Veris MSP EC Operating Instructions

Operating Instructions

Mobile Sensor Platform

Table of Contents

General Information Section

P. 2 Warranty and Safety P. 4 Instrument—installation and set-up P. 5 File Management—data downloading and transfer P. 7 GPS trouble-shooting P. 8 Instrument firmware update procedure

Soil EC Surveyor

P. 10 Installation and set-up P. 12 Field Operations P. 15 Maintenance and Lubrication P. 21 Troubleshooting

pH Manager

P. 22 Installation and set-up P. 25 Field Operations

p. 27 Adjusting sampling depth

p. 28 Other adjustments p. 30 pH electrode calibration p. 33 Collecting pH data p. 39 Clean-up

P. 40 Maintenance and Lubrication P. 45 Troubleshooting

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VERIS Mobilized Sensor Platform (MSP)

(Software Version MSP 1.02a)

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. Veris Technologies will have shall have no obligation under this warranty for the cost of labor, down-time, transportation charges, or for the repair or replacement of any product that has been misused, carelessly handled, modified, or altered.

ALL OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, WHETHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND ALL CLAIMS FOR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, ARE SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMED AND EXCLUDED.

Safety

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Important! Read the following SAFETY PROCEDURES before operating the Veris MSP:

• Read and understand all instructions on safety decals

• Before filling tank with gasoline, let engine cool. Gas vapors can ignite and an explosion can occur.

• 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.

• Wear protective gloves and safety glasses or goggles when working with hydraulic and highpressure wash systems.

• If an accident occurs, see a doctor immediately. Any fluid injected into the skin must be surgically removed within a few hours or gangrene may result.

• 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.

• Detach and store implements in an area where children normally do not play. Secure implement by

using blocks and supports.

• Read Operations Manual before operating machine

• Review safety instructions with operators before operating machine and at least annually

• Never stand on or use tire as a step

• Do not tow the implement on public roads without the optional light package, or without the proper

safety equipment and licensing as required by your State Department of Transportation. Always use safety chain.

• Riders obstruct the operator’s view. They could be struck by foreign objects or thrown from the

machine.

• Never allow children to operate equipment.

• To prevent possible electrical shock, or damage to the instrument, do not connect to any power

source greater than twelve (12) volts DC.

• Do not grease or oil implement while it is in operation.

• Disk edges are sharp. Be careful when working in this area.

• Disconnect battery ground cable (-) before servicing or adjusting electrical systems or before

welding on implement.

• Remove buildup of mud, oil or debris.

• Be prepared if a fire starts.

• Keep a first aid kit and fire extinguisher handy.

Instrument Installation and Set-up

Protective case

EC and pH Instrument

Mounting Bracket

Power Cable

Trouble-shooting items: Included with EC module:

EC signal test load EC continuity test box

Included with pH module: pH simulator fuse kit

Keep these along with the Operating Instructions with the unit whenever collecting data.

serial port for GPS signal cable

serial port for pH signal cable or file transfer

power

switch

power cable

port

signal port for

E.C signal

cable or test

load

The Veris Instrument Kit includes the following items:

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Mount instrument in a location that is as free as possible from dust, vibration, and electrical interference. Display should be visible to operator and shielded from direct sunlight.

Below is a rear view of the instrument

Connect GPS cable to GPS INPUT serial port on back of instrument. The Veris instrument is designed to accept GPS input in NMEA format via an RS232 connector. Note: GPS signals are frequently affected by electrical interference from magneto electrical systems. If your vehicle uses a

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magneto, consider powering the Veris instrument with a 12-volt battery or converting to an alternator system.

The Veris MSP is shipped with an accessory power plug. 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. in-line fuse is installed between the battery and the instrument. Important – Do not allow moisture to enter the instrument, and do not pass strong magnets near the unit.

Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at their own expense.

Changes and modifications not expressly approved by Veris Technologies could void the user’s

authority to operate the Veris MSP.

File Management

Data is stored in the Veris instrument on a flash memory chip and simultaneously on a removable CompactFlash (CF) card. The File Management option is used to re-copy data files from the

instrument’s flash memory to the CF card and to delete files from either the instrument or the CF

card.

Downloading Data

When you are ready to stop collecting data to the file, press 4.

