FLEXIBILITY of use and user-friendliness are key targets in the development of today’s agricultural equipment controllers and this is well demonstrated in the latest spray controller launched by Farmscan Ag.
The manufacturer’s new generation 74V1 spray controller incorporates significant enhancements to its long-time popular 24V1 model and already has attracted strong early interest.
Victorian Mallee dealer Brad Petschel, Brad Petschel’s Auto Elec at Hopetoun, said the new features were prompting users of existing Farmscan Ag controllers to upgrade to the latest system.
“Sales have been strong and the interest is getting stronger,’’ said Mr Petschel said, who also operates a 485-hectare cropping enterprise in the area.
He said the flexibility to customise the front-end and set it up to individual requirements was a big plus.
“The 74V1 does more than the previous controllers, it has different set-up functions for different applications and the new display is much easier to read.’’
“It has a few more features to do a broader range of applications, including liquid applications.
“You can also choose everything you want to have on the front screen – you can have your own set-ups. It is very user-friendly.’’
A unique onscreen ‘Tile’ and ‘Tab’ layout with the Farmscan Ag 74V1 spray controller allows users to customise the view on its 4.3-inch colour touch screen. Coupled with the new ‘Smart Switch’, it provides complete control over any spraying implement.
Up and down hills or through boggy conditions, the spray controller compensates for changes in speed, pump pressure or section shutdown to maintain the target rate selected.
For heavy and light weed patches, rates can be increased or decreased on-the-go and a master switch allows instant stop/start control at headlands or when refilling.
In the event of any rate deviation or problems with calibration or sensors, alarms can notify the cause of the problem and action can immediately be undertaken to rectify it. To attract attention, the status Tiles flash red with an audible warning to alert operators.
Farmscan Ag Sales and Service Manager Ian Giles said the 74V1 also incorporates second sprayline, multi-step control and other innovations to simplify operations and ensure compatibility with GPS and Quality Assurance (QA) requirements.
The popular second sprayline is activated automatically when the first sprayline reaches maximum pressure. It enables operators to work faster when conditions permit, whilst maintaining correct pressures to avoid drift.
With multi-step control, it becomes a system that works with different size nozzles in each sprayline. The controller automatically selects between first, second or both spraylines to maintain the best working pressure. This results in smoother transition from one line to the other and even greater flexibility in rates and working speeds.
“It ensures better weed kill through better coverage and can reduce drift due to lower spray pressures,’’ Ian said.
The Farmscan Ag 74V1 spray controller also features full serial commands and reporting capabilities, allowing GPS rate control and coverage mapping.
In consideration of future QA requirements, it logs spray dates, rates applied, volume used and area covered for almost unlimited seasonal trips. The data can be exported via USB and imported into farm management software for printing, verification and record keeping.
“The new 74V1 has been a long time coming, but it’s worth the wait,’’ Ian said.
“We have worked hard to ensure maximum flexibility in the latest features, whilst maintaining user-friendly operation.”
The Farmscan Ag 74V1 Spray Controller is available with any number of section valves required due to the CanBUS system used, or it can link to most existing valves.