary mapping Completing a field boundary map Future use for the maps Using Guidance and Coverage Area Recording Using First Pass Guidance Setting and Resetting a Guidance line Using a guidance line Using the Coverage Area Recording Using WebTrack with...

  • Page 5: Product Overview

    Farm / Field Recognition* Resume Job* *SD Card must be inserted BlackBox Advance Further to the Go software capabilities the Advance software allows the recording and storage of work done for record keeping, if used in conjunction with WebTrack these records can be enhanced with Notes (see below). The software is also the platform for adding additional hardware and software features, including an Auto Steer and Boom Switching system.
  • Page 6 Product Overview This upgrade allows the unit to send application rate information using variable rate application maps to the controller attached to the implement. Adding Variable Rate to the Blackbox is simple and the compatibility list of controllers is extensive: Amazone Amatron+ and Amados+ Bogballe 2003w, Uniq and Icon’...

  • Page 7: Fitting Instructions

    Fitting Instructions Mounting the Screen to vehicle windscreen N.B. Supplied suction mount and ram arm my differ from the image below. Ensure the area on the windscreen where the suction mount will be attached is clean, and then push it on the windscreen turning the lever clockwise to lock it in place.

  • Page 8: Mounting The Receiver

    Fitting Instructions Mounting the Receiver Mount on the cab of vehicle, as close as possible width ways to the centre of the vehicle with the red arrow pointing towards the direction of travel. The bottom of the receiver is magnetised ready to attach to a metal surface. Use the supplied metal plate for vehicle roofs that are not made of metal.

  • Page 9: Connection Diagram

    Fitting Instructions Connection Diagram Main Unit Guidance Screen Receiver 12v DC Plug To 3-pin socket on vehicle. Warning - Please disconnect the unit from the power supply, if you need to jump start your vehicle.

  • Page 10: Connecting A Switch To Control Coverage Area Recording

    Fitting Instructions ...Connection Diagrams Connecting a switch to control area coverage recording Description Part No. Boom Sense Cable 03-05-0006 Switch (request when ordered) Relay (request when ordered) The BlackBox will need to be configured to work correctly with the switch, for details see Ports Setup menu ‘On/Off’...

  • Page 11: Connecting A Weather Station

    Fitting Instructions ...Connection Diagrams Connecting a Weather Station Weather Station To port on Weather Station Description Part No. VRT Xover to Female Cable 03-05-0007 Watchdog Sprayer Station 3349SSC The BlackBox will need to be configured to work correctly with the Weather Station, for details see Recording Options menu ‘Weather Station’...

  • Page 12: Unit Functions

    Unit Functions Screen Touch Screen Power On/Off button – This turns the screen on and off. Please Note: this does not turn off the system completely, system needs disconnected from the power source. Brightness button – Press this button to scroll through different levels of brightness for the display screen Brightness...

  • Page 13: Unit Setup

    Unit Setup Overview Navigation Bar On various screens within the BlackBox software a Navigation Bar will appear across the bottom of the screen. It allows the user to move back and forth between setup screens when entering details and settings. Previous Next Home...
  • Page 14 Unit Setup Text Entry This input screen will appear if the information that is required is text that needs to be typed in manually. To use the text entry screen, press the letters or numbers on the screen to enter the details. Once complete press on add the details and close the text entry screen.

  • Page 15: Initial Setup Wizard

    Unit Setup Initial Setup Wizard Once the unit has been installed in the vehicle and all the wired connections secured, insert the 3-pin plug into the 3-pin socket of the vehicle. The unit will power on automatically and if using the unit for the first time a setup wizard will launch.

  • Page 16: Home Screen

    Unit Setup Home Screen The Home Screen is the main menu for setting up and accessing the different job modes of the BlackBox software. Status Screen Start Job - Start a guidance job, Field Boundary Map, Resume a Job, Planned Job (Farm Management Software plan) or Variable Rate Plan (VRT Software required) for more details see ‘Starting a Job >...

  • Page 17: Program Sub Menu

    Program Sub Menu The Program Sub Menu is used to load and update the BlackBox software. Start BlackBox Accesses the BlackBox Home Screen (for more details see Home Screen on page 16). Start BlackBox DR - Not applicable Start Field Note - Not applicable Upgrade - Initiates and installs any updates for the BlackBox that are stored on...

  • Page 18: Setup

    Unit Setup Setup The Setup menu is used to setup the hardware and software for use within the job modes and it is vital that settings setup correctly for the unit to function as you require. Recording Details - Sets the details that will be recorded against the job for record keeping and also the implement working width which is important to accurately set the tracks when using the unit for guidance (See page 19 for more details).

  • Page 19: Recording Details

    Unit Setup Recording Details All the details that are entered in this area will be added to the job recording. This is viewable within the information area of a job report when viewed in WebTrack. Vehicle - The name of the vehicle that is being used for the job. Implement - The name of the implement that is being used for the job.
  • Page 20 Unit Setup ...Recording Details Recording Options The settings entered in this menu alter how data is recorded on the BlackBox, this includes the green trace recording weather station information (if fitted). Recording This option is used to turn job recording on and off. N.B. If recording is set to ‘No’...
  • Page 21 Unit Setup ...Recording Details > Recording Options Weather Station Recording Options The options in this menu are used to select the weather details that will be obtained from a vehicle mountable weather station and automatically saved to the job when complete.

