Tractor sat nav/ gps

[Alan young]

Hello folks just wondering for the farmers who aren't huge into arable and simply want too keep parallel when spraying grass weeds for example what's a good system you are employing ... are the GPS systems becoming more affordable for the basic systems ect any way too keep track of your lines on a smart fone ect just curios how other crack the problem cheers

 

[Phil P]

I run a teejet centreline 230BP in the sprayer, does basic guidance (straight and curve track) and also works the section control. Nothing fancy but does the job.

 

[Xiaomi]

I use Field Navigator app on Android. Allows you to set the working width of the implement. Accurate enough for all that I need.
I've all my fields setup in the app. Simple to use. I think it does AB lines too, but I just turn it on and drive around the field and use it to ensure I'm not missing anything or heavily overlapping.

You can also save each field coverage in the app and put some notes against it etc.

 

[sheepdip]

I have the OnTrak gadget from Agricision which links to my iPhone. Works really well for me and does all that I need on a mainly grass farm. Happy to recommend it.

 

[Estate fencing.]

I have the OnTrak gadget from Agricision which links to my iPhone. Works really well for me and does all that I need on a mainly grass farm. Happy to recommend it.

Iv got one of those on iPad for spraying, fert and splitting out for mowing. Very simple and cheap.

 

[Weare Cham]

I have a used Patchwork Blackbox 510 for sale if you are interested.

 

[DrDunc]

I've bought a 10hz update GPS module with external antenna input, a Bluetooth module, and a USB powered regulated voltage supply. Cost £60

Antenna is a high gain external dome powered from the GPS module connection, from China, £110

Running "agribus Navi" which is a free app on an Android tablet

Total cost of the whole thing including tablet is less than £400


Now, if I could only figure out how to get the GPS module programmed to output data to the Bluetooth module, it will be tremendous


Using a 25 year old Bluetooth receiver connected to the external antenna, I've got pass to pass accuracy of sub 20cm, but the 1hz update is too slow. That's why I've bought the GPS and Bluetooth modules to make my own receiver that will connect to the Android tablet

Plan is to learn how to make it work this winter, and share how on here

Don't see why us livestock farmers need in this day and age to still be paying £1000s for what is nothing more than a lightbar guidance that's only slightly more accurate than fixing bags to fence posts each end of the field

 

[sheepdogtrail]

I too have not found a business application for 2.5 cm or better accuracy. For now, my eyes work well enough with the memory map that is in my head. At some point, those two will not work so well for me anymore and I will need to embrace something if I keep going for the next 135 years.

In a way, I am glad that technology is where it is today as when I do need it to do task in the future it might offer me more applications and functionality than what I can get and use today.

@DrDunc , that sounds like a good project. I hope it works out for. I might be able to help if you need something. When you get to it, just ping me with any issues on the integration. I will check out agribus Navi and see what it is capable of.