Verifying ISOBUS connectivity

The winter months provide an opportunity to check the software versions of the mechanization terminals and verify the connectivity between individual tractor terminals and implements. Modern mechanization is in the vast majority of cases equipped with the standardized ISOBUS communication protocol , which is based on the CAN bus. ISOBUS is based on the ISO 117 83 standard, which regulates communication between the tractor and the implement. The standard is supported by all major manufacturers of agricultural machinery - John Deere, Fendt, Horsch, Amazone, Kuhn, Case and others.

Fig. 1 ISOBUS connector

ISOBUS allows users to control various ISOBUS compatible devices using a single terminal. Thanks to this system, the installation of several terminals in the mechanization cabin (display for centrifugal spreader, sprayer and others) is no longer necessary, and only one work terminal / display remains in the cabin. This can save considerable financial resources when purchasing equipment, as the buyer does not have to buy a terminal from the equipment manufacturer. If it is necessary to display more work data, the main work terminal can in the vast majority of cases be retrofitted with an additional display terminal.

Fig. 2 A John Deere 6215R tractor controls a Kuhn Axis 40.2 H-EMC centrifugal spreader via the tractor terminal.

Fig. 3 For better clarity of work activities, the terminal/display can be retrofitted with a second, universal display terminal.

In the following section, I would like to introduce you to the individual ISOBUS functionalities.

Individual functionalities

UT SERVER

Possibility to control various tools with one terminal. Possibility to control tools with any terminal with UT function.

AUX – 0 AUX FUNCTION

Controls that allow you to assign implement functions. For example, to a universal joystick in a machine.

AUX – N AUX FUNCTION

Identical function as AUX – 0 AUX FUNCTION, however, the same functions cannot be controlled via AUX – 0 as with AUX – N AUX FUNCTION.

TC – BAS CLIENT

Record work documentation without taking into account location. Documentation can then be exported.

TC – GEO CLIENT

Possibility of obtaining location information or planning work tasks/batch based on location. For example, using prescription maps.

TC – SC CLIENT

Automatic section switching depending on machine position and overlap.

TECU TRACTOR

Information about the presence of the tractor control unit. The control unit provides information about speed, engine speed, etc.

TEAM SERVER

The tractor will be able to be controlled by the implement. Based on the data, the implement will be able to adjust, for example, the speed or hydraulic circuits.

ISB SERVER

This function allows you to deactivate implement functions that have been activated via the ISOBUS terminal. This is necessary if multiple implements are controlled via the terminal.

Practical example: John Deere 6215R tractor and Kuhn Axis 40.2 H-EMC centrifugal spreader

The John Deere tractor is equipped with the 4600 on-board terminal, work documentation option (TC-BAS), control unit (TECU) and other functions. The Kuhn Axis 40.2H-EMC centrifugal spreader allows control via an external terminal (UT) and obtaining position information (TC-GEO) – this is necessary for variable applications. The verification results in the connectivity of the tractor and the centrifugal spreader, which will allow the centrifugal spreader to be controlled via the tractor terminal combined with the possibility of variable application and recording of work / application documentation. Finally, do not forget to check the tractor terminal licenses (documentation, section control, etc.). When verifying, do not forget to also check the software version of the terminal / implement (Fig. 4 red frame).

Fig. 4 Example of verification using aef-isobus-database.org

Explanations:

AEF functions are not certified. AEF functions are certified.

AEF functions are certified and can be used.

You can check the individual functionalities of your mechanization on the AEFDatabase website – www.aef-isobus-database.org , it can also be downloaded as an application on Google Play or the App Store.

Are you considering purchasing new machinery or planning to use new technologies with your existing machinery and are you still not sure about its compatibility and would you like professional assistance? Do not hesitate to contact me.