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Pub.# OM17-OpticMapper OpticMapper SoilViewer Version 2.42 Sensor DataLogger Version 1.03 Section 1 Warranty Veris Technologies warrants this product to be free of defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the date of delivery to the purchaser. Veris Technologies will repair or replace any product returned to Salina, Kansas, which appears upon inspection to be defective in materials or workmanship.
Pub.# OM17-OpticMapper Important! Read the following SAFETY PROCEDURES before operating the Veris system: • Read and understand all instructions on safety decals • Escaping fluid under pressure can penetrate the skin causing serious injury. Avoid the hazard by relieving pressure before disconnecting hydraulic lines. Use a piece of paper or card-board, NOT BODY PARTS, to check for suspected leaks.
Pub.# OM17-OpticMapper Section 2 Electronics Overview and Set-up The Veris Electronics kit includes the items shown in Figure 1. Additionally, the OpticMapper includes a Reference Block and OpticMapper test load.
Pub.# OM17-OpticMapper Figure 4 EC Surveyor (rear) Power port: The Soil EC Surveyor is shipped with an accessory power cord. If an alternative connection is desired, make sure that the unit is properly connected to a power connection that is not controlled by the ignition switch. If connecting directly to the battery, we suggest a 3-amp inline fuse is installed between the battery and the instrument. EC Signal: EC Signal Cable extension from implement attaches to the EC Surveyor here.
Pub.# OM17-OpticMapper Figure 6 DataLogger (rear) Reset button: Can be used to reboot DataLogger EC: Serial cable from EC Surveyor attaches here. OM/pH: Serial cable from OM/pH Controller (MSP only) attaches here. Alarm Vol: Used to adjust volume of auditory alarm Figure 7 DataLogger (front) Memory Card slot: Formatted SD memory card must be installed when booting up, and at all times data is being collected. See Proc. #6 for formatting instructions.
Pub.# OM17-OpticMapper The OpticMapper Controller is mounted on the implement, and can remain on the implement due to weatherproofing.
Pub.# OM17-OpticMapper Electronic Configurations Datalogger and Soil EC Surveyor – Attach the OpticMapper communication cable to the OM/pH port on the Datalogger as well as power cord and serial cable. Connect EC signal cable, GPS, and power cords to the rear of the EC Surveyor, the connect EC Data out to the serial cable from Datalogger. Figure 11 is an overview of the system connections.
Pub.# OM17-OpticMapper Software Setup The Veris SoilViewer software will automatically run the setup once the CD is inserted into the computer. If not the installation can be manually started by double clicking on the setup.exe located on the CD. Click Next to continue through installation Figure 14 Once the CD has begun select the installation directory and click Next Figure 15 Next two license agreements will need to be accepted before continuing.
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Pub.# OM17-OpticMapper Section 3 Implement Overview and Set-up OpticMapper Controller Pull-tongue (opt.) Row Unit EC coulterelectrodes Figure 1 If the unit is crated, the row unit (Figure 2) will have to be installed. The row unit mounting location is shown in figure 3. If equipped, the front tongue many also need to be installed. To do so, please take precautions to ensure that the framework is properly supported to ensure safety. Figure 2 Figure 3 Row unit mount 3-1 Weight Mount for opt.
Pub.# OM17-OpticMapper Electro-hydraulic Lift Kit Set-up The Electro-hydraulic Kit is shipped in a pre-assembled state, and has been tested prior to shipment. Figure 4 Hyd Power Unit Installation: 1) Locate power unit in desired location in towing vehicle. If the unit is to be used on a dedicated unit, we advise anchoring it securely to prevent tipping or damage in rough field conditions. Mounting holes are located on each side of base.
Pub.# OM17-OpticMapper Operation: 1) The remote control offers simple operation of the power unit. Push button to raise and lower Route to prevent damage of cable. Never engage power unit with hoses disconnected – if so, you may to need to bleed pressure as described below. 2) Be sure to lower the unit only as deep as needed to obtain proper penetration of all six coulters. Use depth collars provided to set desired operational depth.
Pub.# OM17-OpticMapper Bleeding Pressure from System If the hoses have been disconnected while under pressure, if one hose disconnects during operation, or if the remote is depressed while not connected to cylinder, you will likely build pressure in the system and will not be able to reconnect the hoses. • Escaping fluid under pressure can penetrate the skin causing serious injury. Avoid the hazard by relieving pressure before disconnecting hydraulic lines.
