JOHN DEERE IGRADE (01) PDF Document

To operate the JOHN DEERE IGRADE system, a 26-digit activation code is required for Application Controller 1100.

Step 1. Select Application Controller 1100 from the main menu.

Step 2. Select Setup softkey.

Step 3. Select Activation Entry button.

Step 4. Select activation input box and enter activation code.

GreenStar 2 2600 Display or GreenStar 3 2630 Display is recommended for the JOHN DEERE IGRADE system.

StarFire RTK Receivers are required installed and functioning on the machine and implement. A StarFire Receiver and Deluxe Bracket are required mounted on the implement. A StarFire 300 Receiver can be used as a machine receiver for Load Limiting application only.

Additional hardware includes: Application Controller 1100 installed on the machine and various harnesses associated with power supply, controller integration, and receiver installation.

Setup steps crucial to performance include:

• SCV thresholds setup
• SCV flow rates setup
• TCM calibrations setup
• Correctly setting a benchmark daily or a zero point for system reference
• Correct inputs into the system for correct plane design

The JOHN DEERE IGRADE system has four functional modes:

• Plane Control: Used to create a surface design with either a single slope direction or a dual slope direction.
• Grade Control: Performs desired slope entered based on actual distance traveled, not linear distance. Grade control is not direction-dependent.
• Remote Control: Receives elevation data commands from an outside source to control implement height through SCVs to a desired plane or ditch design.
• Distance Trip: Allows GPS position to trigger machine hydraulics based on distance traveled.

The SCV controller is set to AC mode by placing the SCV into detent position.

If the implement requires height adjustment to bring it back on desired grade, a signal is sent from iGrade, through the Application Controller harness, to the machine SCV controller. The SCV controller then communicates instructions for sending hydraulic fluid to the implement control cylinder. This process continually monitors for any implement elevation error and makes constant adjustments to keep the implement on the desired grade.

The AUTO status indicators mean the following:

• AUTO (B) indicates normal auto mode operation.
• !AUTO! (C) indicates a fault and auto mode is inoperable.
• AUTO with a strike through it (D) indicates auto mode is not active.

Step 1. Set up control type display.

Step 2. Using SCV controls, place SCV control lever (A) to forward detent position to activate elevation control. Engage SCV levers (A and B) if using dual scrapers.

Step 3. Select SCV button on TouchSet display.

Step 4. Verify EC on TouchSet display changes to AC (C). If operating a machine with CommandCenter display, verify AUTO off (D) changes to AUTO on (E).

The JOHN DEERE IGRADE system begins acquiring desired elevation immediately after SCV is placed into forward detent if the machine is moving faster than 0.5 km/h (0.32 mph) and control type has been properly set up.

Step 1. Press the selected SCV switch (A). The display below the touch switch shows the previous rate of flow.

Step 2. Turn the flow rate knob clockwise (rabbit) to increase flow or counterclockwise (turtle) to decrease flow. The flow setting is shown on the bar graph display (C) when adjustments are made.

Step 1. Adjust hydraulic flow on the machine to the operator’s preference, then adjust the valve.

Step 2. Loosen the lock nut (A) on the valve cartridge.

Step 3. Use 1/4 turn increments to adjust the valve. If the implement is:

• erratic or moves too fast, turn the cartridge clockwise until the implement reaches the desired operation.
• slow or not responsive, turn the cartridge counterclockwise until the implement reaches the desired operation.

NOTE: Torque the lock nut to 20—25 N·m (15-18 lb.-ft.).

Step 4. Tighten the lock nut on the valve cartridge.

If acceptable performance is not reached after adjusting the valve, adjust the hydraulic flow rate on the machine and then readjust the valve.

Step 1. Select the Application Controller 1100 button.

Step 2. Select Setup softkey.

Step 3. Select SCV Threshold Setup button.

Step 4. Select the SCV being used from the SCV Threshold Setup drop-down (A).

Step 5. Select Valve Test Extend On (B) from the Valve Test drop-down menu (C).

Step 6. Place the SCV lever into detent.