The unit is telling you that you have finished creating files and that the files have been saved on both the Instrument’s flash memory and the removable CF card You may shut the power off at this point. Use the included USB CF card reader to transfer files from the CF card to your computer. Before

transferring files for the first time, follow the manufacturer’s directions for installing any necessary

drivers for the USB reader. Follow these steps to transfer files from the CF card to your computer:

1) Shut off your instrument. Always turn the instrument off before removing the CF card.

2) Remove the CF card from the instrument and insert it into the USB reader.

3) Connect the USB reader to your computer.

4) Transfer the data files from the CF card to your computer using File Manager.

5) Left mouse click on the green arrow in your computer’s system tray and again on the button “Stop USB Mass Storage Device”.

6) Click “OK” on the window that appears. It is now safe to remove the card reader from your computer and re-insert it in to your instrument.

**NOTE: The instrument WILL NOT function without the CF card inserted. If the instrument is turned on without the CF card inserted, the display will only show black bars on the first line. If this occurs, shut down the instrument, insert the CF card, and restart the Instrument.

**NOTE: DO NOT leave the CF card and USB card reader connected to your computer when shutting down or restarting your computer.

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Long.

Lat.

E.C. Shallow

E.C. Deep

Elevation

-88.7579

43.49488

2.2

5.9

291.2

Long.

Lat.

Electrode 1 (mV)

Electrode 2 (mV)

Elevation

Speed

-88.7579

43.49488

-20

-25

291.2

4.5

Long.

Lat.

Electrode 1 (mV)

Electrode 2 (mV)

Controller state

-88.7579

43.49488

-20

-25

LONGITUDE

LATITUDE

TIME

ALTITUDE

SPEED

Sample

Flag

-88.7579

43.49488

6.75

8.5

291.2

4.5 1

accepted

rejected

settling

range

difference

216 1 0 5

mean time

mean speed

6.8

5.1 pH1 mean

pH2 mean

7.00

pH1 SD

pH2 SD

0.002

0.000

pH1 start

pH1 end

7.00

pH2 start

pH2 end

7.00

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About the Veris EC output file format Veris EC data is output as a 5 column ASCII text file. Column A: longitude, B: latitude, C: EC Shallow Array (mS/m), D: EC Deep Array (mS/m), E: DGPS elevation (meters):

About the Veris pH output file formats 3 files are created during pH data acquisition: one containing the raw millivolt readings of the electrodes in soil (VPHL000.DAT), one containing the millivolt readings of the electrodes during the wash sequence (VPHW000.DAT), and one containing the final settled smoothed soil pH readings (VPHE000.DAT). A formatting example of each file type follows: Raw soil millivolts (VPHLXXX.DAT):

Wash sequence millivolts (VPHWXXX.DAT):

Extracted soil pH (VPHEXXX.DAT):

The extracted file also contains 5 columns of file statistics at its end offset from the normal data:

The extracted pH file contains the coordinates of the reading’s location, the settled, averaged pH

reading, the time the reading took to settle, the readings’ elevation, the speed the vehicle was moving at the time the sample was taken, the reading’s sequence number, and the reading’s flag sequence

number if the point was flagged during Data Acquisition. The statistics at the end of the file break

down how many points were considered “good” by the extraction routine and how many were rejected

and the reason for rejection. A point can be rejected for 3 reasons: 1. The readings did not settle in the maximum time allowed; 2. The readings were outside of a reasonable pH range (less than 3.5 or greater than 9.5); or 3. There was more than a 0.5 pH difference between the electrodes.

Downloading/deleting old files

This section deals with how to download and delete old files. Veris Technologies recommends that you do not delete any files until they have been saved to a hard disk drive and properly backed up. Once you have done this, it’s a good idea to delete the files from the Veris instrument. This will ensure that you have enough available memory to store the new map files you are creating. It is also recommended that you delete any files that you make while setting up or checking out the system, especially files with no data on them, such as those you make while testing the DGPS signal reception. At the display:

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This is the second window you will see after powering up the unit. Select 3 to download or delete files that are stored on the Instrument or the removable CF card.

Select option 1 to copy all data files stored in the Instrument’s memory to the removable CF card. The instrument will proceed to copy every data file stored on the instrument to the CF card. Select option 2 to delete ALL data files from the Instrument’s memory. The next window displayed will be a confirmation screen:

Make sure all data files are backed up to a secure location (i.e. desktop or laptop PC) before pressing 1 to delete ALL files from the Instrument.

