wingman – aerial spray management system · 2018-02-06 · wingman is an aerial guidance system...

WINGMAN – AERIAL SPRAY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM Users’ Manual

ADAPCO, Inc. 550 Aero Lane ▪ Sanford, Florida 32771 ▪ 800-367-0659 ▪ www.myadapco.com

Table of ContentsGeneral Description................................................................... 1

About this Manual ........................................................................... 1 Cautions and Warnings................................................................... 1 Warranty ......................................................................................... 1

Component Overview................................................................ 2 Wingman......................................................................................... 2

Moving Map .............................................................................................. 3 Auxiliary Control Unit ................................................................................ 3 Light Bar.................................................................................................... 3 GPS and Metrology................................................................................... 3 Flow Control.............................................................................................. 3

SkyTracker Mission Management Software.................................... 3 Screens and Menus .................................................................. 5

Map Screen..................................................................................... 5 Map Fields ................................................................................................ 5 Map Display Features............................................................................... 7

Main Menu ...................................................................................... 9 Setup......................................................................................................... 9 Shut Down ................................................................................................ 9 Run Num................................................................................................... 9 Prefs (Preferences)................................................................................... 9 Checklist ................................................................................................... 9 Position ..................................................................................................... 9 Multi Block................................................................................................. 9 Single Block .............................................................................................. 9 Race Track.............................................................................................. 10 Direction.................................................................................................. 10 Flow Control............................................................................................ 10 WX (Satellite Weather) ........................................................................... 10 Guidance................................................................................................. 10 Previous .................................................................................................. 10

Map ......................................................................................................... 10 Setup Menu................................................................................... 10

Swath Width............................................................................................ 10 Offset ...................................................................................................... 10 Met Source.............................................................................................. 10 Auto Spray .............................................................................................. 11 Spray Height ........................................................................................... 11 Lead Time ............................................................................................... 11 Version.................................................................................................... 11 Application Rate...................................................................................... 11 Differential GPS (DGPS) ........................................................................ 11 Spray System.......................................................................................... 11 Fan Position ............................................................................................ 11 Light Bar Test.......................................................................................... 12 Map ......................................................................................................... 12

Preferences Menu......................................................................... 12 Timer....................................................................................................... 12 Cross Track Distance Indicator (CDI) ..................................................... 12 Format..................................................................................................... 12 Light Bar (LB) Field................................................................................. 12 Angle of Intercept (AOI) .......................................................................... 12 Checklist on Bootup................................................................................ 13 Auto Advance.......................................................................................... 13 Units........................................................................................................ 13 Show Swath ............................................................................................ 13 CDI Linearity ........................................................................................... 13 Record No Spray .................................................................................... 13 AOI Side.................................................................................................. 13 North Up – Track Up............................................................................... 14 Auto Zoom .............................................................................................. 14 Map ......................................................................................................... 14

Checklist ....................................................................................... 14 Checklist - Setup Parameters ................................................................. 14 Checklist - Preferences........................................................................... 15 Checklist - Units ...................................................................................... 15 Checklist – Light Bar ............................................................................... 15 Checklist – Spray System (Optional) ...................................................... 16

Guidance Menu............................................................................. 17 Blocks ..................................................................................................... 17

Go to Block ............................................................................................. 17 GPS ........................................................................................................ 17 AB Lines.................................................................................................. 17 Recalculate Offset................................................................................... 17 Map ......................................................................................................... 17 Flow Control Screen ............................................................................... 18 Calibrate.................................................................................................. 18 Nozzle RPM............................................................................................ 18

Spray System Screen ................................................................... 18 Set Mode................................................................................................. 18 Constants................................................................................................ 19

Pre-Flight Operations .............................................................. 20 Power Up Procedures ................................................................... 20 Installing Updated Software .......................................................... 20 Reviewing the Check List.............................................................. 20 Testing the Light Bar (Option) ....................................................... 20

Flight Operations ..................................................................... 21 Setting the Spray Mode................................................................. 21 Working with an AB Line ............................................................... 21 Navigating to a Block .................................................................... 22 Working with a Single Block or Container ..................................... 22 Using Race Tracks........................................................................ 23 Using Multi-Block Mode ................................................................ 24

Post-Flight Operations............................................................. 25 Importing a Completed Mission into SkyTracker........................... 25 File System Maintenance.............................................................. 25 Deleting FlightDat ......................................................................... 26

Index ....................................................................................... 27

Chapter

1 W I N G M A N U S E R S ’ M A N U A L

General Description ADAPCO’s Wingman GX Spray Management System represents the state-of-the-art in aerial vector control.

Wingman is an aerial guidance system combining the latest innovations in aerial vector control. In addition to basic flight guidance, flight recording, obstacle awareness, flow rate, application totals and acres treated, Wingman automates the process by computing the optimal dispersion parameters. This is achieved by processing the USDA Forestry Service AGDISP model with meteorological and flight data in real-time on an embedded computer. Wingman calculates the proper offset and altitude of the aircraft to optimize droplet densities and droplet sizes onto the intended target while minimizing off-target drift. About this Manual Due to the size constraints of the Wingman display and the use of the touch screen to record inputs, navigating through the Wingman interface is accomplished through a series of screens and pushbuttons. These screens are referred to as menus and the pushbuttons as menu items. Throughout this document, the path to a selection is represented in bold type with the steps separated by arrows. For example, navigating to the Checklist is described as Menu → Setup → Checklist. Cautions and Warnings

• The Global Positioning System, including differential correction is provided by various government and private entities. ADAPCO, Inc. is not responsible for their maintenance or accuracy. These systems are subject to changes which could affect the accuracy and performance of all GPS equipment.

