Plugfest, January 2004

On January 27/28, the first plugfest in 2004 of the common initiative of VDMA and DLG took place. A total of 14 manufacturers with 26 specialists for hardware and software participated in the plugfest. Thereof, 5 manufacturers of Canada, UK and France took the advantage to test ISOBUS components

The ISOBUS TEST booth enabled extensive testing of compatibility and functioning of components to the companies. Just for new ISOBUS components the plugfest offers the ideal opportunity to examine and to optimise the system compatibility between several manufacturers. Developers of hardware and software can exchange experiences in small groups and benefit from each others know-how. It is possible to programme new software versions on the spot and to implement them in the systems..

An afterward test of compatibility reveals possible problems which can be analysed in common and be corrected directly. The participation of international manufacturers and of the American Association AEM (Equipment Manufacturers Association) shows the international acceptance of ISOBUS and that the international implementation is effected. (January 2004)

ISOBUS at the AGRITECHNICA 2003, Hanover

The way forwards to the future could be presented precisely by the common booth of the ISOBUS Consortium (VDMA and DLG). Several ISOBUS components were exposed for demonstration on the booth and were connected with the ISOBUS TEST equipment. Thus, it was possible to provide to the visitors an insight into the functions of the different components. Since the AGRITECHNICA 2001, further European manufacturers consented to support the common ISOBUS initiative.

Further to this, other branches of industry manifested their interest in ISOBUS. At the AGRITECHNICA forum ISOBUS activities were presented which have been undertaken by the Implementation Group ISOBUS since 2001 in order to achieve an optimal compatibility of the systems. (December 2003)

ISOBUS plugfest with machines

Machines equipped with ISOBUS components were tested in Potsdam (Germany) on 16 to 18 September 2003. This second test which enables manufacturer-independent testing of components was organized once again by the ISOBUS Consortium (VDMA and DLG). The test offers an additional support for manufacturers at the development of systems. Further manufacturers benefited from the possibility to test ISOBUS systems during field operation. (November 2003)

Plugfest with machines, June 2003 in Germany

On 2 and 3 June 2003, VDMA member companies met to test ISOBUS machines in practice for the first time. This first manufacturer-independent test with machines was organised by the consortium ISOBUS (VDMA and the DLG). Various combinations of tractors, implements and terminals were checked for operability during field operation.

The ISOBUS machine test indicates that implementation of the ISOBUS specification is viewed positively and all participants got more practical experience with various ISOBUS systems. Following the machine tests, a workshop organised by the VDMA Implementation Group ISOBUS took place on 4 June 2003. (August 2003).

Plugfest, February 2003 in Germany

Plugfests enable manufacturer independent compatibility test of ISOBUS components. Furthermore, developers have the possibility to up-date the software of their systems or to effect further adaptations. By integration of the ISOBUS TEST test bench of the DLG (German Agricultural Society) companies were enabled to test an extended testing spectrum.

On the occasion of plugfests developers have the opportunity to exchange their experiences gained at the implementation of ISOBUS as well as to work out new solutions together. As ISOBUS components are offered and were tested by several manufacturers, first manufacturer independent ISOBUS machine testings shall be effected this year. (April 2003)