Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: When I try to record in GreenStar 2, I get the message, Implement Recording Not Allowed. What do I need to do to fix this?

  A: Verify you have the correct Client, Farm, Field and Task set up under GS2 button (G). Then, make sure you have an operation setup in button (I). If you have Tillage, Product Application, or Other operation defined, verify you only have one operation set up. If running a Planting or Seeding operation, it is possible to set up a Product Application operation as well. If the error message remains, select button (C) and select Recording from the drop-down menu. This is a Recording Diagnostics page and will give you an idea of why the system will not allow recording.

• Q: I’m attempting to dial-in my AutoTrac Universal system and don’t understand what each sensitivity is for.

  A: Refer to the AutoTrac Universal Quick Reference Guide that came with your AutoTrac Universal System, or print it off from the www.StellarSupport.com website. It defines these and other terms:

  Steer speed is how fast the ATU wheel turns.

  Acquire sensitivity is how aggressively the unit drives to the line.

  Line Sensitivity Tracking is used to keep the lateral error low. If your machine gets offline up to a foot, the Tracking Sensitivity may be set too low.

  Line Sensitivity Heading adjusts how much the unit corrects for heading error. If you see a lot of left and right steering, the Heading Sensitivity may be set too high.

  Each sensitivity has an optimum value that works best for the specific vehicle platform you are using. Refer to www.StellarSupport.com for recommended starting points for your vehicle platform.

• Q: I would like to use the coverage map feature in GreenStar 2. How do I properly set this up?

  A: Select GS2 button (A) and select Map Settings. Then select the drop-down menu for Foreground and select Coverage. This selection will paint the map a light blue color. If you are seeding or applying chemical, you can select either Seed Rate 1 or Product Rate 1 as Foreground. Either of these selections will color the map based on a legend that corresponds with the amount of seed or product applied.

• Q: My GreenStar 2 does not recognize setup data saved from Apex. What do I need to do to get this working properly?NOTE: Apex is not available in all EAME countries.
  

  A: First, verify Apex and GS2 software versions are compatible. For example, if you are running 1.1 GS2 software, make sure you have at least 1.1 Apex software. Next, when saving data to the card using Apex, make sure to have the proper items check marked (e.g. Enterprise, Products, Resources, etc.). Before saving to card, verify that you check mark Original GreenStar and/or GreenStar 2 (based on the system(s) you own) as well as choose the correct card drive letter. Click Save.

• Q: My AutoTrac Universal unit will not engage when I get a StarFire signal in the mornings. Do I have to drive around for a while before the resume switch engages AutoTrac Universal?

  A: ATU relies solely on the StarFire Receiver to obtain information about the direction you are traveling. Therefore, if the signal has been acquired, but no vehicle movement has taken place, the Direction under Info, AutoTrac will say unknown. Watch this Direction while driving forward in a gentle curve. As soon as it changes from Unknown to Forward the ATU unit will operate properly when you engage AutoTrac.

• Q: What is the proper way to cycle power on my GreenStar 2 display?

  A: Turn the key off, the screen will go dark and the green LED light in the bottom right corner will go out. After the LED light is off, it is safe to power the system back on. If the GS2 has been powered off for less than 24 hours, it will power right up to the last screen used. If it has been more than 24 hours, you will see the John Deere logo as well as a progress indicator at startup.

• Q: I want to use a prescription in my new GreenStar 2 system and I want to be able to see the as-applied map over the top of my anhydrous prescription layer. How do I set this up?

  A: Save the prescription to your compact flash card in Apex. Select GS2 button (A), and select Map Settings at the bottom of the page. Select the prescription as the background layer. Choose Product Rate 1 that comes from your approved controller as the foreground layer. Then configure your homepage with the desired information.

• Q: What causes the StarFire receiver signal strength bar on my GS2 homepage to turn orange and display an alert symbol?

  A: If the number of satellites in a solution drops to six or below, you are receiving a marginal signal which results in an orange bar and an alert sign. If there are less than five satellites in a solution, the bar will be red, indicating no GPS signal. For the bar to be green, there must be at least seven satellites in a solution.

• Q: Why do I get message saying, Recording is Not Allowed when I try to turn GS2 Recording on even though my signal strength is good?

  A: This is a common error if multiple recording operations have been selected. Go to the GS2 menu and select GreenStar 2 Pro. Select button (I) to enter the GS2 Documentation screen, and make sure there are no duplicate operation tabs displayed at the top of the screen. If there are duplicates, select the operation that does not belong and select the “Remove” button.

• Q: I get the error message Implement Recording not allowed on my GreenStar 2 Display. What should I do about it?

  A: Check Diagnostics page (C) from the GreenStar 2 Pro Menu and change the view box from Deere GPS to Recording. This should tell you what recording was stopped, and you can make the necessary adjustments.

• Q: When I spray or plant using both the Original and GS2 Displays, I get error message "ID 234" or "Display address claim conflict." What does this mean and what should I do?

  A: Both displays are trying to run as the primary display. If the GS2 is the actual primary display, power down and unplug it, then power up again with only the Original GreenStar Display plugged in. Go to SETUP > ORIGINAL GREENSTAR MONITOR > DISPLAY ADDRESS and set it as the primary. Now plug in the GS2 Display with the power still running on the Original display. If you have two Original GreenStar displays, hook them up to the primary connections and turn on the power. Go to SETUP > ORIGINAL GREENSTAR MONITOR and select line D, so it shows as primary. Turn off the power, unhook the primary processor and display, and hookup the secondary display to the auxiliary connections. Power up and go to SETUP > ORIGINAL GREENSTAR MONITOR and select line D to set to Aux 1. Now power down and hook up the processor, primary display, and secondary display to the correct connections. Finally, power up once more. You may have to run Standard Run Page Layout from the Setup menu after you are set up.

