Tillage Depth Control Technical Operation Manual

Tillage Depth Control Technical Operation Manual

Copyright 2018 by NORAC Systems International Inc. Reorder P/N: 411563 Rev A

NOTICE: NORAC Systems International Inc. reserves the right to improve products and their specifications without notice and without the requirement to update products sold previously. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this manual. The technical information in this manual was reviewed at the time of approval for publication.

Page 3 Visit www.solutions.norac.ca for more system installation and troubleshooting info.

Table of Contents

1 Safety Precautions............................................................................................................................................................................. 4

2 Technical Specifications .................................................................................................................................................................... 6

3 UC7™ Menu Structure ....................................................................................................................................................................... 7

4 Icon Descriptions ............................................................................................................................................................................. 13

5 Activation Code ............................................................................................................................................................................... 17

6 System Setup ................................................................................................................................................................................... 19

7 UC7™ Operation .............................................................................................................................................................................. 26

8 Settings and Adjustments ............................................................................................................................................................... 29

9 Firmware Updates ........................................................................................................................................................................... 31

10 UC7™ System Maintenance ............................................................................................................................................................ 33

11 Contacting Support ......................................................................................................................................................................... 36


1 Safety Precautions

The UC7™ Tillage Depth Control system will greatly improve your tilling depth accuracy. The system allows for automatic adjustment that will contour your till to the terrain while preventing implement burials in wet or uneven terrain. UC7™ Tillage Depth Control will give an even till for better soil management and planting conditions, as well as keeping the implement moving in field where an uncontrolled system would get stuck.

Important Under no circumstances should any service work be performed on the machinery while the UC7™ Tillage Depth Control system is in automatic mode.

Always ensure that the UC7™ Tillage Depth Control system is powered down or in manual mode:

Before leaving the operator’s seat.

While the machine is not moving.

When transporting the machine.

Before working on any part of the tillage implement:

Set the UC7™ system to manual mode.

Turn the implement engine off.


To fully understand your new system and use it to its fullest capacity it is recommended that you read this manual. This manual provides a general overview, key features, operating instructions, assistance with system setup, regular maintenance recommendations, and troubleshooting.

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this document at the time of publication. TOPCON Agriculture assumes no responsibility for omissions and errors. Nor is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of information contained herein.

If you have any questions, feedback, or comments regarding the UC7™ Tillage Depth Control system, please contact us.

Phone: 888 979 9509

E‐mail: [email protected]

Web: www.norac.ca


2 Technical Specifications

Table 1: System Specifications

Supply Voltage (rated) 12VDC Supply Current (rated) 10A

Hydraulic Pressure (maximum) 3300 psi Baud Rate 250 kbps

Operating Temperature Range 0°C to 80°C

The 10A fuse on the power cable may be replaced by the operator if needed. The replacement fuse must be rated to blow in less than 120 seconds at 200% and be ANSI/UL248‐14 or better.

Table 2: Replacement Fuse

NORAC Part Number 106676 Manufacturer Part Number Littelfuse – 0287010.PXCN


3 UC7™ Menu Structure

Diagnostics

Settings

Hydraulic

Sensors

Versions


Options

Setup

Setup: Sensors

Setup: Valves

AutomaticSetup

Sensors

Reset Zero Point

Valves


USB

AdvancedSettings

Activation

ManualActivation

FileActivation Activation : File

Activation : Manual Entry


3.1. Setup: Sensors

Sensor PositionSensors


3.2. Setup: Valves

Valves

ValvePosition

ValvePosition


3.3. Activation: File

Activation:File

3.4. Activation: Manual

Activation:ManualEntry


4 Icon Descriptions

The following tables illustrate and describe the icons used in the display. These icons may look different depending on the type of display.