Step 7. Adjust the Extend Threshold value (D) to the lowest setting that produces a steady, consistent motion.

• If the scraper height does not change, increase the Extend Threshold value until minimal movement is achieved.
• If the scraper moves quickly or erratically, decrease the Extend Threshold.
• Repeat this procedure as required to obtain a smooth, constant change in scraper height.
• Extend and Retract thresholds valves may have different values.

Step 8. Select Valve Test Retract On (E) from the drop-down.

Step 9. Repeat the adjustment procedures used in Valve Test Extend calibration.

Step 10. Turn the Valve Test Off (F) when calibration is complete.

Step 1. Select Application Controller 1100 from the main menu.

Step 2. Select Main softkey.

Step 3. Select Plane Control Setup, Remote Control Setup, or Grade Control Setup button.

Step 4. Select Load Parameter Setup button.

Step 5. Enter Elevation Control Sensitivity.

Step 6. Select Load Limit Setup button.

Step 7. Enable Load Limiting by selecting Load Limiting On from the drop-down (A). Disable Load Limiting by selecting Load Limiting Off from the drop-down.

Step 8. Enter Engine Speed Threshold (B) and Slip Threshold (C).

The default Engine Speed is 1500 and Slip defaults to 15%.

Step 1. Select Application Controller 1100 button.

Step 2. Select Main softkey.

Step 3. Select Plane Control Setup, Remote Control Setup, or Grade Control Setup button.

Step 4. Select Load Parameter Setup button.

Step 5. Enter Elevation Control Sensitivity.

Step 6. Select Max Cut Setup button.

Step 7. Enable Max Cut by selecting Max Cut Enabled from the drop-down (A). Disable Max Cut by selecting Max Cut Disabled from the drop-down.

Step 8. Operate the implement manually to the desired Max Cut depth and select Set Max Cut Here button (B). Select Shift Max Cut Down button (C) or Shift Max Cut Up button (D) to increase or decrease maximum cut depth in increments of 2 cm (0.79 in.).

Step 1. Select Application Controller 1100 button.

Step 2. Select Main softkey.

Step 3. Select Remote Control Setup or Plane Control Setup for SCV 1.

Step 4. For Plane Control, select Parameter Setup. For Remote Control, skip this step.

Step 5. Select Offsets Setup.

Step 6. Enter Offsets Step Size (A).

For dual scrapers, if setting scraper 2 offset:

Step 1. Enter Scraper 2 Offset (B).

Step 2. Select Scraper 2 Higher or Scraper 2 Lower from the drop-down menu (C).

Step 1. Select Setup softkey.

Step 2. Select Control Selection button.

Step 3. Select Remote Control from the SCV 1 Control Type drop-down.

Step 4. Select Back button.

Step 1. Select Main softkey.

Step 2. Select Remote Control Main button.

After the SCV(s) have been placed in detent and AC enabled, JOHN DEERE IGRADE controls blade height to grade.

• Set Offset-Zero Error (A) takes current error and applies it as an offset to the designed ditch.
• Shift offsets are useful when the implement is attempting to control an elevation that the machine cannot attain. Select Shift Offset Up (B) to achievable cut and Shift Offset Down (C) back to 0 over subsequent passes.

Step 1. Select Setup softkey.

Step 2. Select Control Selection button.

Step 3. Select Remote Control from the SCV 1 control type drop-down (A).

Step 4. Select Back button (B).

NOTE: Remote Control can utilize dual scrapers. SCV 1 must be used for front scraper and SCV 3 for rear scraper. When utilizing dual scraper functionality, change the SCV Control Type for both SCV 1 and SCV 3 to Remote Control.

Step 1. Select Main softkey.

Step 2. Select Remote Control Main button.

After the SCV(s) have been placed in detent and AC enabled, JOHN DEERE IGRADE controls blade height to grade.

• Set Offset-Zero Error (A) takes current error and applies it as an offset to the desired command.
• Shift offsets are useful when the implement is attempting to control an elevation that the machine cannot attain. Select Shift Offset Up (B) to achievable cut and Shift Offset Down (C) back to 0 over subsequent passes.

