3/1/2016 3:03 PM
Capstan sprayer control is a pressure based system that allows you to maintain a consistent droplet size while varying speeds. Also with use of prescription mapping you are able to create spray maps that will allow you to variable rate spray. This is all done via the speed of the pulses within the nozzles. It is important to understand that there are various levels of GPS definition. A WAAS satellite corrections system will give you sub- meter performance as far as accuracy goes within the first 15 minutes of creating a spray map. This basically means that you will have to drive the perimeter of your every time that you go out and spray to realize the savings that you are hoping to gain with going with GPS technology. In my opinion this can lead to damage and unnecessary wear to collars and rough edges. What I would recommend would be to go with a subscription Satellite GS, or purchase an RTk base station and service. Satellite GS will give you sub 3 inch accuracy and sub 12" repeatably over time. While if you go with an RTK base station and service you will get sub inch accuracy and repeatably over time. As far as the Capstan side goes sharp shooter is the older version of Capstan, while Pin Point is the newer version. The main difference is that Pin Point has turn compensation. This will essentially speed up outside nozzles and slow down inside nozzles, giving you an even application rate across the entire boom despite turning your sprayer. As far as what recommendation I would make on an OEM sprayer Jake and Smithco have been doing it the longest. As far as I know there is not an OEM Deere and Toro that run Capstan, there is some shops I know that have been doing after market installs. Another newer system on the market is the Raven Hawkeye system, this is essentially the same as Pin Point with turn compensation, individual nozzle control, and pressure management. The nice thing about raven system is that it is all contained within one field computer and is readily adaptable to any sprayer with wilger or teejet nozzle bodies, without the added plumbing of having to have a boom valve for each nozzle. Hope this helps, let me know if you have any other questions.