JD takes satellite guidance to next level

John Deere has expanded its satellite-based guidance system family to include the new StarFire 6000 receiver and SF3 signal.

According to Mike Moeller from the John Deere Intelligent Solutions Group, the StarFire 6000 offers a full range of differential correction levels, from the base SF1 satellite-delivered signal to the premium Real Time Kinematic (RTK) option.

"And to optimise the performance of the StarFire 6000 receiver, we're offering the all-new SF3 correction level, which delivers 40 per cent greater pass-to-pass accuracy, new in-season repeatability and 66 per cent faster pull-in time than the previous SF2 correction level," he says.

Moeller adds when customers combine the use of the StarFire 6000 Receiver and SF3 signal, they can get RTK-like accuracy without having to invest in an RTK system, or if they are operating in fields without an RTK network.

"StarFire 6000 with SF3 is a great solution when RTK is not available and customers want in-season repeatable accuracy to 31mm (1.2 inches)," he says.

"SF3 customers can use the same guidance lines for multiple passes throughout the growing season which allows precise placement of seed and nutrients without shifting lines or remapping boundaries."

In addition to improved accuracy and repeatability, the StarFire 6000 also delivers improved uptime that keeps precision ag systems running in challenging conditions, says John Deere.

By using the latest navigation algorithms, the StarFire 6000 can track up to three StarFire satellite signals at once and choose the one that will deliver the best performance.

When the primary signal is blocked, the system automatically switches to an alternate signal to help maintain accuracy and performance.

The system also offers an improved Rapid Recovery feature which allows for a quicker return to high-accuracy performance if the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals are lost due to shading from trees, buildings or terrain.

StarFire 6000 RTK customers receive up to 14 days of RTK Extend which keeps machinery operating with guidance, even with lost or interrupted signals.

The StarFire 6000 Receiver has a built-in USB port that installs software updates in three minutes as opposed to more than 20 minutes on previous receivers.

It also has a built-in 8GB data-logger to capture and store data for improved troubleshooting and diagnostics.

Deere has maintained its plug-and-play integration of the new receiver, making it compatible with current and former displays and other technologies that customers are using on their equipment.

"The new StarFire 6000 Receiver, paired with the new SF3 signal, makes this package a real game changer in the industry," Moeller says.

"With 31mm accuracy, 66 per cent faster pull-in time, faster recovery from shading, and new in-season repeatability, customers will experience more precision, accuracy and uptime with this new precision technology system."

John Deere adds current StarFire iTC and StarFire 3000 customers can upgrade to the new StarFire 6000 Receiver and SF3 signal this year.

This latest piece of guidance technology will be factory installed on Model Year 2017 sprayers, combines, tractors and other platforms.

For more information on the new StarFire 6000 Receiver and SF3 signal, visit johndeere.com.au