JOHN DEERE ISTEER (01) PDF Document

The JOHN DEERE ISTEER system provides implement steering for vario ploughs, implements mounted on the three-point hitch and drawbar steered implements (including offset implements).

For iSteer Plough, the plough mounted on the three-point hitch should have some freedom of lateral movement.

For iSteer Side-Shift, the cylinder must be mounted on the three-point hitch.

• GS3 2630 display mounted in machine.
• iSteer activation.
• AutoTrac activation (AutoTrac straight track support with Side-Shift, steerable implement drawbar and Plough steering).
• iSteer setup complete (incomplete iSteer setup would prevent operator from activating guidance).
• Update all components with latest software version available.
• iSteer control unit installed on implement.
• Implement mounted steering angle sensor.
• Hydraulic steering mechanism mounted to implement.
• For iSteer Plough System Only: A John Deere GPS receiver is mounted on the tractor.
• For iSteer Side-Shift System Only: A John Deere GPS receiver is mounted on the implement and tractor.

IMPORTANT: The GPS receiver should be installed directly above the cylinder in most cases. Also, avoid areas of excessive vibration such as above the PTO.

NOTE: Do not mount implement receiver higher than 4.0 m (13.1 ft.) off the ground.

NOTE: iSteer steering mode: Straight Track guidance mode.

Hardware:

• Implement harness(es) for receiver (quantity may vary)
• Implement GPS bracket and receiver
• Compatible with GreenStar 3 2630 display

Software and Settings:

• Always use components with the latest software versions (i.e. StarFire receiver, control unit).
• Receiver setup including offsets and TCM Calibration

NOTE: For highest accuracy and repeatability RTK signal is required.

For iSteer Plough System:

• Receiver on tractor. StarFire SF1, SF2 or RTK (StarFire ITC or StarFire 3000)

For iSteer Side-Shift/Steerable Drawbar System:

• Receiver on tractor and implement. RTK signal (StarFire ITC or StarFire 3000)

Basic operation of the iSteer Plough system:

1. A steering angle sensor (A) transmits the current working width to the iSteer Plough control unit.
2. The operator calibrates the iSteer Plough control unit with the information regarding the actual working width by using the buttons on the display.
3. The StarFire 3000 receiver is located on the tractor. The iSteer Plough control unit calculates implement working width using GPS and AB line values set in the Guidance screen on the GS3 display.
4. When iSteer is enabled and activated and when an offset of the current AB line is detected, a signal is sent to the plough control valve (B).
5. The control valve (B) directs hydraulic oil to the plough hydraulic cylinder (C).
6. The entire procedure is repeated from the first step to continually monitor any off-track errors. Constant adjustments of the variable working width are made to keep the furrow as straight as the defined AB line.

A-Steering Angle Sensor

B-Control Valve

C-Hydraulic Cylinder

Basic operation of the iSteer Side-Shift system:

1. A steering angle sensor transmits the location of the implement to the iSteer Side-Shift control unit (A).
2. The operator calibrates the iSteer Side-Shift control unit with this implement information by using the buttons on the display.
3. The iSteer Side-Shift control unit calculates the implement off-track error using GPS (B) and the AB line values set in Guidance screen on the GS3 display.
4. When iSteer is enabled and activated, and if implement requires steering adjustment to bring it back onto AB line, a signal is sent from iSteer Side-Shift control unit to the implement control valve (C).
5. The control valve directs hydraulic oil to the implement side-shift hydraulic cylinder.
6. The entire procedure is repeated from the first step to continually monitor any off-track errors. Constant adjustments are made to keep the implement steering towards the currently active AB line.

A-Control Unit

B-GPS Receiver

C-Control Valve

Connect iSteer control unit wiring harness to the ISOBUS connector (A).

Connect all hydraulic hoses to their relevant tractor quick couplers (see iSteer installation instructions).

A-ISOBUS Connector

• The iSteer licence activation is done.
• The farm, field, and client setup is done.
• The initial path (AB line) has been set.
• The plough working width has been calculated correctly (sensor calibrated). See Calibrate the Plough Working Width in this Section.

