In-Cab Compatibility Takes Center Stage
May 1, 2014 
Topcon’s newest precision ag display, the X14, is compatible with the SGR-1 GNSS receiver.
With ag equipment manufacturers continuing the ever ongoing battle for the Holy Grail that is market share, in-cab computing companies are going the opposite route: making sure displays both fit across a wide variety of equipment and feature a growing array of sophisticated capabilities. The more capable and universal the machine, the current thinking goes, the better chance of getting it into an applicator’s rig and into a customer’s field.
Take Ag Leader, for example. Although the Iowa-based company isn’t launching any new display systems for this season, it continues to see widespread adoption of its flagship display, the Ag Leader Integra. According to Luke James, software sales manager, there are a couple of capabilities that allow it to shine.
“Two of the big things we continue to stress with Integra are the ability to integrate the display with our OptRx crop health sensors for variable rate nitrogen and on-the-go fertilizer recommendations, as well as the ability to generate what we call a ‘smart report’ after each job,” he says.
The smart reports — which are automatically generated .PDF files summarizing all measurable aspects of an application job (temperature, wind speed, amount and type of product and number of acres applied, etc.) — are automatically transferred onto a USB drive at the conclusion of a job and can be given to the grower-customer or any other interested party for record keeping.
Integra also boasts the ability to link into NORAC boom height control systems, as well as assisted and integrated steering options, and has an integrated lightbar.
Additionally, if the applicator using the display is a subscriber to Ag Leader’s recently released wireless data transfer service, AgFiniti, all data logged can be wirelessly transferred directly from the cab to the end recipient.
“AgFiniti has a bring-your-own-hotspot mentality where we let the customer choose whatever wireless internet source best fits them,” adds James. “You can utilize an existing data plan, or add a hotspot device or use the wireless WiFi network back at the office.”
Another key feature with AgFiniti is the remote support subscribers enjoy. “Our technical support guys, most of which come from farming backgrounds, are, in my opinion, second-to-none in the industry,” says James. “They can log right into that display anywhere in the world and troubleshoot any issues the user may be going through.”
Over at Case IH’s precision ag brand, Advanced Farming Systems (AFS), the Wisconsin-based manufacturer is integrating its latest display, the Pro 700, throughout the Case IH product line.
Within its award-winning Patriot sprayer line, the 700 boasts AccuGuide guidance capabilities coupled with AccuBoom section control, AutoBoom boom height control, as well as both variable rate and manual rate control, says Emily Treu, AFS marketing specialist. Yield mapping and monitoring are also reportedly part of the Pro 700 package.
“One of the top things we are hearing is that users like the flexibility of the display,” she says. “An operator can take the Pro 700 from their Magnum tractor in the spring, move it into the sprayer in the summer and then transfer it to the combine in the fall.”
AFS is also emphasizing the display’s data capturing capabilities and its open architecture. “At Case IH we take a producer-first approach to data: producers own the data so they should be able to use it as they see fit,” says Treu. “With Pro 700 you insert a USB drive and take all of your as-applied data and soil maps and move it into the AFS software suite, where the data can be tied to an intrinsic dollar value for the producer.
“Additionally, the fact that the Pro 700 meets the current ISOBUS standard in the market is important for users that want to continue working with other technology platforms that have served them well,” she adds.
Over at Raven Industries, the Applied Technology department is beaming after nabbing three 2014 American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) AE50 Outstanding Innovations Awards, one of which singled out the Viper 4 field computer.
According to Ryan Molitor, marketing manager, the Viper 4’s high level of user interface customization is an important feature. Another is its ability to capture data in an efficient manner.
“The Viper 4 comes pre-loaded with SST’s agX database, and for custom applicators or ag retailers applying a large volume of acres that helps them tremendously to standardize their record keeping,” he says. “Another thing that we are hearing is that, yes it’s all about data management, but it’s also about capturing cleaner data and being efficient in that process, and Viper 4 does just that.”
Integration of Slingshot, Raven’s data management solution, as well as the Slingshot Application Programming Interface (API), is another selling point with ag retailers.
“Retailers typically already have a custom software solution that they’ve invested a lot of capital in, so Slingshot API is great because it lets one software system communicate with another,” says Molitor. “For example, one of our partners with API is SST Software, so Slingshot API can integrate seamlessly for that retailer that’s been running SST’s Summit program. We don’t want to hinder the data collection process by having to go between two different systems: everything’s integrated.”
