AGTRON ART 100 User manual

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ART 100
Advanced Blockage Monitor
Operator’s Manual MNART1003 for Software
Revision 5.03

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Follow safety Instructions
 Be sure to follow all safety instructions in your air seeder operator’s manual.
Read and Understand This Manual Before Operating This
Machine.
Learn how to operate and service the machine correctly. Failure to do so could
result in personal injury or equipment damage. Agtron Enterprises Inc. will not
accept any responsibility for any damage or malfunctions resulting from failure to
comply with the operator’s manual.
If you do not understand the information in this manual, or if you have any
questions, contact Agtron Enterprises Inc. Customer Service.
This manual should be considered a permanent part of your machine and should
remain with the machine when you sell it.
Agtron Enterprises Inc. reserves the right to alter illustrations and technical data
contained in this manual.
The contents of this manual are the intellectual property Agtron Enterprises Inc.
All use and/or reproduction not specifically authorized by Agtron Enterprises Inc.
is prohibited.
All information, illustrations and specifications in this manual are based on the
latest information available at the time of publication. Agtron Enterprises Inc.
reserves the right to make changes at any time without notice.
ATTENTION! Low battery or alternator voltage can cause system errors.

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Quick Start Guide
To turn on, press the POWER button. To turn the system off, press and hold the POWER button for
five (5) seconds.
Set Sensitivity
The Sensitivity value must be set for Block mode to function. Follow this procedure to change the
Sensitivity value:
1. Press the Sens button.
2. Use the arrow buttons to set the Sensitivity value; See Appendix A for sensitivity
values.
3. Press any mode button to complete the change.
Follow one of these two procedures to set the Sensitivity value for the Seed Sensors.
Method 1:
1. Manually check for any blockages.
2. Begin seeding.
3. Press the Block button.
4. Press the SENS button. If blockage alarms are not issued, use the UP arrow button to
increase the sensitivity value by 10 until blockage alarms occur; repeating Step 2 to 4.
5. Use the DOWN arrow button to decrease the sensitivity value by three until blockage
alarms are no longer issued.
Method 2:
1. Calculate the ground speed in feet or meters per second. Ex: The ground speed is 8
Km/h. (8 Km/h X 1000 m) ÷ 3600 s = 2.22 m/s.
2. Calculate the area coverage per second. The width of the implement is required. Ex:
The implement width is 12 m. (2.22 m/s X 12 m) ÷ 10,000 m2= 0.002664 hectares/s.
3. Using the average of the number of seeds per pound or kilogram from Appendix B,
calculate the application rate. Ex: Two row barley has an average of 22,046
seeds/Kg. 35 Kg/Ha X 22,046 seeds/Kg = 771,610 seeds/ Ha.
4. To calculate the application rate in seeds per second, multiply the area coverage
calculated in Step 2 by the application rate calculated in Step 3. Ex: 0.002664
hectares/s X 771,610 seeds/Ha = 2056 seeds/s
5. To calculate the Sensitivity value, divide the application rate calculated in step 4 by
twice the number of openers. Record the product name and sensitivity value in
Appendix A. Ex: The implement has 50 openers, 2056 seeds/s / 100 = 21 seeds/s.
The sensitivity value is 18
Tips:
The goal is to have the Sensitivity value as high as possible without giving constant alarms.
If a seed sensor measures fewer seeds per second than the Blockage Sensitivity value
indicates, a blockage alarm is occurs.
A Sensitivity value of zero (0) will disable the power and alarms to the Seed Sensor Loop.
The default value is 15.