• Wingman is not to be used for navigational purposes. It is designed to provide track guidance for aerial application use.

• Altitude displayed by Wingman is either as the height above mean sea level (GPS) or actual altitude as received by compatible radar altimeters.

Warranty ADAPCO, Incorporated warrants the WINGMAN GX™ & all accessories to be free from defects in materials & workmanship for one year from the date of purchase. It is the sole discretion of ADAPCO to make repairs or replacement at no charge to the customer for parts and labor. The Customer is responsible for any transportation costs. Failure of components due to misuse, abuse, accident or unapproved alterations will not be covered within this warranty.

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Chapter


Component Overview This chapter describes the Wingman components and their relationship to the SkyTracker Mission Planning software.

Wingman Figure 1shows the main Wingman system including an onboard computer, a Graphical User Interface (GUI), an external light bar and a 12-volt power supply. The computer is a 733 MHz embedded processor running the Windows XPE operating system. The computer is controlled through a Graphical User Interface (GUI) which is mounted in the cockpit. The GUI is composed of a high-resolution LCD display, touch screen and Compact Flash drive.

Figure 1. Wingman System Components

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W I N G M A N U S E R S ’ M A N U A L

Moving Map The GUI is the pilot’s primary interface to Wingman. Guidance and spray system inputs are updated on the map-based display. Command and control options are selectable from context-sensitive buttons. Warnings and other important messages are displayed in pop-up windows. The Compact Flash drive located immediately below the display is used to load and record missions as well as update the software. Auxiliary Control Unit An alternate means of input is provided by an external control unit. The unit consists of switches corresponding to Up, Down, Left, Right and Enter keyboard inputs. Light Bar An alternate means of guidance is via a light-bar like that shown in Figure 2. Wingman is designed to interface with a number of both internally and externally mounted light-bars.

Figure 2. ADAPCO Light Bar

GPS and Metrology To optimize vector control, Wingman relies upon the real-time receipt of position, weather and spray system data. Position data is obtained via connection to a Global Positioning System (GPS). Both differential and Wide Areas Augmentation System (WAAS) GPS formats are supported. Meteorological data can be obtained from a wide variety of devices including the AIMMS 20TM, KitoonTM or Tower Meteorology Station. Flow Control Wingman has also been designed for use with an assortment of flow controls including unidirectional, bi-directional and hydraulic valves and rotary atomizers. The use of a Controller Area Network (CAN Bus) permits the integration of multiple controls into one single application. SkyTracker Mission Management Software SkyTracker is a Mission Management software program designed to be used with ADAPCO’s Wingman GX Spray Management System. A Wingman mission can be broken down into three distinct phases:

• Preparation, in which the mission is developed; • Execution, in which the mission is flown; and • Post-Mission, in which the mission is evaluated.

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SkyTracker addresses the Pre- and Post-Mission phases. During the Pre-Mission phase, it tailors the mission for the type of aircraft and chemical to be used as well as application-specific details. It provides the capability to identify towers, create spray blocks, AB Lines and exclusion zones. When the flight is complete, SkyTracker processes the data to evaluate the success of the mission. Its Animation/Debrief tool is used to re-fly the mission on the map, with readout of when and where spraying occurred. Finally, past missions are tracked and managed for easy reference based on a calendar display. Figure 3 shows the main elements of the SkyTracker and Wingman systems. Critical to both is the relay of information through a Compact Flash card. This card is connected by an external drive to the computer on which SkyTracker is loaded. On the Wingman system, it is inserted into the slot directly below the Moving Map display.

Figure 3. SkyTracker and Wingman Communicate through a Compact Flash Card

SkyTracker is designed to run using Windows XP. The higher the resolution of the monitor the better but at least 1024 x 768 is recommended. The faster the CPU the better as well, a Pentium 4/1GHz or better is recommended. Data is transferred between the PC and the Wingman using an ADAPCO specified Compact Flash memory card.

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Chapter


Screens and Menus This chapter describes the main elements of the Wingman user interface.

Map Screen The Map Screen is Wingman’s primary screen. Details are shown in Figure 4.

Map Fields The Map Scale is shown in the top left corner of the display. It represents the width of the map in the Nautical Miles (NM), Statute Miles (SM) or Kilometers (KM). When the system boots up it remembers the scale from when it was shut down. When the PAN feature is used, the system readjusts to the last scale value when PAN

mode was terminated. Groundspeed comes from the GPS. It is displayed in the upper right corner of the display in Miles per Hour (MPH), Knots (KTS) and Kilometers per Hour (KPH) or Meters per Second (MPS). The Groundspeed preference can be selected by Menu → Preferences → Units → Groundspeed. To the right of the display are a series of main screen menus options. These include (Zoom) In, (Zoom) Out, Dim, Menu and Pan/Center. The Dim button controls the intensity of the light bar. The Menu button provides access to the Main Menu. The lowest button toggles between PAN and CENTER and controls the way the display is updated. If the screen is touched in Pan Mode, that location will be centered. In Center mode, the aircraft’s location is centered in the display. The circle in the lower right inset represents the orientation of the aircraft with respect to True North (white cap) and the wind direction (yellow line). Directly below the inset, Wind Direction is displayed in degrees followed by Wind Speed in MPH, KTS, KPH or MPS. The source for this wind data can be selected through Menu → Setup → Met Source. Run Number is at the lower right corner of the display and represents the active line. If there is no active line, the Run Number is 0. Run Number can be selected by Menu → Run Num. Next to Run Number is the Area Treated, which is represented in, Acres or Hectares. The Area preference can be selected by Menu → Preferences → Units → Area.

