The EZ Guide 500 "How To Guide"

The EZ Guide 500 "How To Guide

Contents
Title Section/Page
EZ Guide 250 Table of contents
1. User Mode...................................................................................................... 1-3
2. Firmware
2.1 Checking Software Version............................................................................. 2-3
2.2 Check USB stick compatibility......................................................................... 2-4
2.3 Downloading firmware................................................................................... 2-4
2.4 Unzipping firmware and preparing USB stick................................................. 2-5
2.5 Updating the Screen....................................................................................... 2-5
3. Screen Unlock codes
3.1 The EZ Guide 500 unlocks............................................................................... 3-6
3.2 Upgrading EGNOS to OmniSTAR..................................................................... 3-6
3.3 RTK/VRS Upgrading......................................................................................... 3-7
3.4 VRA................................................................................................................. 3-7
3.5 Entering an Unlock code................................................................................. 3-7
4. Configuring EGNOS settings
4.1 Satellites......................................................................................................... 4-8
4.2 SBAS Positions................................................................................................ 4-8
4.3 OnPath Filter.................................................................................................. 4-9
5. Correctly Configuring OmniStar Settings
5.1 OmniSTAR ID................................................................................................... 5 - 10
5.2 Satellites from auto to EUSAT......................................................................... 5 - 10
5.3 SBAS Positions................................................................................................. 5 - 10
5.4 On Path Filter.................................................................................................. 5 - 11
5.5 Convergence................................................................................................... 5 - 11
6. Enabling the EZ Guide 500 for RTK
6.1 Enabling RTK................................................................................................... 6 - 12
6.2 Configuring PDL Radio..................................................................................... 6 - 13
7. Installation of Equipment
7.1 Correctly mounting the Antenna.................................................................... 7 - 16
7.2 Upgrading the Antenna.................................................................................. 7 - 16
7.3 Mounting the screen...................................................................................... 7 - 17
8. EZ Guide 500 Add On Functions
8.1 Adding an EZ Steer CAN connection............................................................... 8 - 18
8.2 Adding a Coverage Switch.............................................................................. 8 - 18
8.3 Adding a RADAR out Connection.................................................................... 8 - 20
8.4 Adding an 'NMEA OUT' or 'RTCM IN' Cable.................................................... 8 - 20
9. Data Management
9.1 Field Management.......................................................................................... 9 - 22
9.2 Deleting Coverage Logging............................................................................. 9 - 23
9.3 Summary Reports........................................................................................... 9 - 24

2
 The EZ Guide 500 "How To Guide

1.User Mode
Please Note: The EZ Guide 500 comes set on
'Easy Mode'. Please set the 'User Mode' is set
to 'Advanced' so that the various settings
shown in this How To Guide can be accessed.

 On the run/main screen press the down

[Figure 1.1]
arrow until you have selected the icon
and then press OK. The 'Configuration'
screen appears shown in {Figure 1.1].

 Select 'User Mode'. The 'User Mode'

screen appears shown in [Figure 1.2] and
[Figure 1.2]
select Advanced by pressing OK.

2. Firmware
Please Note: Firmware is the software
that runs the EZ Guide screen.

2.1 Checking Software Version

 Choose the Spanner icon. The

'Configuration' screen appears, as shown
across in [Figure 2.1] press down to [Figure 2.1]
'About the EZ-Guide' and press OK.

 The 'About the EZ-Guide screen will

appear as shown in [Figure 2.2]. The
Firmware version is highlighted in red

 The current level of firmware is

Version-5.10
[Figure 2.2]

3
 The EZ Guide 500 "How To Guide

2.2 Check USB stick compatibility

 Please note that not all USB sticks are
compatible with the EZ-Guide 500. Some
(Not all) FAT/FAT32 USB sticks are
compatible with the EZ-Guide 500.

 A green USB stick symbol will appear in

the bottom left hand corner of the screen
if the USB stick is compatible. This is [Figure 2.3]
shown in figure 2.3

 The colour of the USB stick icon will show

the status of the USB stick as shown in
Figure 2.4.

