Solutions
Wind machine control and monitoring
Auto-start your frost fans based on local conditions, and monitor and control every wind machine from your phone, tablet or computer.
Why Altrac
- Real-time visibilityKnow the status of every wind machine at a glance. Monitor temperatures, machine operation, and equipment health from your phone, tablet, or computer.
- Reduce labor costsManage more wind machines with fewer site visits and less manual intervention.
- Automated frost protectionReduce the need for overnight field checks. The Altrac controller can automatically manage machine operation based on field conditions, helping ensure protection begins when it’s needed and ends when it’s not.
- Protect yieldMaintain consistent frost protection across your operation and reduce exposure to crop-damaging temperature events.
- Faster response to problemsEquipment failures often happen during the most critical frost events. Instant alerts help identify low fuel, battery issues, startup failures, or mechanical problems before they become costly crop losses.
- Reduce fuel costsMonitor runtime and stop machines promptly when protection is no longer required, reducing unnecessary fuel consumption.
- Protect equipment investmentsTrack machine performance and identify maintenance issues before they lead to costly downtime.
- Make better decisionsHistorical reporting and operational data provide valuable insights for future frost management strategies.
Remote control from anywhere
Frost events rarely happen at convenient times. With Altrac, you can see and manage every wind machine without leaving the house.
- Start and stop with one tap: Turn wind machines on and off remotely from your phone or computer.
- Status at a glance: See ambient air temperature, engine state and autostart status for every machine on one screen.
- Manage more machines per person: Cover more blocks with fewer site visits and less manual work.
Automated frost protection
Altrac starts your wind machines based on field conditions, so protection begins when it's needed and ends when it's not.
- Auto-start on local conditions: Set a start temperature and let Altrac handle the rest.
- Faster check-ins when it counts: Controllers connect every 15 minutes, and every 60 to 90 seconds once temperatures drop within a few degrees of your start temperature.
- Instant alerts: Get notified by text, email or phone call if a machine fails to start, or when fuel, battery or RPM need attention.
- Stop at sunrise: Shut machines down remotely as soon as protection is no longer needed to save on fuel.
Spot problems before they cost you
Equipment failures often happen during the most critical frost events. Altrac tracks air temperature, engine status, RPM, battery voltage, fuel level and runtime, so you can act fast.
- Early warning of engine surge: Altrac's trend data shows wind machines slowly lose RPM before they surge. If you see RPM dropping, shut the machine down to protect it from damage.
- Low fuel and battery alerts: Catch issues while there's still time to fix them.
- Protect your equipment investment: Identify maintenance issues before they lead to costly downtime.
Reporting that improves every season
Every frost event creates valuable data. Altrac turns it into reports that help you plan maintenance and fine-tune your frost strategy.
- Daily reports: Debrief your team on how each machine performed overnight.
- Monthly and seasonal reports: Review historical frost events, runtime and fuel use for maintenance planning.
- Runtime after sunrise: See which machines run longest after sunrise, one of the biggest opportunities to cut fuel costs.
- Export to Excel: Download your data for further analysis.
Works with the wind machines you already run
The ST101 Cellular Hub integrates with your existing autostart controller or thermostat on virtually any wind machine. It connects to battery, RPM, fuel, air temperature and start/stop, and sends that data straight to the Altrac app.
Compatible wind machines
Amarillo Wind Machine
Model Engine WH100 454/460 WH110 Ford V-10 H.F. Hauff Company Inc
Model Engine WH101 454/460 WH111 Ford V-10 Orchard-Rite
Model Engine WH102 454/460 WH112 Ford V-10 WH132L CAT 6.6/7.1 Electric Wind Machine
Model Engine WH121 Electric motor
How it works
Consultation
We start by understanding your blocks, machines and frost strategy to recommend the right setup.
Installation
Install the ST101 on your wind machines yourself or through one of our partner distributors.
Training
Get set up in the Altrac app so you and your crew are confident before the first frost night.
Support
Our support team is a call away when you need help during the season.
Included with every Altrac system
- Cellular connectivityNo Wi-Fi needed in the field. Each ST101 connects over the cellular network.
- Web and mobile appsMonitor and control your machines from your phone, tablet or computer.
- Data storage and reportingKeep a full history of frost events, runtime and performance.
- Software updatesNew features and improvements delivered automatically.
- Backed by the Semios GroupA global ag-tech group with over 200 team members supporting growers across North America.
