Väderstad Universal Control opens up variable rate options

This is Väderstad’s iPad-based controller; the tablet computer is mounted in a plastic holder that protects it while also providing button controls that can be easier to use on the move than a touch screen.

Wireless connectivity

Wireless connectivity to the drill’s data gateway means the E-Control can be used outside as well as inside the tractor cab – when calibrating the machine, for example – and internet connection provides access to online parts identification, ordering and other such functions.

With the new Universal Control facility, there is more scope for variable rate prescription maps being used with Rapid drills.

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Users of Väderstad Rapid A, C and J trailed disc cultivating and sowing drills wanting to apply seed and fertiliser at variable rates across fields can now do so without an ISOBUS terminal. – Photos: Väderstad

“Väderstad has identified a need for a more open communication between its drill and the software supplied by service providers,” says Väderstad’s systems and components manager, Pontus Nordfeldt.

Universal Control software is free

The new Universal Control software pre-loaded on the hand-held or cab-mounted E-Control is free and can be switched on whenever the operator wishes to use it as a means of communicating with third-party prescription maps.

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The free Universal Control software on Väderstad’s E-Control iPad-based controller enables direct communication with third-party systems for providing variable rate sowing prescription maps.

Historically, satellite-controlled variable rate sowing and fertiliser application was only possible using the ISOBUS Task Control software of a separate terminal in the cab.

Variable seed or fertiliser rate instructions

To establish the communication, the third-party supplier wirelessly connects to the gateway on the Väderstad drill and then provides variable seed or fertiliser rate instructions through the Universal Control software on the E-Control iPad.

The first 2 compatible field-mapping services that take advantage of the new facility are iSoyl from UK-based Soyl and ControlMaster from Dataväxt of Sweden.

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The E-Control connects wirelessly to the drill via the E-Services gateway so that variable rate instructions can be sent to the drill’s on-board electronics.

Available for Rapid A drills

Universal Control is currently available for the 4m, 6m and 8m seed-only Rapid A drills with 2900-litre (4m) and 3100-litre hoppers; the seed-only 6m and 8m Rapid J versions with 6000-litres seed capacity; and the 6000-litre Combi models in 6m and 8m widths handling seed and fertiliser.