 Compatible USB sticks can be ordered [Figure 2.4]

through CNH Parts. Part No 73321221

2.3 Downloading firmware

 EZ-Guide 500 firmware can be found in

two different locations.
1. Assist Home Page
2. CNH Trimble Support Page
[Figure 2.5]

2.3.1 ASIST home page

 Once logged into assist, click on the 'EZ-
guide & FM1000 Software update
information' link shown across in [Figure
2.5] and choose EZ Guide 500. This will
Press
open the link to save the file. here
2.3.2 CNH Trimble Support Page
 When logged into assist, choose 'Auto- [Figure 2.6]
guidance support files, download
equipment and advice' shown in [Figure
2.6]. Click on the 'Auto-guidance' link.
 From the link that opens chose the
'Trimble AutoPilot and EZ Support files'.

4
[Figure 2.7]
 The EZ Guide 500 "How To Guide

2.4 Unzipping firmware and preparing

USB stick
 Once downloaded the ZIP file should then
be copied to the root (first) folder of a
compatible USB stick.
 The file must then be Unzipped before it
can be used. This can be done by right
clicking on the file and selecting 'extract
here' as shown in [Figure 2.8]. [Figure 2.8]
 Note: The computer programme WinZip is
needed to Unzip the file before the USB
stick can be inserted into the EZ-Guide
500.

2.5 Updating the Screen

[Figure 2.9]
 Once the USB stick is inserted into the
screen, the screen will recognise the
newer firmware and the warning screen
shown in [Figure 2.9] will appear.
 Pressing the OK button will go through
the procedure of updating the screen this
will only take a few minutes to do.
[Figure 2.10]

5
 The EZ Guide 500 "How To Guide

3. Screen Unlock codes

3.1 The EZ Guide 500 unlocks
 EGNOS level to OmniSTAR level
 OmniSTAR level to RTK level | Serial Num | Part Num | Password
 Variable Rate Application (VRA) +-----------------+-------------+----------------
| 0225115282 | 55951 | 4BC77D97B
3.2 Upgrading EGNOS to OmniSTAR
Figure 3.1
 The EGNOS to OmniSTAR Part Number is
73313916. The dealer must place an order
with SAP. Then he must send an e-mail to
eugpsreceiverupgrade@cnh.com with
following information :
- EZ Guide 500 Serial Number
- CNH Part Number
- SAP Order Number

 The serial number will then be sent back

to the dealer which he will then used to
enter in to the screen.

 The Customer must then purchase a

subscription for a HP or XP correction
signal from OmniSTAR (for info please
visit www.omnistar.com)

Note the serial number asked on the order

form is the OmniSTAR User ID number
Shown in Figure ? and not the screen serial
number. Go to 'Configuration, System, GPS,
GPS Setup, Omni* XP/HP, Continue'.

Figure 3.2

6
 The EZ Guide 500 "How To Guide

3.3 RTK/VRS Upgrading

 The RTK upgrade code P/N is 73313917.
This can be achieved by using the same
method as the EGNOS to OmniSTAR.

3.4 VRA

 The VRA upgrade follows the same

Figure 3.3
method the OmniSTAR and RTK upgrade.

3.5 Entering an Unlock code

 To enter an unlock code then the user
must go to 'Configuration, System,
Figure 3.4
Password Upgrade' as shown from Figure
3.3 to 3.5.

 It is possible to check what features are

unlocked on the screen by going to
'Configuration, Status, Upgrade Options'.
The upgrade options screen is shown Figure 3.5
across in Figure 3.6.

Figure 3.6

7
 The EZ Guide 500 "How To Guide

4. Configuring EGNOS settings

4.1 Satellites
Note: It is important to have the latest
firmware in the screen, it doesn't mean that
the screen is using the optimum setting and
satellite configurations.

