Allows upgrades of older machinery for smaller farms
Topcon’s has created a Value Line Steering solution for farmers using mid-range tractors on small- to medium-sized farms. It makes autosteering technology — typically used on larger machinery — accessible to a broader range of farmers. Farmers with older or smaller machinery, or small specialty farms, can boost the value of their machinery with the autosteering technology. The integrated system is designed to work across a wide range of applications, machinery and brands. It includes compliance with ISOBUS-UT to offer universal compatibility and ease of use. The package includes a GNSS receiver, electric steering wheel controller, touchscreen console and Horizon Lite software, compatible with front-wheel-steer tractors. Farmers can add local, satellite or RTK correction services such as Topcon’s Topnet Live for enhanced precision.
Topcon Agriculture has released its new Value Line Steering solution for farmers using mid-range tractors on small- to medium-sized farms. The new offering represents a significant step in making autosteering technology, typically used on larger machinery, accessible to a broader range of farmers.
“With the Value Line, we are opening up opportunities for farmers who have older or smaller machinery, or smaller specialty farms, to boost the value of their machinery, with autosteering technology that is based on our proven premium steering technology used for decades on larger machines,” said Antonio Marzia, executive vice president, Topcon Agriculture. “It is an integrated system designed to seamlessly work with a variety of tractors, including compliance with ISOBUS-UT functionality to offer universal compatibility and ease of use. Our goal is to provide high-quality, reliable, affordable, value-added technology that works across a wide range of applications, machinery and brands.”
The Value Line Steering solution is a comprehensive package that includes a GNSS receiver, electric steering wheel controller, touchscreen console and Horizon Lite software, compatible with front-wheel-steer tractors. Farmers also have the option to add local, satellite or RTK correction services such as Topcon’s Topnet Live for enhanced precision based on their unique needs.
Autosteering allows for more efficient use of resources, leading to reduced input costs for seeds, fertilizers, and fuel. This not only improves the farm’s bottom line but also contributes to more sustainable farming practices. The increased accuracy in field operations can also lead to improved crop yields, further enhancing profitability.
Farmers from various agricultural sectors, including commodity crops, specialty crops, and mixed farming systems, can expect significant benefits in their operations when adopting the technology.
The Value Line Steering solution is available through Topcon Agriculture’s global network of authorized dealers.
Controlling weeds is a natural challenge in agriculture. The cost of controlling these unwanted plants is also one of the most expensive line items in a farmer’s budget. For third-generation Brazilian farmer Ivan Bedin, trying to rid his 8,620-hectare soybean and corn farm of hearty weeds has been a costly challenge.
“Typically, we’ve had to blanket spray weed-killing chemicals throughout the entire farm,” Bedin said. “Even if only 15% or 20% of the area was weed-infested, we had to spray the total area. We were spending more than $145,000 a year on chemicals, and it wasn’t good for the environment.”
The Bedin family then acquired Trimble’s WeedSeeker 2 technology. This intelligent spot-spray system senses whether a weed is present and signals a spray nozzle to deliver a precise amount of chemical, spraying only the weed. By targeting resistant weeds individually, WeedSeeker 2 can reduce the amount of herbicides used by up to 90%, promoting sustainability and cost savings on the farm.
While driving 18–20 km/hr, the sprayer’s operator focuses on the WeedSeeker application while the AutoPilot system guides the sprayer. As he drives between crop rows, optical sensors distinguish the green of the crop from the green weed and release herbicide just on the weed. From inside the cab, the operator can monitor the spray system and adjust any application parameters in real time. With the reliability of the steering technology and the efficiency of WeedSeeker, Bedin has been able to reduce refueling time and cover his entire field 30% faster than with his conventional system.
Most importantly, the technology has significantly slashed his weed-chemical expense. “WeedSeeker 2 has yielded us nearly 90% savings in herbicide costs,” said Bedin. “Now we only need to spray between 10% to 30% of the farm — where the weeds actually grow — which equals a savings of about $70,000 for each 1,000 hectares sprayed. Additionally, because we use less herbicide, we impact the environment less.”