Pub.# OM17-OpticMapper Section 4 Field Operations—Soil EC Surveyor with Sensor DataLogger EC Surveyor display readings Here are the display readings shown when operating the EC Surveyor: Figure 1 The unit is ready to operate. The Surveyor is informing you of the firmware version its programmable interface chip (PIC) contains. Immediately the screen will change to the operating screen below: Figure 2 GPS status: may read GPS, DGPS, RTK, or None.
Pub.# OM17-OpticMapper Sensor DataLogger display readings Here are the display readings shown when operating the Sensor DataLogger: Starting up… Figure 3 The unit is ready to operate. The DataLogger is informing you of the firmware version its programmable interface chip (PIC) contains. Press any of the four keys, and the next screen will appear: Figure 4 For Mapping, press the #1 key. For OM System check press the #2 key (page 4-4). #4 Exit returns you to the initial start-up screen.
Pub.# OM17-OpticMapper If memory card was not inserted during boot-up, the following screen will appear: Figure 7 Install card and re-start DataLogger. NEVER REMOVE CARD WHILE LOGGING DATA. This is the Data Acquisition screen: Figure 8 GPS status: may Ground speed read GPS, DGPS, (from GPS) in RTK, or None. If miles/hour None, no GPS signal is received and no data will be recorded. Shallow (S) and Deep (D) soil EC readings. If negative, no data will be recorded.
Pub.# OM17-OpticMapper If no data was logged during Data Acquisition, the following screen will be displayed: Figure 10 Sensor DataLogger OM System Check Here are the display readings shown when operating the Sensor DataLogger while running OM system check: After pressing #2 on figure 5 this screen appears: Figure 11 Press #1 to continue with OM System check: Figure 12 Figure 13 If the window is clean and in good condition (see 4-8), attach the dark side of the Reference to the sensor.
Pub.# OM17-OpticMapper After the readings have settled the next screen will appear: Figure 15 Now flip the Reference block over and attach the light side of the Reference to the sensor. (Figure 14) Press any key to continue: Figure 16 After the light reference has been read, the following will appear: Figure 17 The reference data has now been stored. Once the system is restarted it is ready to start mapping. *NOTE: To ensure system is operating correctly always run a system before mapping a field.
Pub.# OM17-OpticMapper Field Operations—Soil EC Surveyor with SoilViewer software The EC/OM Mapping software will automatically detect which ports the Veris EC Surveyor and OpticMapper are connected to, and begin communicating. If the either is not detected, the software will wait 45 seconds for the connection of the electronics and search again; this will repeat until both instruments are connected. If the electronics are not found, unplug the serial or USB cables and reconnect them to the PC.
Pub.# OM17-OpticMapper SoilViewer OM System Check Click the OM System Check button to start system check. Figure 19 After clicking the button the following will appear: Figure 20 Figure 21 Make sure the window is clean and in good condition. (see 4-8) Place the dark side of the reference block under the window, and click continue. Then the next message will appear. Figure 22 Flip the reference block over to the light side and place under the window, and click continue.
Pub.# OM17-OpticMapper OpticMapper Wearplate Below is a comparision of two wearplates. The left is a brand new wearplate, and the right has about 2500 acres on it. Inspect the leading edge,shown below, as the steel wears the window can chip or crack. As this contiunes to wear it will eventually need replaced. Figure 24a & b Wearplate will wear differently in every type of soil, so check it often.
Pub.# OM17-OpticMapper Field Operations--Implement Checking Electrical Signal Continuity and Electrode Isolation It is recommended that you perform the Electrical Signal Continuity and Electrode Isolation test procedure before first field use (see Maintenance and Service Procedures 1 and 2). While these tests were made at the factory, there is the possibility a problem developed during shipping.
Pub.# OM17-OpticMapper Field Condition Field should be in a uniform state. Mapping after intensive primary tillage is not recommended. The soil must have a minimum of 20% available water, and cannot be frozen. If rocky conditions exist, slow down and make sure rock guards are in place Mounting options Top Link Figure 26 3-point Mounted Figure 27 Pull Tongue Turn the top link to adjust the tilt so that the unit runs level. This is the optimum setting for all field conditions.