 Select ' , System, GPS, GPS Setup'. [Figure 4.1]

 Choose 'WAAS/EGNOS' shown in [Figure

4.2]. In 'WAAS/EGNOS Settings' scroll
down to 'Satellite' and press 'OK' as
shown in [Figure 4.2].
 The optimum satellite used in the UK and
Europe is 'EGNOS 120 AOR-E'. [Figure 4.2]
 If you have correctly configured the
screen as shown and still have a poor
signal from 'EGNOS 120 AOR-E' then
'EGNOS 124 ARTEMIS' can also be used.

4.2 SBAS Positions

[Figure 4.3]
Note: 'SBAS positions' is a GPS quality
indicator, This gives you the option of
extending your operating hours by running
the system when GPS satellites are less
available and possibly providing lower
position quality. Alternatively, you can select
the best level of quality in order to achieve
the maximum accuracy.
[Figure 4.4]

8
  The optimum setting for this will
depend on what operation is being
done in the field and the type of area
that is being worked in. If high
accuracy is needed then 'Favour [Figure 4.5]

accuracy' should be chosen.

 if low accuracy is being used such as
mapping fields then balanced quality
should be chosen. If the signal is poor
then 'Favour availability' should be [Figure 4.6]
chosen.
 This setting can be changed by
selecting the ' ' icon and choosing
'SBAS Positions' as shown in [Figure
4.6]

3.3 On Path Filter

 The OnPath Filter should be set to
match the area that the tractor is
Figure 4.7
working in. Select Configuration ' ,
System, GPS, GPS Limits' and then
select 'OnPath Filter' as shown in
figure 4.7.
 There are 4 different settings as
shown in figure 4.8. If the settings
chosen does not match the area the
screen is working in then the screen Figure 4.8
will tend to lose GPS signal quiet often.
 The EZ Guide 500 "How To Guide

5 Correctly Configuring
OmniStar Settings
 Going to 'Configuration, System, GPS, GPS
Setup' and choose 'Omni* XP/HP'. The EZ
Guide will go through the 'OmniSTAR
setup wizard'.
Figure 5.1
5.1 OmniSTAR ID

 To locate the OmniSTAR ID on an EZ Guide

500, choose 'Configuration' 'System',
'GPS', 'GPS Setup', 'Omni*XP/HP', press
'OK' and then 'Continue'. Figure 5.2 shows
the location of the OmniSTAR ID.

Figure 5.2
5.2 Satellites from auto to EUSAT

 Go to 'Configuration, System, GPS, GPS

Setup, Omni* XP/HP, Satellite'. Choose
EUSAT from the list this is shown in Figure
5.3.

5.3 SBAS Positions Figure 5.3

 Go to 'Configuration, Omni* XP/HP

Positions'. From the three options choose
the level of accuracy that is needed for
the operation being performed.
1. 'Favour Accuracy' provides the highest
level of accuracy.
2. 'Balanced Quality' trades potential
accuracy for a slight increase in
production time.
Figure 5.4
10
 The EZ Guide 500 "How To Guide

3. 'Favour Availability' extends production

time further with more potential for
reduced accuracy.

5.4 On Path Filter

 The OnPath Filter should be set to match Figure 5.5

the area that the tractor is working in.

Select Configuration ' , System, GPS,
GPS Limits' and then select 'OnPath Filter'
as shown in figure 4.7.
 There are 4 different settings as shown in
figure 4.8. If the settings chosen does not
match the area the screen is working in
then the screen will tend to lose GPS Figure 5.6
signal quiet often.

5.5 Convergence
 Convergence time can be reduced by
increacing the accuracy level at which the
EZ Guide will be allowed to work at. To
change this then go to 'Configuration,
Figure 5.7
System, GPS, GPS Setup, Omni* XP/HP,
Continue, OK' and the 'Threshold for HP
Favour Accuracy' screen appears. Change
this figure to 150.
Note: This reduces the time the operator
needs to wait before he can start working in
the field, it is important to note that this will
reduce the accuracy level until the signal is Figure 5.8

fully converged.

