Roesner, manufacturer of the Marshall spreader range has released a new system which allows users to calibrate and control fertiliser application in the field using their mobile devices.
The MDC system was released at the 2015 Dowerin field days in Western Australia, where it also took home the Best Emerging Technology Award.
The system consists of an electric actuator fitted to the spreader feed door, loadcells to weigh the hopper contents, electronics module and an app running on a mobile device.
The app software determines the door opening required to achieve a particular fertiliser application rate and then controls the door position wirelessly over Bluetooth LE protocol.
Then as the operator drives around the field, the door can be adjusted to vary the fertiliser application rate on-the-go.
Regular readings from the loadcells provide feedback on the amount of fertiliser dispensed.
By combining the positional accuracy of the actuator with the loadcell feedback, operators are able to calibrate the spreader more precisely.
When the calibration goes out of range, the operator is alerted, hence eliminating potentially costly over or under application of fertiliser.
At the end of the job, data is stored within the app allowing the operator to keep accurate records of where fertiliser was applied.
As the system is based on a Bluetooth LE network, costly and complex wiring harnesses are not required which simplifies both installation and maintenance.
Roesner says the MDC system can be retrofitted to older Multispread models by simply bolting the actuator to the feed door and connecting the electronics box.
As the control software is mobile based, operators need not have a single use display installed to use the system.
By using the inbuilt GPS on mobile devices alongside the app’s mapping capabilities; operators can use the MDC for Variable Rate Application of fertiliser with minimal upfront capital costs.
The MDC system will be available in January 2016 through the Marshall Multispread dealer network nationwide.
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