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WeedSeeker Frequently Asked Questions
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Who is NTech Industries, Inc.?
NTech, an ag technology company formerly known as Patchen, holds numerous patents for active plant sensors. NTech manufactures the WeedSeeker® and GreenSeeker® in Ukiah, California.
What is the WeedSeeker®?
The WeedSeekerŪ is an optical sensing automatic spot spraying system. The unique patented optical system allows the unit to detect and spray weeds while not spraying bare ground. The sensor is a self-contained unit that has optical and electronic components needed to detect and spray weeds. It is a system designed to dramatically reduce herbicide usage.
How does the WeedSeeker sensor work?
1. "Light emitting diodes" (LEDs) produce a combination of invisible infrared and visible red light which is projected onto the target approximately 2 feet below the sensor.
2. The light reflected from the target is captured by a detector at the front of the sensor.
3. Sophisticated electronics inside the sensor analyze the reflected light and determine when it matches the light reflected by green plants.
4. When green plant's reflectance is identified, the sensor waits until the plant is under the spray nozzle and then triggers a fast-fire solenoid valve which sprays the plant.
How much area does each WeedSeeker Sensor cover?
The Model 650 Sensor has a field of view of 13-14 inches. Sensors are mounted 12 inches center-to-center to allow overlap from one sensor to the next to avoid missing weeds. The Model 655 Sensor has a 16 inch field of view. Model 655 Sensors are mounted on 15 inch centers. The Model 655 Sensor was created for large systems (20 feet or wider) to reduce the number of Sensors required.
What is the mounting height of the WeedSeeker Sensor?
The Model 650 Sensor operates from 18 to 30 inches from the ground. The Model 655 Sensors operates from 24 to 30 inches from the ground
Does the sensor differentiate between weeds and the crop?
Today, the sensor does not differentiate between weed and crop species. If it sees green, it will spray.
What are the power requirements for the WeedSeeker?
The system runs on 12V DC. Typically, the WeedSeeker Controller is connected directly to the vehicle's 12V battery. Large systems (>20 sensors) require additional wiring (see the WeedSeeker Large System Installation Manual on the Manuals page [link to: http://www.ntechindustries.com/manuals.php]).
How durable is the WeedSeeker system in an ag chemical application environment?
The WeedSeeker's electrical system consists of electronic control units (sensors and control boxes) and wiring harnesses. Both elements utilize components that have been proven in harsh environments. This housing undergoes an intensive sealing and testing procedure during assembly, including pressurization and leak tests to ensure the unit is air tight.
The system's control boxes are NEMA 4X rated (industry standard), which ensures liquid free sealing characteristics. All wiring harnesses utilize highest quality connectors that are fully sealed. These connectors are commonly used on agricultural equipment, HD off-road equipment, and in many industrial applications that operate in harsh and/or difficult environments. NTech engineers made electrical security one of the leading design requirements and have delivered a durable and very reliable system.
What happens when a sensor hits a tree, fence post, or the ground?
It is inevitable that the boom will strike something during the spray season. The ideal approach would be to carry a spare sensor in the cab for emergencies. The sensor can be replaced in 15 minutes by removing two bolts and one or two cable connections. The damaged sensor should be sent to the company/distributor for repair. Frequently, only the housing will need repair, a minimal expense. NTech offers an extended 5 year service program on the sensors. If a sensor is not covered by the initial one year warranty, the company will repair or replace it for $500 regardless of failure reason.
Will the government help?
Government incentives help make the WeedSeeker system even more attractive. The USDA-NRCS Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) included in the Farm Bill is geared to systems like the WeedSeeker.
The amount of money available to adopt chemical reduction technologies varies by location. Contact your local NRCS office to determine the exact monies available.
Where can more information be found or an order placed?
For additional information: contact us or call 1.888.728.2436.
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