Going forward, Molitor advises that more API integrations are in the works.
Last August, John Deere launched its newest in-cab solution, the 4600 CommandCenter display, which is being integrated into the equipment giant’s R7 and R8 tractors for 2014 before being moved into sprayers and other application equipment, according to Chris Batdorf, product marketing manager.
“CommandCenter is the next step in operator interface,” he says. “It works more like an iPhone or an iPad than a traditional display – there’s more swiping and intuitive design, rather than text prompts.”
Currently, CommandCenter is AutoTrac capable, but the next step for Deere’s next-gen display is integrating more precision agriculture capabilities (section control, rate control, etc.).
“We want to make a smart machine that’s ready to go straight from the factory,” explains Batdorf. “Probably the biggest thing we are hearing from our customers is ‘Hurry up and get all of the applications (on CommandCenter) because this thing is really cool.’”
In the meantime, applicators using Deere equipment can continue to deploy the GreenStar 2630 display, which Batdorf characterizes as “the current precision agriculture display of choice.”
Wireless data transfer is one task made easier via the 2630, the first display to fully leverage John Deere telematics, according to Batdorf.
“Customers with a subscription to MyJohnDeere can push as-applied data or new prescriptions straight from the machine to the cloud or the customer’s account, and vice versa — and it can be done manually or you can set it up to happen automatically once the job is finished,” says Batdorf.
GreenStar can also pull in Deere’s StarFire RTK signal, allowing for repeatable, sub-inch accuracy over a 16-mile coverage area, he adds.
This past summer Trimble launched its newest display, the TMX 2050, in Decatur, IL, at the annual Farm Progress Show. With an Android-based OS and full integration with Trimble’s new Connected Farm suite of software, the in-cab system that marketing manager Mike Martinez describes as “powerful and responsive” is primarily focused on an improved end-user experience and flexibility.
“This product is a quality, very user-friendly display and that’s really the key for us,” says Martinez. “Another important feature to consider is the system’s expandability and modularity, and that’s important because there are going to be solutions that come along that we haven’t even thought of yet, and this system can expand and grow with the times.”
Although its insides allow for many of the same capabilities of your typical mobile tablet, the display is built to withstand the rigors of daily field use, according to Martinez.
“The display is really modern looking — it’s a nice and smooth, almost tablet-like feel to it — but yet it’s field rugged,” he says. “It will handle extreme temperatures, shock and vibration and moisture, a whole lot better than putting a low-cost tablet in the cab that will maybe last half of a season.”
Meanwhile, Topcon Precision Ag is all-hands-on-deck after launching its newest precision ag display, the X14, this past February.
“The X14’s smaller screen (4.3 inches compared to the 12 inches for the X30) offers low cost manual guidance with modular upgradeability to step up to higher accuracy, all the way to RTK for the operator who wants repeatable precision with accuracy,” says Joe Robertson, product marketing manager – ag.
According to Robertson, the X14 is compatible with two popular Topcon receivers. “Teamed with Topcon’s SGR-1 GNSS receiver, the X14 provides manual guidance, coverage mapping and return to point,” he says. “And teamed with Topcon’s AGI-4 receiver/steering controller, X14 can provide high-accuracy auto steering at a lower price point.”
RTK is also an option for those seeking a higher level of accuracy. “The X14 requires Topcon’s AGI-4 receiver/steering controller to go full RTK steering,” advises Robertson. “This upgradeability is a major benefit to the ag retailer/applicator that needs higher accuracy on their operation in order to improve efficiency and reduce input costs.”
For 2014 and beyond, Topcon looks to ensure its equipment is compatible with different paint colors and brands.
“Interest in and understanding of cross compatibility seems to be a hot topic this year,” says Mike Gomes, vice president of strategic business development. “From info transfer from in-cab machines, understanding connectivity to the cloud or the need for wireless data transfer of files into the cab, Topcon has already started down this road with our MAGNET (Mobile Ag Network) product. This product enables file transfer between mobile devices such as tablet computers and our SGIS software. Connectivity to our X30 is the next step, and that is currently in testing.”
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