EasyCheck mobile digital test kit

For fertiliser spreaders with Smartphone App

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For checking the lateral distribution of a fertiliser spreader, AMAZONE has, up to now, offered the end user a mobile test kit, consisting of either 8 or 16 collecting trays which are positioned across the tramline in the overlap zone. After spreading, and the quantities thus collected in the trays, relevant conclusions as to the lateral distribution can be drawn with the aid of the measuring cylinders provided. On the basis of this result then any necessary readjustment of the spreader is then carried out. Thanks to this check kit, the farmer can individually optimise the lateral distribution of a specific type of fertiliser to be spread and at the desired working width.

So far, however, the checking of the lateral distribution of the fertiliser was fairly complicated as the large-dimensioned collecting trays required a precise alignment and at pre-determined distances. In light of this, the transport, positioning and alignment of every individual collecting tray in this way was extremely time-consuming.

EasyCheck very much simplifies the checking of the lateral distribution of the fertiliser spreader. Instead of the normal collecting trays, lightweight rubber collecting mats (40 x 60 cm) are laid out in four rows at pre-determined spacings across the tramline instead. Then for calibration via the EasyCheck App, a picture is taken of the fertiliser in the fertiliser hopper with the Smartphone. After spreading over the test area, the 16 mats with the collected fertiliser grains again are photographed with the Smartphone. The App now automatically compares how much fertiliser has been collected on the mats and sets the results of the individual rows as a percentage ratio. On the basis of this evaluation, the accuracy of the spread pattern can be easily checked. In cases where an optimum spreading result is not achieved, the App automatically suggests a readjustment of the spreading disc speed or of the delivery system on the ZA-TS or, on the ZA-V, a change in the throwing vane position.

With the new EasyCheck mobile digital test kit, available from summer 2016, a check on the lateral distribution of the fertiliser can now be carried out – quickly and simply – directly in the field. Of special advantage is the easy transport of the collecting mats which do not take up much space and so can be easily transported with the spreader or in the tractor. This will result in a significantly higher acceptance by customers and a greater take up rate of the test kit in practice.

1) Mats positioned to collect the fertiliser granules

• The mats are positioned in the field at four points outwards from the centre of the tramline until the middle of the working width

• At each location 4 mats are placed one behind the other

2) Fertiliser is spread

3) Pictures taken of the individual mats via Smartphone

4) Picture processing and evaluation in the Smartphone (detection and counting of the fertiliser granules)

5) Display of the lateral distribution and a proposal for the improved adjustment

Main advantages of EasyCheck

Benefits to the user

+ Mobile digital test kit suitable for anyone

• From the simplest equipped spreader up to high-end machines

+ Free of charge Smartphone App with cost effective mats

• Wider utilisation

• Broader acceptance

• Lowest cost

+ Significantly simplified and accelerated procedure

• Space saving transport in the tractor cab

• Approximately 7 minutes for a result

Advantages in

+ Operation and timeliness as well as in higher work rates

• Quick and simple handling in operation

• Simple transport of the flexible rubber mats

• Automatic evaluation with calculation of any improved spreader adjustments

+ Environmental practice and energy utilisation

• Avoidance of any over-fertilised zones

• Exploitation of the full yield potential by avoiding any under-fertilisation

+ Simplified operation and improved accuracy

• The accuracy of the spreader is increased by using EasyCheck

• EasyCheck significantly eases the checking of the lateral distribution in the field by simple transport and utilisation