Because the spot-spray system logs and maps every weed sprayed, Bedin can also see in real time where there are weed infestations and review the detailed maps before the next spray. With the “seek and destroy” premise of WeedSeeker 2, Bedin’s formidable weeds may have finally met their match.
High accuracy and economical steering solution for most tractors in any field type
Photo: CHCNAV
CHC Navigation (CHCNAV) has released the NX510 Pro, a high-accuracy automated steering system designed for tillage, seeding, fertilization, pesticide application, and harvesting. With a steering controller and full GNSS RTK capability, the NX510 Pro can be quickly and easily mounted to various types of tractors and other farming vehicles to achieve ±2.5 cm pass-to-pass accuracy.
“The NX510 PRO is the new generation’s auto-steering system, engineered to dramatically reduce installation time, simplify daily operations and increase the productivity of farms of all sizes,” said Yorke Tang, product manager of CHCNAV’s Precision Agriculture division. He said the NX510 Pro allows farmers to afford a high-performance yet affordable auto-steer kit to retrofit their tractors to optimize their work, reduce input costs and fuel consumption, and meet the main goals of sustainable agriculture:
Increase farm income
Promote environmental stewardship
Enhance the quality of life for farm families and communities
Increase production for human food needs
Installation of the NX510 Pro auto-steering system to a tractor. (Photo: CHCNAV)
Quick installation. NX510 PRO takes less than one hour from installation start to operator use. The entire system can be installed in 30 minutes and calibrated in about 15 minutes, significantly reducing downtime costs in the field.
The intuitive AgNav software controls operations. It supports multiple guidance patterns to fit field layouts, including Straight AB line, A+ line, circle line, irregular curve and headland turn. It eliminates steering errors and overlapping passes on the field. The AgNav software also features real-time remote technical support from the local dealer’s help desk.
Powered by local, network or satellite-based RTK corrections, the GNSS+INS terrain compensation technology ensures ±2.5 cm hands-free accuracy on any terrain. The advanced controller ensures full RTK accuracy in seconds, provides smooth auto-steering and ensures repeatable long-term accuracy.
Harxon has introduced its TS112 family of smart antennas for demanding applications such as agricultural machine autosteering systems that require high positioning-accuracy. Harxon made the introduction in a virtual meeting on Jan. 13 from Shenzhen.
The TS112 family features Harxon’s latest GNSS positioning technology and offers scalable positioning solutions with increased GNSS availability, reliability and accuracy.
Each of the three models embed Harxon X-Survey four-in-one technology. The high-gain and wide beamwidth multi-constellation GNSS antenna integrates 4G, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi in one compact unit. They feature multi-point feeding technology, ensuring high phase-center stability and real-time kinematic (RTK) centimeter-level positioning accuracy.
TS112 Smart Antenna Family Specifications. (Chart: Harxon)
The TS112SE, as the most affordable solution of the three, provides flexible positioning solutions via standalone positioning or dual-frequency precise point positioning (PPP) with accuracy from sub-meter to centimeter level while using Sapcorda’s SAPA (Safe and Precise Augmentation Service). Its comprehensive support and L-band augmentation service ensure solid satellite tracking without signal outage even in difficult terrains or problematic environmental conditions.
SAPA works as a reliable alternative economical positioning option with wide service coverage in the application environment that has poor LTE network coverage.
The TS112 integrates a high-precision GNSS module with multi-band GNSS receiver and Harxon’s four-in-one multifunctional GNSS antenna in a compact housing. It supports dual-frequency multi-constellations for consistent and robust satellite signal tracking and delivers RTK-level positioning accuracy for precision agriculture equipment and machine control. It offers a 4G and UHF radio modem for flexible correction transmission as well as wireless Bluetooth technology for easy connectivity in the field.
The TS112 PRO employs a future-ready Hexagon OEM GNSS module, offering precise positioning and advanced interference mitigation for space constrained applications and challenging environments.
With centimeter-level positioning utilizing TerraStar satellite-delivered correction services, Harxon’s TS112 PRO ensures globally available, high performance positioning without the need for network infrastructure. Harxon’s TS112 PRO also support NTRIP service, so in application environments where using a base station is not feasible, the NTRIP differential corrections could be transmitted to a rover using 4G networks and enable users reaching ultimate centimeter level positioning accuracy.
