Near Intersection of I-35 & I-90 Southern Mn. | I had a chance to view and drive a trailer sprayer equipped with an EZ-Boom system at the recent Trimble reseller meeting.
The EZ-Boom system consisted of the Spray Boom box/control shown elsewhere in this thread and the EZ-guide system. The EZ-Guide will need new firmware (I don't believe it is released yet - V 4.x). We did not see the EZ-Boom working with the higher end FMD display although that scenario was mentioned. My discussion below relates to the EZ-Boom running with the EZ-Guide display.
The nodes or modules to run the system are contained within the switchbox. This is in contrast to the Ag Leader Direct Command system where the Boom/speed node (Auxillary Input Module) and Liquid control module are separate physical "black boxes". The connectors on the back of the switcbox are pin compatible with a Raven single product console cable such as those used with a Raven 440 or 450. There is also a 4 pole Deutsch connector for a CAN connection.
This means that a Raven 440 or 450 can be removed and replaced with the Trimble switchbox very easily.
Since I work with and own the Ag Leader Direct Comand system, I have a basis for comparison. The EZ-Boom product will do many of the same functions but not all. The EZ-Boom does rate control and autoboom. It does limited mapping but the mapping is not in "real time". This information is presented on the EZ-guide screen.
Given the limitations of the screen size and lack of real time mapping, I personally would not be happy with the EZ-Boom product. The ability to see an onscreen coverage map in real time cannot be overemphasized. It is difficult to explain how intuitive and useful the coverage map really is until you experience it.
I think the EZ-Boom has a place in the market and is not designed to be in direct competition with the higher end Direct Command product.
I notice some questions concerning the use of the EZ-boom with products other than liquid sprayers. There should be no problem in running the Raven NH3 system. The wiring for an NH3 system is 100% compatible with a single boom liquid sprayer. The rate for the NH3 could be done in either Pounds of NH3 (either actual or product) or gallons.
I don't believe that the system is currently designed to work with granular applications. However, it should be possible to make granular situations work with some limitations.
Many granular systems add a spreader constant type feature when operated in granular mode. This is the case with a Raven 660 when it is operated in granular mode. Certain alarms (bin, shaft, air etc.) are often incorporated in a granular system. Neither of these would be supported.
There is also a change in how the booms sections are handled in a granular vs a liquid system. In a liquid system the flow needs to be reduced when a boom section is shutoff thus the control valve shuts down paritally. In a granular system, the speed of the metering devices may or may not need to be slowed down depending on the machine.
Having said all of this, it may be possible to make the EZ-Boom work on a single section granular machine. The operator would need to devise a working "Meter Cal" number for the machine and product utilized. The numbers on the screen might not have the correct labels but the control should work properly.
A "good fit" for the EZ-Boom product might be for a custom NH3 applicator where the tractor already has an EZ-guide or EZ-Steer system in place. The EZ-Steer or guide would help in driving the tractor and the EZ-Boom could take the place of a Raven 440 or 450 running the NH3.
Another change or option that will be available with V4.x may be of interest to EZ-steer owners. It will then be possible to utilize a separate remote switch to engage the assisted steering.
In the past the operator had the choice of pushing the OK button on the display or the OK button on the optional switchbox to engage. In addition to these, it will now be possible to wire in a switch which will plug into the often unused 25 pin connector on the modue. This switch could be a seat switch or an engage switch. The menu system will allow the operator to define how the switch is going to be used.
This switch could be a hand or foot switch. Many operators prefer a foot switch. This may eliminate the need for purchasing the optional keypad as the other functions on the keypad are not used very often. The "new" switch may have a more positive feel to it than the current keypad.
It is also possible to run an external alarm off of this 25 pin connector. My Coworker has made up some alarm boxes that have a "louder" alarm built in them. The new alarm has a shutter system so the loudness can be adjusted to the operators preference. He has also included a large LED cluster that can be used instead of the audible alarm by merely flipping a switch.
Edited by tedbear 9/1/2006 08:48
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Trimble EZ Boom 2010
