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 Barn Report   Barn Report, About  Description: Barn Report is a data processing and delivery service for Dicam networks.
For a low monthly fee, we configure the networked system to log data such as temperatures,
settings, feed and water use, and download and process this data for subscribers.
Using Internet features for easy access to the data, this system means that review is as easy
as point and click and provides daily updates.  Click here to view Document Barn Report, Advanced Description: A detailed guide to using Barn Report Software Click here to view Document Barn Report, Installation Description: Instructions for installing Barn Report Click here to view Document Barn Report, Quick Guide Description: This is a basic guide to using Barn Report. Just try using it for a while, to get used to the
controls. For the sake of clarity in this document, screens are shown reduced in size. We
recommend you normally use the program in full screen mode Click here to view Document Using Barn Report, Water intake for Pigs Description: Helpful hints in spotting water leaks, sick pigs, and other production problems using Barn Report Click here to view Document  Using Barn Report, Wind  Description: Interpreting Wind data collected through Dicam with Barn Report Click here to view Document  Datasheets 011 082 Timer Functions Description: Optional timer function permits up to 8 timer outputs
with up to 8 timer programs.
Each timer output can have a separate program, or
any particular timer out put can be selected between a
range of timing programs.
Timer Sequence
See example be low for setting up a timer sequence. Click here to view Document ACNV Curtains - Integral Control Description: Integral Curtain Control is aimed at curtains which have very slow running times and/or inconsistent running speeds and/or curtains with manufacturors restrictions on allowable amount of running. In these cases it is not possible to position curtains using absolute reckoning Click here to view Document Auto Fan : Automatic Min Vent Reduction Description: AutoFan Min Vent Reduction is aimed at helping to maintain room temperatures during short periods of exceptionally
low outside temperature. Click here to view Document Bugs List @ 18.12.97 Description: Programs affected
Netmons 012- 085 to 012- 125
Click here to view Document CFC : Combinational Fan Control Description: CFC programs are for multistage fan systems. Click here to view Document CFC Auto test Description: Applies to : CFC Pro grams 012- 183 or greater. AutoTest exercises the entire ventilation and heating
system by simulating changes in room temperature. Click here to view Document CFC Configuration Description: Please note : DO NOT attempt to make any changes to
these settings unless you are ABSOLUTELY SURE
you know what you are doing.
If you are in anyway uncertain, call technicalsupport
and describe exactly what you are trying to do. Click here to view Document Checking Temperature Sensors Description: A control or alarm system is only as good as the information
it gets. If the information is wrong, it will do the
wrong thing.
Click here to view Document Creep Control with Inerlock Description: Tie your Brooder heater control to the ventilation system Click here to view Document Dicam Control Components :
Essential Information Description: Important : Read this information carefully before using these products Click here to view Document Dicam Installation : Setting up fans Description: Fan speed control basically works straight from the box, but correct set up and post- installation checks are essential for reliable control. Click here to view Document Dicam Installation Standard Description: Dicam components are warranted on an Equipment Only basis for a period of one year from date of taking into
service provided they are selected and installed according to the applicable statutory requirements and the following
additional conditions. Click here to view Document Dicam Operating System Update
Network Functions : 015/016 and 019/020 Description: 015 to 020 programs have new or updated features aimed at improving networked system robustness. Click here to view Document Fan Start : Config Setting Description: Sets full power burst for FAN output channels. Click here to view Document Feed & Water Metering, Alarm and Shut Off Description: Feed use is metered by measuring the amount of time the feed auger runs. Water is measured using a standard
water meter. Click here to view Document Feed Control
with Feed & Monitoring and Alarms Description: The program is intended for adlib feed system switching on an auger motor as required, according to a level sensor. Click here to view Document Fogger Control Description: The fogger function includes both temperature and timer
based functions.
