SurePoint Sentinel NH3 Manual

396-4519Y1 Sentinel NH3 Blockage Monitor Revised 01/26/2022
© 2016-2022 SurePoint Ag Systems Inc.
Sentinel NH3 Blockage Monitor
for ISOBUS
Installation and Setup
396-4519Y1
MAW
SurePoint Ag Systems

396-4519Y1 Sentinel NH3 Blockage Monitor ii Revised 01/26/2022
© 2016-2022 SurePoint Ag Systems Inc.
SurePoint Ag Systems

396-4519Y1 Sentinel NH3 Blockage Monitor Revised 01/26/2022
© 2016-2022 SurePoint Ag Systems Inc.
Table Of Contents
A
Introduction
Introduction
 Anhydrous Ammonia Safety and General Information...................................... 1-5
 Basic Steps to Install your Sentinel System...................................................... 6-7
C
Components
Wiring & Elec.
Components - Wiring & Electrical
 Harness Layout ................................................................................................. 8
 Component List ................................................................................................. 9
 Component Layout............................................................................................ 9-11
 Harness Drawings............................................................................................. 13-17
 Temperature Interface Module and Temperature Sensor................................. 18
D
Setup &
Operation
Setup & Operation
 Basic Steps for Initial Setup .............................................................................. 19
 Home Screen Navigation & Buttons.................................................................. 20
 Settings ............................................................................................................. 21
 Product Setup ................................................................................................... 21-22
 Implement Setup ............................................................................................... 22
 Speed Input....................................................................................................... 23
 Hardware Setup (Master Switch, Lift Switch, Task Control, IntelliSection) ....... 23
 Alarm Setup ...................................................................................................... 24
 Module Addressing ........................................................................................... 24
 Rate Setup ........................................................................................................ 25
 Sentinel Operation (Home Screen, Alarm Screen, Row Detail)........................ 26
 Sentinel Software Information ........................................................................... 27
F
Care &
Maintenance
Care & Maintenance
 Cleaning. ........................................................................................................... 30
 Winterization ..................................................................................................... 30
 Pre-season Service........................................................................................... 30
E
Trouble-
Shooting
Troubleshooting
 Flow module addressing issues, No Flow Showing, Rows are Grey ................ 28
 Sentinel shows row reading too high or too low................................................ 28
 Sentinel Alarms too often .................................................................................. 28
 Sentinel doesn’t display speed.......................................................................... 29
G
Accessories
Sentinel Accessories
 Mounting Brackets. ........................................................................................... 31
 ISO Extensions ................................................................................................. 31
 Height Switches ................................................................................................ 31
 GPS Speed Receiver ........................................................................................ 31
 3-Pin WP Extensions, Dust Caps...................................................................... 32
SurePoint Ag Systems

396-4519Y1 Sentinel NH3 Blockage Monitor Revised 01/26/2022
© 2016-2022 SurePoint Ag Systems Inc.
ATTENTION: Please follow all of the instructions in this manual carefully and read the entire manual
completely. Failure to do so may cause the product to function improperly or fail causing serious injury
or death.
DANGER DANGER
ANHYDROUS AMMONIA IS AN INHALATION HAZARD AND WILL CAUSE SERIOUS
INJURY OR DEATH. PLEASE USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN HANDLING IT OR
PERFORMING ANY MAINTENANCE ON EQUIPMENT USED FOR ANHYDROUS
AMMONIA.
ATTENTION: Before performing any installation, repair or maintenance please follow the instructions
below.
1. You must be trained and certified to work with anhydrous ammonia. If you are not, please seek out
the appropriate agricultural department to attend a class to obtain the proper training and certification.
2. Wear appropriate safety goggles, gloves and breathing apparatuses.
3. Always know which way the wind is blowing.
4. Drain all tanks, hoses and piping of anhydrous ammonia COMPLETELY before removing, installing,
performing maintenance or repairing any equipment.
5. Always remove device from service before performing any maintenance or repair.
6. Have sufficient water nearby.
7. Obey all local, state and federal laws regarding the handling of anhydrous ammonia.
SurePoint Ag Systems

