Yorkton Aircraft Service Ltd. congratulates Gord McDermit of Ormiston Saskatchewan on this project.
It is refreshing to see new ideas and new solutions being brought to this industry.
This information re-printed with Gord's permission.
His contact information and FAQ's can be found at the end of this page.
It is a generally accepted fact that the presence of a crosswind causes significant pattern distortion
when applying crop protection products with a fixed wing agricultural aircraft as illustrated below.
String deposit pattern of an AG Husky in a headwind (top)
and in a crosswind from the left of the picture (bottom).
By incorporating a Patternator into the existing spraying system, the distortion is generally reduced.
Spray swath pattern with a crosswind from left of image in which
three upwind nozzles were shut off and three new nozzles were
interspersed on the downwind boom.
Illustrations sourced from ASAE Paper Number: AA05-011
with the cooperation of Thomas M. Wolf, Ph.D., P.Ag
Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada, Saskatoon Sk.
The Patternator retrofits to any aircraft and automatically shuts certain nozzles on and off depending on the direction the aircraft is moving. In this way, over application on the upwind side is reduced, and swath width on the downwind side is decreased.
The pilot identifies the wind direction prior to the initial pass, and the system takes over until the user resets the device.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
The Patternator is comprised of three distinct components:
1) A direction sensor that outputs an electrical signal.
2) A controller that, through a series of relays and solenoids, outputs pneumatic pressure to selected nozzles.
3) A series of controllable check valves that are connected to selected nozzles and the controller.
CONTROLLING THE CHECK VALVE
By controlling the output of the selected nozzles, pattern distortion caused by the effect of crosswind is minimized.
Applying air pressure to the topside of the diaphragm so the valve remains closed when
desired controls the check valves.
To look at the Power Point Presentation offered at the NAAA, click here.
KEY ATTRIBUTE
There is no pilot input required during spraying.
The only pilot input is to turn the system on and to select whether the crosswind is from
the right or the left (once for each field). This is done well before the aircraft reaches the field.
The Patternator technology has been successfully tested on most commonly used agricultural aircraft.
Without exception, the spray pattern is significantly improved when the crosswind component is
between 2 and 10 mph. When the wind is outside of these parameters, the unit is simply turned off.
There are few moving parts so maintenance should be minimal.
It is available in both 12 and 24 volt models and is designed so that it can be easily
installed in any agricultural aircraft.
PRICING (US dollars)
Direction Sensor and Controller including
STC and all related wiring (Kit price) $2,780
Other equipment required:
100 ft, 1/8" pipe 30
Modified check valve top (est 12 @ $12) 144
Plastic Tee's (est 8 @ $4) 32
TOTAL $2,986 (plus shipping and handling at cost)
WARRANTY AND UPGRADE POLICY
The Direction Sensor is warranteed by the manufacturer for one year from the date of installation.
The Controller is warranteed by the Vendor for one year.
If an upgrade is offered by the Vendor within 3 years from the date of purchase, either the
Direction Sensor or the Controller can be exchanged at the full purchase price.
FAQ's
Q. I own a SATLOC GPS system, can I use the receiver from that system to provide
the directional guidance to the Patternator?
A The Patternator can use the SATLOC receiver in every model except the Airstar because
the receiver are internal to the CPU.
Most Satloc Litestars have a second cable in their harness labelled Port A. The Patternator can
hook to this cable.
For Satloc Lites and M3 models, a special cable must be added to the system to allow the
Patternator interface.
Additionally, the SATLOC receiver must be programmed to output the necessary NMEA strings
for the Patternator.
Most SATLOC dealers can do this programming.
Q. All the documented testing that I have seen has been done on a Cessna.
How does this technology apply to other models?
A Pattern testing has shown that the effect of crosswind is similar regardless of the type
of aircraft.....spray droplets are at the mercy of the wind after leaving the aircraft. The concept
is the same, however minor changes to configuration may be required due to different spray gear setups.
Q Would it be possible to control some nozzles to minimize the effect of slipstream?
A Yes. Once the Patternator is installed it is very simple to control any nozzles on the boom.
Q Is it possible to shut off the end nozzles on each boom to minimize drift
when working in sensitive areas?
A Yes there is a manual 'overide' incorporated that allows the pilot to shut off the end
few nozzles on each boom as required.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Gord McDermit 306.475.2563
or email him at mcdeg@sasktel.net