b'and a running total. Over the years, Menkvelds operation has learned how to integrate his potato yield monitors with other companies displays. There are some displays by Trimble and John Deere we can talk to directly. Growers see yield maps in real time on those displays, giving them instant feedback. Also, most of those displays have cell modems for convenient data upload to the cloud.If a grower is integrating a system, such as a Trimble or John Deere display, a technician from a dealership may be required to make that integration work, says Menkveld.Once the installation is complete, Menkveld recommends using the test menus to analyze each component to ensure the monitor is working correctly. For example, growers should confirm the load cells are balanced and working correctly and the shaft speed sensor is operating properly. Calibration of the system is importantthe ac-curacy of the collected data depends on it. Menkveld Greentronics potato yield monitors can be integrated with other companies displays, such as those from Trimblerecommends growers work through the calibration and John Deere. tools. Load cell output, shaft sensor reading and span calibration should be checked the first time the conveyor speed; a GPS, which links data to location;Load cells, sometimes called strain gauges, lookmonitor is used and each new harvest season.and a data collection device, which provides thelike rectangular steel bars with mounting holes.Zero tare calibrations must be carried out daily information to growers. They are easy to install on a harvesters conveyorand when field conditions change for the system to Although not a difficult process, Menkveldframe, are usually positioned toward the back wherework properly. These calibrations only take minutes, recommends growers take time to read the monitorspotatoes are cleanest, and they support a sectionsays Menkveld, but cant be overlooked. The yield operator manual for an understanding of the basicof the belt. When potatoes pass over this section ofmonitor needs to know what the conveyor weighs when steps, and to ensure the system is set up properly.the belt, the load cells convert the pressure from theits running empty. You must have a proper baseline. weight into an electrical signal, which is combinedWhen going from a dry field to a wet field, soil INSTALLATION AND INTEGRATION with conveyor speed data generated by the shaftcan build up on the conveyor. Even though it doesnt Potato harvesters, like other vegetable harvesters,sensor, to measure weight over time. Tilt sensors canlook like much, the soil can add a few pounds to the are very different from one another across brandsbe added to the set-up to compensate for changingweight of the conveyor and if you dont adjust for that and models, so Menkveld has designed a universalconveyor angles if needed. with tare calibration, youre constantly adding that kit over the years, which allows the installation ofThe load cells and shaft sensors (as well as tiltweight to the yield data, which can start skewing the potato yield monitors on a wide variety of machines.sensors, if applicable), are connected through cablesresults. It doesnt take long to do a tare calibration, If the monitoring system isnt installed by a dealer,to a junction box on the harvester and to the monitoronly 30 seconds, but its something you have to do.growers can install it themselves. It usually takesinside the cab. The monitor collects yield data andAlso, farmers should check their load weights. about seven hours for growers installing the hardwarecombines it with geographic data from the tractorsIf a full truck at harvest should weigh around 400 for the first time, says Menkveld. Although his com- existing GPS, which can be used to create very de- hundredweight and the yield monitor is saying a very pany is always ready to help growers with installationtailed yield maps. Instant feedback to the harvesterdifferent number, something is off. Dont carry on queries, he says assistance is also available throughoperator is provided by the yield monitor, such aswith harvesting, Menkveld says. The adjustment is authorized dealers or equipment manufacturers. current yield, load weight, totals by variety and fields,usually very simple. FALL 2019 SPUDSMART.COM 57'