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How to Calibrate a Grains Calibrator
How to Calibrate a Grains Calibrator
Using a grains calibrator is one way to help collect quality yield map data.grains calibrator The process of calibration involves harvesting "loads" of grain that are used to teach the monitor's black box how to accurately convert electrical sensor signals into ESTIMATES of grain flow rates. Manufacturers have developed various methods for calibration outlined in the owner operation manuals for their yield monitors.
In general, a calibration requires multiple loads of different grain characteristics to build the response curve that determines how the monitor estimates low, middle, and high yields.grains calibrator The response curve is based on the relationship between grain flow rate and sensor signal strength. Depending on the make and model of the yield monitor, some manufacturers recommend only one load of grain to perform a calibration. This is not a good recommendation because it will not produce an accurate calibration response curve.
Other manufacturers, such as the Precision Planting YieldSense system, require a larger number of calibration loads to generate an appropriate response curve.grains calibrator This helps to ensure that the curve is based on a variety of different grain conditions so that it is more likely to accurately estimate low, middle, and high yields.
A proper calibration also requires that the grain moisture content (MC) of each load is known.grains calibrator This can be done by using a grain moisture tester (recommended for use with a wheat test) or the method described in the yield monitor's owner operating manual. The MC of each load should be compared to the MC of other test samples from the field or at the elevator to verify that the meters are in close agreement.
It is recommended to recalibrate the moisture sensor periodically throughout a harvest season.grains calibrator This is especially true for fields with significant variations in moisture content, such as high- and low-moisture varieties. Recalibration may be necessary after a large swing in grain test weight or changes in average daily temperatures.
Calibration of the mass flow sensor is also important in producing an accurate yield estimate. Several things can impact the accuracy of this calibration including varying grain flow rates, grain type and moisture content, and header speed. When possible, it is recommended to begin the calibration process on a flat area of the field. Attempting to calibrate the sensor in areas with major topography changes, such as turn rows or weed patches, will not result in a calibrated sensor that produces an accurate estimate of yield.
In addition to calibrating the sensor and meter, it is suggested that growers verify their grain cart scales against truck load net weights obtained from the elevator scale tickets before harvesting. This will help prevent errors in the calibration of the grain cart scales, which can then be transferred to the yield monitor and affect the overall accuracy of the grain cart's performance.
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