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The Spray Timer shows the minutes and seconds that have elapsed with the Spray On.

Figure 4. Elements of Map Display

The Spray Status field indicates whether the spray is on or off. If there is no flow control to supply feedback, spray on means that Wingman has signaled the pilot to turn on the spray system. Volume and Area are shown in the directly below the map in the center of the display. Volume is shown in US or Imperial Gallons, Liters or Ounces. Area is in square brackets and shown in Acres or Hectares. The Volume preference can be selected by Menu → Preferences → Units → Volume. The Area preference can be selected by Menu → Preferences → Units → Area. Distance to Waypoint reflects the distance to go to the next relevant waypoint. If outside the block this would be to the nearest waypoint. If inside the block this would be the waypoint the aircraft is flying towards. Units are in Nautical Miles (NM), Statute Miles (SM) or Kilometers (KM). The Distance preference can be selected by Menu → Preferences → Units → Distance. Block Status represents the state of the aircraft with respect to the active block and is reflected as follows:

• X - Aircraft is outside the block.

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• I - Aircraft is in inside the block and the spray is off. • S - Aircraft is in inside the block and the spray is on • A - Aircraft is approaching the block. • V - Aircraft is leaving the block.

The Cross Track Distance represents the distance between the aircraft and the Active Line and is units selected for XTRACK, feet or meters. The Cross Track preference can be selected by Menu → Preferences → Units → XTRACK. The Actual versus Desired Track displays the two tracks side-by-side with the Desired Track in parentheses. The units are in degrees from True North as derived from the GPS signal. The Desired Track is the heading needed to parallel the Active Line (shown in Magenta). The Angle of Intercept (AOI), also known as the Horizontal Situation Indicator (HSI), shows the angle between the Actual and the Desired Track. When this angle is zero, the aircraft is flying parallel to the Active Line but not necessarily on it. Directly below the Actual versus Desired Track is the difference, also in degrees. Map Display Features The map is a combination of static and dynamic files and symbols which are displayed based on the location and orientation of the aircraft, Wingman preferences, and pilot decisions. Lakes, rivers, bays, causeways, roads, airports, etc. are layers. These are standard ESRI shape files. The aircraft is depicted as a white plane icon. In Center mode, the plane is in the center of the map. When the preference is Track Up the plane is always pointed upward and the map is rotated with respect to the heading. When the preference is North Up 0 degrees is up and the plane is rotated to reflect the aircraft’s heading. The Cross Track preference can be selected by Menu → Preferences → North Up – Track Up. In Pan Mode the plane icon is replaced by four angle brackets that form a square in the center of the map. Touching the screen causes the touched point become centered within the brackets. Towers are depicted as yellow carats with a dot at the bottom.

Figure 5 shows several active features. In the screen on the left, two blocks, A and B, are depicted as polygon shapes with light blue borders. The names are in yellow text. Block B has a No Spray Area in the center. Its extents are also defined by light blue borders.

A line to follow in order to begin spraying is shown for Block B. It is at the lower left of the display, made up of yellow and magenta segments with two stars. The yellow line extends beyond the boundaries of the spray run and is only used for guidance. In the middle of the yellow lines is the Active Line. Depicted as a solid Magenta line, the Active Line shows where the aircraft needs to fly to have the dispensed product drift into the desired area. The light bar provides guidance to help the pilot fly along this line. The start and end points for the Active Line are depicted as light blue and yellow stars, respectively. The dashed magenta line shows where the spray will actually be deposited within the block.

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The screen to the right of Figure 5 shows what the same two blocks look like when they are part of a Container. The container and block boundaries are now shown in light green. This screen shows one of the key advantages of a container over blocks; that is, the capability to fly a continuous line through contiguous blocks.

Figure 5. Active Map Features, Blocks (L), Container (R)

Figure 6 shows what the display looks like after spraying part of the first line of a container. As the product leaves the aircraft, it is depicted as red dots behind the aircraft. Where there are more than 10 dots (i.e. after 10 seconds) the red dots showing the Predicted Product Deposition show where the product will be deposited based on the AGDISP model. When the spray is turned off, the treated area is shown in orange.

Figure 6. Spraying a Container Block

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Main Menu The Main Menu is reached by pressing the Menu button on the Map Screen. Setup The Setup menu item launches the Setup Menu for access to initialization parameters.

