Ag Leader Base Station Hardware Manual - Manual (Page 6)

4 AutoSteer System
Repeatability
Repeatability
Repeatability is the ability to return your vehicle to a previously established field and repeat or continue a saved job (Autosteer
over the same guidance paths), whether it is the next day or the next season. For example, if you want to install drip tape, not
only do you want to put it in the ground straight, you want the ability to return to that field and make beds directly over the top
of the drip tape. The same is true for cultivating or harvesting. If you create a job and plant a crop, you want to be confident
when you return to that field and job that you can pull the cultivator over the plants and get the blades as close as possible
without destroying them.
To achieve repeatability, the Base Station GPS Antenna must be in the exact same position as it was when the job was
originally created. The best ways to achieve repeatability are to either (1) use a Permanent Base Station configuration, or (2)
create a semi-permanent mount for your Mobile Base Station. See Marking the Base Station's GPS Antenna Location on
page 4.
Note: Correctly following the steps needed for repeatability does not mean that the vehicle will have an accurate latitude
and longitude position. For more information, see Accurate Latitude and Longitude Positions on page 5.
Marking the Base Station's GPS Antenna Location
To take advantage of repeatability's many benefits, AutoSteer system owners have established several methods of positioning
the Base Station's GPS Antenna at the exact same position every time they return to the same location. The GPS Antenna must
also be mounted on a sturdy structure where the GPS Antenna does not move at all. Mounting the GPS Antenna on radio
towers or elevator legs are generally poor places to mount the GPS Antenna as they may not be sturdy enough in windy
conditions unless they are guyed stiffly - any movement of the Base Station GPS Antenna is transferred to the vehicle. For best
performance, the GPS Antenna should be mounted closer to the ground on a sturdy structure.
Some examples of how AutoSteer system owners have ensured repeatability are as follows:
1. Find a location near the field that is not disturbed by traffic and is easily accessible. Embed a steel pole in concrete at the
selected location. Fit a Quick-Release Connector (200-0405-01) on top of the pole, which is used to mount the Base
Station's GPS Antenna. This method enables the user to create a permanent mounting point that makes it easy to break
down and move the Base Station to another location if necessary. Placing the steel pole in a fence row is a good practice as
it places it out of the way.
2. Similar to the previous example, a mounting pole can be firmly attached to an existing fence post. The GPS Antenna can
then be attached to the mounting pole.
3. Use a plumb-bob attached to the Tripod to locate its center-point at ground level. The location on the ground can then be
permanently marked with a stake or concrete pad. When returning to the location, make sure the Tripod is properly
centered over the mark. If consistent elevations are necessary, ensure that the Tripod at the exact height when returning to
the site.
Note: Returning the GPS Antenna to the exact elevation is not required for steering repeatability, only leveling.
4. The other option is to use a permanently mounted Base Station configuration and rigidly attach the GPS Antenna to the top
of a building or tower. When mounted, the GPS Antenna and the structure holding the GPS Antenna cannot move. The