Frequently Asked Questions

I am planning to buy a new Sprayer. How do I make it a Turflux?
I already own a Sprayer. How do I make it a Turflux?
Is my Sprayer Manufacturer warranty voided when I buy a Turflux Conversion?
How long has this technology been in use?
Why should I consider this technology?
How will I get better Accuracy, Savings, and Environmental Control?
Why does all of the available information on the internet seem to be for agriculture only?
How do I check which cell phone company gives me the best coverage?
Show me how this system pays for itself over time.
How do current customers like their Turflux Conversions?
Do you have a resource that explains all of the terminology used in reference to GPS Spraying?

What is an Ag Leader InCommand 1200?
What is a Raven Viper 4+?
What is a Switch Pro?
What is a GPS receiver?
What is RTK?
What is Slingshot®?
Slingshot® - what is it?
What is SmarTrax RTK?
What is the Raven Hawkeye Nozzle Control System?
                   View Second Video Here. 
What is a flowmeter?
What is a Flow control valve?
What are boom valves?
How does the Turflux nozzle control system work?
What are the differences between the 3 nozzle control methods offered by Turflux?
How does the individual nozzle control apply the product differently than complete boom sections?
How does Slingshot® RTK work?
How does Auto Steer work?

How do I record a new map?
Do I need to start over if I made a mistake on one portion of my map?
What happens if I lose GPS signal?
Can Raven or Turflux remotely access my Field Computer without my authorization?
What happens if I am out of range of a cell phone tower?  
What information should I see on my Field Computer when I have full RTK correction?
Do I have to create a new map each time I spray?
How many maps can I make?
With sub-inch accuracy does it matter what pattern I use to spray?

How does the Turflux Warranty work? 
Can I do my own maintenance? 
If I modify the GPS Controls or the individual controlled nozzle system, will I void the Turflux Limited Warranty or Extended Service Contract? 
When a nozzle shuts off isn’t the flow from that nozzle just redirected through the remaining nozzles?

I already own a Sprayer. How do I make it a Turflux?
Call us at 412.259.3756, or email us at info@turflux.com. A Turflux Specialist can consult with you about your specific sprayer and objective. If you are currently spraying via pressure or flow control and are using an electrical controller we can probably convert your sprayer to a Turflux system.

There are certain criteria that used sprayers must meet to be considered for conversion to Turflux controls. 

1. If your current sprayer is a fully functional sprayer, we can most likly install a Turflux system utilizing today's GPS technology.
2. For a Turflux system to work properly, your sprayer system must be producing the required electrical current, mechanical output, pressure, and flow of a like-new sprayer. You may need to replace your battery or properly service your flowmeter and pump to get the most out of our system. 

Is my Sprayer Manufacturer warranty voided when I buy a Turflux Conversion?
No, your sprayer manufacturer warranty is not voided. A Turflux Conversion is an “add-on” to your basic sprayer, much like a standard Raven SCS440 would be. All standard vehicle and sprayer system parts of your sprayer are still covered by the sprayer manufacturer. If your problem is spray system related, Turflux works with your Sprayer Dealer to determine the root cause. If the problem was caused by a defective standard component, and the affected components are covered by the manufacturer warranty, then the sprayer manufacturer reimburses the dealership. If the problem was caused by a Turflux installation or product defect then Turflux repairs or replaces the defective part.

How long has this technology been in use? 
The technology has been in use in agricultural spraying for many years and technological advancement is on-going. The original Turflux Conversion was installed in February 2013 followed by additional installations on a variety of new or existing sprayers over the following years. The key to a Turflux Conversion is that we continue to use our experience to incorporate current GPS related technology into a turnkey solution for the way golf courses are sprayed.

Why should I consider this technology?  
The feature that most of our customers name as the number one benefit is "one time mapping". With a Turflux system when you map a "spray zone" or a "no spray zone" the result is repeatable accuracy with no need to map that area again.

With a Turflux system on your sprayer your benefits are E*A*S*Y.

'E' for the Environmental benefits of spraying only your target area and eliminating off-target spray. 'A' for Accuracy - the quality of each application is improved by eliminating overlap and the effects of a double-rate application. 'S' for Savings - our customers are typically saving as much as 23% on greens applications and 11% on fairways, as compared to their previous 3-boom control applications by eliminating off-target spray and overlap. 'Y' for Your Sprayer because we can install our system on your current sprayer, so there is no need to purchase a new sprayer just to get this technology.

