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IntelligentAg Recon Blockage Plus - User Manual

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OPERATOR’S GUIDE
Document revision 1.0
Last revised: August 5, 2022
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Summary

Introduction

About Recon Blockage Plus

Overview of the acoustic-based monitoring system for blockages.

Using an iPad

How to interface with the system using the Recon Blockage Monitor app on an iPad.

Getting Started

Connecting the iPad to the wireless network

Steps to connect the iPad to the gateway's wireless network for system communication.

Setting up Recon Blockage Plus

Initial configuration process for the Recon Blockage Plus system, including ECUs and sections.

Verifying work switch installation

Instructions to confirm the correct installation and app communication of the work switch.

Edit section settings

How to edit, delete, disable, or add sections in the system configuration.

Edit port settings

How to add, remove, re-order, or disable ports in the system configuration.

OPTIONAL: Enabling High Fan Noise

Optional configuration to use the High Fan Noise feature for improved detection in certain conditions.

Setting alarms

How to configure various system alarms, including blocked run, ECU offline, and mass flow thresholds.

Monitoring for blockages

Viewing the Blockage screen

How to use the main Blockage screen to monitor for blockages during seeding operations.

Viewing a blocked run or manifold

Identifying blocked runs via visual cues (red color) and audio alarms on the Blockage screen.

Silencing the audio alarm

Method to temporarily silence the audio alarm when a blockage is detected.

Viewing blockage history

Accessing and reviewing a list of recently detected blockages.

Adjusting flow rate settings

Modifying flow rate settings to prevent false alarms, especially at low application rates.

Monitoring with section control

Observing how section control affects manifold display, showing dimmed sections not actively seeding.

Monitoring manifold variance

Tracking flow variance between manifolds that share the same product type.

Monitoring more than one product type

Understanding how variance is calculated when monitoring multiple product types simultaneously.

Recording average variance and mass flow rate

Utilizing the record feature to capture and review average variance and mass flow data.

Monitoring mass flow rate

Interpreting mass flow rate readings and understanding factors that can cause fluctuations.

Monitoring the ECU status LED

Understanding the meaning of the status LED on the ECU for operational checks.

Adjusting settings

Adjust flow rate

Fine-tuning flow rate settings to minimize false alarms during low application rates.

Enable High Fan Noise

Configuring the system for high fan noise detection when flow is present without product.

View version information

Checking app, hardware, and ECU version details, useful for troubleshooting.

Send diagnostic data

Submitting problem reports and logs to Intelligent Ag support.

Enable and disable section control

Accessing section control settings or activating zone control for implement sections.

Change gateway serial number

Updating the gateway serial number associated with the work switch configuration.

Re-configure the work switch method

Changing between the default and inverted methods for the implement work switch.

Change the manifold view type

Selecting between manifold and row view for data visualization on the screen.

Change run direction

Adjusting the port display order in manifold view to match sensor installation (clockwise/counterclockwise).

Re-configure the system or edit individual sections

Options to perform a full system re-setup or modify specific section configurations.

Overview

The Recon Blockage Plus is an acoustic-based monitoring system designed to quickly and accurately notify operators of blockages within agricultural implements. It interfaces with the operator via an iPad® app in the tractor cab.

Function Description:

The primary function of the Recon Blockage Plus is to detect and alert operators to blockages in the implement's runs or manifolds. It uses acoustic sensors to monitor product flow and identifies deviations from normal operation. The system provides real-time feedback on flow levels and alerts the operator through visual cues on the iPad app and an audio alarm when a blockage is detected. It also monitors manifold variance, indicating differences in flow levels between manifolds running the same product type. This helps identify issues such as poor product flow or low product levels. The system can monitor one or two different product types simultaneously, with variance calculations adjusted accordingly for each product type.

Important Technical Specifications:

  • Monitoring Technology: Acoustic-based sensing.
  • User Interface: iPad® app (Recon Blockage Monitor app).
  • Connectivity: Wireless network connection between the iPad and the gateway.
  • ECU (Electronic Control Unit): Each section of the implement connects to one or more ECUs. ECU serial numbers are used for configuration.
  • Sensors: The system supports multiple sensors connected to each ECU, with the number configurable by the user.
  • Work Switch: An integrated work switch detects whether the implement is raised or lowered, influencing alarm behavior.
  • Power: ECUs have a status LED to indicate operational status (flashing green for normal, purple/blue for starting up, blue for reprogramming, light off for no power).
  • Software: Document revision 1.0, last revised August 5, 2022. App & Device Versions are displayed for troubleshooting (e.g., 3.0.17).

Usage Features:

  • iPad Integration: The system is controlled entirely through a dedicated iPad app. Operators need to connect their iPad to the system's wireless network (e.g., 'IASBlockage') at the start of each session.
  • Configuration Wizard: A setup wizard guides the operator through initial configuration, including selecting the monitoring view (Manifold or Row), specifying the number of ECUs, products, and sections, and configuring each section's connected ECUs and sensors.
  • Monitoring Views:
    • Manifold View: Displays implement ports and manifolds in a circular layout. Manifolds for Product A have white lettering, and Product B has blue lettering.
    • Row View: Displays implement ports and sections in columns, with Product A manifolds on the top half and Product B on the bottom.
  • Alarm Settings: Operators can configure various alarms:
    • Blocked Run Alarm: Notifies of blockages in individual runs (turns red on screen, audio alarm).
    • ECU Offline Alarm: Alerts if data is not received from an ECU for more than 15 seconds.
    • Mass Flow Alarm: Triggers if total product flow is outside user-defined thresholds.
    • Section Variance Alarm: Notifies of flow outside a selected percentage threshold for individual sections.
  • Alarm Delay and Volume: Adjustable settings for the delay before alarms sound and the alarm volume.
  • Flow Rate Settings: Three flow rate options (Normal, Low, Very Low) can be selected to prevent false alarms when applying product at different rates (e.g., Normal for >7 lbs/acre, Low for 5-7 lbs/acre, Very Low for <5 lbs/acre).
  • High Fan Noise Feature: Optional calibration to account for fan noise on machines with on-board tanks, preventing false flow detections when no product is running. Recalibration is required if product, product rate, tractor RPM, or fan speed changes.
  • Section Control Integration: If the implement has section control, the system can dim manifolds that are not seeding, and alarm thresholds can be adjusted based on section control status.
  • Blockage History: A log of recently detected blockages, showing the manifold and run number, and the time since detection.
  • Mass Flow Rate Display: Shows the total flow rate for each product type, providing an arbitrary number that helps operators identify good product flow ranges over time.
  • Run Direction: In manifold view, operators can change the display order of ports (clockwise or counterclockwise) to match sensor installation.
  • iPad Language: The app supports changing the iPad's language through the iPad settings.

Maintenance Features:

  • Configuration Editing: Allows operators to edit or add manifolds and runs after initial setup, including deleting, disabling, or adding sections, and adjusting port numbers or order.
  • Work Switch Verification: Instructions are provided to verify correct work switch installation and functionality, including checking indicator colors in the app and toggling the "Work Switch Inverted" setting if needed.
  • Diagnostic Data: Operators can upload problem reports to Intelligent Ag, including case numbers, problem descriptions, and log dates, to aid in troubleshooting.
  • ECU Status LED: The LED on the ECU provides visual cues for troubleshooting power and operational status.
  • System Re-configuration: Options to re-configure the entire system using the Setup Wizard or edit individual sections via Edit Config.

IntelligentAg Recon Blockage Plus Specifications

General IconGeneral
BrandIntelligentAg
ModelRecon Blockage Plus
CategoryControl Systems
LanguageEnglish