BILLED as “the platform for the future,” GPS-Ag’s just-released ParaDyme technology from AutoFarm will broaden precision agriculture’s footprint across Australia.
The enhanced flexibility associated with its Wi-Fi capability proved to be the main talking point at a major product launch in Cairns, north Queensland.
Key dealer representatives heard how its wide-ranging appeal centres on its ease of installation, quick set-up time and simple calibration.
Users can access a multitude of features from planter and application control, yield monitoring to data logging and mapping.
Add in GPS accuracy to RTK (Real Time Kinetic) standards, the two-way wireless communications feature, also its remote real-time servicing facility, to see the way ahead for integrated precision farming technology.
Much of the focus on the two-day training program was on the benefits associated with ParaDyme’s twin cab-mounted antennas.
They deliver accurate guidance from not only US GPS satellites, but also the correction signals from OmniStar and the CORS (Continuously Operating Reference Station) network, plus are GLONASS-ready to receive signals from Russia’s rival system.
At this stage, GPS-Ag says three console "partners" can work with its ParaDyme system, namely AutoFarm’s Edge, Integra, also Viper Pro monitor/controllers.
Essenti ally the Edge option will appeal to those entering the world of precision farming for the first time while the Integra option is a more advanced version with the Viper Pro likely to appeal to large growers and contractors.
The two GPS antennas located either side of a neat-looking roof module ensure accuracy can be maintained even when the tractor cab rolls, pitches and yaws over bumpy terrain.
In addition there are two mid-mounted radio antennae that communicate with a base station, essential for delivering RTK steering performance.
In addition, there are two extra aerials – one a Wi-Fi wireless modem, the other a mobile phone facility.
New technology like this continues to demonstrate industry progress in the area of remote diagnostics.
This over-the-shoulder capability has appeal not only for the supplier but also users driving headers, tractors or sprayers, for example.
It allows a supplier’s technicians to check out a problem hundreds of kilometres away without the need to drive to the paddock for what might only turn out to be a minor glitch.
All this translates to a hip-pocket saving for customers who might otherwise be charged for a call-out rate associated with dealer staff spending hours travelling long distances.
Interestingly, users press a ‘call support’ on their monitor to activate the service, having signed up for a service agreement when purchasing the product. And 24/7 coverage is ensured, courtesy of signals being re-routed - should the local dealer not be available - to either the company’s headquarters in Bendigo, Victoria, or, outside normal Australian work hours, to AutoFarm’s US base in Denver, Colorado.
GPS-Ag’s sales and marketing manager, Adam Hutton, reinforced how the "smart" side of the launch focused on the new dual antenna roof array since it housed all the latest performance-enhancing technology.
To date, the company was not just offering RTK steering but a full range of product control as it related to sprayers and fertiliser spreaders, for instance.
“So we have gone from a separate steering system to a fully-integrated steering/product control and support mechanism,” he said.
Mr Hutton said taking the technology “to the next step” allowed information to be sent “wirelessly and seamlessly” from a tractor through to the office.
“So if there are any abnormalities, the technician has a live record of what’s happening,” he said.
Auto-calibration is a top-of-mind feature of the new ParaDyme technology – a task that can be carried out in about ten minutes, according to GPS-Ag which is now owned by AutoFarm, itself a division of Novariant Inc.
* Graham Fuller travelled to Cairns as a guest of GPS-Ag. Visit www.gps-ag.com.au< /a>
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