hands-free harvesting with case ih...

Grain Harvesting GH-2168-14

2/13/2014 Case IH Product Information 1

Hands-Free Harvesting

with Case IH

AFS® RowGuide

This is a Sales Education document

not to be used for advertising.

Book: Grain Harvesting

Section: Combines

Form No: GH-2168-14

Replaces: GH-2091-10

Date: February 2014

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Introduction

Case IH released AFS RowGuide in the fall of 2010 as a new feature to improve operator and

corn head efficiency. Since 2010, many improvements have been made to the AFS RowGuide

system to further improve and enhance the system. The Case IH AFS RowGuide provides a

great level of accuracy, operator convenience, and productivity when it comes to precision

harvesting.

The AFS RowGuide operates using the current AFS AccuGuide™ system and two mechanical

sensors that provide row position data to the combine. By utilizing advanced GPS positioning

and actual data from the mechanical row feelers, accurate row positioning can be achieved and

maintained in ever-changing harvest conditions. AFS RowGuide has been designed to provide

operators maximum adaptability by maintaining performance, whether the field was planted with

or without a guidance system.

This Product Information Document will point out the benefits of AFS RowGuide, the components

that are needed, basic setup, and operation.

Case IH AFS RowGuide



Benefits of Case IH RowGuide

There are many benefits to the Case IH RowGuide

system. There is one key benefit that directly puts

more grain in the tank. This is reducing header

loss. Corn heads work most efficiently when the

stalk is pulled straight down between the stripper

plates. This allows the ear to be removed and the

stalk to be processed. If the operator is off slightly,

this causes the stalks to be pulled down at an angle

which can cause grain loss and excessive stalk

material to go through the combine.

Additional Benefits of Case IH RowGuide

Reduced operator fatigue by following rows hands free and reducing the need to concentrate

on steering.

Increased productivity by laying out field passes without the need to count rows.

Drive through waterways without having to touch the steering wheel.

Maintain productivity in tight contours and curves with inexperienced operators by allowing the

combine to position itself along rows.

Constant crop feeding reduces header loss and butt shelling by consistently positioning the

stalks in the center of the row.

Improved performance in windblown down corn while allowing the feelers to guide the way.

Row guidance with integrated GPS allows seamless transition between row guidance and

GPS guidance when a corn row is not detected, such as in situations where planter skips may

have occurred or sprayer/side dress applications have run over the row.

Easy operation and user interface that operates similar to AFS AccuGuide.

Remember that two kernels per square foot equals a bushel to the acre of loss. So what may

seem like small savings adds up very quickly. Even if there is a .25 bushel, any acre savings

adds up.

1000 acres at .25 bushel an acre savings X $5.00 corn = $1,250 savings!




AFS AccuGuide Complete Combine

AFS AccuGuide

The AFS RowGuide works with the AFS AccuGuide system. AFS RowGuide is not a standalone

system and must be operated on an AFS AccuGuide complete combine. This means the

combine contains all steering components, display, GPS receiver and navigation controller.

Display & Receiver

The RowGuide system operates using an AFS Pro 600 or AFS Pro 700 display. The following

GPS receivers can be used with the RowGuide system: 162, 252, 262, and 372.

AFS RowGuide operates with any Case IH GPS correction signals. GPS correction sources will

affect the level of accuracy. This is particularly noticeable when no input is detected by the

RowGuide sensors (driving through long waterways or turning on headlands or areas of the field

with no crop). For example, if using WAAS level guidance, you may be 6 inches off when turning

around on the headlands, because of the level of GPS accuracy.


Guidance

Complete

Guidance Ready Vehicle Transferable



AFS RowGuide Components

Row Sensors

Two RowGuide sensors are mounted on corresponding

corn head row dividers which gather data from a single

row. The sensors are mounted on the first row left of

center and can be installed on a Case IH 30" corn head.

The feeler rods on the sensors are free to move in either

direction to allow for backing up and are protected by a

skid plate. The RowGuide harness ties into the existing

header electrical connector to provide a clean and simple

installation.

Note: Only two sensors are used no matter what the width

of the head.


RowGuide Harness & Sensor Mounting Brackets

In addition to the RowGuide sensors, a wiring harness kit

that utilizes the header electrical connector and sensor

mounting brackets is required.

AFS RowGuide Display Unlock Code

Once the physical components of the system have been

installed, the display must also be unlocked with a

purchased unlock activation. This activation is then put

into the display to unlock the RowGuide software.



Ordering Information

RowGuide Kit

The RowGuide kit is ordered through the normal parts channels and includes sensors, wiring

harness, and mounding brackets. The kit also includes instructions on how to obtain the display

unlock code.


