GPS Subscription Services

All precision activities evolve around having a high level of geographical location accuracy. In the past, Lamb Farms' tractors used lower quality GPS receivers with less accurate differential correction signals. These systems include Coast Guard Beacon signals, L-Band from Omnistar and WAAS via the FAA.

A year ago, after much research, we opted to migrate towards an extremely accurate signal, RTK. This signal allows for excellent sub-inch accuracy and repeatability. After investigating systems from multiple vendors, we opted for Trimble systems. As the RTK pioneer, Trimble has a high market share of units already in place. What's more, their customer support is excellent which ensures optimal implementation in the field.

The RTK system includes a GPS receiver that obtains information from the US government satellites which are circling the Earth. The base stations have been surveyed in to determine their exact Latitude and Longitude.

The bases are constantly comparing the calculated position gleaned from satellite data and the fixed known location. They then generate a differential correction signal which is transmitted via a radio transmitter. The signal is used by receivers in our tractors to attain the most accurate position fixing possible.

We look at accurate positioning as the most important basis for other precision activities. Using the RTK accuracy we can autosteer equipment with sub-inch accuracy. We have incorporated Trimble Nav-Controllers in equipment which steers the equipment itself. This frees the operator to allow better monitoring for optimal machine performance.

Given the accuracy, we have successfully used auto swathing via the Seed Command and Insight controllers. The RTK is truly a launching point to incorporate additional precision aspects.

Recognizing this signal could benefit other farmers as well, we are offering a subscription service to anyone who is capable of receiving the signal. The cost is less than that from certain other high-accuracy providers such as Omnistar.

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