Table 3: Soft Key Icons

Icon Name Description

Check Confirms selection or completion of a step

Error Indicates when there is an error

Next Navigates to the next page

Previous Navigates to the previous page

Home This button always returns directly to the run screen

Manual Mode (Active) Indicates the system is in manual mode

Manual Mode (Inactive) Changes system to manual mode when the system is in automatic mode


Automatic Mode (Active) Indicates the system is in automatic mode

Automatic Mode (Inactive) Changes system to automatic mode when the system is in manual mode

Settings Navigates to the settings screen

Cancel Cancels current selection or operation

Setup Diagnostics Navigates to the setup diagnostic screen

Move to Next UT Move the UC7™ screen to a different UT

Pre‐activation Navigates to the pre‐activation screen


Table 4: Button Icons

Icon Name Description

Setup Navigates to the automatic/manual setup screen

Options Navigates to the options screen

USB Navigates to the system update screen

Advanced Settings Navigates to the advanced settings

Automatic Setup Starts an automatic setup

Reset Zero Point Navigates to the reset zero point screen

Sensor Setup/ Diagnostics Navigates to the manual sensor setup or sensor diagnostics screens

Valve Setup/ Diagnostics Navigates to the manual valve setup or hydraulic diagnostics screens

Versions Navigates to the UC7™ devices versions screen

System Update Navigates to the system update screen


Activation Navigates to the activation screen

File activation Navigates to the file activation screen

Manual activation Navigates to the manual activation screen


5 Activation Code

The NORAC UC7™ Tillage Depth Control system requires an activation code before it can be used. The activation code is included with the purchase of a complete kit. It can be found on the HCM1 packaging carton and inside the operator’s manual. Each code is individually generated and will only work with the HCM1 that it was shipped with.

To enter the activation code, locate the activation code on the HCM1 packaging carton or inside the front cover of the operator’s manual and follow the steps below.

Power on the display terminal. The first screen should prompt for an automatic setup. Press the gear button [G] to navigate to the pre‐activation screen.

In the pre‐activation screen, press the lock button [V].


In the activation screen, select the keyboard button [V].

Enter the activation code.


6 System Setup

NOTE: Some functions and features may not be available for all tillage implements. Consult your sales representative or technical support with any questions or concerns.

6.1. Initial Start Up On the initial startup and after confirming the legal disclaimer, a screen will appear informing the operator that an automatic setup must be performed. After confirming this screen, the automatic setup will begin. The automatic setup reminder at startup will also be shown each time a firmware update is performed. Alternately follow the steps below to access the Automatic Setup

6.2. Navigating to the UC7™ Setup Menu To perform the automatic system setup, the user must navigate to the setup screen. The system must be in manual mode to perform setups. If this is the initial startup, the automatic setup will begin after the automatic setup notification screen.

When the system is in manual mode, select the settings [G] button.


Select the next [F] button.

Select the setup [U] button.

The setup screen will be displayed. Automatic Setup can be selected.


6.3. Automatic System Setup CAUTION: People and equipment must be clear of tillage implement.

Unfold the tillage implement in a location that is relatively level and where the sensors are over bare soil or gravel. Do not conduct the setup over standing crop, weeds or grass. Also, avoid concrete or asphalt surfaces. Follow the screen prompts to complete the setup.

Ensure the raise and lower and fore and aft, if present, are functioning properly and smoothly. Friction on wear surfaces can be relieved using lubricants (grease, etc.) or adjustment.

For best results, the hydraulic system should be under a normal load and at a normal working temperature.

Ensure any hydraulic flow controls are adjusted for normal field operation.

Changing the hydraulic flow controls after or during the system setup will affect the UC7™ performance.

Choose make, model, and sub‐model.


Follow the on‐screen instructions.

Lower and level the tool on the ground.

Max. depth (negative value). Max. lift height. Refer to 6.4.6& 6.4.7


6.4. Options Menu NOTE: Some functions and features may not be available for all tillage implement makes and models. Consult your sales representative or

technical support with any questions or concerns.

Navigate to the UC7™ settings menu (Section 7.1) and choose options [V] as shown in Figure 1. The first screen of the options menu is shown in Figure 2.

Figure 1: Options Menu

Figure 2: First Options Screen

6.4.1. Remote Switches When remote switches are enabled, the UC7™ system can be put into automatic or manual mode using external switches. For more information on setting up remote switches, refer to www.solutions.norac.ca (Section 11). Remote switches should be defaulted ON.


