John Deere Machine Sync

S-Series Combine unloading on the go

Harvest productivity relies on keeping the combine harvesting grain. Unloading on the go is key to reducing downtime.

Gen 4 Machine Sync reduces the amount of stress with on-the-go unloading, making filling the grain cart easier.

In traditional grain cart operation, operators are focused on being in the right place at the right time. Until now, successfully unloading grain into a grain cart while continuing to harvest crop is complicated due to:

• Communication between operators
• Matching speeds between combine and grain cart
• Awareness of upcoming waterways and field contour and agreement how to navigate
• Awareness of equipment size and position

Gen 4 Machine Sync simplifies harvest for even the most experienced operators. It allows focus on harvest while reducing the tasks created by on-the-go unloading. This results in operators who are more relaxed, productive, and alert during harvest.

Gen 4 Machine Sync utilizes the wireless connection of two or more Modular Telematic Gateway (MTG) 4G LTEs communicating with one another to maintain the set distance between combine and grain cart. A cellular connection is not needed for operation of Machine Sync harvest automation; however, harvest logistics information is only available with an active JDLink™ Connect subscription and In-Field Data Sharing. On the first use of Machine Sync the MTG 4G LTE requires a connection to the internet either via cellular connection or wireless hotspot to gain the appropriate authentication.

On-the-go unloading

Tracking with coverage

Operators will see the following information for each combine in a network with an active JDLink Connect subscription and In-Field Data Sharing functionality:

• Combine location and direction of travel
• Grain cart location
• Combine grain tank fill level
• Combine unloading auger status

Combine operators, once connected with a tractor/grain cart, control the tractor's speed and can nudge the tractor forward, backward, or laterally to maximize the filling of the grain cart.

Operation

Machine Sync guides an approaching grain cart tractor to a predetermined “Home” position for unloading. This is a unique home point for that specific grain cart tractor/combine. Individual home points allow combines, tractors, and grain carts to have different configurations (duals, cart sizes, unloading auger lengths).

When running with Gen 4 Machine Sync, keep in mind these basic principles:

• Results are better with straight track than curve track.
• When not straight tracking, slower speeds provide better results than faster speeds.
• Results are better with gentle curves than tight turn radius curves.
• Articulated tractors exhibit the above performance variations more significantly than other platforms.

Tractors in operational zone

Speed and direction synchronization can begin once the tractor and grain cart enter the area to the left of the combine. This area is known as the operational zone and is displayed in image above as the orange box. Wireless communication starts once the two vehicles are within range of one another. Once inside the operational zone, the tractor operator can engage Machine Sync by pressing the AutoTrac™ resume switch. The tractor travels towards the home point. Once the tractor reaches the predetermined home point, the two machines are actively tracking. The control of tractor speed and direction of travel is then given to the combine operator.

As the combine continues to harvest, the combine operator can engage the unloading auger, filling the grain cart. While synchronized, the grain cart tractor mimics the movements of the combine. The combine and tractor/grain cart continues to travel in a synchronized fashion until the tractor operator disengages Machine Sync. The tractor operator can do this by simply taking control of the steering wheel or manually changing speed.

While the combine and tractor/grain cart are tracking and unloading, the combine operator has the ability to make incremental speed and direction changes to the tractor in order to evenly fill the cart. Nudge buttons on the Gen 4 Display allow the tractor/grain tank to be nudged forward, backward, or side to side. These changes in relative position help ensure the full capacity of the grain tank is being utilized. Final topping off of the grain cart may require the combine operator to swing the unloading auger for final filling while synchronized. 

S700 Series Combines provide the ability to utilize reconfigurable controls to set up nudging to be enabled via the hydro handle.

Enable faster decisions for a more efficient harvest by seeing the location of all machines in a field and combine grain tank levels. Knowing combine grain tank fill levels and location helps grain cart operators decide which combine to unload first. Minimizing wait time for a grain cart reduces the amount of idle time each combine accumulates during the season. Combines, grain carts, and semis can plan and perform at maximum efficiency with Machine Sync.

Operators will see the following information for each machine in a network with an active JDLink© Connect subscription and In-Field Data Sharing functionality:

• Combine location and direction of travel
• Grain cart location
• Combine grain tank fill level
• Combine unloading auger status

Tracking with coverage

Viewing shared coverage maps between all machines operating in the field allows grain cart operators to see what headlands have been harvested and if there are any areas that have been broken through that would allow for a shorter path to the combine.

