Tractor Performance Instrumentation System

A microcomputer -based data acquistion system was designed and developed at Michigan State University , USA to conduct field data studies. The system designed for the research carried out used an Apple IIe microcomputer for collecting data on-board the tractor. An AII3 Analog to Digital (A/D_ convertor was chosen to interface each analog signal to the microcomputer. A commercially available Dj TPM II was employed to display information such as an engine speed, ground speed, percent drive wheel slip , distance travelled and area covered per hour. The frequency output from the radar unit was channeled through a frequency to voltage (F/V) convertor , so that AII3 Analog to Digital (A/D) convertor could read it. The fuel consumption was measured using on EMCO pdp-1 fuel flow meter attached to the engine fuel line. The draft of the tillage and other drag equipment was determined using strain gages attached to the drawbar of the tractor. The system was developed to collect the draft and fuel requirements for various farm equipment different kind of soils.