11
 The EZ Guide 500 "How To Guide

6 Enabling the EZ Guide 500 for

RTK
6.1 Enabling RTK
 To recieve an RTK signal using an EZ Guide
500, the screen needs a PDL radio reciever
to recieve the RTK signal. The PDL radio
Part Number is ZTN62550-46-11.
Note: Important notice regarding RTK base
station ordering process. According to
European laws, RTK Radio equipment
ordered through CNH Parts & Service will
have to be set up with the correct frequency
or frequencies that the RTK Radio equipment
owner has been granted permission for, from
OFcom (Office of Communications). Each
dealer must therefore sent the appropriate
Frequency Configuration Sheet to
eugpsreceiverupgrade@cnh.com. In all cases,
it is necessary to follow this process to
receive the RTK base set correctly otherwise,
Figure 6.0
it will impact delivery. Contact your Parts
Sales & Service Manager for more
information.
 Before configuration of the PDL Radio to
recieve the RTK signal please ensure the
following has been completed.
I. EZ Guide 500 unlocked to an RTK Level.
II. One PDL radio has been ordered the
Frequency Configuration Sheet has been
emailed to
eugpsreceiverupgrade@cnh.com

12
 The EZ Guide 500 "How To Guide

6.2 Configuring PDL Radio

There are a number of steps needed to
configure the PDL Radio reciever and the EZ
Guide 500. these are;

I. Connecting to the radio module

II. Load frequency file Figure 6.1
III. Configure settings
IV. Load firmware

Use PDL CONF utility Software available

through the EST tool as shown in figure 6.1

i. Connect to the radio module

 Use the PDL radio instructions that are
included in the PDL Radio Kit to connect Figure 6.2

the PDL radio together shown in Figure

6.2.
 Establish communication to the PDL radio
using the 'Power On Capture'. This can be
done by turning off the power to the PDL
radio. Then select the power on capture
mode as shown in figure 2.3 by left
Figure 6.3
clicking the icon in the top left hand
corner and choosing 'Capture Mode' and
then 'Power On Capture'.
 The PDL radio must then be turned on
within 10 seconds of choosing the 'Load'
icon in the identification TAB, this is
shown in figure 6.4. If this fails then
repeat the procedure. Figure 6.4

13
 The EZ Guide 500 "How To Guide

ii. Load frequency file

 To load the frequency file, choose the
'Program' icon, shown across in figure 6.5.
The screen shown in Figure 6.6 will
appear, choose the appropriate set file
and select open.

Note: The set file can be obtained through Figure 6.5

ASIST.

iii. Configure settings

 From the screen that appears plase check
that the settings are correct in the
Figure 6.6
identification tab as shown in figure 6.5

Note: There is also the Possibility to enter

the “Owner” name in the Identification TAB

 Please check that the radio parameters

are set as shown across in figure 6.6 Figure 6.7
under the Radio Link Tab.
 Under channel select choose the manual
option.
 Enter the correct channel spacing 4800 =
12.5 kHz Or 9600 = 25 kHz

Figure 6.8
14
 The EZ Guide 500 "How To Guide

 Under the Radio Link, select the down

arrow and select the channel frequency
that is relevant to the owner.

 Under the 'Serial Interface' TAB check that

the radio parameters are as shown across Figure 6.9
in figure 6.8

Note: Repeater must be selected only if you

use the radio modem as repeater.

Figure 6.10
iv. Load firmware
 In order to load the Radio firmware,
communication with the radio must be
establish. To do this then left click the
icon in the top hand corner of the screen
and choose 'Upgrade Modem Firmware'.

Figure 6.11

 Choose the correct firmware and then

select open shown in figure 6.12. Choose 'Yes'
from the Yes and No option that appears
following on from this and confirmation will
appear that the software have been installed
successfully

Figure 6.12

15
 The EZ Guide 500 "How To Guide

7 - Installation of Equipment

7.1 Correctly mounting the Antenna

 The antenna should be mounted on the
roof of the cab, in the centreline and as
far forward as possible (without blocking
the signal). The blue square shown in
[Figure 7.1] displays where the antenna
should be mounted. The antenna must be
mounted as far forward as possible
because once the tractor goes off line the
further forward the antenna is the sooner
the EZ Guide/EZ Steer can correct the [Figure 7.1]

error.

