Subject: Fine Tuning Magnum Counter Speed/Distance Calibration

The harvester is equipped with a remote RUN/HOLD system that is controlled by the selector valve lever that operates the rear conveyor. When the lever is OFF, the counter will be in the HOLD mode; when the lever is ON, the counter is in RUN mode. The counter is also equipped with a RUN/HOLD button that toggles between HOLD and RUN modes. The RUN/HOLD button on the counter overrides the remote RUN/HOLD function in all cases. Therefore, if the counter remains in HOLD with the rear conveyor selector valve turned on, push the RUN/HOLD button on the counter to exit HOLD mode. When in the HOLD mode, the word HOLD is shown on the display and the counter will stop accumulating roll distance, number of pieces and load count information. When the word HOLD is absent the counter is in RUN mode.

 

This procedure is designed to verify and fine tune the speed/distance calibration of the system. Perform each step as precisely as possible to ensure the best results. Note that a hard-packed surface such as a road will result in a different distance reading than actual field conditions.

 

 

CALC-AN-ACRE AND MAGNUM I

 

1.  Set up a measured course with a clearly marked beginning and end.

Figure 1--View showing early Magnum counter.

A. RUN/HOLD button

B. CAL button

C. RESET and minus (-) button

D. Plus (+) button

E. Rotary switch

 

2.  Power up the counter. Place the counter in HOLD by pushing the

RUN/HOLD button (Figure1) or place the selector valve that controls the rear conveyor in the OFF position. The display will read HOLD.

3.  Turn the rotary switch to the DISTANCE position and note the display reading. If the reading is not zero, press and hold the reset button until the distance value resets to zero.

4.  Identify a suitable point on the tractor or harvester to use as a reference when passing the beginning and ending markers on the measured course. The 

tractor platform step or the center of the rear wheel will work well.

5.  Begin driving the tractor forward well ahead of the beginning marker. Maintain a consistent tractor speed.

6.  Place the counter in the RUN mode at the exact time the reference point (Step 4) passes the beginning field marker. The counter should start counting upon exiting the RUN/HOLD mode.

7.  Drive through the measured course at a consistent speed. Place the counter in HOLD as the reference point passes the ending field marker.

8.  Stop the tractor in a safe area.

9.  Make sure the rotary switch is still pointing toward DISTANCE. Next, push and hold the CAL button for approximately three seconds. When in CAL mode, the red LED on the face of the counter will glow.

10.  The display will alternate between the circumference valve and the distance measured in three-second intervals. When the display shows CAL and HOLD and 1234, the counter is showing the circumference value (CIRC). When only HOLD and 1234 are shown the counter is showing the distance value. Verify that the distance indicated is the same as the actual distance traveled (within 2 percent). If not, use the + or - buttons to match the distance reading to the actual distance traveled. When the values match, as close as possible, press the CAL button to exit the calibration mode and the circumference factor is now set. Repeat the procedure to verify the correct CIRC factor is correct. Record the number so it can simply be re-entered if necessary.

 

Magnum II

 

1.  Lay out a measured course with beginning and end markers.

2.  Place the counter in the HOLD mode. Either push the rear conveyor selector valve in the OFF position or push the RUN/HOLD button on the counter. See Figure 2.

Figure 2--RUN/HOLD button on Magnum II counter.

3.  Turn the rotary switch to the TOTAL DISTANCE position (Figure 4). Press and hold the reset button (DEC) for approximately one second.

Figure 4--Rotary switch in the TOTAL DISTANCE position.

4.  Identify a suitable point on the tractor or harvester to use as a reference when passing the beginning and ending markers on the measured course. The tractor platform step or the center of the rear wheel will work well.  

5.  Begin driving the tractor forward well ahead of the beginning marker. Maintain a consistent tractor speed.

6.  Place the counter in the RUN mode at the exact time the reference point (Step 4) passes the beginning field marker. The counter should start counting upon exiting the RUN/HOLD mode.

7.  Drive through the measured course at a consistent speed. Place the counter in HOLD mode as the reference point passes the ending field marker.

8.  Stop the tractor in a safe area.

9.  Press and hold the CAL button for approximately one second. The display should read CAL HOLD,

10.  Next, turn the rotary switch to SPEED CAL (Figure 5). The current calibration factor will be displayed.

Figure 5--Rotary switch in SPEED

CAL position.

11.  Press and release the CAL button and the total distance traveled will be displayed. Pushing and releasing the CAL button will toggle between the total distance and calibration values. The CAL icon will be on solid when displaying the calibration value and it will flash with displaying the total distance value.

12.  When reading the total distance value, use the plus (+) or minus (-) keys as required to match the total distance value with the actual distance traveled. When the values match, the calibration factor automatically set at the correct value.

13.  Press and release the CAL button to toggle to the calibration factor and record this number for future reference.

14.  Press and hold the CAL button to exit calibration mode.

15.  Repeat this procedure to ensure an accurate result.

AFFECTED MODELS: BR, SR, SRA AND AR SERIES HARVESTERS

Excessive cutter head blade speed can cause damage to the heads, undercarriage, bearings or other components. This is especially true when harvesting in dry, hard soil. Running the head(s) wide open in dry, hard soil causes excessive vibration which can damage the head frame, undercarriage and related bearings and shafts. Excessive vibration will be more evident on machines without timed heads.

 

Even when cutting in soft, damp soil, it is a good practice to operate the heads no faster than necessary to obtain clean efficient sod harvesting.

 

On all models except AR and SRA, set the blade speed using the flow control located on the right side of the control panel. On AR and SRA models, adjust blade speed using the five-position rotary switch located on the right side of the control panel inside the tractor cab.

We had a booth set up at the Disney's Contemporary Resort on Wednesday and Thursday of the Midwinter Conference.  I was able to get everyone together for a shot of our group in front of our booth.  Thanks Bubba of TSL for taking this fantastic picture!!!

Left to right: Mark Hildreth, Mike Schiebelhut, Sarah Winston, Christine Niebaum, Doug Barberry, Steven Dover, Brent Vosika

We are back from our Midwinter Conference in sunny Florida.  It's so hard to get back to the grind here in Kansas, it is currently 4 degrees today.  A bit of a shock coming from 70-80 degree weather.  We were lucky enough to miss the big blizzard of 2011, our families and friends were a bit jealous of us when we sent picture messages of the resort while they were sending pictures of snow drifts and white-outs... how did we manage to get so lucky to leave right before the storm hit and then return when it was over?? 

We will be at the Turfgrass Producers International Midwinter Conference in Orlando, Florida the week of January 31st - February 4th, 2011.  If you plan on attending please come visit our booth and say hello!  You can also come to these events as well as we will be there!

Monday, January 31

6:30pm  |  Early Bird Reception & Calcutta Golf Auction

Tuesday, February 1

7:30am - 3pm  |  The Lawn Institute Memorial Golf Tournament

Wednesday, February 2

2:30pm - 6:30pm  |  Exhibit Reception with Dinner

Thursday, February 3

12pm - 3pm   |  Exhibit Lunch