Working With Yield Monitors Before Harvest
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Tasks to maximize the quality and accuracy of information you collect:
Before harvest, you want to make sure that any information from the data cards from the previous season is backed up. It is a good practice to keep several backup copies of the raw data in different locations. This makes sure any previous information is not overwritten or lost.
Check the data card to be sure it works properly. Otherwise, the new information may not be stored properly.
Check for recent monitor software and firmware upgrades for your yield monitoring and mapping system. You can obtain information about these upgrades through your manufacturer's website or by contacting technical support.
Check all cables, connections, and sensors for wear or damage from rodents. Avoid running electrical wires next to the GPS antenna which may cause interference with the receiver signal. A malfunction in the electrical transfer of information can be a safety issue as well as produce erroneous data.
For elevator-mounted moisture sensor units, make sure the grain is cleaned out and the manual clean-out motor works.
Inspect the flow sensor. Look for wear on the grain elevator and missing or worn paddles. Check to make sure that the spacing between the paddles and the top of the elevator meets the manufacturer’s requirements.
Look for wear on the flow sensor’s impact or deflector plates and replace if plates appear worn.
For elevator-mounted moisture sensor units, make sure the grain is cleaned out and the manual clean-out motor works.
Double-check to make sure the yield monitor and all components are installed and secured properly.
Check the elevator chain tension and adjust so it fits properly. The fixed position of the upper chain tensioner is crucial to the long-term calibration and operation of your yield monitor. Any movement or readjustment of the upper tensioning device will require recalibration of the yield monitor.