Trimble has released a new high-performance version of its popular AgGPS EZ-Guide Plus lightbar guidance system—the EZ-Guide 500 system. The AgGPS EZ-Guide 500 features a large, easy to read color LCD display, data logging functions and multiple accuracy options. Lightbar systems provide GPS-based guidance for vehicle operators to steer tractors, sprayers, fertilizer applicators, air seeders and large tillage tools that require consistent pass-to-pass accuracy to help save fuel, increase efficiency and reduce input costs for agricultural operations.
The new EZ-Guide 500 features a large 7-inch LCD display, which is three times larger than Trimble’s field-proven AgGPS EZ-Guide Plus or any other available agriculture lightbar display. The EZ-Guide 500 system has a built-in lightbar with a guidance LED array that is highly visible even in direct sun.
The EZ-Guide 500 also offers advanced but easy-to-use guidance patterns, as well as real-time where-applied coverage mapping. The plan and perspective views allow users to see on screen, in colour and real-time, the area they have covered in the field. With the data logging function, users can record the day’s work and transfer it to a PC via a USB flash drive for creating printed maps and reports.
With its high precision dual-frequency L1/L2 Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, the new EZ-Guide 500 system offers users a variety of accuracy options without purchasing an external GPS receiver. Users can choose: 6-8 inch pass-to-pass accuracy using free Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) signals; 3-5 inch accuracy with OmniSTAR XP/HP subscription service; or 1-inch year-to-year repeatability using RTK corrections, based on crop and operation needs.
According to Trimble, the introduction of the EZ-Guide 500 is a significant milestone in bringing cost effective solutions to the farmer. Today’s lightbar guidance users are increasingly demanding higher accuracy but moving to the next level is often cost prohibitive. A high performance package build around the new EZ-Guide 500 is an economical solution, costing considerably less.
The new EZ-Guide 500 system is designed to provide GPS positioning and graphic display for use with Trimble’s assisted steering, automated guidance and spray rate control solutions:
The AgGPS EZ-Steer assisted steering system can be connected to the EZ-Guide 500 system in approximately 30 minutes and can be used on hundreds of vehicle models.
The EZ-Guide 500 can also drive the Trimble AgGPS Autopilot automated steering system, which offers multiple accuracy options, including +/-1 inch repeatable accuracy.
With the addition of the AgGPS EZ-Guide 500, Trimble now offers a complete good-better-best range of guidance displays. These include the entry-level AgGPS EZ-Guide Plus, mid-range AgGPS EZ-Guide 500 and high-functioning AgGPS FieldManager display.
The EZ-Guide 500 system is expected to be available in the first quarter of 2007 from Trimble resellers.