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Table of Contents
Quick Start Guide .....................................................................................................................4
Introduction ................................................................................................................................6
How Your Blockage Monitor Works ..........................................................................6
The User Interface .............................................................................................................6
Abbreviations Used on the Display:............................................................................7
Membrane Keys:................................................................................................................7
Installation ..................................................................................................................................8
Monitor Head Installation..............................................................................................8
Seed Sensor Installation ................................................................................................9
Y-Cables and Sensor Loop Cables ...........................................................................10
Installation Diagram (Less than 60 Sensors) ..................................................12
Installation Diagram (More than 60 Sensors) .................................................13
Operation....................................................................................................................................14
Additional Operational Modes ...................................................................................16
Diagnostics and Troubleshooting..................................................................................17
Troubleshooting Table ...................................................................................................18
Appendix .....................................................................................................................................23
Appendix A: Seed Sensor Sensitivity Values.....................................................23
Appendix B: Seed Density Values............................................................................24
Appendix C: Parts list .....................................................................................................25
Notes .............................................................................................................................................26
Warranty .....................................................................................................................................27
Warranty Guidelines .......................................................................................................27
Product Returns .....................................................................................................................27
Conditions of Use...................................................................................................................27

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Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of an ART 100 Advanced
Blockage Monitor! With this state-of-the-art monitor you can detect
blockages in up to 120 seed or 120 fertilizer runs.
How Your Blockage Monitor Works
ART 100 Advanced Blockage Monitors use infrared seed sensors to
measure seed rate and check for blockages. The sensors operate on a
similar principle to that of a motion detector in a security system.
Sensors are connected in a loop, each communicating in turn, and each
including build-in diagnostics. The system determines the number of
sensors in a loop automatically. A maximum of 120 sensors can be
connected in a loop.
The User Interface
The User Interface for the ART 100 has a display and 6 membrane
pushbuttons or keys (Block, Sens, Rate, Power,)
The display, which is backlit whenever the monitor is on, will show
status and alarms of sensors in Blockage mode, Sensitivity value is
shown in Sensitivity mode and Seeds per minute in Rate mode.
Selection
Buttons
Power/Calibration
Buttons
Display

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Abbreviations Used on the Display:
Membrane Keys:
Abbreviation
Meaning
END
Complete Loop of seed
sensors detected
ERR
Communication Error
CLN
Clean Error
---
Blocked Sensor
OFL
Seed Rate above 99.99
millions of seeds per
minute
Key
Function
Block
Cycles through all installed sensors
Sens
Allows adjustment of sensitivity value
Rate
Shows an average seed rate in thousands
of seeds per minute

Used to enter sensitivity value

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Installation
Monitor Head Installation
Mount the Monitor Head in a location where the display can be easily
seen, and all the buttons are accessible.
1. Screw the RAM Mount to the
back of the monitor head with
supplied M5 hex screws (Agtron
Part# 450014004).
2. Attach base of RAM Mount to
preferred location.
The tools required to install the Monitor Head are:
Wire strippers Wire cutters
Crimp tool
Route the power cable to a switched 12 volt source in the accessory
panel. Cut off any excess cable. Secure the power cable to the equipment
with cable ties.
Route the Extension cable from the Monitor Head towards the tractor
hitch. Secure the Extension cable to the equipment with cable ties.
Monitor head female Extension Cable male

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Cable Connections
Tips:
Do NOT connect the black wire to the negative terminal of the tractor battery.
If the Power button is used to turn off the Monitor Head there is a small current
draw; less than 0.002 Amps.
Connect the red power wire to a switched 12 volt source; the Monitor
Head is off when the ignition is off. A fuse is not required.
Connect the black power cable wire to a ground source. Not all tractor
cabs are properly grounded; it is recommended to use a ground source in
the fuse panel.
Tip:
When making Extension cable connections, make sure you align the molded
arrows. If they are difficult to push together, check the condition of the pins.
To help avoid electrical interference problems, create a figure eight shape with
excess cable before securing.
Seed Sensor Installation
1. Select a mounting location near the
distributor. The Sensor Loop Cables
should not be stretched tight when
connected.
2. Mount the Seed Sensors in the hose above
the implement chassis to protect the Seed
Sensors and cables from field debris
damage.
3. Secure the Seed Sensors in the hose using
metal hose clamps.
Tips:
If necessary apply heat to the hose ends in order to fit the hose over the sensor.
To keep plugs clean, always connect unused Seed flow sensor cables together.

