Transcript Technology Update: 2001-02

Technology Update: 2001-02
• Grant Mangold
Technology Editor
www.agriculture.com
Successful Farming
@gInnovator Online
New tools for your
farm, field & office
• Recent news stories:
• Ag Software Scene
– recordkeeping & mapping
• Precision Ag Tools
– monitors and controllers and GPS units
• Handhelds & Hardware
– data collection and analysis tools
• Internet Access tools and systems
Active IQ acquires Red Wing
and FMS/Harvest ag software
• Active IQ Technologies now owns the
makers of AgCHEK and Perception
accounting software and dominates the
ag market with more than 10,000 farm
users, says Kenneth Brimmer, CEO of
Active IQ. Plans may include
“on-line computing” technology
Free FarmAssist
• Syngenta releases
“FarmAssist“ 6.0 crop
management software program to
accompany new FarmAssist.com site.
• The new free software helps farmers
track the cost of chemical and fertilizer
applications, weather observations,
irrigation use, disease information, leaf
and soil analysis, yield projections, etc
agMIS.com unveils 32-bit CD
• T. Murphy Associates
announces new 32-bit
edition "agMIS suite" of
financial management
information system MIS
software tools. At $145
agMIS manages cash, taxes, costs,
farm business assets and equities.
Also handles checkbook functions.
TFIS links data with maps
• TFIS Total Field Information
System manages application
records, use of equipment,
inventory etc. From Keystone
Ag LLC, TFIS software builds database
to integrate with precision ag data / info.
And it syncs with Delta Data / Trimble
AGIS geographic information system for
traceability and profit and loss mapping.
EASi Suite offers
upgrade from AgLink
• MapShots offers AgLink
users an upgrade to a full
crop recordkeeping solution which
converts and preserves their historical
geographic data, says Ted Macy of
MapShots. “EASi Suite uses XML and
mapping tools for full documention thru
open-architecture Field Operations
Data Model (FODM), he says.
MapShots updates TerraFetch
• TerraFetch image retrieval
tool now offers automated
download geo-referenced
USGS aerial/topographic
images by map coordinates, reports Ted
Macy, president of MapShots. Updated
copies of TerraFetch can be
downloaded from MapShots.com
website as shareware.
MapCalcPro makes
spatial analysis easy
• Red Hen Systems says its
MapCalc Professional has easy to
use sophisticated grid-based spatial
analysis routines on site-specific data.
• Supports GIS modeling and spatial
analysis, integrates with MapInfo, and
offers extensive data import/ export
capabilities. Features include unlimited
grid size, image data tools, 3D drapes.
MediaMapper links images
with GPS
• MediaMapper 4.0 now
integrates GPS MediaLink functionality, to let
you import digital still
photos & GPS log data
in a simple wizard-driven process. It
makes a “media map” for GIS packages
and adds thumbnail browsing, HTML
maps & easy raster background images
Digital Cameras
• Participants in the Talk
groups on our website
like Kodak Easy-Share digital cameras
for a winning combination of quality
price, optical and digital zoom, and
optional accessories such as a docking
base that keeps the batteries charged
and makes downloading images easy.
Farm HMS 2.0 yield maps
• "We integrated the MapX
mapping platform in new
version 2.0 of FarmHMS,
creating a yield mapping
package that’s specific to
precision agricultural applications," says
Dr. Carol Snyder, Red Hen Systems.
"Now users can get just the functionality
they want without a full-blown GIS."
Ag Leader releases version
2.0 SMS Basic software
• Ag Leader Spatial Management
Software 2.0 SMS Basic mapping
management software lists for $200 and
offers enhanced spatial
mapping and data
management features.
It lists for $600 says
Corey Weddle, Manager
Desktop Software Group
CAT teams with Farm Works
for yield mapping
• Caterpillar and Farm Works
announce alliance for a new
generation of Cat Yield Tools
yield mapping and precision
farming software specifically
designed to work with Cat combines.
Lexion combines from Cat are equipped
with yield monitors that work with a wide
range of GPS systems, he says.
New Raven Viper
• New Windows CE-based
Viper will be released this
spring at around $5,000.