Header Compatibility

The AFS RowGuide system is only intended to work with the following Case IH 30” row spacing

headers.


AFS Display AccuGuide Set-Up

AFS AccuGuide Set-Up

Before AFS RowGuide can operate, the combine must be able to run AutoGuidance. This

means before RowGuide is installed or turned on, the combine must be able to set and engage

on a guidance line.

In the toolbox, the following items must be set:

• GPS Location – Set to correct location

• Height Offset - Note: Inaccuracies in this measurement will affect terrain compensation

calculations done by the NAV II controller. Be as accurate as possible when measuring and

entering this value.

• Navigation - Must be set to AFS AccuGuide



• Minimum Turning Radius - Note: For headers less than 30

feet in width, set the “Min Turn Radius” to no less than 30 feet.

For headers greater than 30 feet in width, set the “Min Turn

Radius” to the actual header width.

• Aggressiveness - This value is applied anytime the vehicle is

less than 1 meter (3.28 ft.) from the guidance swath.

(Suggested Range, 100-125). Note: Start at 100 and adjust up

in increments of 10 until the response starts to get 'edgy,' then

back it down by 10 until performance is satisfactory.

• Swath Acquisition - Note: The “Swath Acquisition” value is an

aggressiveness setting which is applied anytime the vehicle is

greater than 1 meter (3.28 ft.) from the guidance swath.

Suggested range is 113-128

GPS Location Height Offset Navigation



AFS Display AccuGuide Set-Up (Continued)

• Multi Swath – The preferred swath type to use for

RowGuide. Set the “Multi Swath Completion” option for the

desired control required for each field condition. This

setting can be managed through “Swath Manager” on a run

screen or in “Toolbox” > “NAV” as shown below.


• AutoGuidance Type – In the toolbox, navigate to the

Drive tab. Ensure that the “Auto Guidance Type” is set to

“DGPS” and NOT “Row” even when using RowGuide.

• Speed Sensor Type – Navigate to the “Comb” tab and

select the desired “Speed Sensor Type,” Note: It is advised

to use “Wheel” for ground speed, as this is a more

accurate and robust input source.


In the Calibration Tab, the following calibration must be

performed:

• Distance Calibration– This ensures that distance traveled

is accurate.

• Rear Wheel Position Calibration- This calibration

identifies a “straight-ahead” feedback voltage from the

steering cylinder potentiometer.

• Steering Valve Calibration - This identifies the minimum

PWM% that must be applied to the left and right steering

solenoids before movement of the steering tires occurs.

• Roll Calibration - A roll calibration is performed to

eliminate overlaps and skips in the swath by correcting the

actual vs. calculated position of the machine.


AFS Display AccuGuide Calibrations

AFS AccuGuide Calibration

In order for the system to operate correctly, the system must be calibrated. If the Autoguidance

system has not been properly calibrated, the performance of the RowGuide system can be poor.


Calibration Tab



RowGuide Sensors Adjustments

RowGuide Sensor Alignment

The RowGuide sensor gap needs to be set for the system to operate correctly. Incorrect sensor

gap can lead to poor performance of the system.

Centering the sensors vertically can be done with a tape measure and level or inclinometer, as

shown below. Adjust both sensor feelers at an equal distance from the divider side rails so that

the 20 mm (0.8in) space is centered on the row unit. The sensor feelers should be adjacent to

each other, with a 20mm (0.8 in) space between the tips.


If adjustment of the RowGuide sensor(s)

is required, loosen the sensor mounting

bolts slightly. Use a ratchet to move the

sensor(s) left or right until they are

properly aligned, as shown above.



RowGuide Display Settings

RowGuide Display Settings

Once the AFS AccuGuide system has been fully calibrated, navigate to the RowGuide tab in the

toolbox. This is where the RowGuide system can be turned on and off.

• Row Feeler Distance - Actual measured distance from the center of fixed axle to the tip of

sensor rod with header at working height.

• The larger the distance entered, the slower the Row Guidance will be in making

steering changes.

• The smaller the distance entered, the more abruptly the Row Guidance will make

steering changes

• It is not recommended to ‘cheat’ the distance to front axle value to alter the

performance of the system.

• Snap Roller Distance - Actual measured distance from the center of fixed axle to the front of

the snap roller, with header at working height. Do not cheat this number in an effort to change

performance.

• RowGuide Aggressiveness Value - Start at 100 and adjust if needed only after the NAV

Aggressiveness has been tuned. Raise or lower the value based upon how the base

guidance is performing and field conditions.

• RowGuide Trim – This setting is used if the combine is always tracking one direction to

offset. In most cases, this setting should be at 0. If combine is tracking one direction check

RowGuide sensor alignment and make sure all calibrations have been performed.