Shut Down Shut Down shuts down the system after verification. In this mode the Wingman will totally close the 3 way valve, drive the fan to feather and close the pneumatic safety valve, if installed. Run Num The Run Num menu item permits the user to enter a run number as the Active Line. Note: Selecting an arbitrary line when using a race track or spraying multiple blocks could have some confusing results and is not recommended. Prefs (Preferences) The Prefs menu item launches the Preferences Menu for customization of the Wingman environment. Checklist The Checklist menu item launches the Checklist, a series of screens containing essential Wingman settings. Position The Position menu item launches a form showing the aircraft’s position in Latitude and Longitude. The format is chosen from Menu → Prefs → Format. If the Advance Button is pressed while this form is shown a tower is added to the tower database. The pilot will be prompted for the tower’s height. The towers database needs to be synchronized with the towers database on SkyTracker so other Wingman systems can have their towers databases updated with new towers. Refer to the SkyTracker manual. Multi Block The Multi Block menu item is used to set up more than one block for spraying. When this item is selected the user is prompted for either a Linear or Circular pattern and the number of blocks to be sprayed. For each block the user will be prompted for the method to use in creating the active line. Once all the approach patterns are defined guidance will be provided to Run 1 of Block 1. Single Block The Single Block menu item is used to select the method for creating the Active Line. These include Edge, Container and AB Line. See Working with a Single Block or Container.

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Race Track The Race Track menu item governs how the next line will be calculated. Refer to Using Race Tracks. Direction The Direction menu item changes the direction in which the line is advanced when creating the next Active Line. Choices are Right or Left. Flow Control Selecting the Flow Control menu item launches the Flow Control Screen. If the system is not set up for flow control this menu item is disabled. WX (Satellite Weather) The WX menu item is used to display weather when a system is configured for satellite reception of weather data. Guidance The Guidance menu item launches the Guidance Menu which is used to obtain guidance information for blocks and AB Lines. Previous The Previous menu item returns the Active Line to the previous Run Number. Map The Map menu item reverts back to the Map Screen.

Setup Menu The Setup Menu provides access to initialization parameters. Swath Width Swath width is the spacing between adjacent flight lines. The Swath Width menu item launches a keypad with the current Swath Width and provides the capability to modify this value. Units are in feet or meters, and can be set in Menu → Preferences → Units → Swath.

Offset The Offset menu item determines how drift and final deposition is calculated. There are three options: Off, Auto and Manual. See Setting the Spray Mode. Met Source The Met Source menu item selects the source for meteorological data if Manual is selected; the user is prompted for wind direction and speed. This manual entry will then be reflected in the wind data on the Map Screen and will be used if Auto Offset is enabled.

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Auto Spray The Auto Spray menu item governs how the spray system will operate. Choices include On, Off and Test. See Setting the Spray Mode for a detailed discussion of the different modes.

Spray Height The Spray Height menu item is only relevant when the Gaussian spray drift model is employed. It is disabled otherwise. When using the Gaussian model, scenarios for multiple spray heights are available and the desired release height can be selected. Lead Time The Lead Time menu item compensates for the latency between Wingman commands and spray system response when starting and stopping product flow. These latency periods can be determined by experimentation and entered here as Entry and Exit criteria, respectively. Version The Version menu item provides the capability to examine the Exec Software Program and Operating System (OS) versions for the Wingman. The Exec version number is formatted as follows: WM.-__ Application Rate The App Rate menu item value entered here, together with other variables, determines the flow rate desired. This rate is in Imperial or US Gallons, Liters or Ounces per Acres or Hectares. Differential GPS (DGPS) The DGPS menu item determines whether a warning will be provided if there is a problem with the DGPS. Some applications require differential correction of the GPS while others do not. If it is required set this value to Warn; otherwise set it to Ignore. When set to Warn, a BAD GPS warning is sent to the pilot and guidance will be terminated. When set to Ignore operation will continue without differential correction but the green ‘D’ on the bottom right of the Map Screen will be removed. Spray System The Spray System menu item launches the Spray System Screen. This item is enabled if there is flow control. Note: This page should not be used in normal operations and should be reserved for diagnostic analysis. Fan Position The Fan Pos menu item provides the capability to manually set the position of the fan. This is used to keep the valve position about ¾ open. If the fan is producing too much pressure the valve will be almost closed resulting in poor flow control. If the fan is not producing enough pressure, the flow may not reach that desired. The operator can check the valve position using Menu → Flow Control.

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Once a satisfactory fan position is determined it will not be necessary to reset this parameter until the spray system is altered or a product with different physical properties is dispersed Note: Checking valve positions and entering fan positions should be done at altitude and not at spray height to avoid dangerous distractions. Light Bar Test This menu item tests the Light Bar. If no Light Bar is configured, this item is disabled. Map The Map menu item reverts back to the Map Screen.

Preferences Menu The Preferences Menu permits customization of the Wingman interface. Timer The Timer menu item launches a general purpose countdown timer. Pressing the Timer button begins a countdown. An optional Set button launches a keypad to enter a new time. Once the time is entered, it becomes the default time for subsequent use of the timer. The countdown window stays active until exited.

