Ag Leader Announces Four New Product Offerings

Kurt LawtonAg Leader, Company Announcement, Displays, GPS, Software

Ag Leader Technology announces four new product offerings.

1. The GPS 2500 all-in-one antenna and GNSS receiver.
The new GPS 2500 features a dual frequency receiver and the capability to receive WAAS/EGNOS, OmniSTAR XP/HP/VBS and GLONASS satellite signals. The receiver also supports e-Dif for areas where other differential signals aren’t available.

“Providing the option for OmniSTAR differential correction makes the GPS 2500 an affordable receiver option that can still provide a high level of accuracy in the field,” says GPS and Guidance Product Manager, Matt Leinen. “The GPS 2500 is also GLONASS capable, giving the receiver more satellites to communicate with and ultimately helping increase run-time in the field.”

The GPS 2500 offers a complement to the built-in guidance capabilities of Ag Leader’s EDGE™ and INTEGRA™ displays and is ideal for the accuracy necessary for precision farming features such as
AutoSwath™. Additional features of the GPS 2500 include fast start-up and reacquisition times and magnetic mounting.

2. February 2011 addition of OnTrac2(TM) assisted steering support to the INTEGRA(TM) display. Support of the OnTrac2 steering system is a valuable complement to the full featured, year-round precision farming display.

“Many growers are moving their INTEGRA display between vehicles, but they may not have a need for a hydraulic steering system on all of these machines,” says GPS and Guidance Product Manager, Matt
Leinen. “Now, growers will have the option of adding OnTrac2 assisted steering to these vehicles with a simple installation process. The split-gear design of OnTrac2 doesn’t require removal of the steering wheel, but instead simply latches on and off.”

OnTrac2 eliminates skips and overlaps, lowers fuel consumption and reduces operator fatigue. The high-torque, positive gear drive of the OnTrac2 delivers the turning power needed for the most demanding of agricultural vehicles and eliminates slippage that is typical of friction motor steering systems.

Adding support for OnTrac2 to the INTEGRA display will provide growers an economical option for adding assisted steering to tractors, combines, application rigs and more – and the system can be easily transferred between implements with its “Lock-N’-Roll” installation.

3. Latest functionality added to the INTEGRA(TM) display – compatibility with the ISO 11783 (ISOBUS) Virtual Terminal Standard, available February 2011. This functionality enables support of many ISOBUS compliant implements on the INTEGRA display.

“We’re excited to give growers the option to control additional implements with one tool by offering Virtual Terminal capability on the INTEGRA display,” says John Howard, Product Manager. “Virtual Terminal functionality enables the compliant implement’s user interface to be viewed and controlled on the INTEGRA display. The INTEGRA display has been specifically designed so users can easily toggle between the Virtual Terminal run screen and the advanced mapping, guidance, and control functionality supported on the INTEGRA run screen.”

4. A new mobile display compatible with SMS Mobile – the Mesa Rugged Notepad. The waterproof, impact-resistant notepad is built specifically for field use and offers a brilliant, sunlight readable screen.

“This device offers users more than just a PDA; the Mesa is a digital notepad made specifically for field work,” says Director of Software Solutions, Corey Weddle. “The Mesa provides the most flexibility for running SMS Mobile; the large 5.7” screen offers easy operation but doesn’t compromise its portability. In addition, the Windows Mobile 6.5.3 operating system provides a streamlined, more responsive interface that is very finger friendly.”

Additional features of the Mesa include Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless technology, as well as a built-in camera and GPS, making it ideal for the in-field operations of SMS Mobile. The Mesa notepad also offers two batteries, allowing for run-time of up to 16 hours. The Mesa will be available for purchase with SMS Mobile from Ag Leader beginning in mid-late November.