Limitations of Swath Control Pro

There are some limitations of Swath Control Pro to be aware of.

GPS Accuracy can cause map and boundary shifts

Poor GPS accuracy can affect boundaries and coverage maps. It is critical to have good GPS accuracy when using Swath Control Pro. If the reference point for a Swath Control Pro boundary or coverage map is created with poor GPS, boundary and coverage map issues (gaps, overlaps, shifts) occur as GPS accuracy increases over time.

The boundary and coverage map location are based off of an initial reference point and all other mapped points within the coverage map are positioned relative to this reference point.

On start-up, the system looks to see if there is an existing coverage map for the current field. If there is existing coverage for the current field, Swath Control Pro uses the original reference point from that existing coverage map. If there is no existing coverage for the current field, then the system looks to see if there is a boundary for the current field. If there is a boundary for the current field, Swath Control Pro utilizes the center of the field boundary as the reference point. If there is no boundary for the current field, the reference point is created with the first recorded point for the current field.

The same issue could be seen during field operation when shading, low satellite availability, or loss of signal are experienced. To minimize a map or boundary shift, good GPS accuracy is needed, especially when establishing the reference point. Having Optimize Shading checked helps prevent errors due to the drastic change in signal level.

Coverage Map and actual product application shows small gaps the full width of the boom

If the coverage map and actual product application shows small gaps the full width of the boom when exiting the headlands or other previous coverage with Swath Control Pro, do the following checks.

1. Verify that you are running the most current version of GS2 Display software. This will ensure that the most recent software features and enhancements can be utilized.
2. Verify driving habits.
   • Operators slowing down when entering then rapidly accelerating when exiting the headlands increases the severity of small gaps in the coverage map. Swath Control Pro looks at the machine’s speed and the Turn on and off times to determine when to start and stop applying and painting the coverage map. If the machine changes speed during this time period, the map and product application may not start or stop at the correct time. It is very important that speed remains constant when entering and exiting headlands.

     Turning around in the headland at 8 mph, with a Turn on time of 2 seconds, the machine travels approximately 23.5 ft. at 8 mph in 2 seconds. If the operator accelerates during this time, the machine covers this distance in less than 2 seconds. This causes delayed product application and mapping resulting in a gap.

   • The type of end turns driven can affect Swath Control as well. The software can predict the future position of the boom relatively well during 180 degree turns, but not during light bulb turns. If light bulb turns are made, skips in the coverage map may be more severe when exiting the headlands.

Coverage Map shows small triangle or sliver shaped gaps but the actual product application is correct

If there is a gap in the coverage map, but the actual product application is correct, then the Swath Control Turn on and off times are probably not set correctly. Reference the Turn on and Turn off Settings section for information on how to adjust the Turn on or Turn off time.

Prescriptions

When utilizing prescriptions, Swath Control Pro commands sections off in zero rate prescription areas.