Pub.# OM17-OpticMapper Swath width and Navigation Setting the swath width and navigation system is at the discretion of the customer. A 50’-75’ (1523 m) swath works well in most areas. Several methods of navigation are possible: following previous crop rows, swath guidance, or using a field navigation computer. While it is important to map in a consistent pattern, it isn’t absolutely critical that each pass be exactly the same distance from the previous pass.
Pub.# OM17-OpticMapper OM Data Quality Check depth of sensor – Run a couple of trial passes to make sure the sensor is running at the proper depth. Add weights or adjust down pressure on row unit if needed Also make sure the row unit side depth wheels and disks are rotating freely, and are clear of excess mud and crop residue. For row unit adjustments see page 4-12.
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Pub.# OM17-OpticMapper OpticMapper Row Unit Setting Sensor Depth Refer to Figure 30 The “T” handle (1) sets sensing depth by limiting the how high the side depth gauge wheels ride relative to the opener disks. To adjust sensing depth, pull the “T” handle (1) up and back,move it forward or aft, and set it back in a different pair of holes in the scale. • For shallower sensing, move the “T” handle (1) forward. • For deeper sensing, move the “T” handle (1) back.
Pub.# OM17-OpticMapper Side Gauge Wheel Adjustment Refer to Figure 33 and Figure 34 Disc-to-wheel angle and clearance ideally has the wheel just touching the disk when the wheel is raised to sensing depth (is up against the stop set by the “T” handle. The goal is to have both disks and wheels turn freely, but keep soil and trash from getting between them. These two adjustments interact with each other. Changing one requires at least checking the other.
Pub.# OM17-OpticMapper • If wheel does not fall freely, loosen hex-head bolt (1) and slide wheel arm out just until wheel and arm move freely. Retighten hex-head bolt (1) according to grade: 1⁄2in Grade 5 bolt on 25 series, 75 ft-lbs (102 N-m). 1⁄2in Grade 8 bolt on 25 series, 110 ft-lbs (149 N-m). 6. Keep turning hex adjuster and moving wheel arm until the wheel is adjusted properly. When satisfied, tighten pivot bolt (2) to 110 ft-lbs (149 N-m).
Pub.# OM17-OpticMapper Section 5 Troubleshooting EC data seem odd—jumpy, negatives, map doesn’t match known or expected soil types Perform Maintenance and Service Procedures 1-3. No GPS or DGPS on display Perform Maintenance and Service Procedure 5 DataLogger locks up -SD card not installed or not formatted. See Procedure #6 to format card.
Pub.# OM17-OpticMapper SoilViewer Troubleshooting EC Surveyor or OpticMapper is not found Check to ensure the com which the EC Surveyor/OpticMapper is connected to is present under the device manager. To get to the device manager go to StartSettingsControl PanelSystem Click on the Hardware tab and then click on the device manager button. Click on the “+” sign next to Ports and make sure the port is listed here.
Pub.# OM17-OpticMapper OpticMapper Troubleshooting To ensure the OpticMapper is operating correctly, attach the test load to the OpticMapper controller-port marked Optical Power port. Figure 2 Once attached turn power on and go to data acquisition mode on Datalogger or SoilViewer. Figure 3 OM values should be: Sensor 1: 833 Sensor 2: 289 Readings are acceptable if within 10 numbers from these. Readings outside of this range could indicate possible controller problems.
Pub.# OM17-OpticMapper Section 6 Maintenance and Service Procedure #1: EC Surveyor Instrument Signal Testing Perform this test daily or every 10 hours of data collection to ensure you are obtaining reliable data, and whenever EC data is questionable. The purpose of this test is to insure that the instrument is performing properly. The EC Surveyor is shipped with an Instrument Test Load (Part No. 10447) that will enable you to quickly check the instrument to ensure that it is functioning properly.
Pub.# OM17-OpticMapper Procedure #2: Testing Electrical Continuity Perform this test daily or every 10 hours of data collection to ensure you are obtaining reliable data, and whenever EC data is questionable. The purpose of this test is to insure that each coulter-electrode has an uninterrupted signal path from the EC Surveyor to the disk blade. Think of each coulter-electrode and its wire path as a ‘channel’.
Pub.# OM17-OpticMapper Signal extension cable (from implement) Figure 2.3 Firmly press one lead of the ohmmeter to the #1 coulter blade edge (left hand, standing behind the unit) and the other lead to the #1 terminal on the test box. Maintain firm pressure on the ohmmeter lead touching the disk blade. A reading of less than 2 ohms is normal. Rotate blade ¼ of a turn back and forth as you view the ohmmeter. Any jump in the readings above 2 ohms indicates a problem.
