Househam

Househam is one of the few domestic sprayer manufacturers to use its own design of terminal and software in its controllers. The latest version of its TMC (Total Machine Control) system now adds telemetry to its long list of functions and controls (pictured right). Owners and service staff can access machine information in real time from an office PC, allowing them to remotely diagnose faults or problems and help cut downtime.

Claas telematics

Claas is extending its telemetry systems to include the ability to log and transmit data from Isobus-compatible implements and tractor terminals.

Called TONI (Telematics on Implement), the system allows users to view a wide range of operating information as well as seeing the position of the vehicle on Google Earth maps. Now, by also connecting in a feed from an Isobus-compliant implement, it’s also possible to log operations and create reports for a range of compatible machines.

Amazone

Amazone’s latest Amatron 3 will have Isobus capability later this year, but currently combines the functions of the existing Amatron+ terminal with the auto-section control of the GPS-Switch. This single new terminal, for spreaders, sprayers and drills, has a 6in colour high-resolution screen with ‘soft keys’ for accessing functions and a toggle switch to change between screens. It brings together the standard parallel guidance from an on-screen lightbar as well as automatically turning sprayer sections and fertiliser spreaders on or off.

From left to right: Agleader Versa terminal, Amazone Amatron3 and Müller Track-Guide II.

Müller

Müller Track-Guide II from David King Electronics is a modular system that costs from £1,650. It starts by offering basic guidance and by adding features builds right up to being a full Isobus-compatible controller. In between the two are auto-section and headland control, variable rate applications as well a Field-Nav that guides operators to the field. It can be used with a wide range of GPS receivers from Egnos through to RTK.

Ag Leader

AgLeader’s Versa terminal (sold in the UK by Precise Solutions) is built on the same technology as the larger Integra console, but features a smaller 8.4in colour touch-screen. As well as offering guidance with an on-screen lightbar, the Isobus-compatible device provides a wide range of functions including variable rate control for most fertiliser spreaders and drills. It can also provide yield mapping on a combine, auto-section control on sprayers as well as assisted- and full auto-steering. Price is from £2,395 for variable rate capability, including an Egnos GPS receiver.

Ursula unmanned aircraft

Project Ursula is a two-year research and development project looking into the potential for using small unmanned aircraft to carry out advanced remote sensing of crops with images captured using a range of sensors.

The system has been developed by a collaboration between Environment Systems and Callen-Lenz Associates. It is said to be less weather dependent than satellite images because the plane flies below clouds, as well as being a cost-effective method of gathering much higher-quality images.

It can record about 250ha in a 30min flight. But there are plans for a larger plane, which can fly for longer and cover more ground. So far it has been used for remote sensing of wheat, potatoes and peas across the growing season.