OpenGradeX

[quote=“Larsvest, post:52, topic:8313”]
The legal range is between 15% and 85% of the supply voltage. Outside the range and this section will switch into an active error state.
IMG_0001.pdf (64.7 KB)

Yes you are correct. Sort of. It is actually between 25% and 75%. As you can see in the above document . I just used 12V for simplicity. CNH and Deere are the same if it get below .5 volts or above 4.5(10%-90%) it creates an error, when you select a valve type from within OGX it sets all Mins and maxes in On the grade control module. So it will not create any errors

If it’s canbus, it’s dead easy as Danfoss uses standard isobus codes.

As for PVG, there’s a relief valve in the main module, different versions for closed and open center. The difference is basically a plug, check out PVG service manual. All PVEA series are compatible with one another and use 13 bar pilot pressure, so if you convert a manual-only PVG to electrohydraulic, check that you have the pilot pressure reduction valve in the valve group. PVHC actuator uses a higher pilot pressure, don’t go for that as it’s same price as PVEA and just crappier, no feedback etc. You can also use a canbus actuator like PVEA-CI (which is the same price as analogue ones) and ditch all the Cytrons etc and just use a canbus module on the PCB. For me, this is by far the easiest way to work with PVGs.

All the technical manuals are available on Danfoss website. With PVG32 body you get higher flows and some more exotic options, PVG16 is maybe bit better price point if you’re buying new and still goes up to 80 l/min flow.

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I like the idea of the canbus valves, and would like to make a can module in the future. So I will definitely seek your expertise when I get around to tackling that.

Here is the Op amp circuit that I am looking to use for the Danfoss Analog valves and plan to add to the Grade Control Module. If anyone who knows a little more about the electronics side of things, or knows someone that does would be able to let knew know if this is a viable option it would be greatly appreciated. I understand the premise of it but am curious to know how you select the resistor values. And by this I mean to get a gain of 2.4 you could use a 7k and a 5k, but you could then also use a 8.4K and a 6K resistor. Not sure what difference those values make to the circuit, or if they do at all.

From my understanding OpengradeX is able to tilt the grader/scraper correct?
Will it be able to do that if the implement only tilts on one wheel, with a hydraulic cylinder controling the entire rear end and one cylinder placed on one wheel making it able to tilt?
Would really like to get started on this project since it would be great for leveling out fields and filling up low spots that look flat to the naked eye

The ability to control two SCV’s is readily available to modify in code to however you would like. I don’t think I will spend much time for second scv control in the near future as it isn’t pertinent to my uses for it this year. But the v2 PCB’s that should be showing up shortly have dual DAC’s as well so it’s all there waiting to go.

As well 3D style control that would demand is better suited for OpenGrade3D, which has been developed by some very smart guys it can be found at Grade control

Also I figured out the op amp thing so the V2 grade control Modules also have implemented support for 2 Danfoss PVEM style valves as well.

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Few Updates

  • Added Wireless NTRIP Correction to Antenna Module
  • V2 boards came in, have been built and tested everything so far seems to be working well.
  • The system is now 100% wireless just run 7-12V power to antenna module connect to the OpenGradeX WiFi network and go.
  • Grade control module sources power from tractor and auto connects upon powering up, as well as reconnects if the connection is lost at any point during operation.
  • Can receive Correction from both NTRIP and Radio simultaneously(as long as they are the same stream) to fill in correction data where either system may lack.
  • V2 grade control Modules can run Danfoss PVEM Valves




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Great work. Looks like I’m going to have to build me one of these!!!

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Hi, I’m new here… I’m from a small farm in southwestern Ontario. We use a pull behind dozer blade for leveling out old fence rows etc and I would like to add some kind of grade control to it, I have read through the old forum and this one and what you guys are working on is awesome. I’m a little fuzzy on what type of receiver for gps you are using? Can I run NMEA data from an rtk enabled receiver such as an Emlid RS2 or a JD Starfire 6000 (with appropriate harness to get the nmea data out of it) I currently use a program called fieldgenius from microsurvey in B.C. And it works well but it is just machine guidance and surveying, I still have to watch the screen and run the machine myself. I like the idea of tapping into the tractor SCV for our 6r and 8r Deere tractors but some of our older equipment does not have electronic SCVs so I would need to know how to use a proportional Valve with this system. From what I understand the program just runs on a windows machine?
If someone has any insight to my inquiries that would be awesome, thanks

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The boards utalize the RTK2B board for GNSS data, but I’m sure NMEA serial data from any receiver would likely work as long as you get the right logic level and messages sent. As for machine control the grade control module can run a 0-5 signal (Deere and CNH SCV) or a 12 v signal for a Danfoss PVEM external proportional valve. It runs on windows

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I am just getting started with BlackAce/OpenGradeX. I am more C# programmer not so much Farming or Grading Equipment guy so go easy on me. Any newbie tips, good doc sites or helpful hints? I have the source from GitHub already cloned. Two goals: one is to get it talking to an Emlid Reach RS2, is that considered an “antenna” in OpenGrade terminology? Broadcasts on UDP port 8888. Second, I want to build my own “fields” from existing plan files. Any documentation on those directory and file formats? Let me know if there is a better way/place to post this.

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Yeah the RS2 is a antenna, or receiver whatever you wish to call it.

Open grade x is just a wireless extension of the original open grade. If you are looking to do 3d contours Opengrade3D may be the better project to look into.

Can you describe how you create a “cut line” using the OSX? I just want to survey a contour and apply a cut line to it. I can see how to do it in fields.txt but not through the user interface. I don’t have a joy stick or vehicle connected up yet. Are those required to make a cut line?

If it’s easier to record a quick video, that would be even better. Thanks!

Once you have sureveyed a line go up to the grader tab and click on the button with the finger on it you can then apply the cut line, you can also do a autocut from that will populate the cut line according to a min slope setting. I think the version of OGX is a few commits behind so there still may be some bugs.

https://discourse.agopengps.com/uploads/default/original/2X/3/31bf3c1d06db651a14d88db389c1721cefc0ecd3.png

Top right of this image

Does the RS2 work with OGX or is it strictly your Black Ace board it links to?

Just curious, did the boards function like they were supposed to? If you would ever consider releasing the Gerber files I would be interested

The boards seem to work fine but I think I will have to do some change ups to the power supply side of things before I release the gerber files as the current voltage regulators I use get a little warmer than I would like on the antenna boards. We just got underway with harvest though so that will all be down the road sometime now.

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Did you get the open OGX working with the Emlid reach rs 2?

I did, but I wrote my own TCP/IP connection to the device and read NMEA strings from there.

Well. It works

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