Everything you need to know about FJ Dynamics Autosteer

This blog will explain everything you need to know about the FJ Dynamics Autosteering Kit for tractors. If you work in the agricultural industry and are looking to improve your efficiency and accuracy, then this is the blog and product for you. 

What?

FJDynamics Autosteer system comprises just a few devices which connect together easily via plugs through a simple electrical wiring harness. The heart of the system is a control terminal on which the farmer sets up and monitors the guidance lines. It features a 10.1” high resolution, colour LCD screen which is Android based and can be updated over WiFi.

The electric steering wheel gives constant steering inputs to the vehicle to keep it on the predefined path. This is fitted easily by removing the existing steering wheel and using the appropriate adaptor fitting which is supplied in the kit.

The antennae are installed on the front or rear of the cab roof and signals are fed into the control terminal for continual processing. Feedback is also fed into the control terminal from two sensors, which give precise feedback to further refine the accuracy of movement. The first of these is an angle sensor which is fitted to a pivoting member of the steering knuckle and feeds back the actual angle of the steering wheels. The second device is an inertial measurement device (IMU), which is fitted within the cab to give feedback on angular movement.

FJ Dynamics also manufactures optional ancillary hardware that compliments this system. The control terminal takes inputs from up to two FJDynamics WiFi cameras, which can then be shown on the screen of the control terminal during operation. These can be positioned anywhere on the tractor or implemented to give an important view of what is going on outside the cab. RTK base stations are also available as a flexible and economic way of accessing the RTK signal at a fixed cost. 

How?

The Autosteer system can be fitted and calibrated in a matter of a few hours, either by a farmer or by a Robert Cupitt Engineer. The system can be fitted to almost any brand of tractor, sprayer, or harvester using steering wheel adaptors that come with the set.

Fundamentally, the system works using a combination of signals from Global Navigations System (GNSS) Satellites, such as GPS, together with a Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) signal. The RTK signal can be from one of FJDynamics affordable RTK Base Stations, or any NTRIP Service that many farmers already subscribe to for other devices. The RTK signal is used for much greater positional accuracy than can typically be obtained by GPS alone. 

Software operation is simple and highly intuitive for farmers, no matter how technologically experienced they are. The control terminal can be run in one of two modes; Fast Mode or Advanced Mode.

Fast Mode is a simple, quick-to-set-up, means of getting to work in the field. Users can pick up on existing tramlines and simply import or set up AB straight guidance lines, before setting the implement width and switching to Autosteer. It is necessary to switch back to manual control at the field headland, line up approximately with the guidance line and then switch back to Autosteer mode. The field guidance line details can be saved and recalled by the software for consistent, easy use in the future.

Advanced Mode offers more functionality to the farmer. As well as the above-mentioned features, field boundaries can be set, and straight or curved guidance lines mapped out. An implement library can be set up and maintained by the farmer so that details of implements can be quick. The user can also upgrade to a U-turn function at an extra cost. This function plans the links between guidelines in the field and undertakes automatic U-turns at the headland.

Why?

FJDynamics Autosteer system has been developed as an affordable, yet highly effective navigation system for supporting farmers in their drive toward precision agriculture. It automatically guides the tractor with an accuracy of up to 2.5cm, in order to ensure that it precisely follows the guidance lines. 

The Autosteer system makes the arable farmers' life easier by reducing the mental fatigue associated with long days of driving in the field, allowing the farmer to concentrate more easily on the processes or implements being used. With today’s challenging economic climate, a small investment in the Autosteer system gives a quick financial return, as the precision of movement brings savings on fuel, seed, or fertiliser, and of course time. 

If you’re interested in the FJ Dynamics Autosteer, you can explore the product more here, or contact us today directly and speak with an expert here.