John Deere Machine Sync is designed to be easily set up in nine steps:

First introduced with the StarFire™ 3000 Receiver, the StarFire 6000 continues to provide shared signal functionality when pairing two receivers with AutoTrac™ Implement Guidance, Active Implement Guidance (AIG), or Machine Sync combine harvest automation via the GreenStar™ 3 2630 Display or Generation 4 CommandCenter™ 4600 or 4640 Universal Display. Shared signal allows correction signals to be communicated between a pair of receivers, improving relative system accuracy and reducing the initial investment required to use AutoTrac Implement Guidance, AIG, or Machine Sync combine harvest automation.

• Reduce the producer’s cost of by utilizing a StarFire 3000 or StarFire 6000 with RTK and an SF1 StarFire 3000 or StarFire 6000. The highest level of accuracy is shared and RTK accuracy is available on the SF1 receiver (see chart below).

Supported configurations:

• StarFire 3000 leader to StarFire 3000 follower
• StarFire 3000 leader to StarFire 6000 follower - new for the 17-1 software update
  • SF2 fallback is not a supported mode for this configuration and the use of SF2 if RTK Signal Lost check box should be deselected by the operator if using radio RTK or mobile RTK with StarFire 3000
• StarFire 6000 leader to StarFire 6000 follower

Leader definition - tractor receiver for AIG, combine receiver for Machine Sync combine harvest automation

Follower definition - implement receiver for AIG, grain cart tractor receiver for Machine Sync combine harvest automation

NOTE: StarFire 6000 leader to StarFire 3000 follower is not a supported configuration.

AutoTrac Implement Guidance and Active Implement Guidance

Shared signal enables StarFire receivers to share information when paired using implement guidance. This allows a StarFire receiver using a lower accuracy to be used on the implement for an implement guidance system and taking advantage of the higher accuracy used by the machine receiver. The following table describes the accuracy expected from this system:

Machine Sync combine harvest automation

Shared signal enables StarFire receivers to share information when paired using Machine Sync combine harvest automation. This allows the two vehicle receivers to maximize system performance during harvest. The following table describes the accuracy expected from this system:

Each machine in the network needs:

• 4600 CommandCenter™ V2 or 4640 Universal Display
• Automation 3.0 activation/subscription for the display, this level includes all of the Premium 3.0 applications
• Software update 19-1
• StarFire™ receiver
  • StarFire 6000 Receiver with SF1, SF3, or RTK
  • 3000 Receiver with SF1, SF2, or RTK
    NOTE: If running a mix of StarFire™ 3000 and 6000 receivers the StarFire 6000 receiver must be placed on the tractor.
    NOTE: StarFire iTC receiver does not support Shared Signal
• JDLink – Modular Telematics Gateway (MTG) 4G LTE
  • Active JDLink Connect subscription (required for harvest logistics information)
  • Additional MTG antenna kit

Tractors in the network also need:

• Tractor Implement Automation – John Deere

Combines in the network may need:

• S700 Series combines (pre-MY19) will require controller updates to enable hydro-handle nudging. 
• The 3/4 bin-fill kit for model year 2008 and model year 2009 70 Series Combines.

NOTE: Gen 4 Machine Sync is only compatible of providing harvest automation functionality between the 4600 CommandCenter™, 4640 Universal Display or combination of the two displays. Gen 4 Machine Sync is not compatible with a 4200 CommandCenter, 4240 Universal Display or GreenStar™ 3 2630 Display or Machine Communication Radio (MCR).

This is the compatible equipment approved with the software update 19-1 release, and is subject to change with newer software updates. To ensure complete and proper compatibility, the most current version of implement control unit software, Gen 4 Display software, or compatible farm management information software (FMIS) should be used. Non-current software versions will require an update before support can be provided. Unapproved software version configurations will not be supported.

The software update 19-1 release is only compatible with 4600 CommandCenter™ v2 processors. Software update 17-2 is the last release that was compatible with 4600 v1 processors.

Server serial numbers are as follows:

• v1 = RWG prefix
• v2 = PCG prefix

Machine compatibility

John Deere Large Ag Tractors

*NOTE: For latest Precision Ag functionality, update machines equipped from the factory with v1 processor to v2.

