HarvestEye 2.0 is designed for installation on harvesters and graders. For best results, it is essential to follow recommended installation practices to maximise detection and sizing accuracy. Not adhering to these guidelines may lead to reduced system performance.
If you have questions regarding installation or need help, please use the support channels to reach out to us:
- Email (support@harvesteye.com)
- WhatsApp number (+44(0)7971 598271)
GPS location
When installing the GPS unit on a harvester, position the device on the roof to ensure optimal satellite signal strength. A GPS cable extender is included in your kit for flexible mounting. Previous trials have shown that placing the GPS inside the tractor or harvester cab can compromise spatial accuracy, so external roof mounting is strongly recommended.
Adequate lighting
Consistent, high-quality lighting is essential wherever the camera is installed, as insufficient lighting will prevent the system from reliably detecting crops. In some settings — such as dark environments or night harvesting — natural light alone may be inadequate. In these situations, we advise installing halogen lighting. For tailored lighting advice, please contact the HarvestEye team. See below for examples highlighting both effective and unsuitable lighting conditions.
Examples with good lighting
Examples with poor lighting
Camera height
The installation height of the camera plays a critical role in overall system performance. To determine the recommended camera height, base your calculation on the width of the harvester or grader’s conveyor belt using the following formula:
Camera Height (cm) = Belt Width (cm) x 0.7272
If the calculated height is 110 cm or greater, do not raise the camera above this point -particularly when working predominantly with small crop (< 50 mm diameter), as sizing accuracy may diminish slightly due to camera resolution limits.
Conversely, the camera should never be installed lower than 50 cm. Heights below this threshold (sometimes calculated with narrow conveyor belts) are unsuitable, as the 3D camera is not designed for accurate operation when crops are too close to the lens. In these cases, always install the camera at a minimum height of 50 cm.
Camera location
Selecting the optimal camera mounting point on the harvester or grader is crucial to achieving reliable crop detection and sizing. The recommended environment for camera installation includes the following considerations:
- Position the camera above the cleanest area of the conveyor belt, where residual mud, stones, and other debris have already been removed, minimising obstruction of the crop.
- Install the camera so that the movement of the crop runs vertically (bottom-to-top or top-to-bottom) within its field of view, rather than horizontally (left-to-right or right-to-left).
- Avoid locations where the belt is heavily obscured by structural elements such as bars or control panels. If a clear view cannot be achieved, please contact our support team for further guidance.
- Do not mount the camera directly above rollers, as this can compromise detection and sizing accuracy. If a portion of the camera’s field of view includes table rollers, this is acceptable, as the viewing area can be adjusted to focus on the desired section of the crop flow.
Significant obstruction in the field of view of the camera
Examples of the camera being over rollers
Camera alignment
For optimal results, position the camera so it is completely parallel to the conveyor belt, as shown in the schematics below. In situations where the conveyor belt is inclined and alternative mounting positions are unavailable, the camera’s shroud is designed to allow rotation. This ensures the camera lens can always be aligned fully parallel to the belt, maintaining precise detection and measurement.
Examples with the camera parallel to the belt
Examples of the camera being misaligned with the belt
Speed of the conveyor belt
The system is designed to perform optimally at conveyor speeds up to 2 km/h. While detection of crops can occur at higher speeds, both detection and sizing precision may decrease if the conveyor exceeds the recommended range. At particularly high speeds, frame blurring can occur, making it more challenging for the system to accurately identify and measure the crop. In environments such as processing facilities, where conveyors can operate at varying speeds, it is advisable to install the camera on a belt with a slower speed to maintain optimal performance.
Image blurriness caused by a high speed of the conveyor belt
Cable management
Proper cable management is essential to protect all system connections and maintain reliable operation. When installing cables (including the camera and power cables), always follow these guidelines:
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Securely fasten the camera cable to the harvester so it remains firmly in place, ensuring it does not enter the camera’s field of view.
- All HarvestEye cables should be neatly routed and tied along the harvester’s (or grader's) frame.
- Position cables away from major moving components to prevent snagging. Improper routing that allows cables to catch on moving parts may lead to damage and system downtime.