FLOCKMAN Advanced Poultry Technology

FLOCKMAN
Advanced Poultry Technology

Full Description of Feed/Light panel

This panel is the key component at the heart of the FLOCKMAN system.

It enables feeding and lighting programs to be preset at the start of the crop. The lighting patterns and associated feeding schedules, pre-set by the Manager, will be automatically implemented according to the age of the birds. This panel enables the automated controlled feeding system at the centre of FLOCKMAN's success to be implemented.

The panel is very simple to use. The main controls are 4 switches which control :-

a) Dimmed lights - such as tungsten or dimmable fluorescents.

b) Non Dimmed lights - such as SL and non-dimmable fluorescents.

c) Lane Augers - These convey the feed into the feed pans.

d) Cross Auger - This keeps the hoppers at the end of the feed lanes topped up.

There are 3 positions for each of the above switches to enable the manager to over-ride FLOCKMAN if required.

In the upright 12 o'clock position, each element is switched OFF

In the 1 o'clock position, each element is switched ON

In the 11 o'clock position, FLOCKMAN is in control and each element is automatically switched ON or OFF as decided by the FLOCKMAN program.

When all the 4 elements are in the FLOCKMAN position, a green light is illuminated. This makes it easy for the manager to check that FLOCKMAN is fully in control every time he leaves the poultry house.

Dimmed Lights - The Panel provides two 10-Amp light outputs controlled by the dimmer. This enables 2 rows of lights each up to 10-Amp loading to be dimmed.

Non Dimmed Lights - One 10-Amp output is provided for the non-dimmed lights (if present).

Lane Augers - A 1-Amp output is provided to link to an external contactor to control the Lane augers.

Cross Auger - A 1-Amp output is provided to link to an external contactor to control the Cross auger.

Breakers are provided on all switches.They are quicker to reset than fuses

The Dimming Mechanism

The dimmer controls and indicators are grouped at the top of the panel.

To the left of the group is a 3-way switch. When this is in the AUTO or 11 o'clock position, FLOCKMAN is in control and the green light is illuminated if ALL of the other 4 switches are in the FLOCKMAN position.

When this switch is in the 1 o'clock or SET position, this enables the operator to adjust the maximum brightness or lux level of the dimmable lights. This is done by turning the dial between 0 and 100 until the brightness in the house is at the desired level. When the desired level is reached, pressing the centre yellow button illuminates the yellow light and sets the light intensity into the FLOCKMAN program. Dimming under FLOCKMAN control, will now range between zero light and this maximum set level.

Note that when Dimming up, the red light under the 100 position on the dial flashes until the maximum is achieved. The red light is then on all the time. Similarly when dimming down, the red light under the zero position on the dial flashes until the minimum is achieved. This red light is then on all the time.

The centre or 12 o'clock position for the 3 way switch is called HAND.

When in this position, the dial can be turned to a new level and the dimmable lights in the house will gradually move to this new position over about a minute. The use of this is primarily to enable inspection of the house or the birds to be done if the lights are off. By raising the level to say 50%, the lights will gradually increase from zero to this level, so the birds will not panic from the lights coming on suddenly. The light intensity can be adjusted to give just enough light to carry out the inspection.

On leaving the house, reset the dial to zero. The red light under the zero mark on the dial will flash. When it is on all the time, the dimmable house lights will be out. Then put the 3-way switch to the AUTO position, so that the green light is illuminated and FLOCKMAN is in control before leaving the house.

For further information on How the Feed/Light panel works Click Here.