John Deere Nutrient Applicators

John Deere Self-Propelled Sprayers

*NOTE: When using the 4640 Universal Display on a Hagie Sprayer, additional mounting and harnessing may be required. Current John Deere/Hagie field kits only offer GreenStar 3 2630 Display parts.

• 4640 Ram™ Mount - SJ34503
• 4640 power/video harness - BPF11527 (1-3 video plus machine power), PF90687 (machine power only)
• AutoTrac™ Vision/AutoTrac RowSense and multi-rank section control are not supported on Hagie at this time

John Deere Self-Propelled Forage Harvesters (SPFH)

Equipment compatibility

John Deere planters

SeedStar™ 4HP planters are only compatible with 4600 CommandCenter displays with a version 2 (v2) processor and 4640 Universal Displays. Displays should be running Gen 4 OS software version 10.10.404-390 or newer and the most current version of tractor applications to be compatible with SeedStar 4HP planter applications. Additionally, dual-display mode is not available for use with SeedStar 4HP planter applications, along with Gen 4 Extended Monitor.

The SeedStar 2 configuration below is available only on factory-installed model year 2011 and newer planters and may be field-installed on model year 2009 and 2010 planters. Green PM/PA controllers (factory-installed on model year 2009 and 2010 planters) are not supported with a Gen 4 display.

For John Deere dealers: the Service ADVISOR™ tool is needed to update SeedStar 2, SeedStar XP, and SeedStar 3 HP software. Documentation is not supported when using a rate controller to control row clutches on a John Deere planter.

*NOTE: For implements requiring ground speed input (radar), utilizing a 4240 Universal Display may require an additional 4240 Radar speed kit.

John Deere Air Seeders

The C850 Air Cart requires a 4600/4200 CommandCenter Display or a 4640/4240 Universal Display. GreenStar 3 2630 monitors are not supported. Additionally, C850 Air Carts and AutoTrac Implement Guidance (passive) are compatible with software update 18-2 and newer.

*NOTE: For implements requiring ground speed input (radar), utilizing a 4240 Universal Display may require an additional 4240 Radar speed kit.

John Deere Tillage

*NOTE: For implements requiring ground speed input (radar), utilizing a 4240 Universal Display may require an additional 4240 Radar speed kit.

John Deere Round Balers

John Deere Large Square Balers

John Deere combines

*NOTE: If using 4640 Universal Display, AutoTrac RowSense on a 70-Series Combine is not compatible.

NOTE: Competitive equipment may be compatible with 4640 Universal Display and 4240 Universal Display. For additional compatibility information, see AutoTrac Universal 200, AutoTrac Universal 300, or AutoTrac Controller in the Ag Sales Manual.

Precision Ag Technology software compatibility

*NOTE: See additional information below.

StarFire Receivers

StarFire Receivers can be updated in the following ways:

• Receiver USB port (available only for StarFire 6000 Receivers)
• Gen 4 display USB port
• Remote software updates application (in ISOBUS VT app)

Additionally, StarFire iTC Receivers are no longer supported with software update 2017-1 and newer software. StarFire 6000 Receivers require software version 3.80F or higher when used with AutoTrac Implement Guidance.

John Deere Operations Center

Gen 4 data is only compatible with the John Deere Operations Center.

Activations/subscriptions required for Wireless Data Transfer (WDT) and Data Sync:

• A 4600 CommandCenter Premium activation, 4200 CommandCenter Section Control and Data Sync activation, a 4640 Premium subscription, or 4240 Section Control and Data Sync
• JDLink™ Ultimate + WDT + Remote Display Access (RDA) or JDLink Connect subscription

To use RDA on a Gen 4 CommandCenter Display with a GreenStar 3 2630 Display connected in the same machine, GreenStar 3 2630 software version 3.22.1095 (SU2014-1) or higher is required (for 4600 CommandCenter Display and 4640 Universal Display only).

GreenStar Rate Controller and GreenStar Rate Controller Dry

GreenStar Rate Controller Dry is supported with display software update 2017-2 and newer. The 4600 and 4200 CommandCenter Displays and 4640 and 4240 Universal Displays support documentation and section control of up to five GreenStar Rate Controller units.