Procedure #3: Diagnosing and Correcting EC Signal Problems. Pub.#corrective OM17-OpticMapper Use this Troubleshooting tree to work through the system, locate the problem, and take action. Figure 3.
Pub.# OM17-OpticMapper Coulter Electrode FunctionsEach coulter electrode on the implement is part of a pair, and each pair has a distinct function. a) Coulters 1 & 6 are the Deep EC receptors. If you are seeing problems only with the “Deep” readings, focus on testing continuity on these two coulter-electrodes. b) Coulters 2 & 5 are the “charged” coulters that inject the voltage into the soil.
Pub.# OM17-OpticMapper Figure 3.3 Testing cable at end of signal cable wiring harness Figures 3.4 ab. a. Separating sure-seal connector b. Testing terminal connector wire 4. If there is a >2 ohm reading in the signal cable harness or signal extension cable, visually inspect the wiring harness and cable extension for damage. If a visual inspection doesn’t reveal a problem, you will need to test continuity of the wiring harness and cable. You will need to ohm these cables out individually.
Pub.# OM17-OpticMapper 5. To ohm out the wiring harness, disconnect the serial cable extension from the implement and check continuity through the harness as shown in Figures 10a and 10b. While doing so, check the pins and the sockets of the 6-pin connector for corrosion and fit. If necessary spread the pins with a small screwdriver to tighten fit in sockets. 4 2 3 5 1 6 Figures 3.6 a and b.
Pub.# OM17-OpticMapper hubcap commutator coulter spindle Figure 3.7 C. Testing Coulter-Electrode isolation If continuity tests show no excessive resistance on any channel, yet erratic soil EC readings continue, or if EC readings do not drop to –1 when unit is out of the soil, it is possible that the channels are not isolated. This could be the result of a pinched wiring cable, causing channels to short out.
Pub.# OM17-OpticMapper 2. Inspect nylon insulation slides under coulterelectrode mounting brackets. These nylon insulators may become worn or brittle, or may slip out from under mounting bracket. Repair and replace as necessary. Make sure that all electrode coulter Ubolts are properly tightened to clamp mounting bracket and insulation tightly to frame. Figure 3.9 3. Disconnect signal cable from instrument or front of frame.
Pub.# OM17-OpticMapper Procedure #4 Spring Plunger adjustment and replacement The spring plungers are located in the center of each coulter electrode hub cap, and are vital to maintain good continuity through the coulter hub bearings. They are factory preset, and should not need routine adjustment. If a continuity test shows abnormally high resistance, the plungers should be checked.
Pub.# OM17-OpticMapper Procedure: 1) Remove hub cap by turning clockwise with a pipe wrench or large adjustable wrench – these caps have left hand thread to prevent loosening during field rotation. 2) If plunger is frozen in cap, remove allen head set screw on top of plunger and apply penetrating oil on both sides of plunger. Let this stand for a few minutes and try to remove. If it will not back out with allen wrench, lock vise grips on the inside portion and turn out through inside of hub.
Pub.# OM17-OpticMapper Procedure #5: Diagnosing GPS-related problems If you do not see a GPS, DGPS, or RTK in the upper left-hand corner of the EC Surveyor screen, you do not have GPS coming in, and no data will be sent out the serial port for logging. Figure 5.1 Insure your GPS receiver is powered and outputting NMEA strings GGA, and either VTG or RMC at a 1hz rate; 4800 baud, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit.
Pub.# OM17-OpticMapper If it becomes necessary to send GPS data into your PC, you will use a program called HyperTerminal. This program is in all Windows software. It is designed to record serial data streaming into a serial or USB port on the computer. The purpose of this is two-fold: 1) it verifies whether your GPS and cables are delivering the proper messages, and 2) it give Veris Technologies support personnel a GPS data file to test. Here’s how to use HyperTerminal 1.
Pub.# OM17-OpticMapper 5. The program will then ask you for a phone number. Instead of entering a phone number, specify the proper serial port number. For example, if Com 1 of the laptop is being used, specify “Direct to Com 1” under “connect using:” at the bottom of the entry area. Figure 5.5 6. HyperTerminal will then display a configuration menu where you can specify 4800 bits per second, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit and no flow control. Figure 5.