Step 1. Select Setup softkey.

Step 2. Select Serial Port Setup button.

Step 3. Select Baud Rate from the drop-down menu (A).

Step 4. If utilizing the Application Controller to retransmit StarFire implement position data through the serial port, select the National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) messages needed by third-party software from the drop-down (B).

Step 5. If utilizing the Application Controller to retransmit StarFire implement position data through the serial port, select the data frequency needed by third-party software from the drop-down (C).

Step 6. If utilizing third-party software to show an as applied map, Last Altitude allows a third receiver on the last implement for elevation data.

Step 1. Select the plane to define from the Plane Control Setup drop-down menu.

Step 2. Select Single Slope Entry button.

Step 3. Enter the plane Slope (A) and Slope Direction (B) if known, or use the Plane Calculator.

Step 4. Drop the scraper on the point of origin and select Set Plane Origin (C).

NOTE: If running dual scrapers, use the front scraper (SCV1) to set the plane origin.

Step 1. Select the plane to define from the Plane Control Setup drop-down menu.

Step 2. Select Dual Slope Entry button.

Step 3. Select Dual Slope Input button.

Step 4. Enter plane Slope1 (A), Down Slope Direction1 (B), plane Slope2 (C), and Down Slope Direction2 (D) if known, or use the Plane Calculator.

Step 5. Select the Dual Slope Setup button to return to the Dual Slope Entry page to set the plane origin.

Step 6. Drop the scraper to a point on the plane and press the Set Plane Origin button. The plane is created at the elevation of the set origin.

NOTE: If running dual scrapers, use the front scraper (SCV1) to set the plane origin.

Step 1. Select Plane Calculator.

Step 2. If setting a new plane, clear Plane Data (C).

Step 3. Select Start Data Collection to gather data.

Step 4. Turn off data collection and review calculated slope and heading.

Step 5. If correct, select Save to Active Plane to accept and enter plane information in both Single and Dual Slope Entry pages for the selected active plane.

Step 1. Select Active Plane (A).

Step 2. Use Shift Offset Up (B) and Shift Offset Down (C) to adjust the designed plane.

• When pan cut is too aggressive, select Shift Offset Up button to obtain an achievable cut. Shift offset back to 0.00 on subsequent passes.
• When pan cut is not aggressive enough, select Shift Offset Down button to obtain an achievable cut. Shift offset back to 0.00 on subsequent passes.
• Plane shift offsets are based on previously designed plane, not ground level. Offsets shift the entire plane up or down.

The JOHN DEERE IGRADE system cuts to the active plane as long as the machine is in AC (A) or AUTO mode (B) and moving faster than 0.5 km/h (0.3 mph). When the scraper is full, raise the scraper and unload. Place the machine back in AC or AUTO mode and JOHN DEERE IGRADE returns blade elevation to the active plane.

Step 1. Select Main softkey.

Step 2. Select Distance Trip Main button.

Trigger First Trip (A) cycles the SCV controller and sets the current locations as the origin point to calculate distance.

Manual Trip (B) cycles the SCV without distance setup or setting the current point as origin.

Left or Right Furrow Position (C) allows JOHN DEERE IGRADE to calculate the correct GPS distance based off which side of the implement furrow is located to trip the implement.

Stop Tripping (A) stops measuring distance and tripping the SCV.

Trip Earlier (B) shifts the preset trip interval to occur sooner but does not decrease the interval distance.

Trip Later (C) shifts the preset trip interval to occur later but does not increase the interval distance.

Each press of the Trip Earlier or Trip Later buttons changes the trip distance by 5 cm (2 in.).

Ensure the StarFire Receiver on the implement and machine are connected and functioning properly.

Shut OFF the machine and start again.

Activate RTK on the implement StarFire Receiver and (or) the machine StarFire Receiver.

Update software on the implement StarFire Receiver(s) to a compatible version.

Shut off power, check connections, and power up to reboot the system. Check the 4-pin DEUTSCH connector at the back of the ISO implement connector on the machine for cleanliness and proper attachment. Verify the connector at the head of the implement is seated and tight.