  • Page 22: Local Setting

    Unit Setup Local Setting The options in this menu are used to set your locality in the world, unit measurements, language and the time difference (based on GMT). Country - To select which country you are in. Units - Sets the unit measurement type to Imperial or Metric (i.e. Miles or Kilometres);...

  • Page 23: Gps Options

    Unit Setup GPS Options The options in this menu access settings related to how the GPS signal is used. Antenna Offset - Opens the options for offsetting the antenna position (see page 24 for details). Display Smoothing - Adjusts how responsive the guidance line is to changes in GPS position when using guidance in the job screen.
  • Page 24 Unit Setup Antenna Offset Adjusting the antenna position can improve coverage area recording accuracy and is vital when using Headland Warning, Boom Section control or Auto Shut Off to ensure that the on / off position is correct when based on the position of the implement.
  • Page 25 Unit Setup ...GPS Offset Headland Warning Options The options in this menu are used to setup the Headland Warning feature. The feature guides you to a set point off the field boundary which we call the ‘headland edge’. This counts down the distance as you approach it, so when the headland edge is reached the distance is zero and the operator...

  • Page 26: Ports Setup

    Unit Setup Port Setup The options in this menu are used to setup the serial ports speeds when connecting external devices, the coverage area recording On/ method built tilt correction. Printing On (Y/N) - Turns printing on or off. GPS Speed To setup the port speed for the GPS port when using an external source.
  • Page 27 Unit Setup ...Port Setup Tilt Compensator options The options in this menu are used to setup the tilt compensator and visually calibrate tilt mechanism. Angle Gauges Angle Gauges - These gauges display the front/back and left/right angle you are currently on based on the last reset. Height - Sets the distance that the antenna is from the ground.
  • Page 28 Unit Setup ...Port Setup On/Off selection list The options in this menu are used to set how the coverage area recording is turned on/off when in the job screen. Turning the trace recording on and off when turning in the head land can give a more accurate coverage area reading for the recorded data.

  • Page 29: Vrt Options

    Unit Setup VRT Options The options in this menu are used to set up communications with external controllers for variable rate and/or auto shut off. VRT Controller - Sets the controller type that the unit is being connected to. The recommended Port Speed for the controller will automatically change for the selected controller.
  • Page 30 Unit Setup ...VRT Options VRT Test This option is used to ensure that there is communications between the BlackBox and the Controller before using the unit for variable rate application and/or Auto Shut Off (Additional software required). It is recommended that the test is done with the implement empty of products.
  • Page 31 Unit Setup Load / Save Profiles This area is used to access and store profiles. Profiles method to save all the settings that have been set for a specific operation, this then allows quick access to the settings relevant to that operation, especially when the unit is used for a variety of operations.

  • Page 32: Advanced

    To upgrade the unit first make a note of the unit’s serial number and the lock code displayed in the top left hand corner of the unlock menu. Next make a call to Patchwork Technology on +44 (0) 1291 673366 and state the upgrade you require (see Product Overview on page 5). The Patchwork operator will firstly agree a payment method for the upgrade and then issue an unlock code for the upgrade.

  • Page 33: Starting A Job

    Starting a Job Start Job After the unit has been setup, position the vehicle in the field where the job will begin, when ready press Start Job from the Home Screen. This launches the ‘Start Job Wizard’ which will guide through the steps for starting a job :- Firstly a Job Type will need to be select.

  • Page 34: New Job

    Starting a Job New Job If recording is set to ‘No’ the unit will go to Step 3). 2) Check/edit recording details and 1) Enter Farm/Field and Confirm. Confirm 4) The Job Screen opens ready to begin. 3) Enter the working Width, select the Guidance Mode (see page 36 for details) and press Confirm.

  • Page 35: Resume Unplanned Job

    Starting a Job Resume Unplanned Job N.B. Jobs cannot be paused if recording is set to No. 2) Select the Farm/Field to resume and 1) Select the Job Type to resume and Confirm. The Job Screen will open with press Confirm. coverage recording data and any AB lines that were saved at the time of pausing.

  • Page 36: Guidance Modes

    Starting a Job Guidance Modes First Pass - Creates a Headland guidance line based on the entered Width and the Field Boundary Map (see page 40). This line is used to give guidance around the headland run(s) of the Field being worked. First Pass pathway Headland guidance line used for Change to set AB line to complete...

  • Page 37: Job Screen

    Job Screen Overview The Job screen uses a 3D guidance view to display area covered, guide lines and off track information. Lock / Unlock Guidance Line Number Mini Map Start/Pause Boundary *Purge Boundary On/Off Toggle *Purge Guidance Settings Recording On/Off Menu Only available when Information Panel...
  • Page 38 Job Screen ...Overview Information Panel Guidance Mode Speed GPS Strength Application Rate / Width Coverage Area Distance Travelled Guidance Mode - Displays the guidance mode being used and current status. No AB Point A AB line Guidance mode example GPS Strength - Displays the GPS signal strength and status.
  • Page 39 Job Screen ...Overview Menu During a job if the menu button is pressed the job screen options will open. The options in this menu allow the operator to print the boundary map, show or hide various elements guidance view for optimisation, set a point of reference, pause and finish a recording job.

