onTrak, the tractor GPS system offering simple, affordable guidance, is now available with a new enhanced data service giving operators access to their field information anywhere and anytime via a cloud-based system launched at Lamma 2018.
Originally introduced at the Lamma Show in 2017, more than 300 onTrak units have now been sold to date, bringing guidance to a wider group of farmers than ever before. This innovative, smart farming tool has been developed by British company Agricision, and uses a patent-pending combined receiver and lightbar operated via an iPad or iPhone to offer a cost-effective guidance solution. It’s quick and simple to set up, easy to operate and swap between tractors or other vehicles.
The onTrak receiver is a robust waterproof unit thgat adheres magnetically to the bonnet of the tractor, placing the lightbar clearly in the eyeline of the driver. There’s 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’s in line with the tractor’s front wheels rather than behind them, as is the case with in-cab systems.
It’s set-up and controlled via a free app downloaded to the iPad or iPhone, which connects wirelessly to the onTrak unit using Bluetooth. The receiver is powered by an onboard battery with 24 hours operating capacity, rechargeable via a 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.
The new onTrak.Cloud service will allow customers to gain access to their data recorded and created while using onTrak in the simple kml file 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.
Agricision director Adam Keene said his aim was to make the data recorded from onTrak as simple and open as possible, allowing customers the flexibility to work with whichever crop management system they preferred.
“With a simple integration with iCloud the user can access their field data anywhere anytime,” he added. “We’re 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,” Mr Keene said. “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, while 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.”
The onTrak system is priced at £675+VAT (price correct at January 2018)
For more information visit: www.agricision.co.uk.
