Hemisphere GPS Announces New Centimeter-Level Auto-Steering for Precision Farming with Outback

This opens up a whole set of new opportunities with our aftermarket and OEM customers as we offer them the means to maximize their return on their investments by adopting the next level of precision."Outback eDriveX is the latest addition to Hemisphere GPS' portfolio ofbest selling aftermarket guidance and steering systems. It automaticallysteers agricultural machines using GPS technology providing the exceptionalaccuracy and performance required for precision applications. As a result, itprovides more uniform treatments, reduces waste, conserves fuel, and reducesdriver fatigue; all of which reduce cost and extend time in the field.Outback eDriveX operates from 1 mph to 25 mph, features six-axis inertialcompensation and integrated wheel angle sensing, and has proportionalhydraulics for precise control and line acquisition.

The company offersseveral vehicle-specific installation kits complete with all the necessaryhoses, fittings, brackets and detailed installation instructions, which makeOutback eDriveX immediately compatible with over 145 agricultural vehiclemodels. Additional installation kits will also be made available over thecoming months. When teamed with Outback S3(TM), and Outback A220, OutbackeDriveX offers centimeter level automated steering in Straight, Free FormContour, and Circle Pivot Guidance modes. The Outback A220 smart antenna is an easy to install GPS receiver andantenna in an all-in-one, rugged enclosure making it the perfect choice forboth aftermarket and OEM applications.

Powered by Hemisphere GPS'dual-frequency Eclipse(TM) GPS receiver technology, it provides fast,portable, sub-meter and decimeter differential GPS (DGPS) as well ascentimeter real time kinematic (RTK) positioning accuracy. With the optionalinternal radio, Outback A220 works in RTK mode as either a base or rover. Italso supports Satellite Based Augmentation System (SBAS) signals andOmniSTAR(R) HP/XP corrections, and offers Hemisphere GPS' exclusive COAST(TM)technology, allowing it to maintain an accurate solution for up to 40minutes, even when a differential signal is lost. Outback A220 operateswithin RTK networks and with base stations from other manufacturers as itsupports the most common open architecture formats RTCM 3.1, CMR and CMR+. Italso has the ability to communicate with a variety of external data loggers,navigation, and CAN systems using NMEA 2000, NMEA 0183, binary and USBcommunication protocols. "Hemisphere GPS is proud to introduce Outback eDriveX and the OutbackA220 smart antenna," said Kip Pendleton, Vice President and General Managerof Agriculture of Hemisphere GPS.

"The superior functionality of bothproducts allow farmers to perform precision applications with accurate andrepeatable results. Growers can capture a quick return on investment withthis level of precision control to increase production and reduce waste. Allindications are that centimeter level steering systems are the fastestgrowing segment of precision agriculture. Outback eDriveX and Outback A220are positioned ideally for this marketplace." Outback eDriveX and the OutbackA220 smart antenna can be ordered at www.outbackguidance.com withavailability in Spring 2010. These products will also be available throughOutback Guidance Centers and other authorized Hemisphere GPS distributors inNorth America and worldwide.

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