When using AgFiniti and especially with DisplayCast, there are few things to consider when determining how much data will be used and what type of data plan will be needed.
How does data move around and when in AgFiniti and DisplayCast?
AgFiniti and DisplayCast Sync Types
Sync Type
When (with DisplayCast set to ON)
What
Notes
Initial Sync
On initial AgFiniti login or after cloud is cleared
Management Items
Summary data
Maps logged prior to using DisplayCast
Guidance lines
Topography maps
Other similar items
Largest sync from a data usage standpoint
Heartbeat
Occurs every 5 sec
Display identification
Location
Live Stats (operation dependent)
Coverage between displays
This sync allows for display location to be present on other displays and AgFiniti devices as well as coverage for shared autoswath
Maintenance Sync
Occurs every 10 min
*Does not occur when DisplayCast set to manual mode
Management items
Guidance lines
Topography maps
Summary data
Other similar items
Ensures that the listed items are present and available in the cloud for other connected devices, size can be effected by the number of new items present since previous sync
Triggered Sync
Performed when specific conditions occur on the display
*Does not occur when DisplayCast set to manual mode
Syncs same information as the 10 minute sync
Conditions to trigger sync include creating/loading guidance lines and events. Sync will occur every time these conditions are met regardless of previous syncs (including the 10 min sync)
AGDATA & AGSETUP Import/Export
Occurs when AGDATA and AGSETUP files are either imported or exported to AgFiniti by using the options present in the Data Transfer window
Exports all logged data and/or management items to AgFiniti
USB export of files will not use data
InCommand v.6.5 and newer will export AGDATA files to AgFiniti each time an event is closed or suspended. User does not need to be using DisplayCast.
AGDATA export can also occur on shut down if option is selected
Manual Sync
Sync only occurs when pressing the Sync button in the DisplayCast window.
*DisplayCast must be set to Manual Only or On
Management items
Summary data
Maps logged prior to using DisplayCast
Guidance lines
Topography maps
Other similar items
Sync will check for and/or sync everything present in the display and can contain same amount of data as initial sync if not already performed. Can be used to sync data when AgFiniti is set to manual only mode.
Understanding Data Usage
Data usage will depend on the operation size (machines, acres covered, etc.) and operational runtime
If the display has a large number of management items (G/F/F, guidance, etc.), the potential for higher data usage is present
If you are making frequent changes to guidance lines, making new fields or creating a large number of events, you can expect more data to be used when using DisplayCast
Each time an item is created or edited, a triggered sync occurs regardless of when the last one occurred
If you are syncing a larger file, more frequently, you can expect data usage to increase
It is important to keep this in mind when establishing what size of data plan to purchase, if these situations occur in your operation a larger data plan may be warranted
Data usage can fluctuate based on season
Weather, seasonal progress among other factors will affect machine/display runtime and can all have an effect on data usage
It is important to keep this in mind as most data plans are on a monthly basis and if these factors have compressed or extended a season, the amount of data used that month may be affected
What can be done to help data usage?
Ensure that the InCommand is on current FW
Changes to the data syncing process has resulted in drastic reduction of data usage
Make sure that all displays syncing are on current FW
Clear out unneeded items from your display
Delete old seasons that contribute to the summary data synced
Seasons are unique in how they work in DisplayCast, especially when deleting, please see the DisplayCast FAQ for more information on season management and DisplayCast in general
Remove field names and guidance lines that are no longer needed and, if possible, manage Growers/Farms/fields/guidance lines at the beginning of the season instead of adding on the go
Clean/organize/create items on single display first, then sync to cleared cloud and other displays for best results
Utilize SMS, if possible, for data management minimize unnecessary information getting exported
See these articles for more information on DisplayCast best practices and what steps to keep in mind when performing an initial sync or starting a new season.
