Hi, I’m Kelsey Faivre Product Line Marketing Manager for AutoPath™. Today,
we will review the key measurements needed to set up AutoPath™ source operation recording.
We have a Gen 4 display, a StarFire™ receiver on the tractor,
and another StarFire™ receiver on our planter.
During the source operation, row location data is documented by the receiver
mounted on the implement. Taking correct measurements during setup
is critical for the system to produce a highly accurate set of guidance lines for the field.
When taking measurements, have a tape measure on hand and remember a few best practices:
Always measure while the machine and implement are in a straight-line and operating position.
Always measure with the implement engaged in the ground.
Be sure to hold the tape measure straight in a vertical or horizontal direction.
Do not measure diagonally or at an angle.
The AutoPath™ Recording Status Indicator lets the user know that all requirements have been met
before starting the source operation. The measurements mentioned in this video
are required for setup and are needed to satisfy the Recording Status Indicator.
Starting in the cab, navigate to the Equipment Manager page.
Select the implement and verify the working width is correct.
With SeedStar™2 or newer planters, these values will automatically populate.
Next, we’ll measure the implement receiver offsets. These values will not auto-populate,
even on a SeedStar™2 or newer planter. The GPS lateral offset is the distance
from the center of the implement to the center of the receiver. This value will
be 0 if the receiver is centered on the implement. If the receiver is off-center,
measure horizontally towards the center of the implement. Use the “Left” or “Right” button in
the display to indicate the position of the receiver and enter a value for the distance.
The GPS inline offset is the distance from the tractor connection point to the center
of the implement receiver. Measure horizontally to where the implement receiver is directly above.
To find the pivot offset, measure the horizontal
distance from the tractor connection point to the implement pivot pin.
Note this measurement only applies to 2 point drawn implements with a swivel hitch.
The center of rotation measurement varies by implement. This is the horizontal distance
from the tractor connection point to the center of the load bearing parts of the
implement that contact the ground. On a planter, this is typically the opener blades or the main lift wheels.
Next, we’ll measure the Implement GPS dimensions. These values, height and fore/aft, will
not auto-populate, even on a SeedStar™2 or newer planter.
The height is the vertical distance from the middle of the implement receiver dome to the
ground. On a StarFire™ 6000, the middle of the receiver is where the green and yellow meet.
The fore/aft is the distance from the center of rotation to the receiver.
To calculate, take the center of rotation value minus the GPS inline offset. Enter the dimensions
in the implement receiver VT “Setup” page. Once you have finished taking measurements,
complete the setup by calibrating the TCM for each receiver. For AutoPath™, the advanced TCM
calibration is recommended. Don’t forget to use your lateral offset to optimize guess row spacing.
Thanks for watching!