What's New at John Deere AMS

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Click here to visit the Apex Update Page.

For owners of the limited build GS2 1800 Display, new software is available. This update enables GreenStar™ applications such as AutoTrac™ and Swath Control Pro™ on the GS2 1800 Display. Previously, the 1800 would only function as an ISOBUS Virtual Terminal. This update includes the following functionality:

• Manual guidance
• Compatibility with the GreenStar Lightbar
• Coverage mapping
• The ability to unlock software activations
• Demo activations
• Boundaries
• AutoTrac (if activated)
• Swath Control Pro (if activated)
• Pivot Pro (if activated)

• This update is only necessary for owners of the GS2 1800 Display. No other component software is affected by this update.
• If guidance, mapping or Swath Control Pro are not going to be used on the GS2 1800 display, this update is not necessary.
• The AutoTrac Transition Program has been expanded to include the GS2 1800 Display. This is open for owners of the Original GreenStar Display who would like to exchange their AutoTrac KeyCard for an activation on the GS2 1800.
• At this time, The GS2 1800 is ONLY approved for use on tractors, SeedStar 2 planters and seeding equipment, and the AutoTrac Universal Steering Kit (ATU and ATU 200).
• The GS2 1800 is not compatible with Apex or any other desktop software programs. Boundaries, Clients, Farms, Fields, and Guidance Lines cannot be imported from Apex or another GreenStar Display.
• If connecting a StarFire iTC receiver, the receiver must have the most recent software update installed (3.40N). Update the StarFire iTC using a GS2 2600, Original GreenStar Display, or the StarFire iTC Desktop Configurator.
• Displays shipped after March 30th already have this software update installed and GreenStar applications can be accessed through the GreenStar button in the display menu.
  
  
• Special instructions for this update as well as software can be found at http://stellarsupport.deere.com/en_US/support/greenStarSystem.html.

A small number of customers may receive an Error 44 - Checksum Failed message, displayed below, while updating a GS2 2600 Display with the Software Update 2009-1. It is advised to uninstall the GS2 Live Update off of your computer and install it again from StellarSupport.com and then re-run the update to your GS2 2600 display. For additional assistance please contact your John Deere dealer or 1-888-GRN-STAR.

In the process of fixing this issue we were also able to fix three other issues that were found in the January 28 release. The issues are as follows:

• Pivot Pro™ shift tracks were not being saved when the field was changed.
• The GreenStar 2 Rate Controller Softkey would disappear when the GS2 language was changed.
• GreenStar 2 Rate Controller job summary totals could be cleared when not expected.

All customers are advised to download the February 26 release of Software Update 2009-1 for either the Original GreenStar System or the GreenStar 2 System. Customers using GS2 Live Update will be automatically prompted to download the new release. Updated release notes are available on the software download page.

John Deere AMS invites you to explore Answer Center, a knowledge-based tool that allows you to search for solutions to common questions or issues you may be experiencing. This interactive database tool currently provides resolution for Apex Farm Management Software questions and will continually be expanded to include several GreenStar™ products. Answer Center is located on the homepage of StellarSupport™

John Deere AMS has developed a Harvest Data Correction Tool for customers that need to correct Combine Harvest data recorded with the Original GreenStar Display that is being displayed in Apex version 2.1 as Self Propelled Forage Harvester information.

Solution :

GPS Accuracy with SF1 and SF2

The coverage map location is based off of a reference point, and all other mapped points within the coverage map are positioned relative to this reference point. The reference point is created with the first recorded point for a specific client, farm, field, and task. If this point is recorded with poor GPS, the reference for all the coverage points will be inaccurate and will affect the positioning of the coverage map.

Also, if GPS is poor at any time within a specific client, farm, field, and task configuration, the coverage map can shift or drift more than what would be expected with GPS drift. Customers need to be aware of signal level at all times, and understand that shading, low satellite availability, and loss of signal will affect coverage map position.

IMPORTANT: AMS recommends running SF2 or RTK signal with Swath Control for planters. SF1 is not recommended.

Preventing Map Shifts

Ideally, the StarFire needs to have accuracy levels of 80% or greater. This is especially important when establishing the reference point. Maintaining GPS accuracy involves parameters that are sometimes uncontrollable. However, GPS signal accuracy is very important when it comes to coverage. Also ensure that shading optimization is checked on the StarFire set up page.

IMPORTANT: Have Optimize Shading checked. When the number of satellites in solution drops due to either shading or availability, Optimize Shading will help prevent errors due to the drastic change in signal level.

Attempt to Reset the Map

If a map shift is experienced, attempt to reestablish correct position by rebooting the system. First, change to a new field or a field that will not be used, unplug the StarFire, pause for 5 to 10 seconds, and plug it back in. Wait until the StarFire acquires at least 80% signal level, then change back to the original field. If the map doesn't return to the correct position, follow the same procedure above, but unplug GS2 as well as the StarFire.

If the problem persists contact your John Deere Dealer