The DFA Integrated Pivot Panel automatically controls the pivot by a programmable DFA Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) connected to the pivot’s main panel. By means of a radio link, the DFA RTU accepts and executes commands from the pivot system control defined in a PC desktop computer known as a System Control Computer (SCC), a PLC, or another intelligent Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) or Area Remote Terminal Unit (A-RTU).

The System Control Computer (SCC) has a Microsoft operating system and is tasked with the pivot monitor and control software known as a PivotMACS™ developed by DFA using National Instruments LabVIEW®,a leading industry standard process control language. This SCC can support up to 128 pivots.

The DFA RTU has a built-in keypad and LCD interface for in-field pivot control parameter changes by the operator. Any parameter change made in-field is automatically communicated to the SCC via the radio network and reflected in the HMI software interface or PivotMACS™ at the SCC. If hidden from the SCC radio path, the intelligent RTU is capable of sending or receiving messages from other RTUs in the pivot system using the open communications, store and forward protocol developed by DFA known as OpenLINK™. Reliable radio communication is attainable with distances of 40 miles and greater.

PivotMACS™, the pivot monitor and control software, uses pivot feedback to implement immediate adjustments to pivot operations. Control of each pivot allows setting of pivot direction, water application, chemical injectors, pivot speed, and agitators. The result is reduced costs while increasing crop yields through better control of irrigation and chemigation. Additional cost savings comes from timed control of pivot operation to take advantage of off-peak electrical rates and the application of water under low evaporation conditions.

PivotMACS™ notifies the operator of pivot alarms as they occur allowing the operator to resolve problems in the field or from the SCC.

PivotMACS™ allows for the monitoring of weather conditions such as wind speed, rain-fall, temperature, water flow and ground moisture. Based on the conditions being monitored, the pivot’s intelligent DFA RTU can modify pivot operation or even stop the application of water and chemicals. Often, the only need to visit a pivot is to check on crop conditions which translate into reduced operating costs.

The ‘Schedule Forward’ capability of PivotMACS™ allows the farm operator to plan a pivot’s repetitive operations in advance for days, weeks, or even months. Multiple pivot schedules may be created for each pivot, given a recognizable file name, and stored on the hard drive of the SCC. Daily pivot operations data is logged at the SCC giving non-proprietary ASCII text files for daily printed reports or importation into spreadsheet software for analysis.

Optionally, the pivot control system can be equipped with a Voice Dialer located at the SCC that allows the operator to control or check the conditions of each pivot in the fields by use of a handheld or mobile radio carried on person or mounted in a vehicle. The operator enters commands by using a standard keypad. Response from the Dialer is by synthetic voice. This is true reliable mobile remote control.

Another remote option is internet access to the SCC. The operator can view or interact with the PivotMACS™ software by means of a PDA, laptop or PC using any web browser. Any needed change to pivot operation can be made.