YP4425A
Troubleshooting
89
2018-07-30
401-805M
Population Related
Problem
Cause
Solution
Overall
Population
Alarms
False alarms or actual rate errors due
to monitor setup with incorrect [active]
row count or spacing
When troubleshooting population issues, always first rule out seed
monitor setup. Review planter configuration and monitor setup.
Incorrect cell count
Replace seed discs with correct discs, or reset rate for current discs
(if within range).
Improper gap on speed sensor.
Check speed sensor on planter for
1
/
16
inch to
1
/
8
inch (1.6-3.2 mm)
gap from wheel. Improper gap can cause erratic speed signal
causing monitor to falsely report improper planting rate.
Incorrect speed sensor constant
Perform speed calibration per DICKEY-john
®
monitor manual.
Mismatch
Between
Reported and
Furrow
Population
Small seeds (example milo) are not
reliably sensed in the seed tube
Run with rain covers in place to minimize ambient light intrusion. Use
the population adjustment factor in the DICKEY-john
®
monitor
system to compensate for missed seeds. For example, change the
DICKEY-john
®
Population Adjustment values from 100% to 130% or
140% as needed. Remember to set this back to 100% for large
seeds.
Seed tube sensor is not counting all
seeds
Clean the seed tube of graphite and dust buildup with long narrow
seed tube brush. Replace sensors that malfunction.
Seeds / revolution value in the
DICKEY-john
®
setup does not match
the disc cell count.
Correct the value in a setup screen or install the correct cell count
disc.
Excessive Seed
Cracking
Incorrect seed pocket size
Use correct disc for seed.
Damaged, old or dried-out seed
Use new seed.
Unclean seed
Use clean seed.
Skips and Bare
Spots After
Turns
Fan was turned off at turns
Leave fan running. Meter Pressurization must be maintained during
turns, or seed will fall out of disc pockets.
Insufficient hydraulic flow to keep fan
running at speed required to maintain
meter pressurization
Check tractor capability against requirements (page 137).
If sufficient:
•
Fold markers before engaging lift.
•
Use a less aggressive lift rate.
•
Monitor fan rpm during end-of-pass operations.
Unable to
adjust air
pressure low
enough.
Lower limit reached in DICKEY-john
®
software.
At User Level 2, reduce the controlled air lower limit in the software.
Fan speed too high, vane rotated to
maximum.
Reduce the fan speed.
Seed too
shallow or
scattered on
ground from a
single row
Bottom of seed tube damaged.
Replace seed tube. Avoid setting planter straight down. Use forward
motion when lowering.
Row not penetrating in tire tracks.
Increase down force on parallel arm springs.
Opener depth too shallow.
Change side depth wheel setting.
System is
unable to
automatically
control air
meter pressure.
Signal from air pressure sensor lost.
(failed sensor or wiring)
Air pressure may be controlled manually, consult DICKEY-john
®
Planter/Drill Control manual, User Level 2/3.