Cross Track Distance Indicator (CDI) The CDI menu item button provides a choice of selections for how the cross track distance will be represented on the light bar. If Line is selected, the user is prompted to enter the distance represented by each dot. If Non-Linear is selected, the dot representation is exponential; that is, one dot – one foot, two dots - two feet, three dots – eight feet, and so forth. The Custom setting permits the user to select a file of dot values previously created using SkyTracker. Format The Format menu item provides the capability select whether the latitude and longitude will be represented in decimal degrees (DD.DDDDDD°), decimal degrees and minutes (DD°MM.MMMM') or degrees, minutes and seconds (DD°MM'SS.SS"). Light Bar (LB) Field The LB Field menu item selects which parameters are represented by each field on the light bar. The prompts begin with Field 1, which is on the far left. The same parameter can be displayed in multiple fields. The values are displayed in the units selected for each field. Angle of Intercept (AOI) Also known as the Horizontal Situation Indicator (HSI), this is the angle between the True Track of the aircraft and the True Track of the Active Line. This angle is represented by the second line on the Light Bar and can be set as Linear, Non Linear, or Custom.

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• In Linear mode the angle of intercept in degrees is the number of dots on the light bar multiplied by a value entered when this is selected.

• In Non Linear mode, the first dot is 1 degree. If there is more than one dot the AOI is the result of raising 2 to the power of the (number of dots – 1). Therefore, 1 dot represents 1 degree, 2 dots represent 2 degrees, 3 dots represent 4 degrees, and so on.

• Using SkyTracker, the value represented by each dot can be set. Each set of values can be saved, given a name and exported to Wingman. If Custom mode is selected, a list of names of customized sets of values is displayed and one can be selected.

Checklist on Boot up The Checklist displays configuration information organized on a series of screens. This menu item configures the Checklist to be displayed on startup. Otherwise, the Checklist can be accessed at anytime by Menu → Checklist. Auto Advance The Auto Advance menu item can be set to On or Off, governing whether Wingman automatically advances to the next line when the current one is finished. If the Advance Button is pressed while Auto Advance is on, Wingman will lock on to the nearest run and make it the Active Line. If a Race Track is being used and/or multiple blocks are selected, Auto Advance will advance to the next appropriate block/run. If the user needs to return to the previous run, the Menu → Previous button should be used. Units The Units menu item provides the capability select units for groundspeed, distance, volume, wind speed, swath width, cross track, and area. Show Swath The swath of the aircraft is shown on the Map Screen by yellow lines on either side of the aircraft. These lines can be shown or hidden using the Show Swath menu item. CDI Linearity Not used. Record No Spray The Record No Spray menu item is used to choose between recording position continuously (Record) or only when the aircraft is spraying (Ignore). AOI Side The AOI is represented on the light bar by the second line. The side on which the dots are shown can be chosen by selecting the AOI Side menu item. Options include Same, Opposite or None. If None is selected, the second line on the light bar will reflect the CDI just as the top line does.

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North Up – Track Up The North Up – Track Up menu item provides the capability to toggle between these two preferences. When the preference is Track Up the plane is always pointed upward and the map is rotated with respect to the heading. When the preference is North Up 0 degrees is up and the plane is rotated to reflect the aircraft’s heading. Auto Zoom When Wingman is in Auto Zoom mode the display will automatically zoom in on a selected block, container or AB Line. The zoom limit is twice the size of the selected shape. The Auto Zoom menu item provides the capability to toggle this feature on and off and specify the distance at which Auto Zoom is activated. The Auto Zoom state and threshold distance are shown on Screen 2 of the Checklist. Map The Map menu item reverts back to the Map Screen. Checklist The Checklist is a series of screens containing essential Wingman settings. See Figure 7.

Figure 7. Checklist Screens

Checklist - Setup Parameters The first screen lists parameters that can be modified on the Setup Menu. These include:

• Application Rate (APPRTE)

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• Swath Width • Offset Type • Server (for Wireless Networking) • Model (Offset Drift Model Used) • Met (Meteorological) Data Source • DGPS Error Setting (Warn or Ignore) • Disk Space Used/Total for Drives’ D and E

Checklist - Preferences The second screen lists parameters that can be modified using the Preferences Menu. These include:

• LBAR (Light Bar), Cross Track Distance and Degrees per Dot • Cross Track Distance Indicator (CDI) Setting: Linear, Non Liner or Custom • Angle of Intercept (AOI) Setting: Linear, Non Liner or Custom and Side: Same or Opposite • Auto Zoom (AZOOM) On and Threshold Distance, if On • Race Track (RCETRK) Selection • Checklist, On Boot up or On Demand • Auto Advance, Automatic or Manual • Swath, Show or Hide • No Spray, Record or Ignore • Map Orientation, North Up or Track Up

Checklist - Units The third screen lists the units of measure used by Wingman. These include:

• Groundspeed (GSPD) • Distance • Volume • Wind speed • Swath • Cross Track Distance • Area, in Acres or Hectares

Checklist – Light Bar The fourth screen lists the Light Bar settings. Four fields can be assigned from the following values:

• XTRACK • XTRACK X 10 • HSI • Groundspeed • Run Number • Distance to Go • Time to Go

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Checklist – Spray System (Optional) An optional fifth screen of spray system parameters is displayed if flow control is installed. Values include:

• Maximum Pulses per Second • Minimum Fan Setting • Maximum Fan Setting • Minimum Valve Setting • Maximum Valve Setting • Gain • Reset • Derivative • Fan Gain • Fan Reset • Fan Derivative

