Case IH has announced the US release of the latest version of its spray technology with AIM Command FLEX offering greater application accuracy via individual nozzle control and turn compensation.
The company says AIM Command FLEX will help operators deliver “consistent, flexible and accurate application, regardless of speed and terrain” adding to more efficient product use.
AIM Command uses pulse width modulation (PWM) technology, to control product flow and pressure more precisely than a conventional rate controller.
All 2017 Case IH Patriot sprayers will come factory-equipped with the nodes required to run AIM Command FLEX.
Visiting US Case IH specialist Andrew Kissell, told Fairfax in July the technology would be available for Australian delivered Patriots but timing is yet to be confirmed.
AIM Command FLEX allows operators to preset spray rates up to 30 percent higher than the target rate on up to eight nozzles.
This feature accommodates sprayer wheel tracks, fence lines and other uneven field conditions.
The system operates 36 separate boom sections, for more precise control across the boom and throughout the field and maintains consistent application rate over a wider range of speeds.
“With properly sized tips, AIM Command FLEX accommodates speed ranges up to 8:1 versus 2:1 with rate-controller-only technology,” the company said.
Drift control is also improved by allowing operators to preset two spray pressures and toggle between them while spraying.
This means one of the settings could deliver the target pressure for the desired droplet size, and the second setting could produce lower pressure for selective drift control in sensitive areas.
Or operators could select a higher pressure for the second setting to achieve greater canopy penetration when needed.
Turn compensation is also addressed by automatically adjusting rates across the boom to prevent over, or underapplication through field curves and turns.
In the cabin there’s better data for the operator with a nozzle valve diagnostic system to keep the sprayer running efficiently.
The system monitors each nozzle and notifies the operator immediately if a valve quits working or a wire becomes unplugged.
In addition to alerts on the in-cab display, each solenoid valve has an LED indicator light that flashes different colors to help spot problem nozzles quickly and easily.
AIM Command FLEX operates through the sprayer’s rate controller - either the AFS Pro 700 or Case IH Viper 4+, for one-screen monitoring and adjustment of application rate, spray pressure, boom section status, product tank volume and other operating parameters.
The system generates as-applied maps and application reports using data exported in a Shapefile format.
For system flexibility, AIM Command FLEX is ISO Virtual Terminal (VT) compatible.
The company is also offering an optional AIM Command FLEX upgrade.
The upgraded system allows on-off control of individual nozzles through the Viper 4+ controller.