With appropriate settings, the fogger function can be
used for fogger/misting systems, cool cell pumps or
other auxiliary cooling functions. Click here to view Document Input Channels Menu Description: Dicam units have 8 sensor inputs (to 8).The operating system measures these in two ways as analogue (voltage) levels from 0 to 5vdc as digital values (0 or 1) - further processed into either number of pulses or amount of time high/low. (Previous programs measured only analogue levels.) The reading from any particular in put may be used only by the program running in this controller, or may be networked transmitted automatically over the network for use by other controllers. Click here to view Document IO Config : Global Channel Adjustments Description: Determines the time allowed for : Incoming readings from remote sensors (sensors connected to other Dicam units) and Incoming instructions for output channels and Incoming af firm from unit carrying this unit’s remote outputs and Startup (please wait) delay Click here to view Document Lighting Control Description: Programs 011/012 - 123 and greater (option) Lighting control includes : Lighting Period Timer, Ambient Light Detection Click here to view Document Netmon Description: Netmon is short for Network Monitor. The Netmon can perform many different functions according to requirements and options chosen Click here to view Document Netmon & Logger : Updated Modem Handling Description: Periodically, the Net mon/Logger issues a reset command to the modem. Depending on the reset type, it’s also possible to adjust the number of rings before the modem answers.
The Test : Information menu also includes a modem
diagnostic window. Click here to view Document Netmon : Aux Sensors Description: Netmon Aux Sensors are optional extra temperature alarms for basic High and/or Low temperature alarms in buildings which are not temperature controlled, or are not regulated by Dicam. Click here to view Document Netmon : Aux Trips Description: Netmon Aux Trips is an optional extra function in Netmon monitor units. It is used to give mains detection in addition to detection of mains failure to the Dicam master unit power supplies. Click here to view Document Netmon Siren Control Description: Programs 012- 085 and greater. The Siren is aimed at alerting you to problems on your site as an aid to animal safety. Click here to view Document Ram & Shaft : Updated Channel Software Description: Ram & Shaft channel software positions reversible motors by dead reckoning. Click here to view Document Routine Alarm Testing : Networked Systems Description: This is a quick guide suitable for most systems. Your system may differ slightly, having more or less features. For more detailed instructions and information, see the relevant data sheets and see the technical information for your alarm program. Tests should be carried out at least once a week. Click here to view Document Settings : Pigs Description: The PIGS setting is a valuable aid to logging and analysis. Using the PIGS ting, feed and water and water consumption can be analysed on a per pig basis, rather than relying on approximate or typical numbers. It can also be used to represent losses and when they occur. Click here to view Document Slan Logger System 020- 174 Description: Detailed description Click here to view Document Standard Fogger Control Description: The fogger function includes both temperature and timer
based functions.
With appropriate settings, the fogger function can be
used for fogger/mist ing systems, cooler pumps and any
other auxiliary cooling function Click here to view Document Standard Heater Control Description: When temperature falls, the heater is switched on when room temperature falls be low Set Temp - Heat Off set -Heat Band. Click here to view Document Test Information : Input Channels Description: Applies to : Programs 011/012 - 144 and greater -with
Network option. Purpose : to allow local testing/checking of inputs
when input channel is being used for remote data.
See also data sheet INPUT CHANNEL MENU. Click here to view Document Water and Feed Me ters and Alarms Description: Feed and water use are very significant in dicators are extremely significant indicators of pig health and productivity. As pigs grow, they gradually consume more and more. In normal batch production, you should expect to see a gradually rise in use according to a regular pattern. Deviations from this pattern or un usual patterns over the growth period indicate possible problems. For example,poor feed palatability may affect in take. That’s why measuring and logging of feed and water use is so important. The best way to do this is by network logging, with subsequent viewing using the Barn Report service. Click here to view Document Water Metering using Kent PSM water meters Description: Instructions for use Click here to view Document Zoned Heaters Description: Applies to 012- 146 SFC
Program allows :
Up to 4 sensors per Heat Zone
Up to 16 sensors in total Click here to view Document Hardware Compliance : CSA & UL Description: The products listed below are eligible to carry the CSA and NRTL/C mark Click here to view Document CTR1 : 110V Description: Detailed Specs Click here to view Document Dicam Data Logging Capabilities Description: Dicam Control/Slave master unit networks consist of up to 30 Dicam units, connected with a
Dicam peer to peer network. One of the units is a "Logger" with a modem. Click here to view Document Dicam Power Supply PSU-A Description: Power Supply Schematic Click here to view Document FSS3-B Description: Detailed Specs Click here to view Document MD2 Mains Detect : 110V Description: Warning : Before use, refer to DICAM CONTROL COMPONENTS : Essential Information.
