ATHENE 100
– SPREADER RATE CONTROLLER
4
1
Overview
This Manual
This manual explains the everyday use of the instrument to the operator,
including regular calibration e.g. for spreading different products. It describes
both the basic work monitoring system (“monitor mode”) and separates the
additional features of the full rate control system, should you have them
installed on your machine.
Application
The
Athene 100
instrument is installed in one of two configurations. The basic
configuration is a simple work measurement monitor for belt spreaders, but
without controlling the application rate.
The full configuration uses a PWM (Pulse Width Modulated) output to also
give variable rate control of moving-belt type fertiliser spreaders. When set
up as a rate controller, you have on-the-move rate adjustment up to ±50% of
the target rate. The rate is maintained as forward speed varies. The
instrument also warns the operator when the application rate cannot be met,
i.e. when the forward speed is too high.
The Head Unit
The head unit is ruggedly designed for maximum reliability in harsh
environments, and is rated to IP67 (effectively waterproof). The instrument
has a 4-digit back-lit LCD display with 6 display channels for different work
measurement functions.
In the normal operating mode the following functions can be selected,
??
Forward Speed (km /hr)
??
Area Worked* (hectares)
??
Work Rate (hectares /hr)
??
Application Rate (kg/ha or tonnes/ha) or RPM depending on the application
??
Shaft Speed (normally PTO or Spinner speed)
??
Hopper Contents (kg or tonnes)
*There are two memory registers to record area worked. The area is
accumulated to whichever total is selected on the display – ‘Total 1’ or ‘Total
2’.
The head unit is switched on/off by the switch on the back the instrument.
Area totals (and all calibration data) are automatically stored in memory
when the instrument is powered off.