How will I get better Accuracy, Savings, and Environmental Control?
Accuracy, Savings, and Environmental Control comes from (1) "sub-inch" (2) repeatable mapping accuracy, with (3) individually on/off controlled nozzle sections instead of manually controlled full boom sections. The operator will no longer be required to turn on a boom section as soon as one nozzle from that section is over the spray zone or turn a section off only after all nozzles have cleared. In fact, the operator no longer needs to control sections because the Field Computer and your map are controlling the individual nozzle sections. 

Accuracy: Unintended overlap of an area already sprayed will now result in a nozzle shutting off instead of product application at a double rate. Weakened turf from over application is virtually eliminated. Skipped areas will show up on your map so you can cover any missed spots by taking your sprayer over that area and the controller will only spray what has not yet been sprayed. With the mapping function your Field Computer will know the exact square footage of your spray zone and all applications will be the same, regardless of the operator. You will now know the right amount of product to keep in stock for your next application.

Savings: The elimination of non-target spraying by reducing your application from boom sections to individual nozzles is the main reason for the savings. Additional savings is achieved because a nozzle will shut off if your operator drifts into an area already sprayed. Our experience with most golf courses has been a 23% reduction in product used on greens, where the more expensive products are typically used, and 11% reduction on fairways, where higher volumes of product are used. Many courses have reduced the manpower needed for each application by eliminating one tank of time and product, resulting in even more savings. The reduction in time helps you keep ahead of play and the associated delays.

Environmental advantages: With the increased control of liquid fertilizer and pesticide applications you can now map environmentally sensitive areas as “no spray” zones which will reduce human error and avoid any misapplications in the areas you need to avoid. The record keeping function of Raven's Slingshot® RTK or Ag Leader's Agfiniti Essentials is an added benefit when it comes to documenting your spray applications with important information such as location, time, and date. You take your role as an environmental steward seriously. Having accurate documented proof will help back that up.

Why does all of the available information on the internet seem to be for agriculture only?
All of the core technologies in a Turflux system have been in use in agriculture for many years which gives you peace of mind when it comes to the question of whether or not the technology works? Because of our experience at Turflux we understand how the technology needs to be applied for use on a golf course, and our web site has become the best source of knowledge when it comes to golf course spraying.

How do I check on my cellular coverage?
We have been successful with Verizon in most locations. Click here to learn more about Verizon coverage in your area.

Show me how this system pays for itself over time. 
The investment for a basic Turflux Conversion is under $25,000 which includes all components needed for satellite based individual nozzle control with repeatable sub-inch accuracy, including installation, any required unlock codes, and all first year subscription fees. You can expect to reduce the volume of the liquid fertilizer and chemicals used for your current liquid applications on greens by 23% and on fairways by 11%. Your savings may vary depending on the size and shape of your target spray zones.

Even with a safe estimate of 10% savings with your sprayable products, most conversions will pay for themselves in less than 5 years. With any additional savings in product and the labor needed to apply those chemicals, you will be able to repurpose those resources to make improvements even without an increase in your budget.

How do current users like their Turflux Conversions
Please see the testimonials page, or contact one of the customers on the Users List. We think you will get the message, especially with comments about the savings like, "It's a license to print money."

Do you have a resource that explains all of the terminology used in reference to GPS Spraying?
Yes. Our Glossary provides definitions for most of the terms used in reference to satellite controlled spraying that you may need to know.

• Electric solenoid valves at each nozzle
• Compact ball-valve shut-off manifold, or
• PWM (Pulse Width Modulated) solenoid control (Hawkeye or Capstan).

1. A Turflux "Coil Nozzle System" uses an electric solenoid, controlled by your Field Computer, to turn your nozzles on and off. This is typically done by replacing the check valve on your current triple turrets with a solenoid wired into your new Turflux controller. Some sprayer models, or application rates, may require a slightly different electrical connection.
2. Manifold utilizing compact ball-valves (pressure based) nozzle control uses a bank of electrically controlled ball valves to control the flow of product to each nozzle location. This setup is required on a Toro Multi-Pro 1250 or 1750 since those models are strictly pressure based requiring application at a constant speed and pressure.
3. PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) is the latest nozzle control technology that controls the size of the nozzle orifice while cycling electrical current at an extremely high rate to control the droplet size of your spray pattern while maintaining your flow rate. PWM allows you to vary your travel speed while still maintaining your droplet size at your target application rate. Think of PWM as a tip changer "on the fly".