NOTE: When iSteer control unit is connected, the Straight Track guidance mode is automatically preselected. This mode in the GS3 Guidance settings is then grayed out.

Press GreenStar 3 Pro button and refer to 2630 GreenStar Display Operator’s Manual to proceed.

Press iSteer button to operate the iSteer Plough system. The iSteer main page appears and displays three tabs.

Refer to:

• iSteer Plough – RUN Page,
• iSteer Plough – SETUP Page or
• iSteer Plough – GPS SETUP Page in this Section.

Requirements for calibrating the sensor (A) for the JOHN DEERE ISTEER Plough:

• A +/- 3 m (10 ft.) straight iron bar (B).
• Two equally thick slats (C).
• Two clamps (D).
• A measuring tape (E).

1. Put the plough on a flat surface. Clamp the bar (B) to the side cap (G) of the plough element and let the bar extend to the front.

IMPORTANT: The bar (B) must be mounted exactly parallel to the side cap of the plough element. Because the edge of the share (F) is wider than the side cap (G), the bar (B) must be mounted with a slat (C) in between.

1. Adjust the width of the plough to its narrowest (contract) position.
2. Measure the distance (X) between the side cap (G) and the second slat (C) which is clamped to the bar (B).
3. Convert the measured width (X) to the total ploughing width. To do this, divide the measured width (X) by the number of measured elements. Multiply the result with the total number of elements.
4. Measure and calculate the maximum ploughing width in the same way.

Example for a three-element plough: Adjust the plough to its minimum width.

a. Measure the working width of two elements.

b. To calculate the total ploughing width, the measured width is divided by 2 and the value obtained is then multiplied by 3. If the measured width is for instance 58 cm (23 in.), the minimum total ploughing width is: 58/2 x 3 = 87 cm (34 in.).

IMPORTANT: If the plough has four elements or more, it is recommended to measure the distance between at least three elements.

Check if measured widths (X) (narrow and wide) are equal to those displayed in the graph on the iSteer Plough – RUN Page on the GS3 display. If they are not equal, the sensor (A) must be readjusted accordingly.

Prior to operating the plough with iSteer Plough system, make sure:

1. All required plough settings and sensor calibration were performed correctly. Refer to iSteer Plough – SETUP Page in this Section.
2. GPS settings have been checked. Refer to iSteer Plough – GPS SETUP Page in this Section.
3. Press Enable iSteer button (H) and set the initial path. Refer to GS3 Guidance Operator’s Manual to set the initial path. IMPORTANT: Only straight track mode is allowed. Create AB line as explained in relevant guidance Operator’s Manual.
4. Press Activate iSteer button (I) to start implement guidance. IMPORTANT: When iSteer is activated all other GreenStar Pro modules are deactivated.

The RUN page allows the operator to:

• Visually check the plough width by referencing the bar graph actual width display (A) and calculated width display (B) between the plough contract position (C), broaden position (D) and desired working width (K), as shown. NOTE: In case of erratic movements of the bar graph, check sensor. NOTE: Desired working width cursor (K) position corresponds to the value entered in the implement setup on the GS3 display.
• Enable the iSteer Plough system using Enable button (H).
• Activate the iSteer Plough system when ploughing using Activate button (I).
• Visually check iSteer status by referencing status pie (J). Press Diagnostic softkey G to display the diagnostic page. Refer to iSteer Plough – Diagnostic Page in this Section.
• Manually control the plough width using Contract button (E), Set to Working Width button (F) or Broaden button (G).

The SETUP page allows the operator to:

• Set plough element limits (A) between 20 and 80 cm (7 and 31.5 in.)
• Set plough element user limits (B) which can be the same as or within the range of the element limits (A).
• Set the number of plough elements (C) between 3 and 15 (default value is 3).
• Check Auto-Width box (E) whenever the plough needs to move to working width upon iSteer deactivation. NOTE: A ground speed of at least 0.5 km/h is necessary for Auto-Width to function.
• Check One direction plough box (F) if this kind of plough is used.
• Check On-Land Plough box (G) if tractor drives beside the furrow.
• Check Activation AutoTrac + iSteer box (H) to activate AutoTrac and iSteer simultaneously. NOTE: This box appears only if On-Land Plough box (G) has been checked.
• Calibrate (I) sensor contract and broaden positions each time a new plough is operated. See Sensor Calibration hereafter.
• Manually control (J) the plough position (contract and broaden).

