This guide provides step-by-step instructions for connecting a third-party CANbus GPS receiver to a yield monitor system using a Deutsch DTM06-4P connector. It includes wiring details, connector assembly, and communication protocol requirements. The basic plan for connecting a Yield Monitor to a CANbus enabled receiver is to find the CAN channel of the receiver and connect it’s CAN High and Low wires to the CANbus plug on the FarmTRX harness. This typically requires building a custom wire to connect from the DTM4 CAN plug of the FarmTRX harness to the CAN wires in the GPS receiver’s wire ecosystem.
1. Power Down All Equipment
Turn off the yield monitor and combine harvester ignition to prevent electrical damage during installation.
2. Locate the FarmTRX CAN Plug and Understand the Pinout
Locate the 4-pin DTM06-4P connector on the primary wiring harness just off the ECU. This is the main CANbus interface for connecting external devices like a GPS receiver.
3. Locate Receiver’s CAN Port
The receiver or display will have a CAN High/Low that can broadcast NMEA2000 or J1939. Locate the receiver’s port or connector that will connect to the FarmTRX harness.
4. Build Harness to Connect FarmTRX to GPS Receiver
Required Parts:
- DTM06-4P – 4-way male plug connector housing
- 0462-201-16141 – Stamped & formed socket contact
- WM-4P – 4-way plug wedgelock
- 4 conductors, typically GXL-20
- Appropriate connector for GPS Receiver’s CAN port
Assembly Instructions:
- Understand Yield Monitor CAN plug pinout.
- Pin 1 – +12V
- Pin 2 – Ground
- Pin 3 – CAN High
- Pin 4 – CAN Low
If GPS receiver is powered separately, 12V and ground can be omitted from the connector.
- Crimp the Contacts
Use the appropriate Deutsch crimping tool to attach socket contacts to the conductors.
- Insert Contacts
Reference the pinout diagram, then push each contact into the correct cavity of the DTM06-4P housing until it clicks into place.
- Install the Wedgelock and Test
Insert the WM-4P wedgelock to secure the contacts. Gently pull each wire to ensure it’s locked in. Optionally test continuity with a multimeter.
- Build Connector Required for Receiver Harness
The connector required for the receiver’s CAN port will vary per receiver and harness configuration. Typically, they use a Deutsch DT series connector.
- Plug Harness In
Plug DTM06-4P into FarmTRX harness and other end into the receiver’s CAN port.
5. Configure the GPS Output Format
The GPS receiver must be configured to output data in a format compatible with the yield monitor’s CANbus system.
Supported CAN protocols:
NMEA 2000
- 129026 (0x1F802) – COG & SOG, Rapid Update
- 129029 (0x1F805) – GNSS Position and Time Data
SAE J1939
- 65267 (0xFEEF) – Vehicle Position
- 65256 (0xFEE8) – Vehicle Direction/Speed
- 65254 (0xFEE6) – Time/Date
The CANbus Baud Rate must be set to 250 kbps
Important: Ensure the GPS receiver is actively broadcasting the required PGNs at the correct baud rate.
6. Power On and Verify Communication
- Turn on the tractor and yield monitor.
- Navigate to the GPS or diagnostics screen on the yield monitor.
- Confirm that GPS data (position, speed, etc.) is being received.
7. Test the System in Operation
- Drive a short distance with the system active.
- Verify that the yield monitor is updating GPS-based data in real time.
- Check for any error messages or missing data.