The TS112 PRO also features Hexagon’s Glide smooth positioning that offers superior pass-to-pass accuracy down to 20 centimeters for applications where relative positioning is critical.
All models in the TS112 family support Harxon Slide technology to provide smooth positioning and exceptional linear accuracy so that the guiding system can continue to guide during satellite signal outages or in challenging environments.
The newly released family also support Harxon terrain compensation algorithm that is capable of correcting deviations that caused by vehicle’s roll and pitch while working on uneven grounds or slopes. It helps users increase operational efficiency and saving cost in the field.
Adopting ruggedized and IP67 standard housing, the TS112 family equip NMEA0183 and NMEA2000 CAN ports, RS-232 serial ports for easy connectivity.
“As of today [Nov. 28] Tesla owners have driven 1 billion miles with Autopilot engaged,” the company announced via tweet.
The Autopilot feature became available in 2015 and now comes on all new Tesla models with a $5,000 activation fee at the time of purchase or $7,000 if selected later.
The company is training its “neural networks” to improve its self-driving system.
Photo: Tesla
Tesla’s global fleet totals more than half a million vehicles, and recently marked a 20-billion mile step of total electric miles driven, the company said.
The Autopilot system can also function in the background of the vehicle, without being activated and with no input on control. Thus it gathers data from many more billions of “drivered” miles about its environment and potential Autopilot behavior.
The company previously mentioned the 1 billion-mile autonomous mark as the minimum it would need to move Autosteer from beta to a regular feature.
Updates to Autopilot are planned for 2019, including new hardware that will aid in the rollout of the company’s Full Self-Driving system, possibly by the end of that year.
Agriculture equipment maker Case IH is enhancing the robustness of its RTK+ correction signal network by adding the European Galileo system to the compatible satellites with which it works.
The move will increase levels of signal reception and reliability for farmers using Case IH RTK+-guided autosteering and related technologies.
Real-time kinematic (RTK) systems typically depend on signals from the American GPS or Russian GLONASS satellite networks, both designed primarily for non-civilian use. To give European Case IH users a reliable alternative when using RTK+-guided steering systems with their sub-1.5-centimeter repeatable accuracy, Case IH AFS RTK+ now also uses Galileo.
The addition of Galileo to the global GNSS constellation helps minimize the risk of signal failure, a key driver for the integration of its signals into the Case IH AFS RTK+ signal system. European satellite network independence is a principal objective, but Case IH AFS RTK+ is also designed to be compatible with existing and planned GNSS satellites and interoperable with GPS and GLONASS.
Galileo benefits farmers by minimizing downtime from waiting for lost signals to be regained, and ensures consistent efficient use of seed, fertilizer and crop protection products through parallel passes with minimal overlap, thereby maximizing crop potential.
“The use of GNSS technology is opening up new productivity levels and opportunities in European agriculture, providing farmers with an unprecedented level of knowledge about their crops, livestock and operations while making the sector more efficient, economically competitive and environmentally sustainable,” said Maxime Rocaboy, product marketing manager, AFS technology, at Case IH.
“Enhanced RTK+ accuracy through incorporation of signals from the Galileo satellite system is a core way in which we can help Case IH tractor and combine users be innovative and competitive as they seek to help develop a sustainable agriculture to feed an ever-increasing world population in an environmentally responsible way,” Rocaboy said.
Harxon Corporation is launching the single-frequency, multi-GNSS real-time-kinematic (RTK) enabled Smart Antenna TS300 series, designed for manual guidance and autosteer agriculture applications that benefit from scalable performance in positioning accuracy.
The TS300 series smart antennas are designed for manual guidance and autosteer agriculture applications. (Photo: Harxon)
The TS300 series is a multi-GNSS compatible system using GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou and Galileo for simultaneous satellite tracking to offer RTK positioning.
It is able to track any visible satellites under challenging conditions, ensuring a stable signal quality with higher precision and reliable data. Farm tractors and machines can still receive a healthy signal when the sky is partially visible or there are obstructions around the farmland.