Select option 3 from the previous menu to delete ALL files from the removable CF card. The next window displayed will be a confirmation screen:

Make sure all data files are backed up to a secure location (i.e. desktop or laptop PC) before pressing 1 to delete ALL files from the CF card.

GPS Troubleshooting

This is a problem-solving guide for the user who is not able to obtain a position from the GPS when it is connected to the Veris MSP instrument. Note that when the system is working properly, the DGPS indicator should appear on the left-hand side of the instrument display and the instrument should not beep when the vehicle is in motion (provided the conductivity readings are positive).

GPS Settings

1. Make sure that the GPS is plugged into the proper DB-9 input. Looking at the back of the instrument, the GPS should be plugged into the leftmost input port. A null modem adapter should not be used.

2. Make sure that the GPS has power and has been turned on long enough to start outputting data. Some units may require a couple minutes to start while others may require much longer.

3. Make sure the GPS output is at 4800 baud, 8 data bits, no parity and 1 stop bit. (note: set parity to “None”, not “zero”)

4. Make sure the GPS is set to output NMEA-0183 messages that include the GGA and VTG or RMC string. The GGA string provides the position and fix quality while the VTG or RMC string provides the speed. Make sure the update rate is set at 1 Hz.

5. If your settings appear correct, but the position still does not appear on the Veris instrument, use a laptop to monitor the GPS signal to verify its integrity. If the signal appears properly on a laptop, it should work on the instrument as well. To do this, a) plug the GPS output into the laptop serial input and then start the “HyperTerminal” program

under “Accessories” in Windows. b) click on the icon called “hypertrm.exe” to establish a connection. c) Type in “gps” when the program prompts you for the name of your connection and then hit

“OK”.

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d) 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. e) 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.

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 $GPGSA,A,3,09,23,21,17,08,01,03,29,,,,,2.6,1.3,2.3*39 $GPRMC,191528.00,A,3851.0333,N,09737.2342,W,0.1,0.0,090998,6.3,E*48

If GPS data doesn’t appear, recheck the port and configuration settings to make sure they are

correct. If the data won’t appear correctly in HyperTerminal, consult your GPS supplier to see what

adjustments (connectors or software) are necessary to bring the signal into a computer. On the other hand, if the signal appears correctly on HyperTerminal and it shows that the required strings are being output, retry the unit with the Veris instrument. If it still doesn’t work, please call Veris at 785825-1978 to see how we can help solve the problem.

Updating Instrument Firmware

Steps for updating the Veris Instrument firmware:

1. Shut Instrument off and remove CompactFlash card. Always turn the

instrument off before removing the CF card.

2. Insert CompactFlash card into CompactFlash card USB reader.

3. Plug USB reader into computer.

4. Copy the file VERIS.EXE from your computer to the CompactFlash card.

5. Left mouse click on the green arrow in your computer’s system tray and again

on the button “Stop USB Mass Storage Device”.

6. Click “OK” on the window that appears. It is now safe to remove the card

reader from your computer.

7. Insert CompactFlash card into the Instrument and restart the Instrument.

During bootup, the following screen will appear:

8. Press (1) to continue with the update procedure. Press 2 to continue to the

main title screen.

9. After the Instrument is done updating, the following screen will appear:

10. Restart the Instrument. The new firmware will be running. During the update

process, the VERIS.EXE file is deleted from the CompactFlash card so these

screens will not be seen when the Instrument restarts.

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Running Utility Files

Utility files can be run from the CompactFlash card to perform various tasks. Here are the general instructions for running utility files:

1. Shut Instrument off and remove CompactFlash card. Always turn the

instrument off before removing the CF card.

2. Insert CompactFlash card into CompactFlash card USB reader.

3. Plug USB reader into computer.

4. Copy the file VERIS.BAT from your computer to the CompactFlash card.

5. Left mouse click on the green arrow in your computer’s system tray and again

on the button “Stop USB Mass Storage Device”.

6. Click “OK” on the window that appears. It is now safe to remove the card

reader from your computer.

7. Insert CompactFlash card into the Instrument and restart the Instrument.

During bootup, the following screen will appear:

**NOTE: The instrument WILL NOT function without the CF card inserted. If the

instrument is turned on without the CF card inserted, the display will only

show black bars on the first line. If this occurs, shut down the instrument,

insert the CF card, and restart the Instrument.

8. Press (1) to continue with the update procedure. Press 2 to continue to the

main title screen.

9. After the utility is complete, the following screen will appear:

The Instrument will continue to the main title screen in a few seconds.

