STANDARDS

ISOBUS (ISO 11783) Task Controller and Data Dictionary Precedent

A new precedent has been set in the agricultural arena. On March 30, 2006, the inaugural online meeting was held for the ISOBUS Data Dictionary Maintenance Agency (DDMA).

The intent of this small experts group is to facilitate the speed and communication of standardizing an important area of ISO 1 1783 (ISOBUS) Data Communication and Control. This group of worldwide online agricultural experts has been set up to expedite the consideration and approval of valid Data Dictionary (DD) requests. These requests can come from designers and manufacturers of controllers that work with the ISO 11783 Part 10 Task Controllers and Part 11 Data Dictionary. This standardized data is what is communicated between implement controllers and a resident task controller on an agricultural machine. The task controller can then communicate with its counterpart at the home farm/network. What this means to the designers is that a fast, effective approval process is now in place, i.e. you don't have to show your cards too early in the game anymore. You should not have to wait the 3, 6, or 18 months it can take to get your communication parameters discussed, approved, and assigned. For those folks who were leery of showing design information too early, or trying to juggle the production of their units with some hoped-for day of approval, this should help immensely. Obviously the DDMA is interested in keeping this DU trimmed down to an effective size and approving valid parameters, so not all requests may be granted.

What else does this mean to the agricultural community? This supports the continued work of standardizing Agricultural Communication and Control along with the other parts of the ISO 11783. For those who wish to converge on standardized methods, messages, diagnostics, etc. in agriculture, this is the arena to participate in. Those in construction, forestry, or other areas might also want to consider the same methods and means?

The Data Dictionary can be found online at www.isobus.com/isobus_E/isobus.html. It is the first online type of item hosted by the secretariat of ISO/TC 23/SC 19 at the VDMA Agricultural Machinery Association in Germany. The VDMA and ISO have approved an agreement about the hosting of the Internet-based data dictionary and the installation of an DDMA expert group.

Additional information can be found on the North American ISOBUS Implementation Task Force (NAIITF) site hosted by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. For new users who wish to find the ISOBUS basic type of information, visit the Documents page on the NAIITF Web site at www.aem.org/Technical/NAIITF/Documents/index.asp. Good starter documents recommended arc: ISOBUS Compliance Terminology.doc, ISOBUS Awareness for mfrs.ppt, and ISOBUS Diagnostics Top Level View.ppt.

Keith Hudson

Gerhard Henningers

2006 CSP Constituents

The following companies have contributed to the Cooperative Standards Program for 2006: Bilt Rite Buildings, GKN Walterscheid, Hydratec, Martins Native Lumber, National Frame Builders Association, Netafim, and Roberts Irrigation Products, Inc.

COOPERATIVE STANDARDS PROGRAM

Proposed Projects

X239.1WD, Hitch and Box Dimensions for Agricultural Grain Wagons. This standard applies to the wagon box dimensions required to enable the unit to be pulled behind a corn picker. There are so few pickers in use today that this standard is no longer required and has no relevance with present-day modem equipment.

X602, Safety Requirements for Agricultural Scraper Tractors. This standard will provide an agreed methodology for the sale design of agricultural scraper tractors.

Proposed Revision

X365.7, Braking System Test Procedures mut Braking Performance Criteria. This revision is a result of die annual review of the standard's Future Provisions. It will incorporate the following Future Provisions: Annex B. 1, Annex B.2, Annex B.3, Annex B.4, Annex B.6, Annex B.7. Annex B.8, Annex B.9, Annex B. 10, Annex B. 12, Annex B. 13, Annex B. 14, Annex B. 15, Annex B. 18, and Annex B.20.

For more information contact die ASABE Standards Department at 269-429-0300.