Managing Bin Chaining for Multi-Tank Seeder Operations
Overview
Bin chaining is a specialized feature for seeder operators using air carts with multiple tanks containing the same product. This guide explains how to configure the Viper 4+ to automatically switch between bins as they become empty, allowing for continuous application and more efficient field coverage without manual operator intervention.
What You'll Need
- Raven Viper 4 or Viper 4+ Display
- Multi-tank air cart with compatible control nodes
- Products with identical names assigned to multiple tanks
- Bin Chain feature unlock if applicable
Step-by-Step
Verify Product Naming
Before enabling chaining, ensure that the tanks you wish to link have the exact same product name assigned in the Product Configuration panel. If the names do not match, the system will not recognize them as a single chain.
Add the Bin Chain Widget
Navigate to a guidance run screen and enter the layout editor. Select the Bin Chain widget from the catalog and place it in a visible area on your screen. This widget provides real-time status and control of your tank sequence.
Access Bin Chain Management
Touch the Bin Chain icon on your run screen. The Bin Chain Management window will appear. If the icon is green, the system has automatically linked tanks with matching product names.
Configure a Manual Group
If you need specific control over the sequence, check the Manual Group box. Press and hold the Add Bin Chains button to select the specific nodes and bins you want to include in the chain.
Select the Primary Product
Define which tank will serve as the starting point for the chain. The system will apply from this tank first and then transition to the next linked bin once the first reaches a predefined empty or low threshold.
Set Advance Methods
Choose the trigger for advancing the chain, such as Bin Level or a signal from a Low Tank sensor. This ensures the transition happens exactly when the physical supply is exhausted.
Reset the Chain After Refilling
Once you refill your air cart, use the Bin Chain widget to reset the sequence to the first tank. This ensures the system doesn't try to continue drawing from a bin that was previously empty.
Common Issues & Troubleshooting
Tips & Tricks
Automatic chaining is the most reliable method; simply using identical product names from the agX database is recommended for most operators.
Monitor the Bin Chain widget during operation to see a visual countdown or percentage of the current tank's remaining product.
If you are applying multiple products that are all chained, you can have multiple Bin Chain widgets on your screen to track each group separately.
Perform regular maintenance on bin sensors to ensure the chain advances reliably at the correct level.