Instructions follow for specific utility files:

Set Instrument Time and Date

On your PC:

1. Right-click on the file named VERIS.BAT in the time and date directory.

2. Select Edit from the menu that appears.

3. Follow the instructions at the beginning of the file for changing the time and

date listed.

4. Select File and Save from the toolbar.

5. Close the file and follow the directions above for changing the Instrument’s

time and date.

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Install 7/8”

pins here

Install 1” pin

here

12 V Power leads

-raise-lower

-external control module pH signal cable (if equipped) EC signal cable

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Soil EC Surveyor

Installation and Set-up

If the unit has been crated and delivered via closed-van commercial freight, the tongue (if equipped) may need to be installed prior to use. before doing so, please take precautions to ensure that the framework is properly supported to ensure safety.

Remove bands that attach tongue assembly to shipping pallet. Use a forklift or small loader to position tongue assembly to allow insertion of pins connecting tongue and toplink to MSP mainframe.

Prior to operating the implement for the first time, it is important to check all fasteners – some may have loosened during shipment.

Route cables and hydraulic hoses along tongue and through hose guide. Tie-strap securely. Connect signal cable to Veris instrument EC Signal port and electrical cables to battery. Be careful to attach black cables to negative/ground terminal. DO NOT REVERSE POLARITY.

If unit is equipped with hydraulic power pack, insert hydraulic ends into quick-couplers, being careful

to insert the end marked “P” into the pressure or oil output coupler, and the end marked “T” into the

tank or return line coupler. Note: if not using Veris-supplied hydraulic power pack, be certain that tractor or hydraulic power source is equipped with open-center hydraulics. If tractor has closed center hydraulics, make sure MSP is equipped with Closed Center Hydraulic Kit (part #26369) and that poppet valve is in closed center position (in).

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hydraulic oil filler plug

hydraulic oil sight glass Closed center hydraulic kit poppet valve

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Fill gasoline engine and check engine and hydraulic oil levels.

Before filling tank with gasoline, let engine cool. Gas vapors can ignite and an explosion can occur.

Checking the hydraulic fluid level is easy thanks to a sight glass on the hydraulic reservoir. The sight glass is located on the front of the reservoir. Maintain the hydraulic fluid within 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) of the upper (solid black) line on the glass. Remove the threaded plug from the filler neck to add fluid. ALWAYS CHECK HYDRAULIC FLUID LEVEL WHEN FLUID IS COLD. DO NOT OVERFILL. See Maintenance section for specifications on oil type and quantity. Checking the hydraulic fluid level on the GS1000 is easy thanks to a sight glass on the hydraulic reservoir. The sight glass is located on the front of the reservoir which is in turn located on the right side (as viewed from the front) of the machine (Fig. 3.1). Maintain the hydraulic fluid within 1/2 inch of the upper (solid black) line on the glass. Remove the threaded plug from the filler neck (Fig 3.1) to add fluid.

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operate implement parallel to soil

adjust toplink to level

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• 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.

• Wear protective gloves and safety glasses or goggles when working with hydraulic and highpressure wash systems.

• If an accident occurs, see a doctor immediately. Any fluid injected into the skin must be surgically

removed within a few hours or gangrene may result.

Field Operations—Soil EC Surveyor

Checking Electrical Signal Continuity and Electrode Isolation

It is recommended that you routinely check the EC signal to verify that all functions are working properly. See Maintenance and Lubrication Section for a step-by-step procedure. It is advisable to perform this test on a routine basis (weekly or every 20-25 hours of data collection) to ensure you are obtaining reliable data.

Setting Operating Depth

Begin field operation by lowering unit into soil. For good electrical conductivity, all coulter electrodes must be in direct contact with the soil, at all times and in every region of the field. A depth of 1-2” (2.5-5 cm) is recommended. To insure this depth is consistently achieved, 400-600 lbs. (180-275 kg) of additional weight are normally required. Veris offers optional weights, or they can be supplied by the customer. If the unit is equipped with the pH module, keeping 40-60 gallons (225-350 L) of water in the tanks provides ballast. Do not adjust the tension on the coulter electrode springs to increase soil contact or penetration. They are pre-set at the factory with the proper tension. If unit is equipped with pH module, it is especially important to keep the implement level during field operation. Adjust top link to level.