Drive Tab Display Settings

P-Gain & D-Gain Overview

P-Gain - The function of P-Gain is similar to that of the springs on a car. As a car encounters a

bump on the road, the wheels move and then the springs push them back to their original

position. If a stiffer spring is used, less movement is allowed, resulting in a harsher ride. If a

softer spring is used, more movement is allowed, resulting in a smoother ride. In comparing P-

Gain to a spring, a higher P-Gain value would be like a stiffer spring, resulting in harsher

steering response. A lower value would be like a softer spring, resulting in a smoother steering

response. (Note: P-Gain values will be different for every vehicle.)

D-Gain - The function of D-Gain is similar to that of the shock absorbers on a car. As a car

encounters a bump and the wheels move, the shock absorbers dampen the wheel movement to

prevent excessive bouncing. A car with new shocks has a nice, smooth ride, whereas a car with

old shocks tends to bounce excessively. In comparing D-Gain to a shock absorber, a D-Gain

value of 0 is like a car without shocks, resulting in no dampening of steering movement. A

properly set D-Gain value is comparable to a car with new shocks, resulting in a dampening of

excessive steering movement.

When P-Gain and D-Gain are properly set, the combine will be reactive enough to follow turns in

the corn row, but will not hunt on straight rows.


The RED line would represent the

movement of a car with a spring

with no shock. Comparatively, this

would represent the cross-track

error of a vehicle that overshoots

the guidance line due to a P-Gain

value that is too high and a D-Gain

value that is too low or near zero.

The BLUE line would represent the

movement of a car with a spring and

a shock that over-dampens spring

movement. Comparatively, this

would represent a vehicle that is

sluggish to acquire the guidance line

due to a P-Gain value that is too low

and a D-Gain value that is too high.

Time (sec)

Cro

ss-Tra

ck E

rror (in

)



Drive Tab Display Settings

Adjusting P-Gain & D-Gain

Once all other calibrations and set-up have been completed, only then should P-Gain and D-

Gain be adjusted. These adjustments can correct a combine that is sluggish to obtain a

guidance line or one that may overshoot the guidance line. Note: When you set P-gain and D-

gain, you will want aggressiveness and row guide aggressiveness at 100 (this allows you to fine

tune them after setting P/D-gain).

1. From the main screen, press the “Toolbox” button.

2. Navigate to the “Drive” tab.

3. Scroll down the page to find “DGPS Steering P Gain”.

4. Press the “DGPS Steering P-Gain” window, enter the desired value then press “Enter”.

P-Gain Value: Start with the default value (3000) and adjust up until a slight ‘hunt’ is produces.

5. Scroll down the page to find “DGPS Steering D Gain.”

6. Press the “DGPS Steering D-Gain” window, enter the desired value then press “Enter.”

D-Gain Value: Start with the default value (10000), and if steering response is still edgy,

increase the value to fine tune (smooth) steering performance.




Display & RowGuide Status Icons

Display Status Icons

These icons are used to inform the operator of the status of the AccuGuide system or the reason

the system was not able to engage.


RowGuide Operation Modes

These icons are used to inform the operator of the status of the RowGuide system.



Summary

The AFS RowGuide represents a new level of simplicity, control, and precision when it

comes to harvesting. The integrated RowGuide system provides the flexibility and ease of use

that today’s top producers demand.

Show your customers how the AFS AccuGuide guidance system and AFS RowGuide can deliver

an impressive return on their investment. Whether the customer is looking for reduced operator

fatigue, improved performance in down corn, or more consistent crop feed, the AFS AccuGuide

and AFS RowGuide systems have what it takes to achieve outstanding performance in the field.

Take this opportunity to review this information on AFS RowGuide and Sell the Axial-Flow

Advantage!




The information presented herein is intended for sales education

purposes and is intended for the use of CNH Industrial America

LLC, its affiliates, and its independent dealers only. This information

is to be treated as CONFIDENTIAL and is not to be used for

advertising purposes. Competitive comparisons are based on

competitive information known at time of printing. Sources of

information include published industry specifications and data.

General statements made herein are the opinions of the authors

concluded from supporting data.

Note:

Specifications are stated in accordance

with industry standards or recommended

practices, where applicable.

Important:

CNH Industrial America LLC reserves the

right to change product specification

without notice and without incurring any

obligation relating to such changes.

Any trademarks referred to herein in

association with the goods and/or

services of companies other than

CNH Industrial America LLC are the

property of those respective companies.

© copyright CNH Industrial America LLC

2014

Visit Case IH on the Web at

www.caseih.com

CNH INDUSTRIAL AMERICA LLC

700 STATE STREET

RACINE, WI 53404 U.S.A.

http://www.caseih.com/

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