7.2 Upgrading the Antenna

 The EZ Guide 500 comes with an Ag15
Antenna as standard. When the screen
receiver is upgraded to an OmniSTAR level,
included in the upgrade is a Z+ antenna
which enables the screen to pick up an
OmniSTAR/RTK signal.

 The Part Number for the upgrade kit is

[Figure 7.2]
73313916. This includes the upgrade code
and the new Z+ Antenna.

16
 The EZ Guide 500 "How To Guide

7.3 Mounting the screen

 The screen is mounted to the front
windscreen using two suction cups. The
part number for the suction cups are
87301269. The dealer must manufacture
a bar that joins the two suction cups and
also attaches the RAM Mount to mount
the screen as shown in figure 7.3. Figure 7.3

Note: The EZ Guide 500 needs two

suction cups to mount it to the tractor
windscreen. One Suction cup is not
sufficient to hold it.

Figure 7.4

 If the EZ Guide 500 screen is being used

with EZ Steer or AutoPilot then the most
convenient way of mounting the screen is
to fix it to the bracket on the right hand
door shown in Figure 7.5 and figure 7.6.
Figure 7.5
This is an ideal location because the
Lightbar is not needed on the windscreen
when using EZ Steer, also the EZ Steer
engage button is in a more convenient
location. The part number for the RAM
mount is ZTN68042 (U bolts must be
sourced locally).

17
 The EZ Guide 500 "How To Guide

(5) EZ Guide 500 Add On Functions

8.1 Adding an EZ Steer CAN connection

 The standard power cable that comes
with the EZ Guide 500 includes the
connection for connecting EZ Steer. In the
EZ Steer kit the cable is included that goes
from the EZ Steer controller to the EZ
Guide 500 power cable, this is shown in
figure 8.1.
Figure 8.1

5.2 Adding a Coverage Switch

Note: There are three parts to adding a

coverage switch to an EZ Guide 500 screen.

 8.2.1 Connect an interface cable to the

Figure 8.2
Lightbar P/N 87301317
 8.2.2 Attach the female Weather Pack
connector (supplied) to the wires of a
switch (not supplied). The external switch
has to be sourced locally and is not
available from CNH parts.
Figure 8.3
 8.2.3 Configure the switch on the Lightbar.

8.2.1 Connecting an interface cable to the

Lightbar
 The coverage switch requires one of the
following external interface cables with a
3−pin Weather Pack connector:

Figure 8.4
18
 The EZ Guide 500 "How To Guide

8.2.2 Attaching a female Weather Pack

connector to the switch wires
 Strip about 1 cm (0.4 inches) of insulation
off the switch wires. Thread each switch
wire through a cable seal. Crimp terminal
connectors to the ends of the wires with
an appropriately−sized crimp tool or pliers
and then solder the terminal connectors
to the wire to ensure a secure connection.
Insert the wires with terminal connectors
Figure 8.5
and the cable seals into the appropriate
holes on the female Weather Pack
connector.

 The Ground wire goes to Connector hole Figure 8.6

B
 The Switch wire goes to Connector hole C

NOTE: Ensure that you do not supply either

wire with power. If necessary, use a relay to
isolate the Lightbar from the power source.
Figure 8.7

8.2.3 Configure the switch on the Lightbar.

 To configure the coverage switch then
choose Advanced Mode / System /
Guidance / Coverage logging, select the
Switch option. This is shown in figure 8.7.
Figure 8.8
The switch can either be wired Active
when the switch is Open (Active Low) or
active when the switch is Closed, Active
High. Figure 8.9

19
 The EZ Guide 500 "How To Guide

8.3 Adding a RADAR out Connection

 The cable that is needed for RADAR

Output is shown in figure 8.10, P/N is
87301317 and this is same cable that is
used for wiring a coverage switch.