The MD2 is a dual channel in put module for detecting presence of single phase mains, and signalling to a Dicam
master unit. It can be used to detect mains presence/absence for alarm purposes, or to detect when a circuit (such
as a feed auger) is powered up for runtime monitoring. Click here to view Document MD2 Mains Detect : 240Vac Description: Warning : Before use, refer to DICAM CONTROL COMPONENTS : Essential Information.
The MD2 is a dual channel input module for detecting presence of single phase mains, and signalling to a Dicam
master unit. It can be used to detect mains presence/absence for alarm purposes, or to detect when a circuit
(such as a feed auger) is powered up for runtime monitoring. Click here to view Document Monitor System using Slan module AVRMIO1.1rD Click here to view Document Pig Equipment Trials Description: Anyone who manufactures equipment for pig buildings - from drinkers to ventilation systems -is
familiar with the problem of demonstrability and real world research. Thanks to major innovations in Dicam control and monitor systems, we can capture all kinds
of raw data direct from site with speed quality, depth, ease of use and low cost. Click here to view Document Ridder Motors Description: Dicam controls Ridder motors using “dead reckoning”. Click here to view Document Research 2 Ventilation Failure Incidents Description: Ventilation failure alarms are typically based on an over temperature trigger
point. Temperature data on prolonged ventilation failure is sparse since monitored
incidents are rare. This paper studies two incidents of prolonged ventilation
failure affecting a group of 8 farrowing rooms and a large dry sow building. It
illustrates the resulting temperatures and questions the efficacy of over
temperature alarm as typically implemented and operated.
In the cases studied, rates of temperature rise fell from an initial value
around 0.1ºC per minute to 0.01ºC per minute within 2 hours. Click here to view Document Assessment of Supplementary Heat Description: This case study illustrates quantitative methods of assessing heating use and capacity, as
well as the underlying factors which affect it in a practical situation.
The characteristic rate of heat loss at minimum ventilation for this room is about 281 W /ºC,
and the effects of marginal changes have been calculated.
In the case studied, heating capacity is barely adequate for the circumstances and
substandard temperatures are liable to occur in colder weather with young pigs unless
minimum ventilation rates are changed. Click here to view Document Automatically Controlled, Naturally Ventilated (ACNV) Building Temperature Differences Description: This is an early, brief, study, but the results suggest that regulation and control would be
achieved by dividing each zone curtain (currently the whole length of the building) into two
parts with a motor on each (that is, 4 zones, one per quarter, instead of the two zones one
each side). Click here to view Document Automatically Controlled, Naturally Ventilated (ACNV) Pig Building Description: This case study was occasioned by an issue raised about temperature differences, after
installation of new Dicam controls. Previous (non-Dicam) controls regulated side to side (as
now), but based on single sensors in the middle of each zone, without temperature displays. The study shows that there are side to side differences, but that the end to end differences -beyond
the control of the regulation system - are greater. Click here to view Document Case Study : Ventilation Accident in a Pig Finishing Building Description: The building concerned holds finishing pigs which were close to slaughter weight.
Natural ventilation curtains were switched off in the fully closed position and left this way for
approximately 56 hours. Click here to view Document Comparing Method of Heater Control Description: This case study compares On-Off heater control with modulating (Simmer) control in flat
decks. The data is taken from sample flat decks on two different farms with Dicam control and
monitor networks. The ages of pigs and general design is similar.
