Calibrating the Toro ProControl

This is how to set up your ProControl.  Anytime I have a question with a sprayer’s performance I start here to make sure we have all the basics set properly. 

To start we need to make sure our bypass valves are completely closed.  We also need to find the flow meter and look at the tag on it.  There should be a meter cal number on it.

Set bypass to 0 when using a ProControl

Meter Cal # tag

Then we move up to the controller.  Hold the CE button down and power up the controller.  This will clear the controller and allow us to set it up again.  We can now select what scale we want to use.  US is in Acres, SI is in Hectares, and TU is 1000ft.  I tend to use TU as we are typically talking about 1000's of square feet when we talk about turf.  The next item it allows you to select is speed sensor type, choose SP3 gear tooth sensor.  (The speed sensor is located in the right rear wheel motor)

Toro ProControl 

Programming the remaining buttons- Anytime we enter a value we must use the sequence – enter button, input value, enter button.

I like to work left to right down the line.  This is what each button should be set to. 

Boom 1 Cal- 80 (This is the width of the Left boom)

Boom 2 Cal- 60 (this is the width of the Center boom)

Boom 3 Cal- 80 (This is the width of the Right boom)

Speed Cal- 148 (start here and we will fine tune it)

Meter Cal- 1750? (This is the number off of the flow meter tag, fine tune later)

Valve Cal- 023 (Enter the 0 even though it does not show)

Rate 1 Cal- ? (Based on your desired rate)

Rate 2 Cal- ? (Based on your desired rate- make sure rates are within 20% unless you change nozzles)

Now we can fine tune (calibrate) the needed areas. 

Speed Cal- There is two ways to do this.  I typically use a GPS device (car or phone) and compare it to the speed readout on the controller.  If it is off move the speed cal number up or down until the speed reads the correct amount. (Typically only have to move it <10) The second way is to mark out 500 feet on the ground and compare the controller reading for distance.  Then use this formula to determine the new Speed Cal number. – 148x500/Distance readout.  Then enter this new number into to the speed cal and verify the distance again. *NOTE - fill the tank half way and make sure your tire pressure is set properly when you do this test. 

Meter Cal- Empty the tank, and then fill it using a digital flow meter.  An accurate reading here is critical.  DO NOT rely on the markings on the tank.  Select the Total Volume button on the controller and set it to 0.  Spray out the tank and compare the total volume reading to the amount put into the tank.  It should be +-3%.  If it is not adjust the Meter Cal setting using this formula- Meter Cal x Total Volume/ Amount of Water.  Enter this new amount into the Meter Cal setting.  I like to do this a minimum of three times to ensure the calibration is accurate. 

Digital Flow Meter

The next thing I look at is the nozzle output.  I use a catch can marked in Oz.  I catch the volume of each nozzle for 15 sec and compare them.  They all should be within 5%. If not, replace the worn nozzle. You can utilize Self Test for this.  Enter a speed at which you will be spraying, and turn on the booms.  Again, I do this multiple times to ensure accuracy. *NOTE- to exit self test, enter the value 0. 

The ProControl should not be a mystery.  It is a basic device that measures two input variables (traction speed and flow meter flow) and then calculates the appropriate speed to spin the pump to achieve the desired rate. If we have done our part of entering the correct numbers and verified the calibration of these two inputs, the output should be very accurate.  

Troubleshooting - If you ever suspect an issue with your ProControl system, check the two inputs first.  Is the Speed reading accurate?  Is the flow meter reading accurate?     If the machine is not reading a rate, most likely the flow meter is either dirty, or has an issue.  As long as you know the function of the ProControl relies on these two inputs, it will allow you to troubleshoot much more effectively.