Theory of Operation

John Deere Rate Controller 2000 controls product application components on many configurations. It controls rate and implement sections using coverage maps, boundaries, and global positioning system (GPS) information. John Deere Rate Controller 2000 can control up to five liquid and (or) dry products all while utilizing John Deere Section Control.

John Deere Rate Controller 2000 can control multiple product configurations at once. It can control multiple products and the corresponding sections independently or group them together. For example, a five section anhydrous applicator that simultaneously applies a dry product can be configured and controlled with two section groups.

John Deere Rate Controller 2000 configurations receive inputs from system components to create outputs that perform functions. The two main functions are rate control and section control.

Rate Control

• Inputs
  • Rate Sensor (flowmeter that measures volume over time or encoder that measures revolutions)
  • Pressure Sensor (optional)
  • Ground Speed
  • Implement Width

• Outputs
  • Control Valve Signals – If controller senses rate is too high, system attempts to slow down (PWM only) or close the control valves. If rate is too low, system attempts to speed up (PWM only) or open the control valves to increase flow.

Section Control

• Inputs
  • Global Positioning System (GPS) Location
  • Section Control Settings – Settings determine amount of time controller sends on or off commands to a valve.

• Outputs
  • Section Valve Signals – Pins within the controller are assigned to output drivers that control sections. If a section is commanded open, controller sends the required signal to the specific valve.

John Deere Rate Controller 2000 is capable of many other functions depending on configuration. Tank fill monitoring, tank level monitoring, fan speed control, spinner speed control, and bin chaining are some of these features.