Both farms use dull emitter type electric heaters, but on one farm, the controller is set up for
simmer control and on-off in the other. Click here to view Document Creep Lamp Control Description: Due to the use of open creeps, energy savings are not so great as are readily achievable with
enclosed creeps which permits much better targeting of energy use.
Nevertheless, significant energy reductions are achievable through use of Dicam controls. In practice, costs savings may be more as the ambient temperature dependent reductions are
greater during the day, depending on the tariff structure of the energy supplier. Furthermore,
using higher than necessary creep energy levels during higher daytime temperatures would
mean that extra electrical energy is used in removing the heat by fan ventilation, also at day
time tariff rates. Click here to view Document Drinker Leakage Cost Description: Cost of water leakage per drinker Click here to view Document Effect of high temperatures on water intake Description: Effect of high temperatures on water intake Click here to view Document Excessive Auger Runs Description: There are many occasions in this installation when augers operate for an excessive amount
of time.
The situation appears to have worsened significantly in recent months, though to what extent
it is due to equipment reliability worsening, an increase in timer bypass, or other issues such
as feed composition, is not clear.
Logging indicates a significant number of occasions on which feed intake is judged to have
been deleteriously affected.
As well as increased electrical operating costs, higher equipment wear and loss of production
efficiency are likely to have occurred. Click here to view Document Factors effecting Actual Temperatures and Fan Power Requirement Description: The preceding charts show the (calculated) effect of changing set temperature and
proportional band in a fully stocked pig building in mild spring autumn weather over a period
of two days.
The calculation is based on calculating the closest match of ventilation rate (according to the
set temp and prop band "rules" for the system, and then resulting actual temperature by a
standard calculation. Calculations are based only on ventilation heat loss.) Click here to view Document Farrowing Heat Correlation Description: Farrowing Heat Correlation Click here to view Document Feed and water intake in three successive batches of pigs in a single room of a nursery Description: There appear to be significant differences in outcomes for these three batches of pigs (judged
in the absence of outcome data).
In this case, water intake appears to be strongly influenced by daily maximum temperature -at
higher temperatures, the pigs increase intake significantly but it has an effect on
subsequent eating and drinking patterns.
Significant changes in feed intake occur at what appears to be a change in feed ration. Feed
intake changes are difficult to track in systems with inconsistent daily operation, or where
hoppers are allowed to run out. However, daily water intake changes appear to be a useful
guide (though changes for other reasons must be taken into account), and a 3 to 5 day rolling
average appears to be sound. Click here to view Document Feed and Water Shortage Description: Feed or water shortage is one of the most dangerous and insidious problems in pig
production, accounting for some of the biggest production losses encountered. Click here to view Document Feed Changes and Effect on Water Intake Description: Firstly, It is clear that intake values are very consistent in this production situation - falling
within around 15% of the average value - despite the number of batches, and a range of
environmental and other conditions.
Secondly, that there are two very clear "knees" in the trace- around Days 20 and 35. These
are not mere aberrations of logging, etc. - there is a set back in water intake on these two
occasions. In both cases it takes water intake about 5 days to recover to the previous level.
These correspond to changes in feed ration. (These may not be the only changes in ration,
but they are the ones with clear effects on water intake.) Clearly, there is an interaction
between feed ration and water intake. Click here to view Document Feed Control and Alarm Case Study Description: This is the very first period of logging data on this site, covering only a day and a half, and
reveals problems from the outset with poor reliability in the apparently simple tasks of
delivering feed and water to the pigs.
Most producers would be satisfied with the fact that the feed outage (in U04) was "spotted in
time". On the ground observation would indicate that the pigs then ate their fill, and so there
was nothing to worry about. The data suggests that there was a net loss. Not so great as to
break the bank, and certainly not so much as to cause pig losses, nor even great discomfort,
but a loss nevertheless. Click here to view Document Feed Intake Inhibition due to high temperatures Description: 1 Intake is inhibited once room temperature reaches a certain point, and remains
inhibited until temperature returns to an acceptable level.