 Connect the relevant cables to the Figure 8.10

controller and choose configuration-

system-radar output. Select On for Radar
Enabled and then choose the appropriate
Radar frequency Rate for the controller.
Raven and Midtech controllers use 58.94
Hz/mph (34.80 Hz/kph) Figure 8.11

8.4 Adding an 'NMEA OUT' or 'RTCM IN'

Cable

Note: 'NMEA out' is output from velocity,

position, direction to 3rd party controllers (e.g.
Vicon)
'RTCM In' is input of external GPS data (e.g.
From a 262 receiver) Figure 8.12

 To access the NMEA messages that are

output, you require the all−port cable
(P/N 64045) or the serial port add−on
cable (P/N 63076). The cable needed to
add NMEA Output or RTCM Input is P/N is
73321231

Figure 8.13
 To configure NMEA output, select '
/System/GPS/NMEA Output' shown in
[Figure 8.12].
20
 The EZ Guide 500 "How To Guide

Note: To be able to communicate, the

parameters must match those of the device.

 Set the Lightbar port parameters. The

baud rate and the output rate need to
be the same between the EZ-Guide
and the implement controller

Figure 8.14
 Select 'OK' Screen and then the
'Message Selection' screen appears.

 Set the various message formats to On

or Off, depending on whether they are
required. Then select OK'

 Finally Configure the 'NMEA GGA

output decimal places'.

Figure 8.15

21
 The EZ Guide 500 "How To Guide

9 Data Management

NOTE: To take data from the EZ Guide 500 a

compatible USB stick is needed. Please refer
to page 3 for the compatible USB sticks
section.

9.1 Field Management

 The EZ Guide 500 can hold approximately

60 fields in it internal USB. Once the 60
fields have been used then the operator
will have to transfer the field information
or delete some of the fields to be able to
continue. The USB left can be seen in the
information tab on the home screen as Figure 9.1
'Storage' (hours).

9.1.1 Sending fields to a USB stick.

 While in Advanced mode going to
'Configuration, data management,
Manage Fields' and then select 'Send
fields to USB Stick' , choosing this option
will send all the field data from the screen Figure 9.2
on to a USB stick.

9.1.2 Deleting Fields

 Remove the USB stick and select
'Configuration, Data Management,
Manage Fields, Delete Selected fields'. It is
then possible to choose what fields, what
Figure 9.3
farms or what clients to delete.

22
 The EZ Guide 500 "How To Guide

 Deleting all the clients as shown in Figure

will delete all the data from the screen.
Deleting one client will delete just all the
farms and fields for that client.

9.1.3 Selecting fields from USB stick Figure 9.4

 When all the field data is saved on the

USB stick this can be brought back on to
the screen by selecting 'Get fields from
USB'. It is now possible to select the
required field from the USB Stick. The
field is now copied on to the Screen once
again. Figure 9.5

NOTE: This is useful when transferring fields

from one EZ Guide to another.

9.2 Deleting Coverage Logging

Figure 9.6
 Deleting field coverage logging is required
when the operator wants to work in the
same field that he had created before.
Coverage logging is deleted, boundaries
and obstacles remain this allows him to
drive the same headland and AB lines
without having to drive the boundary and Figure 9.7
create new AB Lines. To do this go to
'Configuration, Data Management,
Manage Fields, Delete Coverage Logging'.
This will allow the user to select the field
he wants to delete the coverage logging.

Figure 9.8
23
 The EZ Guide 500 "How To Guide

9.3 Summary Reports

 To view field summary reports, insert a

USB Stick and go to 'Configuration, Data
Management, Summary Reports, Send
Summary Reports to USB'. This will then
allow you to choose the field that you
want to view the summary report or send Figure 9.9
all the summary report to the USB Stick.

 Plug the USB Stick in to the computer, go

to "My Computer, USB Disk, AgGPS, Data,
(Choose Relevant Client), (Choose
Relevant Farm), (Choose Relevant Field),
(Choose Relevant Event)" and open up the
Word document called
"EventSummary.rtf". In this word
document there are 6 pages. The
information on them is as follows

1. Event Details
2. Map of Overlap
3. Map of Height
4. Map of Applied Rate
5. Map of Speed
6. Mapped Features

 Field area, Productive Area, and Total

Times are all included in the report along
with other information. Figure 9.10
Figure 9.10
Shows an example of the report.

24