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Guidance Menu

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The Guidance Menu provides access to guidance-related functions. Blocks The Blocks menu item launches the list of available blocks. Select the block to load by touching/highlighting the block name and press OK. Go to Block The Go to Block menu item displays the course to navigate to any selected

block. GPS The GPS menu item is used to view the raw data from the GPS receiver. AB Lines The AB Lines menu item launches the list of available AB Lines. Select the line to load by touching/highlighting the line name and press OK. See Working with an AB Line. Recalculate Offset The Recalculate Offset menu item manually recalculates the offset. The drift offset is automatically calculated when offset is first enabled; when a block or AB line is selected; and after each spray run. Although averaging is used to normalize wind speed, it still may differ drastically when descending to make the initial spray run. For that reason, it is recommended that the offset be recalculated under nominal conditions prior to commencing the first run; for example, making an initial pass down line 1 with the spray off and then recalculating. Map The Map menu item reverts back to the Map Screen.


Flow Control Screen The Flow Control Screen is available on systems configured for flow control. Key spray system parameters are displayed on this page. The valve and fan positions are in raw values and used for diagnostic purposes, only. Calibrate The Calibrate menu item is used to calculate the K Factor. When this is pressed, Wingman prompts for a volume. The K Factor is the number of Pulses divided by this volume.

Nozzle RPM The Nozzle RPM menu item shows the RPM of up to 10 rotary atomizers if the spray system is configured to supply that data. It also shows altitude data from a radar altimeter and two pressure values, the one in square brackets is usually the pressure in the booms after the 3-way valve but this can vary depending on how the spray system is configured.

Spray System Screen The Spray System Screen is launched from the Setup Menu. Across the top of the screen is displayed

• Requested and Actual Valve positions • Requested and Actual Fan positions • Pulse per Second recorded by the Flow Sensor • Flow Requested • Spray Switch Status

A graph showing requested vs. actual flow and valve position over time is displayed in the middle of the screen.

Set Mode The Set Mode menu item provides access to two spray system diagnostic modes: Get Limits and Open Loop. In the Get Limits mode, the spray system is commanded to find minimum and maximum values for the valve and fan. If airborne the maximum pulses per second is also obtained. These values are important to the feedback loop and the overall response of the system. They need to be set only once when the system is installed and should not be changed. The Open Loop mode and associated menu items provide the capability to manually set the fan and valve positions. When this mode is engaged, the flow rate is based solely on the fan and valve settings and no

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attempt is made to control the delivery rate. Warning: if used in the air, excessive pressure could result causing hoses to separate or burst. Constants The Constants menu item provides the capability to manually set the following constants:

• Max PPS • Min Fan • Max Fan • Min Valve • Max Valve • K Factor • Gain • Reset • Derivative • Fan Gain • Fan Reset • Fan Derivative

These should be set by qualified personnel only when the system is installed and should not need to be changed. Warning: Changing these values could result in the loss of flow control, resulting in damage to the spray system.

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Chapter


Pre-Flight Operations This chapter covers procedures that are typically performed prior to flying.

Power Up Procedures Wingman should be installed to power up when the avionics master switch is engaged. If Wingman is configured on a separate circuit breaker or switch, power may be applied when all other master and avionics systems have been powered up. It will take approximately two minutes to boot-up. Installing Updated Software Wingman software is periodically updated. If you obtain software updates from ADAPCO, install them following the written directions. Generally, instructions will call for the copying of files to the Updates directory on the Compact Flash card. The next time the system is booted, a message will report that the program has been updated. The new version can be verified by viewing the version in Menu → Setup → Version → Exec.

Reviewing the Check List The Checklist displays configuration information for your system. See Checklist. The Checklist can be configured to be available on boot-up: Menu → Prefs → Checklist on Boot up → At Boot up. Otherwise it can be launched on demand: Menu → Checklist. In either case, it is recommended that viewing the Checklist be done prior to executing a mission.

Testing the Light Bar (Option) The light bar can be tested by Menu → Setup → Light Bar Test. During the test all LEDs are illuminated for two seconds.

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Chapter


Flight Operations This chapter covers typical Wingman functions.

Setting the Spray Mode There are three spray modes:

• When Auto Spray is On, the spray system will be commanded to dispense the product when the aircraft is within half a swath width of the Active Line and the Spray Switch is on. If the system has flow control, the flow will be controlled according to the Groundspeed.

• When Auto Spray is Off, the spray system will be commanded to dispense the product whenever the spray switch is enabled. If the system has flow control, the flow will be controlled according to the Groundspeed.

• When Auto Spray is in Test and… o The system includes a fan and 3-way valve, the spray system will be commanded to open

the valve to 100%; drive the pump fan to 100%; and open the pneumatic safety valve, if installed. This mode can be used to check the spray system on the ground or in the air. Note: If used in the air, excess pressure could result causing hoses to separate or burst.

o The system includes a UNIMOT (electric pump); a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) must be entered. This is the power delivered to the pump as a percentage of maximum power. Avoid using more that 50% power if possible and never use this function in the air with a UNIMOT. Note: The spray system will be commanded to dispense the product whenever the spray switch in on irrespective of where the aircraft is at the flow rate resulting from the entered percentage power delivered to the pump. This feature is very useful for calibrating the system on the ground.

