Introduction
MT-3405 M
5Boom Automatic Rate Control System
6
Your new MT-3405 M system is a high-performance controller,
designed for superior control of product applications with
features to help you manage your operation efficiently. From
the large liquid crystal display and user-friendly controls to
the Windows-compatible Utilities Software, the system is
designed with the operator in mind. Some of the built-in
features are described in the following paragraphs.
MODULARITY
Installing your MT-3405 M is cleaner and easier since only
a single four-wire cable is required to connect sprayer
functions to the console. The sealed electronic module has
inputs for flow, run/hold, speed and (optional) pressure
sensors. In addition, it has outputs for flow regulation, relief,
and up to five boom shut-off valves. The system easily adapts
to most solenoid- or motor-driven boom shut-off valves.
INTEGRATED CONSOLE
The MT-3405 M console houses all operator controls in a
single weather-resistant case. Battery and sprayer cables are
equipped with environmental connectors while a standard
serial cable connection is provided for easy VRT hook-up.
IMPROVED ADAPTIVE CONTROL
The MT-3405 M system uses advanced control methods to
adapt to your applicator system automatically, completely
eliminating the need to “fine-tune” the console for best
performance. Adaptive control has always been included in
Micro-Trak controllers, and has been further refined in the
MT-3405 M.
FLEXIBILITY
The MT-3405 M can be configured to control liquid, NH3
or properly equipped dry material applicators. The MT-3405
M can control your liquid applicator in three ways. “Flow Only”
uses the flowmeter feedback only, and can be used with or
without a pressure sensor. “Pressure Only” uses feedback
from the pressure sensor only, and can be used without a
flowmeter. “Hybrid” uses feedback from both the flowmeter
and the pressure sensor to provide optimal control response
and accuracy. Operation in either “Pressure Only” or “Hybrid”
control mode requires installation of a pressure sensor and
proper calibration for the nozzles you are using.
UTILITY SOFTWARE CD
In addition to the operator’s manual in PDF format, your
CD has the Utility Software program. This program uses
a calibration “wizard” to direct the operator through the
MT-3405 M calibration process and automatically sets up
calibration for various types of systems. Information for
different applications may be stored in files for convenient
re-entry into the console. Calibration settings may be printed
for manual entry into the console. Alternately, the MT-3405
M may be connected to the PC for calibration downloading
as well as uploading field data and upgrading the MT-3405
M’s Flash program.
RS232 SERIAL INTERFACE
The MT-3405 M serial interface allows the console to be
linked to most desktop or laptop computers. This serial link
can be used to calibrate or reprogram the console using the
Utility Software package. It can also be used with appropriate
software such as Farm Works SiteMate
™
to accomplish variable
rate application (VRA), or as a data logger to download
accumulated data and calibration parameters to the PC at
intervals commanded by the PC program. The MT-3405 M
system also offers VRA shut-off control for individual booms.
TIME TESTED MICROTRAK FEATURES
An (optional) run/hold sensor automatically turns off the
entire sprayer when equipment is raised, minimizing operator
workload at a critical time. The ADJUST RATE feature allows
the operator to change the application rate by a preset
amount with the push of a button. An electric relief valve is
recommended for systems that can exceed the permissible
pressure when all booms are off. The MINIMUM FLOW
setting maintains a good spray pattern at low speeds. Semi-
automatic calibration (FINETUNING) allows exact calibration
of speed and flow sensors with a minimum of effort.
NOTE TO THE USER
The MT-3405 M is written using English units of measure, but
is capable of operating in Metric and Turf units as well. The
“Units of Measure” chart shows the units of measure for each
function that is controlled by the MT-3405 M. This chart is
shown several times throughout the manual, and is referred
to by the “
+
” sign.
UNITS OF MEASURE CHART
English Metric Turf
AREA
Acres hectares 1,000 Sq Ft
VOLUME
Gallons liters Gallons
SPEED
Miles/Hr kilometers/Hr Miles/Hr
DISTANCE
Feet meters Feet
PRESSURE
Lbs/Sq In bar Lbs/Sq In
FLOW RATE
Gallons/Min liters/Min Gallons/Min
SPRAY RATE
Gallon/Acre liters/hectares Gal/1,000 Sq Ft