If constant RTK connection is an issue in some of your fields, Trimble has a new Ag3000 modem solution that works with their AgGPS Autopilot system. It allows farmers to improve machine guidance in areas where RTK (Real Time Kinematic) signal towers won’t reach.
Trimble designed the Ag3000 to easily interface with Trimble Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers, lightbars and the FmX integrated display powered by Transcend technology, a proprietary Trimble positioning capability that provides users with high accuracy, flexible solutions for the most challenging agriculture applications and environments. With a rugged enclosure for easy in-cab installation, the Ag3000 also offers an external cell phone antenna for enhanced reception. Pricing for the modem, cabling and an external antenna is US$1,495 MSRP.
“Trimble VRS networks complement existing RTK base stations and allow us to provide more acres of sub-inch accuracy to the agricultural community,” said Erik Arvesen, vice president and general manager for Trimble’s Agriculture Division. “Using the Ag3000 modem, farmers located in areas with robust cell phone coverage and access to VRS networks have more choices available to improve machine guidance accuracy for their precision agricultural operations.”
The Ag3000 can access RTK signals from U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) networks in states where they exist, such as Ohio and others. A partial directory of Trimble VRS installations can be found at: http://www.trimble.com/infrastructure/vrs-installations.aspx. In addition to public and private networks that use Trimble VRS technology, Trimble also owns and operates Trimble VRS Now(TM) service, a subscription-based service, in select locations around the world and is constantly adding more locations. For more information about subscribing to Trimble’s VRS Now service, visit:http://www.trimble.com/infrastructure/services.aspx.
The Ag3000 modem is expected to be available in September 2009 through Trimble’s Agriculture reseller network. For more information, call 1-800-874-6253 or visit www.trimble.com/agriculture to find a Trimble reseller.
Check out this Sept. 2008 story on RTK networks in Farm Industry News magazine.