Draft Force & GPS Logger Kit for Tractors - Arduino Mega
Build a Rugged GPS-Enabled Draft Force Logger for Tractors with Arduino Mega
Every part needed, pre-tested for compatibility, with an AI build companion trained on this exact project. Shipped from Bengaluru in 3-5 days.
Turn your tractor into a precision agriculture instrument. This kit lets you build a device that mounts directly onto the three-point hitch, measures the draft force of any implement in real time using a strain gauge load cell, and logs geo-referenced data to a microSD card with millisecond-accurate timestamps. Ideal for agricultural engineers, B.Tech projects, and agri-tech hackathons, the logged CSV files can be analysed to optimise tillage depth, reduce fuel consumption, and map field variability with zero recurring subscription cost.
What You'll Build
You will assemble a self-contained, weather-sealed monitoring unit powered by a tractor's 12V battery. The system captures strain from a 50 kg load cell clamped to the hitch, displays draft load and GPS fix quality on an OLED screen, and writes time-stamped coordinates plus force readings onto a microSD card. Once deployed, you'll have field-ready hardware that can run unattended for hours, giving you a permanent digital record of implement performance across every pass.
What You'll Learn
- Interfacing a strain gauge load cell via the HX711 24-bit ADC for precise draft force sensing
- Parsing NMEA sentences from a NEO-6M GPS module to extract latitude, longitude, and fix status
- Logging structured CSV data to a microSD card using the DS3231 RTC for sub-second timestamping
- Designing a vibration-proof power supply from a 12V truck electrical system with transient protection
Kit Contents
| Component | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Arduino Mega 2560 | 1 |
| HX711 + 50kg Load Cell | 1 |
| NEO-6M GPS Module | 1 |
| DS3231 RTC Module | 1 |
| MicroSD Card Module | 1 |
| 0.96in OLED Display | 1 |
| 4.7k? Resistors | 5 |
| 100nF Ceramic Capacitors | 10 |
| PCB Prototype Board | 2 |
| Waterproof Enclosure | 1 |
| 12V Truck PSU | 1 |
| Soldering Iron | 1 |
| Solder Wire | 1 |
Why Buy This Kit Instead of Sourcing Parts Separately
| Factor | Sourcing Separately | Compoden Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility checks | You verify every part | Pre-tested as a system |
| Build support | Forums and scattered tutorials | AI companion trained on this exact project |
| Time to first working build | Days of debugging | Hours, with step-by-step guidance |
| Shipping coordination | Multiple sellers, multiple delays | One shipment from Bengaluru in 3-5 days |
Who This Kit Is For
Designed for final-year B.Tech (ECE/EEE/Agri Engg) students building precision farming projects, teams competing in Smart India Hackathon agri-tech challenges, and researchers at IITs, NITs, and agricultural universities developing low-cost tractor instrumentation. The kit's 18-21 age alignment and advanced soldering and coding requirements make it a rigorous but rewarding introduction to off-road vehicle electronics.
Built and Backed by Compoden
Every Compoden kit ships with an AI build companion trained on this exact project - accessible via a QR code on the box, with WhatsApp and email backup. We've spent 10 years building projects for makers, schools, and institutions across India. If a part fails because of a manufacturing defect, replace it free within 7 days.
What if I get stuck during the build?
Scan the QR code on the box for immediate access to the AI build companion that has been trained on this exact wiring, code, and calibration procedure. You can also reach us on WhatsApp for human troubleshooting.
Can this kit measure forces above 50 kg?
The supplied load cell is rated for 50 kg, which covers typical draft forces of small tractor implements. For larger tractors, you can swap the sensor with a higher-capacity load cell using the same HX711 board and recalibrate in software.
Will the GPS module work inside a metal tractor cabin?
The NEO-6M requires a clear view of the sky. We recommend mounting the GPS antenna outside the cab using the included waterproof enclosure's antenna gland, or extending the cable to an external magnetic antenna.
How do I power the kit from a tractor's battery?
The 12V Truck PSU in the kit steps down and regulates the tractor's 12V supply to clean 5V for the Arduino and sensors. It includes reverse-polarity and transient protection, so you can wire it directly to the battery terminals.
Asset - Strain gauge load cell on three-point hitch measures implement draft force. Data logged to SD with GPS.
What's in this kit
- Arduino Mega 2560
- HX711 + 50kg Load Cell
- NEO-6M GPS
- DS3231 RTC
- MicroSD Module
- 0.96in OLED
- 4.7k? Resistors x5
- 100nF Caps x10
- PCB Prototype Board x2
- Waterproof Enclosure
- 12V Truck PSU
- Soldering Iron
- Solder Wire
Choose your assembly option:
- Soldering Kit - 25W soldering iron, 60/40 solder wire, flux, and small perfboard for permanent assembly.
- Breadboard Combo - 800-point full-size breadboard with 65-piece jumper wire pack for solderless prototyping.
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Shipping Information
- Prepaid Orders: ₹75 for orders up to ₹999, FREE shipping above ₹999
- COD Orders: ₹125 shipping + ₹50 COD fee = ₹175 total
- Delivery Timeline: Dispatch in 1-2 days, delivery in 2-7 days depending on location
Returns & Warranty
- 7-Day Return: Manufacturing defects only (approval required)
- Warranty: 7 days from delivery
- Non-Returnable: Batteries, consumables, cut wires, clearance items