Field Condition

Field should be in a uniform state. Mapping after intensive primary tillage is not recommended. The soil must have a minimum of 10% available water, and cannot be frozen. If rocky conditions exist, you may wish to consider the optional coulter rock guard kit , PN 15169.

Speed

Proper field operating speed depends on field conditions. Because of the importance of consistent contact, the unit must not be allowed to bounce over rough fields at high speeds. On smooth fields, the implement can be operated at speeds from 8-12 m.p.h. (12-18 km/hr)

Pulling Vehicle

The implement may be pulled with a variety of vehicles: 20-50 hp tractor, 4WD pickup or Jeep.

Swath width and Navigation

Setting the swath width and navigation system is at the discretion of the customer. A 40-60’ (12-18 m) swath works well in most areas. In areas of high soil variability, a narrower swath may be preferred. 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.

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set screws and jam nuts

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Signal Cable

Attach the signal cable to the quick connect coupler at front of frame, and to Signal Port on back of instrument

Adjustable Wing Extensions (XA option)

The MSP3150 with XA (Extendable Array): This option allows the re-positioning of the electrodes to fit various bed and crop configurations. Adjustment is made by loosening the jam nuts and set screws located on the lower front of each side of the toolbar, adjusting the toolbar wing extensions, and re-tightening the set screws. Veris suggests setting the toolbars at either the maximum or minimum setting, not at a point in between. A limiter bolt determines full extension, so there should be no danger of extending to the point at which the outside coulters disconnect from the main frame. Important – do not attempt to combine maps in which two different investigative depths are used.

• 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.

Collecting Soil EC Data

If unit is equipped with pH Module, and you are not collecting pH data, remove sampler shank and raise row cleaner and covering disks.

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DGPS indicator: NONE, _GPS, DGPS

Shallow and Deep EC readings

pH readings from each electrode if equipped with pH module

Status of pH sampling mechanism

Speed in MPH

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Turn on Veris instrument. The first screen to appear contains the software version number and shows how much logging time is available.

The computer is informing you of how much of its internal memory is available. Check available memory to be sure you have enough to contain the data from field you are about to map. Options: Press any key and proceed to menu options.

Press 1 to bring up the data acquisition menu (see below for more details) (setup options are only for pH data acquisition, and are covered in pH Module manual)

Select the type of data you want to collect from the above menu.

Regardless of the type of data selected in the previous menu, the computer will show the name of the map file it is creating, in case you want to record it along with any other information about the field. Press any key to begin new map file (after starting the file, press the 4 key to stop the file). Pressing any key brings you one of the following Data Acquisition screens below:

E.C. only (option 1):

E.C. and pH (option 3):

The display is showing the pH values from the pH electrodes, conductivity of the top 1’ (30 cm) and

top 3’ (90 cm) of the soil, and whether you have GPS or DGPS (differentially corrected) signal. At

any time during the mapping process, you can press the 4 key to stop the file. If you create more than one file from the same field, you can bring the files into a spreadsheet program and combine them prior to mapping.

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no continuity

grounded bolt

coulter terminal

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SEE GENERAL INFORMATION SECTION FILE MANAGEMENT FOR INSTRUCTIONS ON DOWNLOADING DATA

Maintenance and Lubrication

Proper maintenance and lubrication of the Veris MSP will allow you to collect high quality EC data and greatly extend the useful life of the unit. Veris Technologies strongly suggests that you follow the following guidelines:

MAINTENANCE: Electrical Continuity and Isolation

It is advisable to perform this test on a routine basis (weekly or every 20-25 hours of data collection) to ensure you are obtaining reliable data.

1) Coulter electrode isolation – check so see that no metal part of the any coulter electrode is in contact with the implement frame. This may be by visual inspection or by connecting one lead of an ohmmeter to the individual coulter electrode, and the other to a grounded fastener on the frame. If the coulter electrode is properly isolated, no reading will be obtained. Make sure that all electrode coulter clamp bolts are properly tightened to prevent lateral movement of the coulter electrode.

2) Signal Continuity – To properly measure conductivity, good electrical signal continuity must be present from the coulter electrode to the instrument. The Implement Test Box (Part No. 10759) allows you to quickly check this. Use the following method: a) Connect the signal cable to the terminal on the test box. b) Touch one lead of an ohmmeter to the #1 coulter blade (left hand, standing behind

the unit) and the other lead to the #1 terminal on the test box. A reading of less than 2 ohms is normal.

