|  Courtesy statement
For those farmers and operators who only use their yield mapping hardware and software once or twice a year and then forget, from one season to the next, how to use it or, you are computer illiterate and / or challenged, please consider hiring a consultant to assist you. There are many good ones in most areas (contact your local Co-Op or your state's land - grant University "County Extension Office"). Constant / frequent questions and calls made to your equipment dealer or mfg., GPS dealer and software supplier for start-up questions or refresher lessons are bothersome and often time-consuming during peak seasons, espeically when trying to get it for free every time you start using this technology again from one year to the next. Also, for those new to precision farming, these dealers and suppliers are not in the business to offer intorductory computer training and courses on Windows, especially at peak season. How many dealers go out each year and help, free of charge, all of their customers start their planters, sprayers, combines or tractors? Machinery dealers et al. are in the businees to provide a service too (you wouldn't get a dealer mechanic out to troublshoot or make repairs for free, PF hardware and software support is no different and sometimes a greater challenge).
Free support was provided when you first started using your system, after that, it is up to you to maintain how it is operated and accept a mfg. recommnded update(s) if needed. Again, it is very frustrating to get petty type calls from current / veteran users when out helping new customers during the height of the busy season because the vets don't remain up to speed on their equipment and / or software year 'round.
Reminder - One month before harvest to alleviate confusion once the season starts:
 Don't wait until the last minute
Refresh yourself with the operation of your hardware and software
Review the support / service plans that your precsion farming hardware and software suppliers offer and subscribe if expired (many have monthly and
annual terms to best fit your needs)
Check DGPS subscriptions for activation
Plan to spend at least a half a day making sure that your yield monitor is calibrated at the start of harvest (most probably won't need that much time but, plan for it anyway) and see what your supplier charges to come out and assist. Most PF hardware and software suppliers have hourly rates for one-time calls - be courteous, no freebies with this hi-tech equipment if you want it done right). Also, a weight wagon above all else works the best when calibrating :-)
Edited by Land_Surfer 8/20/2006 19:47
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Precision Farming Product Support - Courtesy Please