  • Page 40: Creating A Field Boundary Map

    Job Screen Creating a Field Boundary Map When creating field boundaries for future use and records it is important to set Recording to ‘On’ and Autonaming to ‘Off’ (see page 20 for details). The farm and field details can be entered manually to ease traceability and the function of the farm / field auto recognition.

  • Page 41: Pausing The Boundary Mapping

    Job Screen ...Creating a Field Boundary Map Pausing the boundary mapping During the run the field boundary can be:- Pause Paused Press the pause boundary button, when the Boundary job has been paused the button will change to the start Button boundary button, press again to continue.

  • Page 42: Using Guidance And Coverage Area Recording

    Job Screen Using Guidance and Coverage Area Recording Guidance can be used to assist the operator in reducing under or overlap when applying products, improving coverage and reducing waste. Using First Pass Guidance To use first pass, a Field Boundary Map must be available for the field. Step 2 - ...the headland guidance line will Step 1 -...

  • Page 43: Using A Guidance Line

    Job Screen ...Using Guidance and Coverage Area Recording Using a guidance line The 3D guidance view uses a first person view, which means it rotates around the antennas position (or offset position if set) as a central pivot point. Distance off centre Guidance Light Bar Track Number T: = AB line...
  • Page 44 Using the Guidance Screens ...Using Guidance and Coverage Area Recording Important - When using a straight AB line After a straight AB line has been set, when working on T:1 it is important that the guidance line is followed on the screen and not the marks from the work done whilst setting the guidance line.
  • Page 45 Using the Guidance Screens ...Using Guidance and Coverage Area Recording Important - When using an Adaptive Curve After setting the Adaptive Curve A and B points it is vital that guidance line immediately after is followed for the line to adapt correctly. ...

  • Page 46: Creating A Webtrack Account

    Using WebTrack with the BlackBox WebTrack is an internet based solution for the storage and viewing of data that has been recorded using the BlackBox unit. It is recommended that the recorded data is regularly transferred to the WebTrack account to ensure your records are kept up to date and secure.
  • Page 47 Using WebTrack with the BlackBox A confirmation screen will then appear. return WebTrack home page left mouse click on Logging on to WebTrack Under Existing Users heading enter your Username and Password, then left mouse click on Login. There are two options and as a first time user left mouse click on Click Here To Download WebSync...

  • Page 48: Downloading And Installing Websync

    / from. To reopen in the future go to the Windows Start Button, then All Programs, locate and open the Patchwork Technology folder, left mouse click PWWebSync.

  • Page 49: Using 'Blackbox Setup For Recording Jobs

    Using WebTrack with the BlackBox Using ‘BlackBox Setup for recording jobs Before using the Blackbox for recording jobs, the Farm and Fields, Vehicles, Implements (switch type and width), Operators and Job types can all be preset in WebTrack. The Job types can be enhanced by adding form items. The form items will be listed on the Notes screen which opens after a job is finished, this prompts the operator to enter information about the job before completing it.

  • Page 50: Enhancing Details (Farm Fields)

    Using WebTrack with the BlackBox Enhancing Details (Farm Fields) Highlight the name in the list and click Edit. A new set of options will appear. In the Field Name box type in the details and click Add. another repeat previous step. Once complete click Save.
  • Page 51 Using WebTrack with the BlackBox ...creating and adding form items to Job Types Type in the name, select the input type and click Save. To add more form items follow the two previous steps. When complete click Job Types. Highlight the job in the list that Form Items are to be added to and click Edit.

  • Page 52: Transferring Data To And From Webtrack Via Websync

    PC. Open WebSync (If not installed please see page 48). From Desktop your Personal Computer, go to the Windows Start Button, then All Programs, locate and open the Patchwork Technology folder, left mouse click PWWebSync.
  • Page 53 Using WebTrack with the BlackBox Please ensure the displayed Username is correct as the data will be transferred to / from the account held under that Username. Username incorrect, left click on Configuration and enter the correct Username in the ‘User’ box. If there are VRT plans no longer required on the memory card these can be cleared by clicking...

  • Page 54: Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting Problem Cause Solution Unit not powering up Unit not connected to the Check that the unit is connected power supply. to the power source and that there is sufficient voltage at the source. No GPS signal Obstructions are causing the Make sure the receiver is receiver to not pick up a GPS outside the cab and has a clear...
  • Page 55 Problem Cause Solution Headland warning The minimap is still open. Whilst in the job screen press feature not working the menu button and then select correctly "Hide Minimap". The headland warning countdown will appear where the minimap was displayed. There is no boundary set for Set a boundary for the current the current field.
  • Page 56 Patchwork Technology Ltd. Oaklands Llancayo Court Monmouthshire NP15 1HY Tel : 01291 673366 Fax : 01291 673077 www.patchwork.co.uk...

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