396-4519Y1 Sentinel NH3 Blockage Monitor 2 Revised 01/26/2022
© 2016-2022 SurePoint Ag Systems Inc.
Be Careful !
Anhydrous ammonia is an important source of nitrogen fertilizer for crops. The improper handling of
anhydrous ammonia can have catastrophic results on both plants and farm workers. Common injuries are
severe burns to eyes, skin and the respiratory tract.
 Personal protective equipment (PPE) should always be worn. Standard PPE should be non-vented
goggles, rubber gloves with thermal lining, face shield or an approved respirator. Wear a lightweight
rubber suit, or (at the very least) a long sleeve shirt and coveralls.
 Make sure anhydrous ammonia tanks are not filled beyond the recommended capacity.
 Use care when handling the hose end valve so that it does not open accidentally. Do not move the hose
by handling valve handle.
 Be sure to bleed the hose coupling before disconnecting. Use care when cleaning plugged knives as
anhydrous ammonia could be built up behind the plug.
 Use emergency water supply for at least 15 minutes if exposed to anhydrous ammonia and then seek
emergency medical attention.
 Always have a small squeeze bottle of fresh water at all times.
 Never assume NH3 lines are empty, including the lines connected to the NH3 cooler.
 Make sure the system is completely drained of NH3. It can hide in low areas of the system. Look for frost
on the hose or equipment. That usually means there is NH3 there.
 Always use high pressure hose when ammonia can be trapped in that segment, such as between the
tank and the NH3 cooler.
 Any place that has a high pressure hose should also have a hydrostatic relief valve and a bleed valve.
 Always handle valves by the body and by the wheel or latch.
 Always make sure you are upwind of potential NH3 release points.
 When you park, position NH3 equipment downwind from dwellings, people, and livestock.
 Close the valve on the tank when you stop.
 The first treatment for anhydrous ammonia exposure is WATER.
NH3 is a very dangerous product. It can kill you or blind you or worse. If you have
not taken an approved NH3 Safety class, do not work around NH3. If you have
had the course, follow ALL safety precautions ALL the time.
SurePoint Ag Systems

396-4519Y1 Sentinel NH3 Blockage Monitor 3 Revised 01/26/2022
© 2016-2022 SurePoint Ag Systems Inc.
Before you start applying NH3—
 Know the wind direction.
 Are the hoses in good condition?
 Has the expiration date been passed on any hose or other dated component?
 Are all fittings clean and free from rust?
 Do low-pressure tubes have any leaks?
 Are any knives plugged?
 Is the pressure relief valve operating correctly?
 Does the tank have five gallons of fresh water?
 Is PPE available and being worn (goggles, gloves, long-sleeve shirt) ?
Before performing maintenance on the toolbar or equipment—
 Put on gloves and goggles
 Make sure you have emergency water
 Check wind direction and stay upwind
 Park away from buildings, livestock, and people
 Before servicing, close the valve on the NH3 tank and continue application to bleed the system.
 Be sure the tank valve is closed. Turn the Master valve on and leave it on during bleeding.
 Disconnect the nurse tank supply hoses.
 Open all bleeder valves on cooler and rest of system.
 Check any hoses that have a low loop in them
 Even after bleeding, slowly and cautiously loosen any fittings to be sure there is no ammonia trapped in-
side.
SurePoint Ag Systems

396-4519Y1 Sentinel NH3 Blockage Monitor 4 Revised 01/26/2022
© 2016-2022 SurePoint Ag Systems Inc.
Things to Know About Anhydrous Ammonia (NH3)
Anhydrous ammonia is a colorless non-flammable liquefied gas. Its vapor is lighter than air and has the same
pungent odor as household ammonia. Although ammonia vapor is lighter than air, the vapors from a leak may
hug the ground appearing as a white cloud. Chemically, ammonia is 82% nitrogen (N) and 18% hydrogen (H)
and has the chemical formula NH3. Ammonia by weight is 14 parts nitrogen to 3 parts hydrogen, or
approximately 82% nitrogen and 18% hydrogen.
The definition of anhydrous is without water. Whereas household ammonia is 95% water, anhydrous
ammonia has no water. Ammonia is so hydroscopic (water loving) that one cubic foot of water will dissolve
1300 cubic feet of ammonia vapor making water the primary weapon for first responders.
Ammonia weighs 5.15 pounds per gallon (0,63 kg/L) in contrast to water which weighs 8.33 pounds per
gallon (1,0 kg/L). Since ammonia is so soluble in water there will be no layering effect when liquid ammonia is
spilled into a surface water body. Booms, pads, sweeps and pillows that are usually used to contain and
recover petroleum are ineffective on spills of ammonia into surface water.
Ammonia is a non-flammable gas but will ignite at a temperature of 1204°F within vapor concentration limits
between 15% and 28%. (Paper ignites at 450°F, coal at 750°F.) Outside conditions that would support these
vapor concentrations are very rare.
Ammonia will corrode galvanized metals, cast iron, copper, brass, or copper alloys. All ammonia piping,
valves, tanks and fittings are constructed of steel.
Liquid ammonia boils at any temperature greater than –28°F (-33º C) and will expand to 850 times its liquid
volume. One gallon of liquid will expand to 850 gallons or 113 cubic feet of gas.
Ammonia Fast Facts
NH3 Vapor
Ammonia appears in nature as a natural substance that results from decomposition.
Ammonia vapor is a colorless gas with a pungent odor.
Ammonia exists as a vapor at atmospheric conditions.
Ammonia vapor is lighter than air and tends to rise when released to atmosphere.
NH3 Liquid
Liquid ammonia released to atmosphere forms a white smoke by freezing the moisture in the air.
Liquid ammonia has a very high coefficient of expansion with temperature.
One gallon of liquid ammonia weighs approximately 5.15 lbs.; however the weight varies with temperature.
A closed container of liquid ammonia is in equilibrium with ammonia vapor and the container pressure bears
a definite relationship to the temperature.
Physical Data
Boiling point is –28°F (-33º C).
Ignition point is 1,204°F (651ºC).
SurePoint Ag Systems