NOTE: The values of the plough element limits (A), (B) and the number of elements (C) must be consistent with the working width (D) which corresponds to the track spacing defined on the Guidance screen.

Calibrate sensor contract and broaden positions as follows:

1. Press the Calibrate button on the RUN page.
2. Sensor setup 1/2 (A) is displayed with the following message: “Contract the plough to its most narrow position using the button below. If the plough broadens, press the invert steering check box. Then press the next button.”
3. Press and hold Contract button (B) until the desired voltage level (C) is reached. The limit that can be set by the operator is 0.75 V or 4.25 V depending on the sensor mounting location. NOTE: If the plough broadens instead of contracts, check the Invert Steering box (D).
4. Press Next button (E) to continue sensor position calibration process.
5. Sensor setup 2/2 (F) is displayed with the following message: “Broaden the plough to its widest position using the button below. Then press the accept button.”
6. Press and hold Broaden button (G) until the desired voltage level (H) is reached. The limit that can be set by the operator is 0.75 V or 4.25 V depending on the sensor mounting location. NOTE: Alarm messages “Sensor value too close to previous setting.” (J) or “Sensor value outside valid range. Consider a different mounting position.” (K) may appear while pressing Contract or Broaden button (B, G). The difference between the voltage settings must be at least 1 V. Follow message instructions then press Accept button (I).
7. Once calibration is finished, press Accept (1) to validate calibration.

The GPS SETUP page allows the operator to:

• A – Input in-line distance from the GPS receiver to the last plough body.
• B – Input lateral distance from center-line of machine to GPS receiver.

NOTE: The receiver height has to be entered in StarFire Settings for correct positioning.

Press Toggle button (C) to select the right tractor/GPS receiver configuration as shown on illustration and then input distance A and B values.

• The iSteer licence activation is done.
• The farm, field, and client setup is done.
• The initial path (AB line) has been set.

NOTE: When iSteer control unit is connected, the Straight Track guidance mode is automatically preselected. This mode in the GS3 Guidance settings is then grayed out.

Press GreenStar 3 Pro button and refer to 2630 GreenStar Display Operator’s Manual to proceed.

Press iSteer button to operate the iSteer Side-Shift system. The iSteer main page appears and displays three tabs.

Refer to:

• iSteer Side-Shift – RUN Page,
• iSteer Side-Shift – SETUP Page or
• iSteer Side-Shift – GPS SETUP Page in this Section.

The RUN page allows the operator to:

• Visually check the lateral offset (A) and cylinder position (B). NOTE: In case of erratic movements of the bar graph or cylinder, check sensor. NOTE: The graph accuracy (arrow distance) default is set to 10 cm (3.94 in.) and is adjustable under Guidance Settings tab (see GS3 Guidance Operator’s Manual).
• Manually control the cylinder position using Left Side-Shift button (C), Set to Offset Position button (D) or Right Side-Shift button (E). NOTE: With manual offset to 0 the implement is centered (no lateral offset).
• Enable the iSteer Side-Shift system using Enable button (F).
• Activate the iSteer Side-Shift system using Activate button (G).
• Visually check iSteer status by referencing the status pie (H). Press Diagnostic softkey G to display the diagnostic page. Refer to iSteer Side-Shift – Diagnostic Page in this Section.

Prior to operating the implement with the iSteer Side-Shift system, make sure:

1. All requested iSteer Side-Shift settings and sensor calibration were performed correctly. Refer to iSteer Side-Shift – SETUP Page in this Section.
2. GPS settings have been checked. Refer to iSteer Side-Shift – GPS SETUP Page in this Section. IMPORTANT: Correct receiver height is critical to proper operation. This value is entered in the StarFire setup page.
3. Press Enable iSteer button (F) and set the initial path. Refer to GS3 Guidance Operator’s Manual to set the initial path. IMPORTANT: Only straight track mode is allowed. Create AB line as explained in relevant guidance Operator’s Manual.
4. Press Activate iSteer button (G) to start implement guidance. IMPORTANT: When iSteer is activated all other GreenStar Pro modules are deactivated.

