Information Technology and Electronics ; Development of Mock Control Devices and Data Acquisition Apparatus for Power Tiller Training Simulator

Training power tiller operators in safe farming is necessary to avoid farming accidents. With the continuing progress in computational technology, driving simulators have become increasingly popular for conducting such training. Purpose: The objective of this study is to develop mock control devices and data acquisition apparatus for a tiller simulator. Methods: Except for the stand and tail wheel adjusting levers, the mock control devices were developed using a tiller handle assay. The data acquisition apparatus was realized using an embedded data-logging device and LabVIEW, the system design software. Results: The control devices of a real handle assay were successfully mimicked by the mock operator control devices, which used sensors for the relevant measurements. The data from the mock devices were acquired and transmitted to the main computer at intervals of 10 ms via Wi-Fi. Conclusions: The developed mock control devices operate similar to real power tillers and can be utilized in power tiller training simulators.