The MT-3405 FTW is an automatic spray rate controller designed for agricultural sprayers equipped with a single flowmeter and three-way shut-off valves. It is an electronic monitoring and control system that helps achieve maximum yields and cost-effective operation by maintaining proper application rates of liquid chemicals and fertilizer. The system is not suitable for use with two-way boom shut-off valves, NH3 application, or dry product application.
Function Description:
The MT-3405 FTW is a flow-based control system. When one or more boom sections are turned off, the system discontinues liquid flow to that section and adjusts flow through the remaining active sections to maintain the desired application rate in automatic mode. It uses individually entered boom widths to determine the amount of liquid being bypassed versus sprayed. The system counts only the liquid that has been sprayed, making it crucial to adjust and verify the diverted liquid amount when a boom is shut off.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Power: Operates on a 12-volt DC electrical system, connected directly to the battery. It features an ON/OFF switch on the console.
- Memory: Equipped with advanced electronic memory that retains daily totals and calibration values without a constant power supply, conserving battery power.
- Display: Features a large, easy-to-read liquid crystal display, a lighted Brite-Knob™ rotary dial, and a backlit panel for night use.
- Measurement Modes: Capable of displaying information in American English or standard Metric measurements.
- Flowmeter: The input pressure on the glass-filled nylon flowmeter (FM750 GFN) should not exceed 150 PSI (1034 kPa). It is a bidirectional meter (exception: Polmac's 1 1/2" - 3"). Accuracy of flowmeter readings cannot be guaranteed for flow rates below two gallons per minute.
- Servo Valve: The standard Micro-Trak Electric Servo Valve is factory calibrated for the system. It can also use standard 12-volt control valves, but requires activation of a special 12-volt control driver for optimal performance.
- Speed Sensor Options:
- Hall-effect magnetic speed sensor: Standard sensor, requires alternating magnetic polarities for switching.
- GPS speed sensors: Compatible with Micro-Trak Astro II and 5, SkyTrak, or Dickey-John GPS speed sensors (adapter cable may be required).
- Vansco™ Radar Speed Sensor: Uses a microwave (radar) signal for reliable, accurate speed signals (adapter cable may be required).
- Warning Light: A red warning light indicates over or under application (plus or minus 10% from the Target Rate) and illuminates when in calibration mode.
Usage Features:
- Console Functions:
- TOTAL AREA: Tracks total acres (hectares) worked. Resettable.
- SUB AREA: Tracks acres (hectares) worked for individual fields or periodic checks. Resettable.
- SPEED: Displays ground speed in miles per hour (kilometers per hour).
- DISTANCE: Displays distance traveled in feet (meters). Resettable.
- AREA/HOUR: Displays current work rate.
- APPLICATION RATE: Displays gallons (liters) of liquid applied per acre (hectare).
- FLOW RATE: Displays gallons (liters) of liquid applied per minute.
- TOTAL FLOW: Displays total gallons (liters) applied. Resettable.
- Calibration Positions:
- BOOM SELECT: Selects active boom for width calibration.
- TEST SPEED: Simulates ground speed for pre-field checkout.
- ADJUST RATE: Enters amount of change for on-the-go adjustments to the target rate.
- TARGET RATE: Enters desired application rate (GPA/LPH).
- WIDTH: Enters effective working width for sprayer booms.
- CIRC: Calibrates speed sensor for accurate speed and distance measurement (wheel circumference for magnetic sensors, or for Trak-Star/radar sensors).
- MIN FLOW: Enters minimum flow rate (GPM/LPM) of the spray boom to prevent under-application.
- FLOW CAL: Enters calibration value for the flowmeter.
- Key Functions:
- AUTO/MAN: Toggles between automatic and manual control modes.
- CAL: Enters and exits calibration mode.
- RESET: Clears counters (when held for three seconds and not in CAL).
- "+" and "-": Increases/decreases displayed values in calibration mode; adjusts target rate in AUTO mode; adjusts application rate in MAN mode; adjusts agitation flow rate in HOLD mode.
- Run/Hold Switch:
- RUN: Activates all active boom valves (in AUTO or MANUAL control). Booms will not turn on without speed in AUTO mode.
- HOLD: Shuts off all active boom valves.
- Boom Switches: Individual switches for each boom section. Turning a boom off subtracts its width from the total active application width.
- On-the-go "Delta" Rate Adjustments: Allows increasing or decreasing the target application rate by a calibrated adjust rate amount during operation in AUTO mode.
Maintenance Features:
- Console Storage: Store in a cool, dry location when not in use for extended periods.
- Console Cleaning: Use care when cleaning to prevent water or other liquids from entering the case.
- Flowmeter Cleaning: Thoroughly rinse with clean water, install plastic shipping plugs, and protect from freezing. Periodic cleaning may be required. Disassembly instructions are provided for cleaning the turbine and shaft.
- Flowmeter Precautions: Do not expose to liquid temperatures exceeding 130 degrees F (55 degrees C). Some chemicals may damage the PPS turbine or nylon body; contact the chemical manufacturer if in doubt.
- Troubleshooting: Comprehensive troubleshooting guide for common issues such as dead console, erratic speed, inaccurate area/distance/flow counts, erratic operation, and "OFL" display. Includes checks for individual components like harness, speed/flow/run/hold sensors, boom valves, and servo valve.
- Plumbing Guidelines: Detailed instructions and diagrams for proper plumbing configuration, including pump inlet, agitation, flowmeter, servo, and valve purpose and adjustments (tank shut-off, agitation shut-off, pressure relief, range adjust, throttle, and relief valves).
- Calibration Procedures:
- Entering Calibration: Step-by-step guide to enter and exit calibration mode, and adjust values using the rotary dial and program keys.
- Determining Wheel Circumference: Method for accurately measuring wheel circumference for speed sensor calibration.
- Drive Shaft Speed Sensor Calibration: Specific calibration steps for drive shaft mounted speed sensors.
- Fine Tuning Speed/Distance Calibration: Procedure to verify and fine-tune speed/distance measurements over a known course.
- Fine-Tuning Flowmeter Calibration: Procedure to verify and fine-tune flowmeter calibration for specific solutions and installations.
- Pre-Field System Checkout: A pre-field procedure to ensure valve settings, nozzle selection, and desired speed range allow optimum application control.
- Adjusting By-pass Valves: Basic procedure for adjusting by-pass valves in a single flowmeter, three-way boom shut-off valve system.
- 12-Volt Servo Valve Calibration: Procedure to activate and deactivate the special 12-volt control driver mode for optimal performance with standard 12-volt control valves.
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