To update the GreenStar Rate Controller and GreenStar Rate Controller Dry, utilize a Gen 4 Display USB port. John Deere dealers can also utilize Service ADVISOR™. GDC 2.11A was the last software version available through Software Manager. GDC 2.20A has been available since spring 2015 and contains diagnostic language updates. This software can only be obtained through Service ADVISOR.

John Deere Rate Controller 2000

The Gen 4 Displays and John Deere Rate Controller 2000 can support documentation and control up to five operations. ISO controllers such as SeedStar on John Deere planters can be used with a John Deere Rate Controller 2000 that is documenting additional operations. Additionally, Gen 4 Displays can document shared sections with a John Deere Rate Controller 2000. An example of this would be John Deere Rate Controller 2000 used with a Raven Sidekick™ ICD direct injection pump.

For more information on Gen 4 displays and John Deere Rate Controller 2000 compatibility, please visit the John Deere Ag Sales Manual.

AutoTrac™ Vision

AutoTrac Vision Guidance Camera 19-1 software 4.01L is only compatible with RowGuidance 3 Controller software AKK15783F and GreenStar 3 2630 17-1 software 3.34.1345 or newer and Generation 4 18-1 software 10.10.404-345 or newer. 

AutoTrac Universal 200, AutoTrac Universal 300, and AutoTrac Controller

AutoTrac Universal 200, AutoTrac Universal 300, and AutoTrac Controllers are for use with the 4640 Universal Display and 4240 Universal Display. Please see the AutoTrac Universal 200, AutoTrac Universal 300, or AutoTrac Controller Sales Manual for exact model compatibility.

ISOBUS implements

Gen 4 Displays are compatible with one Agricultural Industry Electronics Foundation (AEF) certified ISOBUS implement; AEF-certified ISOBUS implements with Task Controller Section Control (TC-SC) functionality and AEF certification for TC-SC include sprayers, fertilizer spreaders, planters, seeders, manure applicators, etc. For third-party FMIS compatibility, reference the John Deere Operations Center.

A software update performed by an authorized ISOBUS implement dealer may be required to obtain compatible software. ISOBUS implements must be certified through the Agricultural Industry Electronics Foundation (AEF) to be recognized by the Gen 4 CommandCenter display. Visit www.aef-online.org for more information; visit www.aef-isobus-database.org for an active list of compatible implements.

ISOBUS implements with VT4 are now supported by Gen 4 Displays. Gen 4 Displays still support older VT versions (example: VT2 and VT3). If an implement is not loading after updating to Gen 4 software update 2017-2 (or newer on 4600 CommandCenter v2 processors), it is recommended that the implement manufacturer be contacted to get a software version that is either VT3 or VT4.

Extended monitor

When using an extended monitor with equipment visualized in ISOBUS VT Viewer and applying VT run page modules to two run pages shown at the same time, the extended monitor’s VT modules will not update. To mitigate this, only view VT modules on one run page at a time.

Connect Mobile

For complete Connect Mobile compatibility, please reference Connect Mobile configurations.

Implements without controllers

Implements without controllers can be documented as a stand-alone operation or with a rate controller from John Deere. Additionally, multiple implements without controllers cannot be documented together.

AutoTrac Implement Guidance (passive)

AutoTrac Implement Guidance is compatible with SeedStar 3HP, SeedStar 2 and SeedStar XP.

AutoTrac Implement Guidance is compatible with C850 Tow-Behind Air Carts with software update 18-2.

AutoTrac Implement Guidance is not compatible with the SeedStar 4 HP planters for spring of 2019.

AutoTrac Turn Automation

To use the AutoTrac Turn Automation application, specific compatibility is required. AutoTrac Turn Automation is compatible with the following machines:

• 8030 Series Tractors
• 9030 Series Tractors (if equipped with PowerShift™ transmission)
• Model year 2012 and newer 6R Tractors (if equipped with Infinitely Variable Transmission [IVT™] and ITEC™ functionality)
• Model year 2011 and newer 7R Tractors (if equipped with CommandQuad™ transmission, e23™ PowerShift transmission, or IVT)
• Model year 2010 and newer 8R/RT Tractors
• Model year 2012 and newer 9R/RT/RX Tractors

NOTE: Integrated tractor IMS must be turned off on 30-Series Tractors to use AutoTrac Turn Automation on the Gen 4. Integrated Tractor iTEC must be turned off on the following tractors to use AutoTrac Turn Automation on the Gen 4:

• Model year 2012-2014 6R
• Model year 2011-2013 7R
• Model year 2010-2013 8R
• Model year 2012-2014 9R

NOTE: If instead an operator chooses to use the machine’s integrated IMS/iTEC functionality, then AutoTrac Turn Automation and iTEC must be turned off in the Gen 4 Universal Display.

