Development of microcontroller-based draft measuring system using Xbee technology

Abstract

AbstractNumerous wired data acquisition systems were developed in the past, for measurement of draft, which were often characterized by complexity and operational difficulty. Consequently, it is necessary to upgrade the exiting draft measurement technique of an agricultural implement. Therefore, this study was conducted to develop a microcontroller-based draft measurement system send the processed data to on-board stationary platform through wireless communication. This system includes (a) transmitting unit to transmit the measured draft value via Radio frequency based Xbee module, and (b) receiving and displaying unit to receive transmitted data from the transmitting unit and display it on LCD. Three load cells were attached to a three-point linkage dynamometer to sense the force exerted by the implements. The measured draft was wirelessly transmitted to the dashboard near to the tractor driver seat using Xbee technology. The draft measurement system was tested under actual field conditions. The results showed that the variations between the draft obtained from the developed draft measuring system and from the data logger were 6.5% and 7.16%, at 2.5 and 3.5 km/h, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the draft values obtained from the developed draft measuring system and the data logger. Observed data informed that the developed system was accurate, reliable and quick response in nature. The developed system can be implemented for the measurement of draft force for research and education purposes.

Keywords

• Xbee technology
• microcontroller
• draft measurement system
• wireless system
• Pham D T, University of Birmingham, United Kingdom
• Agricultural Engineering