6.4.2. Main Lift Trigger If the main lift trigger is enabled, the feature selected will be engaged when the main up switch is pressed and disengaged when the main down switch is pressed while in automatic mode.

6.4.3. Remote Auto Trigger Enabling the remote auto trigger will allow a separate switch to trigger another feature. This switch must be a momentary type switch. Remote auto is an input line located on the UC7™ module. If remote auto trigger is enabled, the remote switches will also be enabled.

While in manual mode, if the system voltage (+12 VDC) is momentarily applied to the remote auto line, the system will switch to automatic mode. While in automatic mode, each time the system voltage is momentarily applied to the remote auto line, the system will change between automatic mode and the feature selected.

6.4.4. Headland Assist™ Headland Assist™ is used to raise the tillage implement up at the end of the field or any other time necessary to raise the gangs out of the soil. This feature operates when the system is in automatic mode. The headland height can be adjusted on the settings screen. When triggered again, the entire implement will return to automatic mode. Headland Assist™ can be set up to be triggered under the main lift trigger (up and down arrows on main run screen) or the remote auto trigger (switchbox).

6.4.5. Setpoint Bump When this option is enabled, the raise and lower arrows are used to increase/decrease the target height by 0.2” (5mm) while running in automatic mode.


6.4.6. Maximum Depth The maximum depth indicates the deepest mechanical depth the tillage implement could achieve. This feature allows the operator to set a maximum depth that will not be exceeded by the automatic control system. The system will not be able to engage in automatic mode if a target depth is set deeper than the maximum depth. This value is a negative (‐ve) number.

Figure 3: Second Options Screen

6.4.7. Maximum Height The maximum height indicates the highest mechanical height the tillage implement could achieve. This height should include out of ground travel and will not be able to be exceeded by an automatic mode target height or a Headland Assist™ height.


7 UC7™ Operation

7.1. Initial Power Up On the initial startup and after confirming the legal disclaimer, a screen will appear informing the operator that an automatic setup must be performed. After confirming this screen, the automatic setup will begin. The automatic setup reminder at startup will also be shown each time a firmware update is performed. Refer to Section 6.

7.2. Run Screen Once the system is correctly configured, it is very simple to use. After confirming the legal disclaimer, the run screen will appear. For a universal terminal, select the UC7™ icon from the display’s start up screen. At the top of the screen is an interactive box with the tillage control target depth value and two arrows that can be used to manually lift the implement up and down. On the bottom half of the screen is an interactive box with the fore/aft control target value and two curved arrows to manually control the fore/aft.

When two or more universal terminals are connected on the display bus, the move to next UT button will appear on the soft key area of the run screen. This button allows the user to select the preferred terminal on which to display the UC7™ screen. By pressing this button, the UC7™ screen will move to next available terminal.

To change between automatic and manual mode, select the corresponding AUTO (A) or MANUAL (M) button.


Figure 4: NORAC UC7™ Run Screen – Manual Mode

Figure 5: NORAC UC7™ Run Screen – Automatic Mode

NOTE: The fore/aft is not available on all setups.

7.3. Implement Manual Buttons With the UC7™ Tillage Depth Control system, manual functions of the implement are all controlled through the TOPCON hydraulic block. When the raise or lower arrows on the main run screen are pressed, the corresponding buttons on the display are outlined in green and the system will be switched to manual mode. (Note: When setpoint bump is enabled the button must be activated for two (2) seconds before switching to manual mode.

The fore (‐) and aft (+) arrows are the manual control for the fore/aft tilt of the implement, this is not present on all implements. While in automatic mode, the fore or aft tilt of the implement can be adjusted without switching the system to manual mode.

Raise/Lower Control

Diagnostic Button [J] Fore/Aft Status

Settings Button [G]

Manual Button [I]

Target Depth

Auto Button [F]

Target Angle Fore/Aft Control

Depth Status


7.4. Settings

Figure 6: Settings Screen

Sensitivity: The sensitivity setting can be adjusted from 1 to 10, with 5 being the default setting. The recommended setting is from 5 – 8. A lower setting (1 ‐ 4) is conservative and will reduce the system sensitivity. A higher setting (9 – 10) is aggressive and will increase the system sensitivity.