396-4519Y1 Sentinel NH3 Blockage Monitor 5 Revised 01/26/2022
© 2016-2022 SurePoint Ag Systems Inc.
Storage and Handling
Ammonia is stored and transported as a liquid under pressure.
The pressure on the tank is the liquid pressure and remains the same whether the tank is 10% full
or 80% full. This pressure is dependent on the temperature of the NH3.
The maximum filling level of an anhydrous ammonia tank is 85%.
Flammability
Anhydrous ammonia is classified by the DOT as a non-flammable gas.
Ammonia vapor is flammable over a narrow range of 15% to 28% by volume in air and a strong
ignition source must be present.
Anhydrous Ammonia Application
Precision application of anhydrous ammonia starts with a proper metering system. It is crucial to be sure the
metering and control system is applying what is required.
Accurate metering of anhydrous ammonia is difficult to achieve with a conventional variable orifice meter.
Anhydrous ammonia is stored and transported as a liquid. To maintain NH3 as a liquid it must be kept below
–28°F (-33ºC) or maintained under pressure. If the temperature of the NH3 increases above –28°F (-33ºC)
some of the liquid changes to a gas as the NH3 begins to boil. Application equipment typically uses tank
pressure to deliver NH3 to the soil. An increase in tank pressure would tend to force more NH3 through the
distribution lines. The actual pounds of NH3 being applied decreases or increases as tank pressure fluctuates
unless continuous adjustments are made to the meter.
If NH3 is released into the atmosphere it will expand rapidly to occupy a volume 850 times greater than the
original liquid. NH3 readily changes from liquid to gas in the nurse tank and distribution system. Consequently
the ratio of NH3 gas to liquid continually changes as it passes through the distribution lines. About 1% of the
liquid will vaporize during the ammonia flow from the tank dip tube to the metering point. 1% liquid when
expanded to vapor at 100 lb tank pressure will occupy approximately 25% to 30% of the delivery chamber. At
50 lb tank pressure this increases to over 60% of the delivery chamber occupied by vapor. This makes
metering and distributing NH3 very difficult to do consistently and accurately.
For high volume application, wide implements, fast speeds and cold temperatures the delivery component
pieces are critical for delivering the flow needed. A flow that can be delivered at 90° may not be achievable
when the temperature drops to 40° if the system components are not designed and sized correctly. These
pieces include: Tank withdrawal valve, NH3 delivery hose and breakaway coupler, and heat exchanger
with adequate capacity.
After this precise metering the challenge of row distribution still awaits. The proper manifold system is
important for row to row accuracy. The manifold can also be a cause of flow restrictions in high flow
applications.
SurePoint Ag Systems