How do I record a new map?
Spray zones and no spray zones are created and stored on your Raven Field Computer and is typically done while driving the spray vehicle. Mapping can also be done while holding the antennae and walking the perimeter for hard to drive areas.  Spray zones can be completed on the Field Computer by “snapping” a straight line from the final antenna location back to your zone start point. Mapping small square areas can be done by “snapping” lines on your Field Computer as well.  The sky is the limit when it comes to making maps that work for you and your property.

Do I need to start over if I made a mistake on one portion of my map?
NO. Mapping is done in the Job function of your Raven Field Computer. If you make a zone that needs to be corrected, you do not need to start over.  Individual zones can be deleted from a mapping Job and that zone can be mapped again and the change can be saved in your Job file.

What happens if I lose GPS signal?
GPS signals require that the beacon has a clear vision of the sky and can see at least 5 satellites.  If you lose your GPS signal, check your surroundings to make sure you are not inside a building or tunnel, or blocked by a structure.  If you seem to have a clear sight to the sky and you still do not have a signal, check the connections of your sprayer components.  You might have a loose cable or bad connection to one of your key hardware items.  If you are still having issues, contact Turflux or Raven support. We should be able to access your system remotely. 

Can Raven or Turflux remotely access my Field Computer without my authorization?
No. In order for a Raven or Turflux support person to gain access to your Field Computer you will need to allow them access on your Field Computer screen.

What happens if I am out of range of a cell phone tower?  
Before we install a Turflux Conversion on your sprayer to Turflux, we (or you) can check your area for the best cell tower coverage between AT&T or Verizon.  If your area is not currently covered by either cell carrier, contact a Turflux specialist for other options.

What information should I see on my Field Computer when I have full RTK correction? 
In the upper left corner on your menu screen is a shield. When you have a green shield, you have sub inch accuracy and your sprayer is using the most accurate Slingshot® RTK correction. Under the health screen in your Field Computer, you will be in Mode 4.

Do I have to create a new map each time I spray?
Once a map is created, it is saved in your Raven Field Computer for use at any time. Raven Field Computer maps and data can be uploaded for off-site backup. If you need to change a spray zone because you changed a fairway or green, or added a bunker, the zone in which the change occurred can be deleted and remapped to reflect the change. That is the beauty of a Turflux Conversion and Raven hardware. The sub inch repeatability gives your maps the static accuracy that golf courses demand without the hassle of mapping every time you spray.

How many maps can I make? 
You can make as many maps as you wish. If the storage space in your Raven Field Computer is running out of space or slowing down the computer, you can back up your files to a thumb drive and then delete some completed jobs from the Raven Field Computer. Back up is done under the file maintenance section.

With sub-inch accuracy does it matter what pattern I use to spray? 
We recommend that you continue to use your “best practices” when it comes to the way you spray with your new Turflux Conversion. Varying your pattern by changing your spray angle or start point will be beneficial, but random zig-zag patterns are not recommended.

How does the Turflux Warranty work?
The Turflux Warranty is provided as standard equipment and covers all of the Turflux-installed components. The Turflux Warranty works in tandem with your Raven Limited Warranty and covers the workmanship of the Turflux Conversion installation. Components manufactured by Raven Industries are key to the Turflux Conversion and are covered by the Raven Limited Warranty. All warranty for Turflux workmanship or Raven components is handled through Turflux.

Can I do my own maintenance?
Yes. You are not restricted from performing your own maintenance. However, all Limited Warranty and Extended Service Contract repairs must be performed by Turflux or Turflux Authorized dealerships, unless authority is given for specific repairs. If you perform your own maintenance and a warranty-related issue should arise, you may be asked to provide receipts and other maintenance records. The use of OEM approved oils, fluids, and service parts is required for any warranty repair.

If I modify the GPS Controls or the individual controlled nozzle system, will I void the Turflux Limited Warranty or Extended Service Contract?
Yes, if you perform any modifications which defeat or tamper with the operation of Turflux sprayer systems or install or modify any components or programming that affect Turflux product specifications, the Turflux Limited Warranty and Extended Service Contract become null and void.

When a nozzle shuts off isn’t the flow from that nozzle just redirected through the remaining nozzles?
No, not with a Turflux Conversion. A Turflux Conversion is engineered to regulate the flow based on the number of open nozzles using the Field Computer and the Raven Switch Pro. Excess flow is redirected back to tank for agitation.