MACHINERY GUIDE
Machinery Guide is another firm that has gone down the Android app route, but it offers a few more configuration options than some others. That means buyers can pay for the
software only and supply their own GPS receiver – such as Emlid’s Reach RS real- time kinematic base station – or go for one of the Hungarian company’s offerings. The first of these is the entry-level 10Hz
unit that offers 20-30cm (8-12in) accuracy via the standard GPS service with a correction signal. There is also a more accurate option, which uses a dual-band antenna on the roof and precise point positioning correction to improve accuracy to 10-20cm (4-8in). Both units communicate with the
Android device via Bluetooth and come with an antenna that needs to be mounted on the vehicle’s roof. They are powered from a dual USB power socket in the cab. The software itself offers the ability to set up A-B lines and record individual jobs, and it has a digital lightbar as well as bout markers. A licence to download and use the software only costs $177 plus VAT.
SYSTEM SUMMARY Components: Tablet and GPS receiver Compatibility:Android Accuracy: 20-30cm or 10-20cm Subscription fees: None Prices: $663-$1,019 plus VAT, includes receiver but not tablet
EFARMER FIELDBEE
The eFarmer app was developed in the Netherlands by a team of Ukrainian IT specialists and offers entry-level and real- time kinematic guidance through an Android device. The software can be downloaded to most Android tablets or phones, but unlike most others that are free or have a one-off fee, eFarmer has a $119/year subscription. It offers the ability to put in straight or curved A-B lines, map fields and record the area worked. Buyers will also need the firm’s Fieldbee
roof-mounted GPS sensor that offers guidance accuracy of 20-50cm (8-20in). This works off the standard combination of GPS with a correction signal. The Fieldbee receiver is battery-powered, meaning no cables are required, and it can connect to a local real-time kinetic (RTK) network. The eFarmer system also offers its own
portable RTK base station that works in tandem with the Fieldbee receiver. It provides a correction of the GPS signal, increasing accuracy to 0-4cm (0-1.5in). It is also possible to use the system in conjunction with an autosteer kit.
SYSTEM SUMMARY Components: Android tablet, GPS receiver, optional RTK base station Compatibility: Android Accuracy: 20-30cm or 10-20cm Subscription fees: $119/year plus VAT Prices: $831 plus VAT for GPS sensor
AGRIBUS-NAVI
Agribus-Navi offers one of the cheapest forms of guidance with its free Android app for tablets and smartphones. This is ad-supported though, so if you
want to stop adverts flicking up on the screen you’ll need to buy a $60/year subscription. This is available through the Google Play store. The app offers a basic guidance system
to assist with straight driving, but it doesn’t work with autosteer systems. Later versions of the app are promised to have more functions such as task management. Although the app will work on its own,
its accuracy is severely hampered by the quality of the phone or tablet’s GPS. Therefore, it will need to be used in conjunction with a Bluetooth or USB GPS/ GNSS receiver. Recommended units include the Hemisphere A325 and Dual XGPS160. However, it should work with several other units, including Emlid’s Reach RS real- time kinetic base station. Another free competitor app called Field
Navigator can also be used alone or paired with a GPS receiver to give cheap-and- cheerful guidance service.
SYSTEM SUMMARY Components: Android tablet, GPS receiver, optional RTK base station Compatibility:Android Accuracy: Varies Subscription fees: None Prices: Free; $60/year for no adverts
▶ FUTURE FARMING | 9 NOVEMBER 2017 37
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