onTrak, a new tractor GPS system that offers simple and affordable guidance is now available with a new enhanced data service which gives operators access to their field information anywhere and anytime.
This innovative smart farming tool has been developed by British specialist supplier Agricision, and uses a patent pending combined receiver and lightbar operated via an iPad or iPhone to offer a cost-effective guidance solution. It is quick and simple to set up, easy to operate and swap between tractors or other vehicles.
The onTrak receiver is a robust waterproof unit which adheres magnetically to the bonnet of the tractor, placing the lightbar clearly in the eyeline of the driver. There is no need to glance backwards and forwards to a monitor or look down at the dashboard, so operator accuracy is boosted and fatigue significantly cut, leading to improved performance.
Positioning the GPS receiver on the bonnet also improves responsiveness, since it is in line with the tractor’s front wheels rather than behind them as is the case with in-cab systems.
It is set up and controlled via a free App downloaded to the iPad or iPhone which connects wirelessly using Bluetooth.
The receiver is powered by an onboard battery with 24 hours operating capacity, rechargeable via a standard USB cable.
Guidance records can be stored against a field name for future use before moving onto the next field, and guidance can be paused to refill a sprayer or spreader for example, resuming when returning to the stop point. T
The new onTrak.Cloud service will allow customers to gain access to their data recorded and created while using onTrak in simple kml format. Field boundaries and recorded work can be visualised on Google Earth or other mapping software and fields imported into management tools such as Gatekeeper.
Adam Keene, Director of Agricision, comments: “There are any number of management software packages available to farmers and our aim is to make the data recorded from onTrak as simple and open as possible, allowing customers the flexibility to work with whichever system they prefer.”
“With a simple integration with iCloud the user can access their field data anywhere anytime. We are offering a free trial period for all customers, after which a subscription will be payable for the onTrak.Cloud service.”
An internet connection will be required for synchronisation to the Cloud but the onTrak app will store the data until a connection is available so the operator can continue to work. A new feature has also been built into the basic app which allows a user to visualise the field and area worked on a satellite image in real time.
“This feature will be free to all users and demonstrates our commitment to continuously making the experience better for our customers,” comments Mr Keene.
He adds: “onTrak is ideal for mixed and dairy farmers who don’t need sophisticated auto steer systems but can benefit from the increased accuracy offered by guidance. It will also give contractors the opportunity to offer their customers GPS-ready services, whilst in addition we see it as a useful guidance solution for tasks such as rolling or cultivating for larger arable enterprises when the most highly equipped tractors are tied up.”
Agricision believes that the best way for customers to discover the benefits of onTrak is to try it out for themselves, so there was a live simulator on the stand where visitors could test onTrak and there was also a live demonstration of how the data captured will be available on the cloud.
OnTrak is priced £675 + VAT