To set the spray mode: Menu → Setup → Auto Spray and select mode – either On, Off or Test. When Auto Spray is On, the system will spray if, and only if, the aircraft is flying along the Active Line, within the specified swath width and the spray switch has been enabled. If flying within a container, the system will not spray when outside the boundaries of contained blocks. If flying within a block, the system will not spray within the boundaries of No Spray Areas. Working with an AB Line The AB Line method is the default mode when Wingman is booted up. If an intervening mode has been chosen, it can be re-selected by Menu → Single Block → Edge → AB Line. P1 is displayed on the bottom left corner of the Map Screen indicating the system is waiting for Point 1 or the ‘A’ point in the

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AB Line. When the advance button is pressed or the spray switch is turned on with Auto Spray Off, the system will fix Point 1(A) where the aircraft was at that moment. P2 is now displayed on the bottom left corner of the Map Screen indicating the system is now waiting for Point 2(B). When the advance button is pressed or the spray is turned off with Auto Spray Off, the system will fix Point 2(B) where the aircraft was at that moment. As an alternative, AB Lines can be created by SkyTracker and loaded by selecting Menu → Guidance → AB Lines and choosing the line from a list. Once the AB Line is loaded by either method, the user will be prompted for a direction by which to advance the line, either Right or Left. Once the current line is sprayed the run number will be automatically advanced if the Auto Advance is on. Otherwise the line can be manually advanced by entering Menu → Run

Num or by pressing the Advance button. See Figure 8. F e

Navigating to a Block To work with blocks or containers, it is necessary to load a block file first. This is accomplished by Menu → Guidance → Blocks and choosing the file from a list. Once the block file is loaded, press Menu → Guidance → Go to Block and choose the block from a list of currently available block names. A form will appear on the screen with the heading and distance to the block. See Figure 9. Note: the list of available block names come from the currently loaded block file. If the block you are looking for is not in the list, you probably need to load a different block file. F Working with a Single Block or Container After loading a block file (see above), press Menu → Singl→ Single Block → Container to select a container. Now

22

igure 9. Block Heading Information

e Block →touch with

igure 8. AB Lin

Edge to select a block or Menu in the edge nearest to the run you


want to start on and the Active Line will be created parallel and ½ swath width inside that edge. See Figure 10. Once the current line is sprayed the run number will be automatically advanced if the Auto Advance is on. Otherwise the line can be manually advanced by entering Menu → Run Num or by pressing the Advance button. In either case, the Run Number cannot advance beyond the limits of the block or container. e

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Using Race Tracks The Race Track selection (Menu → Race Track) affects how a block will be sprayed. If Race Track mode is off, the next line is offset one swath width away from the current line. However when Race Track is selected, the user will be prompted for P3, a third point to designate the “next” line. Note: it is recommended that Auto Advance be set to off when using Race Track mode. As an example, refer to Figure 11 and the following notes:

1. Spray is turned on with Auto Spray off or the Advance button is pressed fix P1.

2. Spray is turned off with Auto Spray off or the Advance button is pressed to fix P2 and designate the first line.

3. Spray is turned off with Auto Spray off or the Advance button is pressed to fix P3. The Active Line will be created and guidance provided to this run (Line #8).

4. Spray is turned off with Auto Spray off or the Advance button is pressed to advance to the next line: Run 2 (-2 on Map Page. Negative sign if working to the left). The next run will be the middle run (RuRuns’ 3, 6, 4, 7, etc.

Note: There is only one type of Race Track available at this time. O

Figure 10. Single Block Edg

n 5 in th

k

thers wi

Figure 11. Race Trac

is example) followed by

ll be available in the future.


Using Multi-Block Mode The Multi-Block mode is designed for spraying more than one block at the same time. Select this option by pressing Menu → Multi Block. The user is prompted for a Sequencing Method, either circular or linear depending on the location and orientation of the blocks. See Figure 12. Next, the user will be prompted for the number of blocks to be sprayed. For each block, the user will be prompted for the method to be used to create the active line. Once all the blocks have been set up, guidance will be provided to Run 1 of Block 1 and will advance to the next line when the Advance button is pressed or the current line is completed and Auto Advance is on. Referring to Figure 12, the pattern is as follows: The table below shows the pattern for each sequencing method:

LINEAR CIRCULARBLOCK 1 RUN 1 BLOCK 1BLOCK 2 RUN 1 BLOCK 2BLOCK 3 RUN 1 BLOCK 3 BLOCK 3 RUN 2 BLOCK 1BLOCK 2 RUN 2 BLOCK 2BLOCK 1 RUN 2 BLOCK 3 BLOCK 1 RUN 3 BLOCK 1BLOCK 2 RUN 3 BLOCK 2BLOCK 3 RUN 3 BLOCK 3

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Figure 12. Linear vs. Circular Sequencing

RUN 1 RUN 1 RUN 1

RUN 2 RUN 2 RUN 2

RUN 3 RUN 3 RUN 3

Chapter


Post-Flight Operations This chapter covers typical Wingman functions.

Importing a Completed Mission into SkyTracker Once a mission has been executed, the Compact Flash card is removed from Wingman and reinserted into the SkyTracker computer. Once it is imported, it can be viewed and/or animated.

One of the options during importing is to remove mission files from the Compact Flash card. If this is selected, the next time the Wingman is booted, the system will be reset to a new mission. Otherwise, the system will be restored to the last time it was used, with blocks, spray patterns, etc. The new flight, or Sortie, will be added to the previous mission. Refer to the SkyTracker manual for additional information.

