Introduction

A dealer-ready solution for precise speed, better agronomy, and reliable retrofit revenue

For distributors and agricultural machinery dealers, the fastest-growing precision upgrades are the ones that work across brands, add agronomic value on day one, and install with minimal risk. The TGSS is a 24 GHz K-band true ground-speed radar built exactly for that: accurate low-speed measurement for tractors and self-propelled implements, a drop-in pulse output that mimics legacy wheel sensors, and modern serial options (CAN and RS-485) for today’s controllers. In short: fewer callbacks, tighter rate control, and a retrofit you can confidently bundle with planters, sprayers, spreaders, balers, and yield monitors.

Why radar ground speed (and why now)

True ground speed, not wheel speed. Wheel sensors slip in mud or residue; GPS can lag at low speeds and under canopy. Doppler radar measures ground motion directly and reacts quickly, so rate controllers hit targets sooner when starting, turning, or climbing. That translates into tighter application windows and less waste.

Low-speed accuracy = better agronomy. Modern planters and sensor-sprayers live below 10 km/h; under those conditions, a responsive, stable speed signal improves singulation, section control, and chemical savings.

Standards-friendly retrofits. Many tractors expect a pulse train on the ISO 11786 sensor connector, while newer implements speak ISO 11783 (ISOBUS) over CAN. A radar that can do Pulse / CAN / RS485 covers both worlds and simplifies harnessing.

TGSS at a glance (what makes it dealer-ready)

Frequency/architecture: 24 GHz K-band CW Doppler radar, using an integrated RF IC for stability and low noise. CW architecture is proven for velocity measurement and excels at near-ground reflections.

Interfaces: Pulse, CAN, RS-485—selectable at order or via configuration—so you can feed legacy monitors (pulse) or modern ECUs (serial) without extra boxes. Pulse is compatible with common ag monitors; TGSS supports standard pulse scaling (e.g., 36.6 Hz per 1 km/h), making drop-in replacement straightforward.

Low-speed performance: Minimum detectable speed 0.1 m/s (≈ 0.36 km/h), ideal for headland maneuvers, reversing, and start/stop operations.

Output compatibility: Works as a conventional pulse speed sensor for rate controllers, yield monitors, and planter/sprayer consoles; serial outputs provide calibrated m/s data for PLCs and ISOBUS-capable terminals.

Mounting flexibility: Forward or rearward look-angle mounting; stable performance over soil, stubble, and gravel. Industry mounting practices recommend a pitched orientation to the ground and adequate height clearance—TGSS follows the same best-practice envelope dealers already know from legacy radar kits.

Key TGSS feature list:

• K-band RF integrated circuit design
• CW (Continuous Wave) operating mode
• Pulse interface compatible with conventional pulse speed sensors
• Three communication modes: CAN, RS-485, Pulse
• Minimum detectable speed: 0.1 m/s
• Speed Range: 0.36km/h~70km/h
• Speed Measurement Error: Less than ±1km/h

Where dealers win: applications that sell themselves

Planters & air seeders – True ground speed sharpens population control on turn rows and variable rate zones, especially in sticky soils where wheel slip would otherwise under-report speed. Faster signal response minimizes over- or under-planting at headlands.

Sprayers (row, specialty, air-blast) – Tight speed feedback keeps flow controllers locked to target rates, cutting over-application and drift, with documented environmental and worker-safety benefits that resonate in specialty crops.

Spreaders & side-dress bars – Rate controllers do better when speed doesn’t lag; fertilizer savings are an easy ROI conversation for growers and co-ops.

Harvesters & yield monitors – Many monitors accept pulse speed; replacing wheel magnets with radar reduces error on soft ground and ruts.

Traction & slip monitoring – Pairing true ground speed with wheel or transmission speed gives live slip%; optimizing slip boosts fuel and tractive efficiency—an upsell path when bundling with tire/ballast consults. Research shows slip is a primary driver of efficiency losses; accurate ground speed is the prerequisite.

Integration notes for technicians

Scaling & calibration: Default pulse scaling (e.g., 36.6 Hz = 1 km/h) emulates common ag radars and makes most controllers “plug and run.” Serial modes output m/s at standard baud (e.g., 9600 on RS-485), simplifying PLC reads.

Mounting best practices: Aim 30–40° to the surface with clear ground view; avoid looking through brush guards; keep within the recommended height window to maintain a strong diffuse ground return. These industry conventions come from decades of ag radar use and carry over to TGSS.

Environmental robustness: K-band CW Doppler is inherently resilient to dust and rain compared with optical solutions; unlike GPS, it operates reliably under canopy or near buildings. (This is why legacy ag radars remain widely used for ground speed on precision rigs.)

Conclusion

The TGSS 24 GHz Ground Speed Radar offers dealers and distributors a low-risk, high-value precision upgrade that directly addresses real-world speed-sensing challenges in modern agriculture. With true ground speed measurement, ultra-low speed detection, and broad interface compatibility—including pulse for legacy systems and CAN/RS-485 for ISOBUS platforms—TGSS is the one sensor you can confidently standardize across mixed fleets. More than just hardware, it delivers measurable ROI, improved agronomic performance, and long-term customer trust. For growers, the difference is clear from day one in the field; for dealers, it’s a proven way to strengthen relationships, expand retrofit revenue, and build lasting business value.