micro-trak Calc-An-Acre II - User Manual

The Micro-Trak Calc-An-Acre II is an electronic monitor designed to provide real-time data on speed, area worked, distance traveled, and shaft RPM. It is engineered for ease of installation and operation, suitable for various agricultural and turf applications. The console features a large, easy-to-read liquid crystal display with a lighted display for visibility in different conditions.

Function Description

The Calc-An-Acre II offers several key monitoring functions:

• AREA (1) (2) (3): Three independent counters track the total acres (hectares) or thousands of square feet worked. These counters can be reset individually.
• SPEED: Displays ground speed in miles per hour (kilometers per hour).
• AREA/HOUR: Shows the current work rate in acres per hour (hectares per hour) or thousands of square feet per hour.
• TOTAL HOURS: Tracks the total hours of operation, which can be reset.
• RPM: Displays shaft RPM, requiring an optional Shaft Sensor Kit (P/N 01539).
• DISTANCE: Shows the distance traveled in feet (meters), which can be reset.
• WIDTH +/-: Displays the effective working width. This value can be adjusted on-the-go in 25% increments.
• SUB HOURS: Displays sub-hours of operation, useful for specific tasks, and can be reset independently.

Important Technical Specifications

The system operates on a 12VDC negative ground electrical system. It is equipped with non-volatile memory, ensuring that daily totals and calibration values are retained even without a constant power supply.

Speed Sensor Options: The Calc-An-Acre II can interface with various speed sensors:

• Astro Series or other GPS Speed Sensor Interfaces: Designed to connect easily with Micro-Trak Astro series sensors and compatible with most GPS speed sensors that output a pulsed signal (e.g., Squibb-Taylor® SkyTrak, Dickey-John® GPS). Adapter cables may be required for some models.
• Magnetic Wheel Sensor: Utilizes magnets attached to a wheel hub or drive shaft and a Hall-effect sensor. The sensor generates electrical pulses as magnets pass, which the console uses for speed input. Requires careful calibration.
• Vansco™ Radar Speed Sensor: A microwave (radar) signal-based sensor providing reliable and accurate speed signals. Features rugged aluminum housing.
• Radar Interface: Can be interfaced with most popular radar ground speed sensors, often requiring an adapter cable.
• Proximity Sensor (P/N 01554): Responds to the presence of ferrous metals, sending a signal to the console. Typically mounted near sprocket teeth with a recommended air gap of 1/16".

Calibration Values (Default):

• WIDTH: English: 720 inches; Metric: 18.000 meters
• SPEED CAL: English: .189 inch/edge; Metric: .48 cm/edge
• RPM: 1 pulse/revolution (for both English and Metric)
• UNITS: English (default) or Metric

Usage Features

Console Controls:

• Rotary Dial: Used to select the desired function for display. Green boxes indicate active functions during normal operation, while white labels on the right side of the selector indicate calibration positions.
• RUN/HOLD Button: This master button toggles between Run and Hold modes, controlling the accumulation of area and distance. It can be operated manually or automatically with an optional RUN/HOLD sensor kit (P/N 01535).
• CAL Button: Used to enter and exit the calibration mode.
• PROGRAM Keys (+ and -):
  • In calibration mode, these keys increment and decrement calibration values.
  • When the rotary dial is set to "WIDTH +/-", each press adjusts the working width by 25%.
  • When not in CAL mode, holding the "RESET" button for two seconds (while in HOLD) clears the selected counter.

Calibration: The Calc-An-Acre II supports English, Metric, and Turf measurement units. The unit can be switched between English and Metric modes by holding down the "CAL" and "-" keys while powering on, then entering and exiting calibration to lock in the selection. Turf units are similar to English, but Area is displayed in thousands of square feet.

Fine Tuning Speed/Distance Calibration: A precise procedure is outlined for fine-tuning the speed/distance calibration value. This involves driving a measured course (e.g., 1000 feet or 500 meters) and adjusting the calibration value to match the actual distance traveled.

Width Reduction - On-The-Go (OTG): The effective working width can be reduced in 25% increments during operation. This feature is accessed by turning the rotary switch to "WIDTH +/-" and using the "+" or "-" keys. The display shows the current effective width and the reduction status (e.g., "1 2" for 50% width). When the system is put into HOLD, the width automatically reverts to the calibrated full width.

Resetting System Counters: AREA, DISTANCE, TOTAL HOURS, and SUB HOURS counters can be reset independently. To reset, put the system in HOLD, turn the rotary switch to the desired counter, and hold the "RESET" button until the display reads zero. For AREA counters, the "+" button is used to select the specific counter (1, 2, or 3) before resetting.

Maintenance Features

Care and Maintenance: The console should be stored in a cool, dry location when not in use for extended periods. Care should be taken during cleaning to prevent water or other liquids from entering the case.

Troubleshooting: The manual provides comprehensive troubleshooting guidance for various issues, including:

• Messages/Warnings: Explanations for display messages like "bRd CAL" (bad calibration), "Lo P" (low power), "LoAd" (loaded default calibration factors), "StorE" (saved default calibration factors), "V" (software version), and "CLEAr" (counter clear warning).
• General Problems: Advice for "Console Appears Dead" (check power), "Speed is Always Zero or Erratic" (check speed sensor installation and calibration), "Distance Count is Inaccurate" (re-calibrate), "Area Count is Inaccurate" (verify width and speed calibration), "Console is Erratic in Operation" (check for electrical interference from radios, ignition wires, or solenoids), and "Display Reads OFL" (counters exceeded maximum count).
• Checking Individual Components: Detailed instructions for testing the console, harness, Hall-effect speed sensors (RPM and Run/Hold), and Vansco Radar Speed Sensor using a multimeter or jumper wires. This includes checking for proper voltage, resistance, and signal output.

Replacement Parts: A list of replacement parts is provided, including part numbers and descriptions for console components, speed sensor kits, magnets, cable ties, and various extension cables (3-Pin and 10-Pin Metri-Pack 150).