The TS300 series features patented T-DIFF technology, providing smooth positioning and exceptional pass-to-pass accuracy. Its steady, smooth output is well suited for autosteer applications and helps the machines operate in a steady path. By reducing the impact of machine vibration during farming on complex landforms, T-DIFF technology ensures machine controlling and positioning accuracy at a centimeter level.
Powered by the latest stand-alone algorithmic technology, the TS300 series can maintain the RTK positioning accuracy for a certain period when the RTK difference link is disconnected during machine operation. It guarantees that farm machines operate effectively and accurately under poor positioning conditions.
Moreover, the TS300 series can output real-time tilt information for machines on rugged farmland. By optimizing the backend operation, it is convenient for users to improve positioning accuracy through a tilt compensation algorithm.
The data links — 3G/4G modules, external/internal radio transmission modems and Bluetooth — of the TS300 series are designed as multiple selections as required, allowing customers flexible and convenient operation in different environmental conditions.
Purpose-built for challenging environments, TS300 Series has built-in magnets to simplify mounting; fixed mounting options are also available as 5/8-inch screws and M4 screws, providing convenient and quick installation. Its IP67 ruggedized enclosure works reliably in harsh environments and is designed for professional precision agriculture applications requiring high-precision RTK positioning.
A new report describes the benefits growers can experience using NovAtel’s TerraStar-C and TerraStar-L precise point positioning (PPP) technology with a SMART6-L GNSS receiver for automatic steering.
The report, “DLG Test Report 6802, NovAtel SMART6L receiver PPP Automatic Steering Test,” was issued by the German Agricultural Society or Deutsche Landwirtschafts-Gesellschaft (DLG).
DLG promotes technical and scientific progress in the agriculture and food sectors. Set up to test equipment and machinery, the DLG Test Center Machinery and Farm Inputs provide impartial information for practitioners.
DLG awards a DLG-APPROVED quality mark to farm machinery that passes a limited test programme within a DLG usability test. Using a Fendt 828 Vario tractor, combined with the Fendt “VarioGuide RTK” steering system and the NovAtel SMART6-L receiver, steering accuracy was tested using both TerraStar-C and TerraStar-L correction services.
NovAtel’s TerraStar-C correction service provides a 5 cm or less (95%) position accuracy, and TerraStar-L provides a 50 cm or less (95%) position accuracy with a 15-cm pass-to-pass accuracy. The DLG test is designed to measure steering accuracy under various conditions as part of the criteria to receive the DLG-APPROVED quality mark.
The DLG test reported that NovAtel’s TerraStar-C correction service achieved 2-3 cm system steering accuracy on an A-B run on an even track at 8 km/h, and a 3.4 cm accuracy at 15 km/h. The long-term accuracy was reported at 3-4 cm over a 24-hour period. Also, the pass-to-pass error was less than 3 cm over the duration of an hour.
The DLG test reported NovAtel’s TerraStar-L correction service at 17-18 cm accuracy during an hour A-B run on an even track at 8 km/h, and 10-11 cm accuracy on a contour run at 5 km/h. The pass-to-pass error remained below 15 cm for the duration of the tests.
NovAtel’s SMART6-L was awarded the DLG-APPROVED quality mark after successfully completing the PPP autosteering test.
Tersus GNSS Inc. has released a new AutoSteer autopilot for agricultural machinery.
The AG960 AutoSteer System is designed to accelerate the application of autopilot for precision agricultural machinery and enhance and optimize operational accuracy and productivity for modern farmers.
By integrating high-precision real-time kinematic (RTK) receiver and software, the AG960 enables agricultural machines to operate in accordance with a pre-set planning path. Using precise GNSS guidance, the hydraulic system of the agricultural machinery is steered by the vehicle controller.
Agricultural machines can operate aligned with the set route automatically, while graphical detailsare displayed on the vehicle display panel. The system is easy to use and applicable for each working cycle of agriculture, such as soil tillage, plowing, building of ditches and ridges, seeding, spraying and harvesting.
Tersus plans to launch a series of solutions that meet the requirements of different farming machines. The AG960 was first commercially deployed in China, and will be rolled out in other regions around the world.