Pub.# OM17-OpticMapper 7. At this point, upon clicking ok, legible strings of GPS data should begin appearing on the laptop screen. Here’s an example of a typical set of strings: $GPGGA,191528.00,3851.0333,N,09737.2342,W,2,08,1.3,372.7,M,27.3,M,10.0,0100*69 $GPRMC,191528.00,A,3851.0333,N,09737.2342,W,0.1,0.0,090998,6.3,E*48 8. If GPS data doesn’t appear, recheck the port and configuration settings to make sure they are correct.
Pub.# OM17-OpticMapper Procedure #6: SD card formatting and firmware updates USING A VERIS SD CARD IN OTHER DEVICES CAN CAUSE FILE CORRUPTION. Insert a standard SD card (not SDHC type) into a SD card reader which connected to your computer. Open “My Computer” folder. Right click on the SD card icon, and select the “Format”. Figures 6.1 a and b. In the format window, click on the file system tab and select “FAT” not “FAT32”. Then press “Start”. When complete, remove the card.
Pub.# OM17-OpticMapper Figure 6.2 6. Hold the (1) key and release the RESET button. 7. If you can see the following messages, then release the (1) key. Figure 6.3 8. If you want to update new software, press (2) key. 9. Then you can see the following messages in sequence.
Pub.# OM17-OpticMapper Figures 6.4 a and b. 10. Do not shut off the power, but repeat from step 5 to 9 again. 11. Press the RESET button or shut off and turn back on the power. 12. Check the LCD display. If nothing shows up in the LCD, or if display doesn’t contain the new firmware version number, please repeat from step 1 to 11.
Pub.# OM17-OpticMapper Procedure #7: Lubrication • Pinch point hazard: to prevent injury, stand clear when raising or lowering any part of the Veris MSP. Disengage automatic cycling function before working around unit. • Install all transport locks before transporting or working underneath. Rockshaft pivot points – Each pivot (located at the left and right) contains an upper and lower grease zerk. Due to the limited motion of the rockshaft, these should be lubricated on 20-hour intervals.
Pub.# OM17-OpticMapper grease zerk Figure 7.3 Hubs --Use good quality wheel bearing or lithium grease for lubrication, but we suggest that you grease the hubs sparingly. Over-lubricating the hub will result in pre-mature seal failure, and an excessive amount of grease in the hub cap/commutator. On an interval of 150 hours, 1-2 strokes of grease should be sufficient. grease zerk Figure 7.
Pub.# OM17-OpticMapper Procedure #8: Bearing Repair and Replacement The coulter electrode hubs operate in a significantly harsh environment, and annual inspection is of utmost importance. The double-lip seals are designed to keep grease in, and contaminates out, but they are the cause of practically all hub failures. It is advisable to disassemble, clean and repair annually.
Pub.# OM17-OpticMapper Procedure #9: Removing EC Surveyor Cover: Microchip Replacement and 3100 to 3150 Resistor Change It may be necessary to open the EC Surveyor to perform one of the service functions listed below. Disconnect power cable. Remove four screws in front end plate, and pull end plate slightly to free up top panel. Be careful not to pull too hard and disconnect any wires. Figures 9.2 a and b. Slide top panel out to reveal circuits. Figure 9.
Pub.# OM17-OpticMapper Replacing microchip. If microchip fails, or if unit needs updated firmware, it will be necessary to remove chip and replace with new one. Before chip removal and installation, touch grounded metal to discharge your static electricity. Remove chip with pliers or chip puller. Install new chip, making sure that notch in plastic housing is to the right. Be careful to not damage pins of new chip as it is installed Figure 9.4 notch notch Figure 9.5 a and b.
Pub.# OM17-OpticMapper Figures 9.5 a, b, c 9a: Resistor installed for 2000XA and 3100 models; 9b and c: position for 3150 models: resistor in storage position—not being used; 9c resistor removed Resistor can be removed or installed by hand as shown below. Figure 9.
Pub.# OM17-OpticMapper Procedure #10: Optical Wear plate and Side Wear plate replacement. 1. Remove the bolts attaching the optical sensor assembly to the row unit. 2 2. Remove the hex screws attaching the side plates to the optical sensor. 3. To remove wear plate, unscrew the hex bolts on the top of the optical sensor as shown in figure 10.2 1 4. Now to replace the wear place, ensure the O-ring is seated in the o-ring grove as shown in figure 10.3. Figure 10.1 5.