The SETUP page allows the operator to:

• Set cylinder steering sensitivity (A) between 50 and 150 (default value is 100).
• Set cylinder pulse length (B) between 0.1 and 2 seconds (default value is 0.3 s).
• Check Auto-Center box (C) whenever the implement needs to be moved to the offset position upon iSteer deactivation.
• Check Activation AutoTrac+iSteer box (D) to activate AutoTrac and iSteer simultaneously.
• Calibrate (E) cylinder sensor left and right positions each time a new implement is operated. See Sensor Calibration hereafter.
• Manually control (F) implement position (to the left or right).
• Check Invert Steering box (G) to invert hydraulic valve direction in case of reversed valve connection.

Calibrate sensor left and right positions as follows:

1. Press the Calibrate button on the RUN page.
2. Sensor setup 1/3 (A) is displayed with the following message: “Move the side shift cylinder to left position using the button below. If the cylinder moves to the right, press the invert steering check box. Press next to continue.”
3. Press and hold Left button (B) until the desired voltage level (C) is reached. The limit that can be set by the operator is 0.75 V or 4.25 V. NOTE: If the cylinder moves to the right instead of to the left, check the Invert Steering box (D).
4. Press Next button (E) to continue sensor position calibration process.
5. Sensor setup 2/3 (F) is displayed with the following message: “Move the side shift cylinder to right position using the button below. Press next to continue.”
6. Press and hold Right button (G) until the desired voltage level (H) is reached. The limit that can be set by the operator is 0.75 V or 4.25 V.
7. Press Next button (E) to continue sensor position calibration process.
8. Sensor setup 3/3 (I) is displayed with the following message: “Define Cylinder Offset Position.”
9. Press Left, Center or Right button (B, J or G) to define cylinder offset position using cylinder position illustration, as shown.
10. Once calibration is finished press Accept (K) to validate calibration.

The GPS SETUP page allows the operator to:

• Input in-line distance from the connection point to GPS receiver (A).
• Input lateral distance from the connection point to GPS receiver (B).

Press Toggle button (C) to select the right tractor/GPS receiver configuration as shown on illustration and then input distance A and B values.

Refer to information given in GS3 Display – iSteer Side-Shift Section to access and operate the iSteer Steerable Drawbar system.

Calibrate sensor left and right positions as follows:

1. Press the Calibrate button on the RUN page.
2. Sensor setup 1/3 (A) is displayed with the following message: “Move the side shift cylinder to left position using the button below. If the cylinder moves to the right, press the invert steering check box. Press next to continue.”
3. Press and hold Left button (B) until the desired voltage level (C) is reached. The limit that can be set by the operator is 0.75 V or 4.25 V. NOTE: If the cylinder moves to the right instead of to the left, check the Invert Steering box (D).
4. Press Next button (E) to continue sensor position calibration process.

1. Sensor setup 2/3 (F) is displayed with the following message: “Move the side shift cylinder to right position using the button below. Press next to continue.”
2. Press and hold Right button (G) until the desired voltage level (H) is reached. The limit that can be set by the operator is 0.75 V or 4.25 V.
3. Press Next button (E) to continue sensor position calibration process.

1. Sensor setup 3/3 (I) is displayed with the following message: “Define Cylinder Offset Position.”
2. Press Left, Center or Right button (B, J or G) to define cylinder offset position using cylinder position illustration, as shown.
3. NOTE: For applications requiring no offset, make sure cylinder is centered by pressing the Center button (J).
4. Once calibration is finished press Accept (K) to validate calibration.

General: Due to the use of an electronic control unit, there is minimal service required to maintain performance levels. However, periodic software updates may be required. To maintain optimum performance, these updates should be loaded.

For the GS3 system, updating is accomplished when you perform a “live update” using a connection to the Stellar Support website. Once downloaded, the updates must be loaded onto your USB device. After updating the USB device, the operating system will prompt you that updates are available the next time you insert the card into your GS3.

Contact your control unit manufacturer to keep control unit software up to date.

Contact the manufacturer of the implement steering module for servicing procedures.