The system shows the current state of Grade Control. Grade Control is currently paused. Either restart or resume operation.

The display is not set up to send proper elevation error from Surface Water Pro Plus. Make sure that the display software is up-to-date or that Surface Water Pro Plus is set up correctly.

Verify the correct control type and SCV are selected in JOHN DEERE IGRADE setup and power has been cycled. Push the correct SCV control lever into detent to bring up AC mode.

Check for a dirty or loose 4-pin connection at the rear of the machine. Clean the connectors and reconnect tightly. If the GreenStar harness is improperly connected, power down the machine and system, then disconnect the harness, clean, and install properly.

Washboarding occurs if the SCV’s flow rate is too high. Adjust the SCV flow rate down. Counterbalance valve improperly adjusted can also cause this; readjust the counterbalance valve cartridges and perform threshold calibration.

If the SCV’s flow rate is too low, control and load limit functionality could be impaired or limited. Adjust the SCV flow rate up.

Check for a dirty or loose 10-pin connector at the rear of the machine. Power down the machine and disconnect all JOHN DEERE IGRADE components. Clean all connectors and check for loose or dirty pins. Reconnect all JOHN DEERE IGRADE components and power up the machine.

Step 1. Shut off the machine, set the parking brake, and remove the key.

Step 2. Disconnect the implement receiver harness at the ISO 9-pin connector (A).

Step 3. Disconnect the constant power harness.

Step 4. Disconnect the lighting connector (B) and all other implement connections related to releasing the equipment from the machine.

NOTE: Once completed, the machine SCV control reverts to normal manual operation.

The procedure for electronic failure is as follows:

• On the Application Controller Setup menu, select Control Selection.
• On the Control Selection drop-down, select Off.
• After Off has been selected, cycle the machine power and JOHN DEERE IGRADE will be disabled.

Step 1. Shut off the machine, set the parking brake, and remove the key.

Step 2. Disconnect the application controller from the rear ISO connector.

Step 3. Remove the controller and components following procedures in the Application Controller installation instructions.

Grade Control automatically controls the scraper to a defined slope over a GPS distance. Grade may be defined by the Grade Calculator or operator inputs (slope and direction) at the point of origin on the slope. Slope direction is calculated based on GPS logic and in the down slope direction. North corresponds to an angle of 0° and 360°. Angles increase clockwise in degrees with a full circle equaling 360°. The direction of travel does not affect grade, and the system automatically fills or cuts during uphill or downhill operation. The slope causes an increase in elevation over a given distance for uphill operations and decreases in elevation for downhill operations.

Step 1. Select Setup softkey.

Step 2. Select Control Selection button.

Step 3. Select Grade Control for SCV 1 (or SCV 1 and SCV 3 for dual scrapers).

Step 4. Select Main softkey.

Step 5. Select Grade Control Setup button.

Step 6. Enter Slope (A) if known or use Grade Calculator (B) to calculate slope.

NOTE: Use the front scraper as SCV 1 to define grade when utilizing dual scrapers.

The Grade Calculator records a series of points and calculates the slope to connect the end points of the recorded path.

• Select Start Grade Calculator (C) to reset the Grade Calculator, clear any previous data, and take the start position.
• Drive to the end position and select Stop Grade Calculator. Grade Statistics are displayed on screen.
• If the data appears correct, select Set as Grade Control Slope (D).

The operator must drive the same path during operation recorded with the Grade Calculator. If the same path is not driven, the final elevation may not match the desired or recorded elevation due to a different distance traveled. Make sure that the scraper remains in a constant position during data collection (for example, in up position).

Step 1. Select Main softkey.

Step 2. Select Grade Control Main button.

Step 3. Select Grade Direction (A) the machine will travel (uphill or downhill).

NOTE: Uphill is a positive slope and downhill is a negative slope.

Step 4. Select Start Grade (B).

For dual scrapers, raise the front pan when full and place the rear pan into auto mode. If the pan(s) are full before the grade is complete, select the Pause button (C) to stop the grade and empty the pan(s). Return to the spot the grade was paused and lower the front scraper cutting edge back to the desired grade. Select Resume and continue grade. Pause and resume as needed until the desired grade is completed.