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Y-Cables and Sensor Loop Cables
Y-Cable Installation (less than 60 sensors)
1. Select a mounting location for the Y-Cable in the center of the
implement.
2. Secure the ring terminal of the Y-Cable to the chassis of the
implement.
3. Connect the Y-Cable’s male Sensor Loop Cable to Seed Sensor
1 (located on the far left side of the implement) using Sensor
Loop Cables as needed.
4. Connect the Y-Cable’s female Sensor Loop Cable to the last
Seed Sensor using Sensor Loop Cables as needed.
Y-Cable Installation (more than 60 sensors)
On systems with more than 60 Seed Sensors, an additional Y-Cable must
be installed in the middle of the loop to improve power distribution.
1. Connect the blue male end of the second Y-Cable to the blue
female end of the first Y-Cable.
2. Connect the first Y-Cable’s male Sensor Loop Cable to Seed
Sensor 1 (located on the far left side of the implement) using
Sensor Loop Cables as needed.
3. Connect the first Y-Cable’s female Sensor Loop Cable to the last
Seed Sensor using Sensor Loop Cables as needed.
4. Connect the second Y-Cable’s male and female Sensor Loop
Cable into the middle of the Seed Sensor Loop.
Tips:
When making connections, align the molded arrows, push together, and secure
the latch. If the connectors are difficult to push together, check the condition of
the pins.
To prevent cable damage, have cables follow hydraulic hoses.

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Sensor Loop Cables
1. Select a Seed Sensor on the first distributor or tower on the
driver’s left as Seed Sensor 1.
2. Connect the male plug of the first Seed Sensor to the female plug
of the next closest Seed Sensor. (This will be Seed Sensor 2).
3. Continue connecting the remaining Seed Sensors on each tower
or distributor in this fashion.
4. Using 10-foot Sensor Loop Cables, connect the towers or
distributors together.
Tip:
If the cables of the Seed Sensors appear to swing or shake excessively, secure
them by entwining the Sensor Loop Cables with rope; tighten the rope only
enough to stop the swinging motion.

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Installation Diagram (Less than 60 Sensors)

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Installation Diagram (More than 60 Sensors)

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Operation
The monitor head turns on automatically when power is applied
When turned on, the Monitor Head sounds the audible alarm three times,
turns on the display and button backlights, and then displays 100. When
Seed Sensors are connected to the Y-Cable, the Monitor Head counts
each Seed Sensor this indicates a complete loop of Seed Sensors was
detected. Block mode is then selected; the light above the Block button
turns on.
If a complete loop of Seed Sensors is not detected, an error message
occurs. An error message displays followed by the Seed Sensor number
that is not reporting to the Monitor Head; the audible alarm will sound.
None of the buttons function, and the error message remains until a
complete loop of Seed Sensors is established. For more information, see
the Troubleshooting section.
Arrows are molded on the Sensor Loop and Extension cables. The
arrows on the Sensor Loop Cables indicate the counting direction, and
are used to identify the number of a Seed Sensor; the male Sensor Loop
Cable of the Y-Cable connects to the first Seed Sensor. The arrows on
the Extension Cables point towards the Monitor Head; located in the cab
of the tractor.
The Power button is used to turn the Monitor Head ON and OFF. To turn
off the ART 100 Blockage monitor, press and hold the Power button for
half a second. To turn the Monitor Head on, press the Power button.
The Sens button is used to adjust the Sensitivity value. The UP and
DOWN buttons are used to adjust the Sensitivity value. The DOWN
button is used to acknowledge audible alarms.

