AGRITECHNICA ELECTRONICS
TOPCON
November 10-16, 2019
111
Topcon
Hall 15, Stand H27
Electronic system boost
ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS IN AGRICULTURE HAVE TRANSFORMED THE PRODUCTIVITY
AND EFFICIENCY OF A CENTURIES-OLD INDUSTRY
iVTInternational.com September 2019
In 1998, Wachendorff Elektronik developed
the world’s first electronic operating concept in
the agriculture industry. Enormous developmental leaps
were made in the field of human-machine interfaces as
a result. It all started with just a button, then a light and
a switch. Nowadays, HMI devices have become
increasingly complex due to rising expectations, being
on the same technology level as tablets and computers. .
There were also changes at Wachendorff, which
is based in Geisenheim, Germany. The company was
integrated into Topcon’s corporate structure in 2014 and
renamed Topcon Electronics three years later. The new
Opus B3 Eco operating panel proves that the takeover
has not changed the company’s high quality standards
and customer-oriented product functionality. This device
was presented as a prototype at this year’s Bauma and
will be in pre-series after the 2019 Agritechnica trade fair.
Breaking away from the past
Since the introduction of the Opus A8 in 2016, the
requirements for HMI devices have changed based
on the situation. With the Opus B3, Topcon Electronics
is breaking away from the previous and distinctive
freeform A Series. The new B Series, which is to extend
the current A Series product portfolio, is impressive with
its simple yet appealing design.
The installation of the HMI devices is thus made
significantly easier. An aluminum housing and a visually
bonded display complete the external appearance of
the device. The top layer of the display is made of glass.
In combination with the robust design, the OPUS B3
achieves IP66 protection and is therefore suitable for
use in the most adverse environmental conditions.
In order to meet these demanding working
conditions, each HMI device is tested several times
during the manufacturing process. Furthermore,
operating temperatures between -30°C to +75°C
and storage temperatures between -40°C to +85°C
pose no problems. Another factor for the flexible
and cross-sector use is its vibration and shock
resistance of 5g or 30g.
The Opus B3 impresses users with its highperformance
and extensive range of features. A screen
brightness level of 800cd/m² allows readability even in
direct sunlight. The capacitive touchscreen (PCAP) and
the fully guaranteed reading angle of 70 degrees ensure
a smooth operation. Since the position of the actual
ABOVE: Opus B3 Eco can
operate between -30°C
and +75°C
touch on a capacitive touchscreen is determined –
in contrast to the resistive variant – by a change
in the electric field, the detection of multiple
touch points (multi-touch) is possible.
Quickly and easily downloadble
As with the A series, all B series devices are equipped
with an RS232 and two independent CANbus interface
as well as a USB port. The latter offers the advantage
that projects programmed by the customer can be
quickly and easily downloaded to the HMI device.
Programming is where the OPUS devices’ flexibility
and ease of use really shine. The continuously enhanced
Opus projector developed in-house can be used without
any in-depth programming knowledge, allowing the
creation of unique projects with just drag and drop
and a few key strokes for all A Series and B Series devices
from Topcon.
Alternatively, for customers with sound programming
knowledge, there is also the possibility of programming
with CODESYS or C++.
The Opus B3 is equipped with a high-performance
i.MX6 processor with a clock frequency of 800MHz for
a smooth and fast presentation of extensive customer
projects. Up to 4GB of mass storage and 512MB of
working memory provide enough power for complex
calculations and detailed applications.
As already known from the A Series, the B Series
devices are also being launched in different versions.
Customers can choose between an eco and a standard
version with extended operating options as required.
Devices that are customized to the respective
requirements of the customer are also possible. The
introduction of larger B Series models, which are already
being planned, will take place successively over the next
few years. iVT
By Michael Hohl, junior sales manager at Topcon
Electronics GmbH
FREE READER INQUIRY SERVICE
To learn more about this advertiser, visit
www.magupdate.co.uk/pivt
/iVTInternational.com
/pivt