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Connect to coulter blade

Ohmmeter

Connect one lead to Test Box terminal (corresponding to each coulter)

Test Load

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c) Continue to check each coulter electrode in succession, left to right. d) If any coulter electrode exhibits no continuity or resistance higher than 2 ohms, refer

to the maintenance or trouble shooting sections for possible causes. Note: It is advisable to perform this test on a routine basis (weekly or every 20-25 hours of data collection) to ensure you are obtaining reliable data.

Instrument Signal Testing – The Veris MSP pH Manager 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. To perform this test, do the following:

1) Disconnect the signal cable from the 9-pin (signal) terminal on the instrument.

2) Connect the test load to the signal terminal.

3) Switch on the unit and go into “data acquisition” mode.

4) The display should show: (approx.)

Deep 27

5) If the readings vary significantly (more than one whole number) contact our service department.

6) Once the test is complete, remove the test load and reinstall the implement signal cable.

Shallow 3

Note: It is advisable to conduct this test as a routine check to ensure that you are obtaining reliable EC data.

ADJUSTMENTS Commutators-- The spring-loaded commutators are located in the center of each coulter electrode hub cap. They are factory preset, and should not need routine adjustment. If a continuity test shows abnormally high resistance,

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cap

commutator

set screw

spindle

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the commutators should be checked. This may be performed in the following manner:

1) Remove the 3/8” allen head set screw.

2) Remove the commutator by turning counter-clockwise.

3) Depress the spring loaded tip on a hard surface to determine if plunger has adequate tension and can move freely.

4) If the plunger will not move freely, replace, and coat with di-electric silicone grease.

5) If the commutator appears to be in good working order, reinstall in the hub, and adjust until it bottoms against the spindle end. Rotate 1/2 turn backward to allow adequate clearance. Improper adjustment will result in premature failure (too little tolerance) or poor continuity (too much tolerance).

6) Reinstall locking set screw and tighten firmly on top of commutator. The top of the set screw should be even with the face of the hub. If not, remove and adjust the commutator inward or outward as necessary.

7) Re-test coulter electrode continuity.

Here is a cut away view of the hubcap assembly:

Note: If you are still unable to obtain favorable resistance readings, check for excessive corrosion at the coulter blade mounting bolts, or the terminal located near the coulter pivot. It may be necessary to grind the spindle end smooth, if a dimple has developed.

MAINTENACE: LUBRICATION

Rockshaft pivot points – Each pivot (located at the left and right) contains

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Pivot grease zerks (2 per

hangar; 4 total )

grease zerks

grease zerk

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an upper and lower grease zerk. Due to the limited motion of the rockshaft, these should be lubricated on 40-hour intervals. This may vary based on the number of times the unit is raised and lowered.

Rachet jack -- 20 hour intervals

Electrode coulters Pivot -- In all but the most extremely rocky conditions, the coulter electrodes should not flex in the field, thus minimal movement will be realized at the pivot. 80-hour intervals should be sufficient.

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.

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grease zerk

Pub. #OM MSP03-1

Wheel hubs -On an annual basis, disassemble, clean, and properly repack the wheel hubs with suitable wheel bearing grease. It is advisable to replace the seals. As with any tapered roller bearing, proper pre-load will extend the life of the assembly. Fully tighten the nut, then rotate backward up to ¼ turn, so that the hub turns freely, without endplay. Install cotter pin, and reinstall hub cap. Coulter electrode hubs -- 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, repack, and re-install annually. To perform this maintenance, do the following:

1) Remove hub cap by turning in a clockwise direction (left-hand thread prevents loosening in operation).

2) Remove cotter pin, castle nut, thrust washer, and remove hub.

3) Remove outer bearing and knock out inner bearing using a wooden dowel or brass rod. Be sure to match each bearing to its location on the hub and do not mix bearings between hubs. Natural wear will cause the bearing and race to form pattern that is unique to that set.

4) Thoroughly wash hub and bearings in solvent and dry.

5) Replace bearings and races that show excessive wear or pitting.

6) Pack with grease, and reassemble -- or reassemble, and pack via grease zerk with wheel bearing or lithium grease. It is advisable to replace the seals.

7) Adjust bearing pre-load as mentioned above. Excessive pre-load may cause plugging in extremely loose soil conditions, and excessive endplay may damage the commutators.

8) Inspect the sealing o-ring on the hub cap, and reinstall by threading counter-clockwise on the hub.

9) Adjust commutator clearance as mentioned above in section on commutator adjustments.

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