Precision agriculture specialist Topcon has released a new guidance console targeting entry level customers, the X14.
The X14 offers powerful 3D graphics for manual guidance, coverage mapping and auto steering applications.
With moving map visualisation and an on-screen, software-based virtual light bar, the 10.9cm (4.3 inch) full colour touchscreen display is bright, sunlight readable, and simple to use.
The icon based, user configurable interface offers a full range of pre-configured guidance patterns and including boundary and U-turn recognition.
Topcon Sales and Customer Service Manager Asia Pacific region, Phillip Hubbard, says the X14 will grow with the user’s needs, from low-cost manual guidance all the way up to RTK [real-time kinematic] accuracy for “ultimate precision performance”.
“For those seeking visual guidance and/or auto steering on a budget, combine the X14 with Topcon’s SGR-1 receiver for a simple and easy-to-use manual guidance solution,” Hubbard says.
“Combine the X14 with Topcon’s AGI-4 GNSS receiver/steering controller for low-cost, high-accuracy auto steering.
“The X14 gives you basic mapping but if the customer wants to upgrade to auto steering at a later date it’s very easy to swap the SGR-1 receiver with Topcon’s new AGI-4 GNSS receiver/steering controller,” he says.
“The AGI-4 will allow automatic steering whether you’re using autonomous, WAAS [Wide Area Application Services] or Omnistar, right up to RTK over a cellular network. You can also use the system if you’ve set up your own base station.”
Hubbard adds for high accuracy auto steering on non-steer-ready machines, you can add Topcon’s AES-25 Electric Steering System.
“AES-25 provides hydraulic performance with electric convenience and is capable of 2cm RTK accuracy,” he says.
The X14 is easy to set up on leading manufacturer vehicles including tractors, sprayers and harvesters.
“We have a wide range of steering kits and can couple straight into leading systems offered by AGCO, Claas Lexion, Case New Holland (CNH) and John Deere,” Hubbard says.
“If your vehicle is not steer-ready you can couple the X14 with our electric steering wheel for advanced performance.
“Topcon also now provides the option of putting a wheel angle sensor with our electric steering wheel to provide higher accuracy at higher speeds and also for RTK row crop positioning.”
A further benefit of the X14 is it retains the look and feel of Topcon’s larger, more advanced X30 touchscreen console and runs using the same software.
“This means if a customer wants to connect ISO or utilise variable rate control they can easily change to the X30 without having to learn a new system,” Hubbard says.
“Everyone is getting into precision agriculture so we wanted to deliver an alternative allowing customers to benefit from the product without paying for a lot of extra features they’re not going to use straight away.
“But the system is modular so you can upgrade as you need to.
“The X14 offers easy set-up on leading market vehicles and is an outstanding addition to our growing line of innovative, easy-to-use, full-featured color touchscreen consoles.”