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Posted 1 October 2003. Crop Management. Local Positioning System Appointed U.S. Distributor For Eco-Dan Guidance Systems Local Positioning Systems. Salinas, CA (September 26, 2003) - Local Positioning Systems, L.L.C. is the U.S. distributor for guidance systems manufactured by Eco-Dan A/S of Denmark. Eco-Dan introduced their vision camera controlled implement guidance systems in Europe two years ago and appointed LPS its U.S. distributor in November 2002. This system has won several awards for excellence in several fields throughout Europe and claimed a prestigious AE50 award this summer. The core technology for the Eco-Dan LPS guidance is its digital color camera that takes 25 pictures per second of the green plant row directly beneath it. These pictures are streamed to a computer where the row centerline is interpreted. As the row centerline shifts the computer signals a control valve to move a hydraulic cylinder right or left to keep the implement in the correct working position over the row. A side-shifting quick hitch is available for three-point implements. A large diameter steerable coulter is available for high draft and towed implements. The coulter is also excellent for use when working hillsides. The Eco-Dan LPS guidance is more accurate than anything currently on the market in the U.S. because it actually sees the live plants within the row and can differentiate them from random weed patterns. Its primary use has been to guide cultivators, but it also has been used on band sprayer and fertilizer injectors. Cultivating speeds have been doubled in many cases and so-called “cultivator blight” has been virtually eliminated. The system will work in all types of green plants. Cost saving per acre will vary with plant type and density, but they have ranged from a low of $5 to a high of $50 per acre. One of the most important factors that is hard to cost is the dramatic reduction in tractor operator fatigue. Without exception every tractor driver who has tried it wanted one after a short demonstration. Check the Local Positioning Systems website and request a video of actual field operations. Contact: +1.831.424.1355 |