John Deere Selects HBM's New MGCsplit Data Acquisition Equipment for Tough Tests

    MARLBOROUGH, Mass.--Nov. 14, 2002--John Deere, a leading worldwide manufacturer of agricultural, construction, forestry, consumer and commercial equipment, has selected HBM's new MGCsplit data acquisition system for use in its design and development program.
    John Deere will use the MGCsplit for mobile tests on a wide range of agricultural implements such as mower-conditioners, round balers and front loaders. During tests, the implements are dragged around a field by a tractor to record real working conditions or on a test track for tougher tests. The tests simulate a broad range of demanding climates and ambient conditions.
    The MGCsplit is well suited to this type of application as the measuring sensors and modules can be located next to the measuring point while the main unit is located in the control vehicle's cab. The equipment can also be fitted with a wide range of sensors to measure all parameters John Deere requires.
    Christophe Espanel, John Deere's Senior Engineer for Product Test at Arc-les-Gray, France, commented: "I was particularly sensitive to the ability to have the readout in the cab of the test vehicle with the measurement modules fitted directly onto the test object."
    Another reason for choosing HBM's equipment is that it is robust. "The vibration when agricultural implements are in operation can be quite severe and adversely affect measuring equipment," Espanel noted. "Moreover, HBM's MGCsplit was the most cost effective solution to my needs."
    HBM's MGCsplit modules allow test and measurement of equipment in very demanding environments such as sun, ice, wind and extremes of temperature. The IP65, shockproof, metal enclosure withstands mechanical and thermal influences and operates in temperatures ranging from -30(degree)C and +70(degree)C, independent of humidity.
    The MGCsplit system works by connecting individual modules to the display unit. It needs only one cable, containing the power supply, data line, and the synchronization line for all channels. The MGCsplit includes an intelligent power supply module for all common board voltages (12V, 24V and 42V) to make the system suitable for all mobile road tests.

    About HBM

    HBM, with U.S. headquarters located in Marlborough, is a leading global supplier of measurement technologies, products and solutions for industrial test and measurement applications. HBM provides complete measurement solutions -- from sensor to software -- for industrial and laboratory applications. Its wide range of measurement parameters includes force, torque, weight, strain, displacement and pressure, displacement. Primary markets include aerospace, automotive and manufacturing.
    HBM is a wholly owned subsidiary of Spectris plc.