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Block Mode
Block mode monitors the Seed Sensors for blockages. Block mode
cycles through all the installed Seed Sensors in numerical order
regardless of whether a Seed Sensor reports a blockage or not.
A blockage alarm is issued when a reported Seed Rate, in seeds per
second, is below the Sensitivity value. For more information, see the
Quick Start section. When a Seed Sensor reports a blockage, the audible
alarm sounds instantly for five (5) seconds. The visual blockage alarm
does not occur until the Seed Sensor scan arrives at the Seed Sensor
number reporting the blockage. When the visual blockage alarm occurs,
--- followed by the blocked Seed Sensor number is displayed three
times. When a blockage alarm occurs, look for a complete or partial
blockage at the opener and distributor of the identified Seed Sensor.
If the hose is entirely blocked or excessive buildup on the eyes is
detected for an extended period of time (approx. 1 min.) the monitor will
display, CLN followed by the Seed Sensor number is displayed three
times; the audible alarm will sound. When a Seed Sensor clean (CLN)
alarm occurs look for a complete blockage at the opener of the identified
Seed Sensor, or the sensor requires cleaning.
Pressing the DOWN arrow button disables the audible alarm for every
Seed Sensor for 20 seconds. When every Seed Sensor reports a blockage,
pressing the DOWN arrow button disables the audible alarm. No further
audible alarms will occur until a Seed Sensor reports normal operation.
A Sensitivity value of zero disables Block mode; no blockage alarms
occur. For more information, see the Quick Start section.
Tip:
Blockage alarms will not occur when Sens button is selected.
The Sensitivity value is product specific. Change the Sensitivity value when
changing the applied product.

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Rate Mode
Rate mode displays an average seed rate for the entire machine; in
thousands of seeds per minute. The seed rate displays a hundredths place
up to 99.9; 99,900 seeds per minute. Above 9999, the seed rate is
displayed in millions of seeds per minute; the decimal point flashes. If
Rate mode detects a seed rate above 99.99 millions of seeds per minute,
OFL is displayed.
Blockage messages are not displayed in Rate mode. If a blockage occurs,
the audible alarm will sound and the light above the Block button will
flash. Select Block mode to identify the blocked Seed Sensor.
Additional Operational Modes
Monitor Head Software Mode
The Monitor Head Software Version identifies the software in the
Monitor Head. To display the software version number, simultaneously
press the Block and UP arrow buttons. Once selected, all the button
lights turn on, and X.YY is continually displayed; where Xrepresents the
hardware version and YY represents the software version. Press any
mode button to exit.
Seed Sensor Software Mode
The Seed Sensor Software Version identifies the hardware and software
version of each Seed Sensor. Simultaneously press the Block and
DOWN arrow buttons to display the hardware and software version
number of the first Seed Sensor. Once selected, all the button lights turn
on, and X.YY followed by 1continually cycles on the display; where X
represents the hardware version, YY represents the software version, and
1represents the first Seed Sensor. Use the UP and DOWN arrow buttons
to scroll through each Seed Sensor. Press any mode button to exit.

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Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
CLN message (clean)
When a Seed Sensor can’t count the seeds properly, CLN followed by
the Seed Sensor number is displayed three times; the audible alarm will
sound. When a CLN alarm occurs, look for a complete blockage at the
opener of the identified Seed Sensor or buildup on the indicated Seed
Sensor eyes.
Err message (error)
If a complete loop of Seed Sensors is not reported to the Monitor Head,
ERR followed by the Seed Sensor number not reporting to the Monitor
Head is displayed; the audible alarm will sound. The ERR message
remains until a complete loop of Seed Sensors is established. When an
ERR message occurs, look for a disconnected Sensor Loop Cable, Seed
Sensor or Extension cable at the identified Seed Sensor location.
Situations and solutions
To effectively troubleshoot the ART 100 Blockage Monitor, start with a
known “good” or working system. There are five areas of possible
failure; the Monitor Head, Seed Sensors, Y-Cable, Extension cables, and
Sensor Loop Cables.
Listed below are situations that could occur with the various parts of the
ART 100 Blockage Monitor.
Tips:
When bypassing a sensor the sensor count will be one less than before.
Sensitivity set to zero will disable the loop and alarms.