2 The degree of inhibition is dependent on temperature.
3 Inhibition due to temperature is indicated by a negative curve in feed intake - the
"double hump" syndrome. This may not be obvious in feed systems, due to their
method of operation.
4 Water intake directly correlates with feed intake. It can be assumed that a negative
curve (double hump) in water use indicates feed inhibition.
5 Once feed intake has been inhibited by high temperature, the effect lasts several
days beyond the removal of high temperatures.
6 Significant economic benefits may be achievable by development of strategies to
avoid or minimise such effects in the order of $10 per finishing pig place. Research
aimed at achieving such improvements is strongly indicated. Click here to view Document Feed Outage at Lewis Site (R2) Description: Feed delivery loss leads to loss of growth on account of lost feed intake.
Of course, this depends on when the feed delivery failure occurs. If it is sometime during the
night and restored first thing in the morning, it appears that feed intake loss if relatively
marginal. However, when feed delivery loss occurs in the morning - or is not corrected in the
morning - it is clear that there is a dramatic and irretrievable loss of feed intake. Click here to view Document Gas Use on US Breeding Unit : Case Study Description: This case study covers heating records from a 2500 sow unit in mid west US. Click here to view Document Gas Use Regression: A Simplified Model Description: A Study of Gas Used for Supplementary Heating on US Weaner Producers Click here to view Document Limitations to Performance in Pig Production Description: In practical biological systems, limitations determine the outcome. Click here to view Document Loss of Feed Intake : Hidden Cost Description: This chart shows the estimated cost per pig of a one day loss of feed intake.
Whilst the numbers may seem alarmist, I think they are conservative.
The basis of calculation is very simple (perhaps over simplified). It is based on the length of
time it takes to make up for the maintenance costs. Click here to view Document Loss of Growth and Cost Estimation Method Description: This method compares a batch of pigs with itself, somewhat in the absence of any absolutes
to work from. So, for example, loss of potential can only be estimated if the actual potential is
revealed at least for part of the time.
However, I believe the method has some potential benefits, not least that it is cost effective
and can work from limited data. One of the most useful aspects is that it helps to reveal step
changes in the relationships. It helps to focus - in economic terms - on particular issues and
situations. Click here to view Document Maxing Out : a Water Supply Case Study Description: During the period of logging, the site appears to have lost around 25% of it's water delivery
capacity at the start of site water logging. The site had been in operation for some time
before that, so it is not clear how much capacity may have been lost before that.
Regrettably, site water meter data on this site has been absent for some time, so it is not
possible to determine the outcome as regards whether the situation has been detected and
corrected subsequent to the logging.
This is a study of a single site. One cannot project whether this type of issue may be typical or
otherwise, as there are relatively few sites where a total supply meter has been connected to
Dicam logging. Click here to view Document MMR Analysis Exercise Description: The general results suggest that the MMR technique may be a useful indicator for trends and
differences, though the data is fuzzy. Data integrity is a key issue. Click here to view Document Pig Production Delays Description: Warning : This document may contain generalisations, sweeping statements, exaggerations and inaccuracies.
The growth of pigs from weaning to slaughter is like a journey from A to B.
In theory, the journey - overall speed, how long it takes, fuel efficiency - is dependent on the
technical performance of the vehicle. Unlike pigs, cars are a straightforward lump of
machinery, it's possible to predict its performance - by design and workshop trial - extremely
precisely. It's possible to optimise performance and economy by adjusting the engine, and
selecting the right fuel and tyres. Click here to view Document Pig Production Delays. Description: The growth of pigs from weaning to slaughter is like a journey from A to B.
In theory, the journey - overall speed, how long it takes, fuel efficiency - is dependent on the
technical performance of the vehicle. Unlike pigs, cars are a straightforward lump of
machinery, it's possible to predict its performance - by design and workshop trial - extremely
precisely. It's possible to optimise performance and economy by adjusting the engine, and
selecting the right fuel and tyres. Click here to view Document Water Intake Description: Water Intake Chart Click here to view Document Water intake natural light Click here to view Document Water Leakage Approximation Description: In normal circumstances, water use falls to zero at some point in the day. This is usually
around 4 or 5 am, when all pigs are asleep or there is a very low level of activity.
