Which condition can lead to the most significant calibration error?

Calibration errors in yield monitoring systems can significantly impact the accuracy of the data collected. Operating outside of the calibrated flow rate range is particularly consequential because the calibration process is specifically designed to ensure accurate measurements within a defined range. When flow rates exceed or fall below these calibrated parameters, the sensors may not respond accurately, leading to skewed data and incorrect yield estimates.

For example, if a sensor is calibrated to work efficiently at a specific flow rate, but the actual flow rate during operation is much higher or lower, the readings may not reflect the true yield. This discrepancy can result from variations in machinery speed, crop density, or grain moisture, making it essential for operators to stay within the calibrated flow range to ensure reliable operation and data fidelity.

In contrast, while factors like high humidity, using different crop varieties, or sensor placement can influence measurements, they typically do not produce the same degree of calibration error as operating outside the calibrated flow range. Calibration is fundamentally linked to ensuring that sensors function correctly under expected conditions, and deviations in operational parameters can fundamentally compromise measurement integrity.