Headland Height: The headland height is the height that the implement will raise to when the Headland Assist™ feature is engaged. Headland Assist™ is used to raise the tillage implement up at the end of the field or any other time necessary to raise the gangs out of the soil. This feature operates when the system is in automatic mode. When enabled pressing the remote auto (A) switch (or main lift button) will activate Headland Assist™ and raise the implement. Pressing the same switch again will return the implement to the setpoint.


8 Settings and Adjustments

8.1. Adjusting Slow Speed Needle Valve Adjust the slow speed needle valve to 1 inch per second (25mm/s). Activate the valve using the GAIN test in the valve settings screen. Press and hold the SPEED button to drive the valve for one second. When complete, the change in height will be displayed.

8.2. Valve Settings Fine tuning the system can be done by adjusting the valve settings.

Note: During Automatic control the values are affected by many parameters such as sensitivity setting and distance from set‐point.

DEADZONE: Minimum amount of time in milliseconds the valve will activate. If a valve is not operating long enough to create the desired motion, the value can be increased. The value can be reduced if the function operates too long.

GAIN: The larger the value the longer the controller will activate a function for the same amount of error. If a function is overshooting, the gain may be too high.


8.3. Zero Reset When the implement is modified (ex: new openers, shovels), the zero height of the control system should be reset through the Settings/Setup screen.

Unfold the tillage implement in a location that is relatively level and where the sensors are over bare soil or gravel. Do not conduct the zero reset over standing crop, weeds, grass, or concrete or asphalt surfaces. Follow the screen prompts to complete the setup.


9 Firmware Updates

To update the firmware of the UC7™ Tillage Depth Control system, follow the steps below:

Insert a USB drive loaded with the DXXXXXXX.npk update file into the USB connector on the HCM1. The LED marked Other will be solid green when the USB is recognized.

Navigate to the settings menu (Section 7.1), select the USB [W] button.


Select the update file to use. Press the check button [F].

Wait while the system updates.

Press the check button [F] to restart the system when the update is complete. An automatic setup will need to be performed each time a firmware update is completed.


10 UC7™ System Maintenance

10.1. Daily Maintenance Sensors:

• Foam ‐ Ensure there is a clean and dry foam inserted into each sensor. • Mesh ‐ Ensure that the mesh is clean and free from debris.

Figure 7: Ultrasonic Sensor with Foam

Figure 8: Ultrasonic Sensor with Mesh


10.2. Cleaning Ultrasonic Height Sensors Foam:

• Remove the foam disc from the sensor and wash it with clean water. Squeeze out water and allow the foam disc to dry. • If the transducer inside the sensor is also dirty, wipe it using a clean, damp cloth. Do not submerge or pressure‐wash the

sensor.

Mesh: • Wipe the mesh covering with a clean, damp cloth. If the mesh is heavily soiled and/or if the sensor is not reporting height

readings, remove the blue clip holding the mesh in place. Wash the mesh with clean water using a clean cloth and allow it to dry. Avoid creasing or crumpling the mesh when cleaning. See Figure 9 and Figure 10 for examples of soiled and clean mesh. The soiling can best be seen when holding the mesh up to a light source.

• If the transducer inside the sensor is also dirty, wipe it using a clean, damp cloth. Do not submerge or pressure‐wash the sensor.

Figure 9: Soiled Mesh

Figure 10: Clean Mesh


Chemicals or compressed air should never be used.

The sensor can be used if it is wet, however a valid height reading may not be obtained until it is completely dry.

A replacement mesh/clip kit can be ordered using the part number below:

Part Number Name Quantity

45021 US SENSOR MESH/CLIP FIELD UPDATE KIT 1


11 Contacting Support

NORAC Solutions: http://solutions.norac.ca

Service and Support: 888 979 9509

Email: [email protected]

Please have the following information available: • Product model: UC7™ • Installation date • Tillage implement make and model • Customer information: name and location • HCM1 module serial number and firmware version

Documents

Tillage Depth Control Technical Operation Manual