Any water use when no pigs are drinking must therefore due to leakage, most commonly from
worn or poor quality drinkers. This shown in Barn Report by a "zero shift". Click here to view Document Water Leakage: Baseline Shift Example Description: The chart has been taken from the very first period of logging in a finisher building holding
900 animals, and shows clear evidence of water leakage/waste amounting to around 9c per
pig in a 24 day period. Click here to view Document Water Max Min and Ratio [WMMR] Description: The WMMR method uses water use data extracted from Barn Report and then further
processed to show three key factors in graphical form :
Max = Highest water used in one log interval as % of daily total
Min = Lowest water used in one log interval as % of daily total
MMR = Min and % of Max Click here to view Document Water Max Min Regression Description: If the Water Max value tops out, it would suggest water supply is a limiting value.
IF WaterMin seems to relate to total volume, it suggests a significant number of pigs are
(and/or have to) drink out of hours to get enough. Click here to view Document Water Min Max and MMR Description: Early analysis suggests that for typical situations Max is a constant. The daily volume
increases but the maximum is the same percentage of the total, so the pattern remains
approximately the same. Click here to view Document Water Shortage Incident Description: Cost of this incident is likely to have been in excess of $5,000. Economic costs of such incidents is large and improved failure detection is strongly
recommended. Click here to view Document Water Supply Case Study Description: This case study examines a US pig breeder farm with a site water meter. The data is
analysed and presented in different ways which suggest a progressive deterioration in the
water supply capacity.
The article goes on to suggest that analysis geared to discovering progressive loss of
equipment performance would be worthwhile. Click here to view Document Water Use & Leakage at Sample Site 24 th Feb to 25 th June 2001 Description: Water leakage has been estimated using the lowest value recorded on any particular day (the
"zero level"). This is assumed to be a background level of leakage which is carried on
throughout the relevant 24 hour period, as illustrated in the following chart section. Click here to view Document Water Zero Level : Special Cases Description: In my view, this indicates competition for resources.
The non zero min level falls off at just the point where pig numbers are starting to drop as
some pigs are sold out of the building, and where feed intake has flattened off. At higher
weights, water intake as related to feed intake (Feed : Water ratio) goes down. Click here to view Document Wind Power Polar Diagram Description: In this example, wind came almost entirely from the West - mainly from the North West and
South West, and a smaller amount from the South. The peak directions may represent distinct
periods of weather during the period analysed, or that the site is exposed only to particular
wind directions. Further periods might be needed to Click here to view Document WMMR Examples Click here to view Document Tips Choosing Drinkers Description: Choosing Drinkers : Read the literature on drinkers and they are all the best buy - the most
reliable; the longest lasting, the most drip free; good as the rest but cheaper; whatever. Who
are you to believe? Are they all as good as one another?
They are not all the same. You know this already, but you don't know how much difference it
really makes to your bottom line. Is that $2 less a drinker a good buy or not? Does it wear out
quicker, does it leak more? Is more expensive always better? No one is going to tell you.
(Commercial confidentiality means we can't publish, even if we know.) You need proper
comparisons in your own circumstances, because the costs of getting it wrong mount up
pretty sharply. Click here to view Document Controlling Heat Pads with Dicam Description: Some simple principles
New born pigs do not produce enough heat to sustain body temperature in room
temperatures which are acceptable to the sow. High room temperatures inhibit sow
feed intake and thereby milk output. Click here to view Document Creep Heating General Notes Description: This document considers some of the general issues concerning creep heating
methods and controls, and indicates viability of investments in improved controls. Click here to view Document Heat Pad Control in Open Creeps : Summary Description: Heat pads aim to supplement piglet heat production, since farrowing rooms are too
cold for them. The aim is for piglets to lie on the pads for as much of the time as
possible to minimise risk of overlying by the sow. Click here to view Document
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