The CAN-based system
will connect to controller
nodes (on future systems)
as well as existing controllers. Works
with Raven products, and may interface
with other controllers too.
Intelliworx pen
tablets update
• "VoiceTablet"offers
Pentium-based pen
computing in a rugged
magnesium case. A sunlight readable
touch screen provides the pen interface
and is supplemented with standard
keyboard attachments and highly
accurate voice recognition capability.
Wearable
computer
• Xybernaut ships
Mobile Assistant V wearable computer
with Intel Mobile Celeron 500 MHz
processor and ATI RAGE MOBILITYM1™ graphics chip.
• The MA V is almost 40 percent smaller
and lighter than earlier wearable
models. Pricing starts at $3,995
New clip-on GPS
from Farm Works
• New clip-on GPS receiver works
with Compaq iPaq Pocket PC
and Farm Site Mate, says Scott
Nusbaum of Farm Works. $285
Quick-Loc GPS includes a CF
compact flash card for data logging, and
uses WAAS signals for 2-5 meter
accuracy. Other similar units available.
Micro-Trac TrakPak uses iPaq
for data collection & display
• With handheld Windows
CE computer you don't
have to hassle memory
cards, says Micro-Trak.
• Trak-Pak components
include options for yield
mapping, variable rate application, and
as-applied mapping. Works w/any GPS.
Outback 360 adds display
• A high resolution screen
on the new Outback 360
GPS Mapping System
displays maps and field
records, as well as a real-time picture of
field position and function. Included
FieldNotes PC software organizes field
records. It lists for $2,990 and works
with Outback S GPS Guidance System.
Ag Leader teams up with
Rawson, New Leader
• Ag Leader PF3000 Pro now
directly controls Accu-Rate
& New Leader variable rate
hydraulic drives, without a
separate console, says Roger Zielke of
Ag Leader. Planter or fertilizer rates can
be set manually or via prescription. The
system can also log data and perform
lightbar guidance at the same time.
FARMSCAN offers 3004
Smart Antenna
• 3004 Smart Antenna
provides low-cost high
reliability positioning
data suitable for yield monitors, soil
sampling and variable rate equipment,
says Ole Hansen of Farmscan. It offers
12 channel accuracy from 3-10 meters
and 1 Hz update rate.
Farmscan 5200 Farmlap
Professional
• Based on a rugged mobile
field computer, the Farmlap
system offers 5 hz GPS
guidance and variable rate
control. Integrate with most
existing controller brands or connect
Farmscan control PODs to directly run
spreaders, sprayers and seeding
machinery. From Australian company
Raven acquires Starlink GPS
technology...
• New DATAboy data
logging system stacks
on top of most Raven consoles. Also
includes WAAS GPS receiver, a PC
card, and basic shapefile software. It's a
$1,995 plug-n-play solution for someone
wanting to get started with data logging
for site-specific management.
TeeJet announces GuideLine
lightbar system
• $3,990 GuideLine
lightbar system has
sub-meter WAAS
accuracy for straight-line, curved and
center-pivot swathing guidance
patterns, says Rich Gould of TeeJet.
• Companion SmartPad handheld unit
has backlit screen for displaying maps
and position data.
New Trimble AgGPS EZGuide 110
• EZ-Guide provides highaccuracy GPS technology
economical easy-to-use
package, says Trimble.
Components of the AgGPS EZ-Guide
110 parallel swathing guidance system
include GPS smart antenna, receiver,
lightbar, and remote keypad. Similar to
Ag Leader EZ-Guide, list $3,750.
CAT selects BEELINE for
Auto-Guide technology
• powered by NovAtel
GPS hardware, the
Auto-Guide option is
integrated into the
Intellitronics network
using GPS technology
to automatically steer the tractor. New
MT700 tractor line was sold to AGCO
Deere announces AutoTrac
assisted steering
• GreenStar AutoTrac assisted
steering system builds off
Deere's Parallell Tracking
technology & dual frequency
differential GPS corrections.
Unlike Real-Time Kinematic (RTK)
AutoTrac has an unlimited coverage
area not limited by line-of-sight -- since
it uses the worldwide StarFire network.