AutoTrac Turn Automation is compatible with SeedStar 3HP, SeedStar 2 and SeedStar XP.

AutoTrac Turn Automation is NOT compatible with SeedStar 4HP planters for spring of 2019

Camera compatibility

Voyager® cameras are supported on Gen 4 Displays. All other camera types are not supported.

Non-John Deere Precision Ag

4600 CommandCenter v2 and the 4640 Universal Display are compatible with the following RS-232 configurations with software update 18-2 and newer:

• GPS receivers with serial port connection
  • Will not enable AutoTrac guidance functionality
• Raven RS-232 control units (440, 450, or 660) on tractors configured as implement-based applications
• Gen 4 displays are not compatible with the DN345 Drawn Dry Spreader at this time.

Machine Communication Radio (MCR)

Gen 4 displays are not compatible with MCR.

APEX™ software

• Gen 4 display work data is not compatible with and cannot be viewed in APEX software.
• USB files including pre-assigned APEX tasks and iTEC™ Pro sequences will not import into Gen 4 displays.

NOTE: Gen 4 data is only compatible with the John Deere Operations Center. All Gen 4 activations are machine specific and cannot be transferred to a different machine. If not using WDT, an 8- to 32-GB USB is required to transfer data to and from the Gen 4 Display. Implement settings are display specific and cannot be imported or exported from the Gen 4 Display.

RAM is a trademark of National Products Inc. Hagie is a trademark of Hagie Manufacturing Company, LLC and similar to John Deere branded equipment, John Deere will support Hagie equipment. Reichhardt is a trademark of Reichhardt GmbH Steuerungstechnik. Sidekick is a trademark of Raven Industries, Inc. Voyager is a trademark of ASA Electronics, LLC.

S-Series Combine unloading on the go

X Series Combine unloading on the go

Harvest is hectic as you focus on getting all the crop from the field to the bin within a tight harvest window. Using Machine Sync, you can focus more on grain harvest and grain quality and worry less about keeping the grain cart under the spout when unloading on the go. Gen 4 Machine Sync provides a solution to harvest stress by creating a wireless network between the tractor and combine to enable on-the-go unloading through synchronization of tractor speed and direction of travel with the combine.

In traditional grain cart operations, operators are focused on being in the right place at the right time. Previously, successfully unloading grain into a grain cart while continuing to harvest crop was complicated due to:

• Communication between operators
• Matching speeds between combine and grain cart
• Awareness of upcoming waterways and field contour and agreement how to navigate
• Awareness of equipment size and position

Gen 4 Machine Sync simplifies harvest for even the most experienced operators. It allows focus on harvest while reducing the tasks created by on-the-go unloading. This results in operators who are more relaxed, productive, and alert during harvest.

Machine Sync guides an approaching grain cart tractor to a predetermined “Home” position for unloading. This is a unique home point for that specific grain cart tractor/combine. Individual home points allow combines, tractors, and grain carts to have different configurations (duals, cart sizes, and unloading auger lengths).

Tractors in operational zone

Speed and direction synchronization can begin once the tractor and grain cart enter the area to the left of the combine. This area is known as the operational zone and is displayed in the image above as the orange box. Once the tractor operator engages Machine Sync, the tractor travels towards the home point and the two machines are actively tracking. The control of tractor speed and direction of travel is then given to the combine operator.

As the combine continues to harvest, the combine operator can engage the unloading auger, filling the grain cart. While synchronized, the grain cart tractor mimics the movements of the combine. The combine and tractor/grain cart continue to travel in a synchronized fashion until the tractor operator disengages Machine Sync. The tractor operator can do this by simply taking control of the steering wheel or manually changing speed.

While the combine and tractor/grain cart are tracking and unloading, the combine operator can make incremental speed and direction changes to the tractor in order to evenly fill the cart. Nudge buttons on the Gen 4 Display allow the tractor and grain cart to be nudged forward, backward, or side to side. To ensure the full capacity of the grain cart is being utilized, swing the unloading auger for final fill.