New Technology For Your Farm

New Technology For Your Farm COMPUTERS Computers 23-6-20 You'll soon be able to receive local weather maps, forecasts, commodity prices and agricultural news virtually anywhere thanks to a new information service offered by JH Tech, Champaign, Ill.. It was shown to the public for the first time at the recent Ohio Farm Science Review show near London, Ohio. The service, called "Handtool Software" uses a Palm hand-held computer and a data-capable cell phone. The phone and computer are connected using a cradle that can be installed in any pickup, tractor or any machine equipped with a cab. When you press a button, the computer dials a toll-free number and retrieves the latest information on commodity prices, weather, your field records, etc. The transfer takes only moments, so cell phone time is minimized. The system can be tied into the VantagePoint information service, which will allow you to make changes on field records right in the field. "You'll be able to get the latest local weather radar map for your area, as well as market information, right in your pickup. You'll also be able to keep better records because you won't have to make notes on a pad in the field and then go home and spend hours typing into a computer," says Jeff Hall. "You'll be able to retrieve your plan for a field and record field operations as they happen with simple touch and choose menus on the computer screen to automatically transfer the data to your VantagePoint account." The kit components will sell for about $400. The monthly service fee will be about $15 a month. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, JH Tech, 1503 W. Charles, Champaign, Ill. 61821 (ph 217 355-1090; E-mail: handtools@jhtech.com).

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