Satloc developing self-steer
GPS system
• Maurice Engler of Satloc
says the new self-steer
system will be priced comparably to the
current entry-level GPS guidance
systems, and aimed initially as a
steering aid for spreaders and sprayers
as well as tractors.
• Trimble, Integrinautics are other players
Soil Doctor on-the-go soil map
synchronizes with yield data
• Crop Technology, Inc. introduces
on-the-go soil sensing with color
mapping of soil properties--while
harvesting. Soil Doctor technology
allows intensive soil data and
yield data to be synchronized
“to an exact, common georeferenced location, without
data extrapolation,” says CTI.
On-the-go grain quality
• Australian farmers got
Grain Quality Monitors from
Case IH, for first on-the-go
monitoring of protein, oil,
moisture and yield. Doug Rehor, of
Case says Australia leads the world in
commercial readiness for this product,
since wheat is bought and sold on the
basis of grain protein levels."
Deere and AgInfoLink
will track food chain
• & collaborate in development
of technologies for traceability
systems in grains, livestock and other
agricultural products. "Benefits include
enhancements in process efficiency,
supply management and food safety.”
Tracking systems will promote product
consistency and meet safety and quailty
demands of producers and consumers.
AgInfoLink tests
PocketTracker system
• The new PocketTracker System from
AgInfoLink has been released for beta
testing, and includes an iPaq handheld
computer, data collection software, and
a handheld RFID reader. It can transfer
data from BeefLink software, scans
animals, and automatically collect data
at the scale. Part of patented system &
Iowa Quality Beef web-based system
Emerge Alliance Tracks ID
• eMerge Interactive,
Allflex, FarmExpress
announce new global
effort to create the industry standard in
individual animal tracking solutions
for the beef industry -- “to boost industry
profitability, while helping players deliver
consistent, verifiable products that
consumers prefer."
www.herd-pro.com “in
your palm” management
• "Taking your 'live' data into the field with
you is a revolutionary advancement in
livestock management decision
making," says Darrel Austin, of HerdPro Software, about new StocKeeper
Companion for Palm handhelds. "You
can look up or enter any information on
any animal. You have complete, up-todate data at your side at any time."
Herd-Pro debuts PalmLink
Enterprise software
• New web-based livestock
management system
• The PalmLink system is
based on StocKeeper Companion Palm
OS software, and gives users an
effective data management tool to work
with DHIAs, consultants, veterinarians,
and other industry players
Farms.com acquires
PigCHAMP software
• Ron Jessen, General Manager
of PigCHAMP, says "there will be
tremendous benefit to the producer, to
improve entire information chain within
the pork industry, and to develop new
software products and services to help
them manage their operations.” Look for
online “knowledge system” applications
XSAg survives
• Leading exchange for agricultural inputs
recently was named to Forbes’ “Best of
the Web” list for second year in a row.
XSAg provides buyers with access to
more sellers and can save users from
10% to 20% or more on input costs.
• Sellers expand customer base and
better manage inventory efficiency.
• As several other ag dot.coms disappear
KVH powers mobile hi-speed
Internet services
• "High-speed Internet access
via TracNet allows people on
the road to access websites
& critical information directly
through the Internet," says
KVH. TracNet consists of a server,
DirecPC modem, cellular/satellite and
return path antenna. Provides two-way
high-speed access for laptop or PC.
AgriStar teams with Hughes
for high-speed ag services
• "AgriStar will bridge
the digital divide between the country's
leading farm operators and their primary
trade partners with connection speeds of
10-20 times faster than the existing dialup connections in most rural areas,” says
Cliff Ganschow, chairman.
• Several satellite or wireless options exist
Hi-speed Internet
• www.agriculture.com/buyersguide
• Side-by-side article on wireless Internet
“Deliver more information faster”
• Direct Sequence Systems, Multipoint
Multichannel Distribution Systems,
Frequency Hopping, Satellite Systems
• http://www.agriculture.com/buyersguide/
sidebyside/sbs_highspeedinternet.html
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Technology Update: 2001-02
[email protected]
• Grant Mangold
Technology Editor
www.agriculture.com
Successful Farming
@gInnovator Online