Plane Control automatically controls the scraper to cut to a defined plane. Defined planes can be a single sloped plane or a dual sloped plane. Planes may be defined by the Plane Calculator or operator inputs (slope and direction) for a set origin point on the plane. Slope direction is calculated based on GPS logic and in the down slope direction. North corresponds to an angle of 0° and 360°. Angles increase clockwise in degrees with a full circle equaling 360°. The system allows the operator to set up two independent planes that can be used as a cut and a fill plane. The Plane Calculator can create a best fit plane based on recorded elevation data. Once all data has been collected, a best fit plane is created.

Step 1. Select Setup softkey.

Step 2. Select Control Selection Button.

Step 3. Select Plane Control from the SCV 1 Control Type drop-down menu.

NOTE: For ease of instruction, this manual uses SCV 1 for the JOHN DEERE IGRADE system. Turn other SCV Controls to OFF unless using dual scrapers.

Step 1. Select Main softkey.

Step 2. Select Plane Control Setup button.

Step 3. Select the active plane from the Plane Control Setup drop-down menu.

NOTE: Both SCVs control the same active plane if the same control type is selected for both SCVs.

Tips for using the Plane Calculator include:

• Use the front scraper as SCV 1 to define the plane, if utilizing dual scrapers.
• Collecting more points results in better accuracy.
• Scatter data points (do not drive in a straight line unless collecting data from the entire area).
• Clear plane data at the start of every new plane. Uncleared data is applied to the current plane.
• Edit calculated plane information, if needed, through the Single or Dual Slope entry pages after saving the created plane to the active plane.
• Ensure that the scraper remains in a constant position during data collection (for example, in up position).
• The Plane Calculator assumes a 1:1 cut-fill ratio.
• The Plane Calculator calculates a plane origin based on the height of the implement receiver during data collection. The origin can be shifted to an actual on-grade point by selecting the Set Plane Origin button in either the Single Slope or Dual Slope Entry pages or by using offsets.

The readings for I/O Voltages Page are:

The maintenance checklists are:

Preseason Checklist:

In addition to performing the checklist before the season begins, utilize the preseason checklist if any of the following occur:

• A different tractor or implement is introduced to the system.
• A Hydraulic system component is repaired, replaced, or adjusted.
• An AMS component is replaced.

Preseason Checklist:

• Update Software. Refer to StellarSupport.com for latest software for Display, Machine receiver, Implement receiver(s), Base station receiver, and Controller.
• Load and activate applications on the display.
• Inspect wiring harness for wear and damage around pinch points, corners, edges, and harness support locations. Repair as necessary.
• Inspect wiring harness at connectors for wear on exposed wires. Repair as necessary.
• Inspect connector seals and latching mechanisms. Repair as necessary.
• Inspect connector pins for wear, debris, and corrosion. Clean and (or) repair as necessary for ISO connector, Receivers, and Display.
• Inspect mounting hardware. Retorque as necessary for Display, Receivers, and Mast.
• Adjust SCV flow rates.
• Adjust counterbalance valve (if applicable).
• Calibrate SCV thresholds.
• Calibrate machine and implement TCMs.

Daily Checklist:

• Calibrate benchmark.
• Inspect wiring harness for wear and damage around pinch points, corners, edges, and harness support locations. Repair as necessary.
• Inspect wiring harness at connectors for wear on exposed wires. Repair as necessary.
• Inspect mounting hardware. Retorque as necessary for Display, Receivers, and Mast.

Postseason Checklist:

• Inspect wiring harness for wear and damage around pinch points, corners, edges, and harness support locations. Repair as necessary.
• Inspect wiring harness at connectors for wear on exposed wires. Repair as necessary.
• Inspect connector seals and latching mechanisms. Repair as necessary.
• Inspect connector pins for wear, debris, and corrosion. Clean and (or) repair as necessary for ISO connector, Receivers, and Display.
• Inspect mounting hardware. Retorque as necessary for Display, Receivers, and Mast.