• Q: I lost the StarFire iTC button from the GS2 Main Menu. How can I get it back?

  A: Go to MENU > MESSAGE CENTER > button (A), highlight GPS Receiver, select Reprogram Device and select current software (2.60Y). Contact your dealer if problem persists.

• Q: Why did my AutoTrac options disappear from my GS2 Display?

  A: First, check the GPS status to see if you are receiving signal, and ensure the Terrain Compensation Module is on and calibrated. You can also check the button (F) from the GreenStar 2 Pro Menu to see if the AutoTrac line shows as active. If not, call 1-888-GRN-STAR to activate it.

• Q: I used Swath Control Pro on my GS2 System on a field that I want to reapply, but the system shows the field as already covered and won’t allow me to spray it again.

  A: You need to create a new task so that same field will appear as a completely separate layer. The GS2 coverage map will then be blank, and you’ll be allowed to spray the field again.

• Q: What is Shading?

  A: Shading occurs when obstacles such as trees, buildings or other solid objects block all or part of a satellite(s) signal. GPS satellites emit two frequencies, L1 and L2. The L2 frequency is weaker than L1, and thin objects, like tree leaves, will block L2 easily where the L1 signal will go right through. To run AutoTrac, the StarFire requires a 5 satellites solution with full communication with the both the L1 and L2 frequencies from each satellite.

• Q: What is Optimize Shading?

  A: The Optimize Shading feature, available with StarFire iTC software versions 3.01K and newer, allows you to continue using AutoTrac when SF1/ SF2 reception is degraded due to shading. Optimize Shading allows a minimum of 4 satellites in solution with only L1 communication to maintain running AutoTrac. Optimize Shading is only available with SF1 and SF2 on iTC receivers, and will not function with RTK or Gen 2 receivers. When using RTK, the Optimize Shading checkbox is still displayed, but it has no affect on the receiver. Optimize Shading can be used with both Original and GS2 displays.

• Q: Does Optimize Shading Affect AutoTrac Accuracy?

  A: Although Optimize Shading allows the user to continue using AutoTrac, it is operating on a degraded signal level and the operator can expect the system to be less accurate. Line jumps and shifts may be more prevalent. Optimize Shading does not affect GPS accuracy when all of the L1 and L2 frequencies are available to the receiver. It merely allows AutoTrac to stay engaged when GPS signal is degraded. If the receiver has full signal, Optimize Shading does not affect accuracy.

• Q: Should I Leave Optimize Shading on All the Time?

  A: Under most circumstances, Optimize Shading should be turned off. It should only be used in situations where the operator would like to continue running AutoTrac if a reduction in signal quality is expected and optimum AutoTrac accuracy is crucial. Optimize Shading should be turned off if during a critical operation whereby it would be preferable for AutoTrac to disengage during signal degradation than to continue running AutoTrac with reduced accuracy.

• Q: Does Optimize Shading Affect Documentation, Coverage Mapping or Swath Control?

  A: Having Optimize Shading checked will have no effect on Documentation, Coverage or Swath Control if degraded signal due to shading is encountered. Documentation, Coverage and Swath Control require a minimum of only 3D/ RTG to operate.

• Q: Can I run over my previously recorded adaptive curve lines?

  A: Yes, with a feature within adaptive curves called Repeat Mode which allows you to repeat over previously recorded adaptive curve lines. This is located by going to GS2 Pro, Guidance (B), Guidance Settings Tab, and selecting the Change button (next to the label Curve Track Settings). In here, there will a check box to turn on Repeat Mode.

• Q: How many iTEC Pro sequences can I have?

  A: The number of differently named sequences is limited only by the size of the data card.

• Q: How do I remove unused iTEC Pro sequences?

  A: Sequences are stored on the data card and cannot be deleted. Individual sequences cannot be removed, but sequences can have the functions edited or removed.

  NOTE: If contents of card are deleted your iTEC sequences will also be deleted.
  
• Q: What if I make a mistake naming an iTEC sequence, or don’t have my sequences properly named?

  A: Currently we cannot edit the names of sequences after they have been accepted. If you make a mistake in renaming the sequence, (e.g 1770 Exterior Raise vs. 1770 Extrior Raise), there are a few options:

  1. Continue to setup the sequence, ignoring the error.
  2. Create a new sequence with the correct name.
  3. Start over with a blank card. In this instance, it will be necessary to get all desired setup data from at least Apex version 2.0 back on the card.
• Q: With multiple iTEC Pro sequences, how should I keep these organized?

  A: It is important to properly name the sequences. “Raise” and “lower” will likely be different for the interior passable and headland boundaries, as well as for different implements and tasks.

• Q: Why does my AutoTrac Universal (ATU) disengage for no apparent reason?

  A: When the ATU disengages, a Stop Code is generated and indicates why AutoTrac disengaged. On an Original GreenStar Display, you will find the Stop Code by going to INFO > AUTOTRAC. On a GS2, the stop code will be displayed in the top left corner of the GS2 Pro Guidance Screen or in GS2 Pro AutoTrac Universal Diagnostics. Explanation of the stop code can be found in ATU Quick Reference Guide.