File System Maintenance While every attempt has been made to automate housekeeping and to employ techniques to minimize file growth, maintenance may be required on the Wingman file system. To facilitate this, SkyTracker has a Tools Menu included. By selecting Tools → WMAN Stop and entering the appropriate password, the next time the Wingman system is started, the program will be bypassed and a Tools form launched in its stead. The form displays the following pushbuttons:

• CMD – launches the CMD command interpreter Command Shell for execution and directs the flow of information between applications, to translate user input into a form that the operating system understands.

• EXPLORER - Windows Explorer for routine file maintenance. • CLOSE – to exit the form. • START – to start the Wingman program. • FLUSH DRIVE – to close all files on the internal D: Drive. • RESTART – to restart the Wingman program. • SHUTDOWN – to shut down the Wingman computer.

Note: The pushbuttons on this form are to be used only under the guidance of an ADAPCO representative. Deleting or otherwise modifying the file system could cause the Wingman system to cease operation.

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Deleting FlightDat If Wingman should ever experience errors on start-up that preclude the system from operating, it may be due to a corrupt file. Using SkyTracker and selecting Tools → Delete FlightDat, inserting the Compact Flash card into Wingman and booting the system will result in the deletion of the flight data file. This file will be re-generated so be sure to reset your operating preferences.

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Index AB Line, 21 AB Lines, 17 Active Line, 7 Actual versus Desired Track, 7 Angle of Intercept, 12 AOI, 12 AOI Side, 13 Application Rate, 11 Area, 6 Area Treated, 5 Auto Advance, 13 Auto Zoom, 14 Block, 7 Block Status, 6 Blocks, 17 Calibrate, 18 CAN Bus, 3 CDI, 12 Center, 7 Checklist, 14 Checklist on Bootup, 13 Constants, 19 Container, 8 Cross Track Distance, 7 Deleting FlightDat, 26 DGPS, 11 Dim, 5 Direction, 10 Distance to Waypoint, 6 Fan Pos, 11 Flow Control, 10

Flow Control Screen, 18 Format, 12 Get Limits, 18 Go to Block, 17 GPS, 17 Groundspeed, 5 Guidance Menu, 17 HSI, 12 Lead Time, 11 Light Bar Field, 12 Light Bar Test, 12 Main Menu, 9 Map Screen, 5 Menu, 5 Met Source, 10 Multi Block, 9 No Spray Area, 7 North Up, 7 North Up – Track Up, 14 Nozzle RPM, 18 Offset, 10 Open Loop, 18 Pan, 7 Position, 9 Predicted Product Deposition,

8 Preferences Menu, 12 Previous, 10 Race Track, 10, 23 Recalculate Offset, 17 Record No Spray, 13

Run Num, 9 Run Number, 5 Scale, 5 Set Mode, 18 Setup Menu, 10 Show Swath, 13 Shut Down, 9 Single Block, 9 SkyTracker, 3 Spray Height, 11 Spray Status, 6 Spray System, 11 Spray System Screen, 18 Spray Timer, 6 Swath Width, 10 Timer, 12 Towers, 7 Track Up, 7 True North, 5 UNIMOT, 21 Units, 13 Version, 11 Volume, 6 Wind Direction, 5 Wind Speed, 5 WMAN Stop, 25 WX, 10 XTRACK, 7 Zoom In, 5 Zoom Out, 5

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General DescriptionAbout this ManualCautions and WarningsWarranty

Component OverviewWingmanMoving MapAuxiliary Control UnitLight BarGPS and MetrologyFlow Control

SkyTracker Mission Management Software

Screens and MenusMap ScreenMap FieldsMap Display Features

Main MenuSetupShut DownRun NumPrefs (Preferences)ChecklistPositionMulti BlockSingle BlockRace TrackDirectionFlow ControlWX (Satellite Weather)GuidancePreviousMap

Setup MenuSwath WidthOffsetMet SourceAuto SpraySpray HeightLead TimeVersionApplication RateDifferential GPS (DGPS)Spray SystemFan PositionLight Bar TestMap

Preferences MenuTimerCross Track Distance Indicator (CDI)FormatLight Bar (LB) FieldAngle of Intercept (AOI)Checklist on Boot upAuto AdvanceUnitsShow SwathCDI LinearityRecord No SprayAOI SideNorth Up – Track UpAuto ZoomMap

ChecklistChecklist - Setup ParametersChecklist - PreferencesChecklist - UnitsChecklist – Light BarChecklist – Spray System (Optional)

Guidance MenuBlocksGo to BlockGPSAB LinesRecalculate OffsetMapFlow Control ScreenCalibrateNozzle RPM

Spray System ScreenSet ModeConstants

Pre-Flight OperationsPower Up ProceduresInstalling Updated SoftwareReviewing the Check ListTesting the Light Bar (Option)

Flight OperationsSetting the Spray ModeWorking with an AB LineNavigating to a BlockWorking with a Single Block or ContainerUsing Race TracksUsing Multi-Block Mode

Post-Flight OperationsImporting a Completed Mission into SkyTrackerFile System MaintenanceDeleting FlightDat

Index

wingman – aerial spray management system · 2018-02-06 · wingman is an aerial guidance system...

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