Uploading Prescription Files to the John Deere 2630
Overview
The John Deere GreenStar 3 (GS3) 2630 is a high-performance precision farming display capable of executing map-based prescriptions for variable-rate applications of seed, fertilizer, or chemicals. This guide details the process of preparing prescription shapefiles on a USB drive, importing them into the display's internal memory, and using the built-in Shapefile Converter to assign them for in-field performance.
What You'll Need
- John Deere GS3 2630 Display
- USB flash drive formatted as FAT or FAT32 (4GB or larger recommended)
- Prescription files in Shapefile format (must include .shp, .shx, and .dbf files)
- Established Client, Farm, and Field (CFF) structure on the display
Step-by-Step
Prepare the USB Drive
On your computer, create a folder in the root directory of the USB drive exactly titled 'Rx' (capital 'R', lowercase 'x'). Copy the prescription shapefile components (.shp, .shx, and .dbf) into this folder. Ensure the files are at the root level of the 'Rx' folder and not nested within subfolders.
Import Shapefiles to the Display
Insert the USB drive into the side port of the 2630 while it is powered on. A 'Data Transfer' page will appear automatically. Select 'Import Global Prescriptions and Shapefile Data'. Once the transfer is complete, a confirmation message will appear; you may then remove the USB drive.
Navigate to Shapefile Converter
Go to Menu > GreenStar > Documentation. Verify that the correct Client, Farm, Field, and Task are selected. Press the 'Rx' button in the lower-right corner of the documentation screen. In the 'Prescription' dropdown menu, select 'Shapefile'.
Configure Prescription Details
Select your shapefile from the list. You must define the Column containing the rates, the Product Type (e.g., seed or fertilizer), and the Rate Units. Enter an 'Out of Field Rate' and a 'Loss of GPS Rate' to ensure the controller knows what to apply if the vehicle leaves the mapped zone or loses signal.
Convert and Accept
Select 'Accept' to begin the conversion process, which typically takes up to 30 seconds. Review the preview map and summary data (area and rates). If correct, press 'Accept' again to save the converted prescription to the internal memory.
Assign to Controller
Navigate to your specific controller (e.g., Planter or JD Rate Controller 2000) from the Menu. Change the rate setup from 'Predefined' or 'Manual' to 'Map-Based'. Return to the main run screen and verify that a green 'Rx' symbol appears next to the target rate.
Common Issues & Troubleshooting
Tips & Tricks
Adjust the 'Look Ahead' time (standard is 1.0–2.5 seconds) to compensate for the time it takes the mechanical components to respond to rate changes.
The GS3 2630 can support up to 125 shapefiles per USB drive.
Prescription zones that are assigned a zero rate will appear black on the display map.
If you wish to apply more or less than the prescription recommends, use the 'Prescription Multiplier' button to adjust the entire map by a percentage.