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Troubleshooting Table
Type of Problem
Symptom/Diagnostic
Step
Action/Information
Alarms
To acknowledge alarms…
…temporarily, push the
DOWN arrow key to
disable audible alarm
for 20 seconds.
Monitor Displays ERR
1
The monitor is not
detecting any sensors.
Check all the cables and
connections from
monitor head to sensor
1.
Bypass Sensor 1 by
connecting Sensor 2 to
the Sensor Loop Cable
from the Y-Cable.
If the message is no
longer displayed…
…replace Sensor 1.
If the problem persists…
…connect a Seed
Sensor directly to the Y-
Cable male Sensor Loop
Cable.
If you get a SNR 2 ERR…
…replace the Sensor
Loop extension cable
between the Y-Cable
and Seed Sensor 1.
If the problem persists…
…connect the Y-Cable
and a sensor directly to
the monitor head.
If you get a SNR 2 ERR…
…replace the Main
Extension Cable.
If you get a SNR 1 ERR…
…replace the Y-Cable.
If problem persists…
…contact Agtron
Service.
Monitor displays ERR
one number above
total sensors installed
The monitor is reading an
incorrect number of
sensors.
Check all the cables and
connections from the
last sensor to the
monitor head.
Bypass the last sensor
by connecting the
second last sensor to
The sensor loop cable
to the Y-Cable.

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Type of Problem
Symptom/Diagnostic
Step
Action/Information
If the message is no
longer displayed…
…replace the last
sensor in the loop.
If the problem persists…
…connect a Seed
Sensor directly to the Y-
Cable.
If you get a SNR 2 ERR…
…replace the Y-Cable.
If you get a SNR 1 ERR…
…replace the Sensor
Loop Cable between the
Y-Cable and the last
Seed Sensor.
Monitor displays ERR
#
The monitor is detecting
an error on the indicated
sensor #.
Take note of the
indicated sensor
number.
Inspect the Sensor Loop
Cables in the indicated
Seed Sensor number
location for damage.
Replace or bypass any
damaged cables.
If the problem persists…
Bypass the indicated
Seed Sensor number.
This is done by
unplugging the Seed
Sensor and plugging in
the cables of the Seed
Sensor before and after
together. The Seed
Sensor count will be
one less than before.
If the message is no
longer displayed…
…replace the bypassed
Seed Sensor.
If the problem persists…
…bypass the Seed
Sensor before the
indicated sensor
number error
If the message is no
longer displayed…
…replace the bypassed
Seed Sensor

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Type of Problem
Symptom/Diagnostic
Step
Action/Information
If the problem persists…
…check the Sensor
Loop cable connecting
the Seed Sensors
together, swap the
Sensor Loop Cable with
another Sensor Loop
Cable.
If the message is no
longer displayed…
…replace the Sensor
Loop Cable
If the problem persists…
Bypass everything but
one tower and make
sure no errors, keep
adding piece by piece
and bypass sensor or
cable when error
occurs.
Blocked Sensors
The sensor indicated is
blocked.
Clean blockage from
indicated run.
If the indicated run is not
blocked…
…verify the Sensitivity is
not set too high.
Check inside the
distribution towers for
any foreign
material. This may
cause blockages to
move from sensor to
sensor.
If it is always the same
sensor giving the blocked
message…
…trade that sensor with
one in another
position.
If the blocked message
moves with the sensor…
…replace that sensor.
Monitor displays CLN
#
This indicates that the
optical detectors inside
the sensor tube are dirty.
Take note of the
indicated Seed Sensor
number.
Clean the indicated
Seed Sensor with warm
water and a bristle pipe
brush.
If the message is no
longer displayed…
…replace the bypassed
Seed Sensor.