396-4519Y1 Sentinel NH3 Blockage Monitor 6 Revised 01/26/2022
© 2016-2022 SurePoint Ag Systems Inc.
General Description
You have purchased a SurePoint Sentinel NH3 blockage system for your equipment. This
system will be controlled by the Sentinel ECU through your in-cab ISO display. Your
anhydrous system will continue to function as usual with application rates being regulated
by your existing rate controller. The Sentinel NH3 works independently, monitoring the row-to-row accuracy
of your system and alerting the operator of blocked rows.
SurePoint currently supports Sentinel operating on the following displays: John Deere 2630 & 4640, Ag
Leader InCommand 800 and 1200, Case IH Pro 700, Trimble Fm2050 and FMX1000. The use of Sentinel
NH3 on any other display may result in diminished functionality.
A 2-pin Molex power and 12-pin Ampseal Power/CAN connector are required on your implement to connect
the Sentinel ECU to the implement bus. While some equipment manufacturers already provide this
connection, SurePoint offers harnessing to provide this connection on any implement. Ask your SurePoint
representative what accommodations may be needed for your specific equipment.
A
Introduction
Basic Installation Steps
1. Install all Row sensors using the guidelines laid out in the Applicator Plumbing Requirements section on
page 7.
2. Locate the 2-pin Molex power and 12-pin Ampseal POWER/CAN connectors (typically next to the rate
controller) that the Sentinel ECU will be connected to and remove the terminator. If you can’t identify
these connectors, call SurePoint. Save the terminator for Step 5.
3. Mount the Sentinel ECU using the provided bracket in a location within 4 feet of the above connection.
4. Attach the ECU harness (208-06-3536Y2) to the Sentinel ECU and plug the other end of the harness into
the above Molex/Ampseal POWER/CAN connection.
5. Use the previously removed terminator to terminate the POWER/CAN connection found on the ECU
harness.
6. Mount the SurePoint NH3 Temperature Interface module (226-01-4210Y1) to the back of the ECU
bracket used in step 2.
7. Plug the 4-pin Deutsch connector on the temperature interface module into the Flowmeter Bus 1.
8. Unplug the 3-pin Weather Pack dust plug that is connected to the temperature interface module and save.
9. Use a 3-pin Weather Pack extension cable (206-03-XXXX) to connect the temperature interface module
to the row sensor mounted on Row 1.
10. Make sure all row sensors are daisy chained together, using 3-pin Weather Pack extension cables to get
from NH3 manifold to NH3 manifold.
11. Install the 3-pin Weather Pack dust cover removed in step 8 and install it on the last row.
SurePoint Ag Systems

396-4519Y1 Sentinel NH3 Blockage Monitor 7 Revised 01/26/2022
© 2016-2022 SurePoint Ag Systems Inc.
A
Introduction
SurePoint Sentinel NH3 Row Sensor Installation.
1. At the first NH3 manifold, disconnect the first NH3 line saving the hose clamp.
2. Use the included 3” piece of EVA tubing and connect it to the NH3 manifold hose barb.
3. Slide both hose clamps on the EVA tubing.
4. Push Row Sensor into the 3” piece of EVA tubing, turning the sensor so the wires drop straight down and
tighten both hose clamps.
5. Re-connect NH3 line disconnected in step 1.
6. Continue back at step 1 until all Row sensors are installed.
NH3 Row Sensor
3” EVA Tubing
Hose clamps
SurePoint Sentinel NH3 Applicator Plumbing Requirements.
1. All hose/ tubing from the manifolds must be equal in length with no splices or kinks.
2. All excess hose/ tubing from the manifolds must be fastened horizontally to the toolbar in coils no smaller
than 18” in diameter.
3. If you have multiple manifolds, make sure they are all the same make and model. Make sure all the hose
barbs are from the same manufacturer. NOT all hose barbs have the same inside diameter!
4. If you are not using all the ports on the NH3 manifold, make sure you evenly space out the plugs around
the manifold.
5. Make sure all application knives are from the same manufacturer. Take time to inspect each knife to
ensure all will flow equal. Make sure to pay attention to the NH3 application tube looking for kinks or
bends that aren’t normal. Also inspect for weld slag at the weld points.
6. Make sure that plumbing from the splitter to the manifold is all equal length. If doing more than two
sections, make sure you use a high quality splitter to get even flow to each NH3 manifold.
SurePoint Ag Systems

396-4519Y1 Sentinel NH3 Blockage Monitor 8 Revised 01/26/2022
© 2016-2022 SurePoint Ag Systems Inc.
The SurePoint Temperature Interface module communicates with the Sentinel ECU
through a proprietary communication network (CAN). The Sentinel ECU then, using the
ISOBUS communication protocol, relays information through the tractor ISOBUS and
generates the user interface on the in-cab display. A series of connections are required
to form this communication network.
SurePoint Harness Layout for Sentinel NH3
Tractor Connection
Designed to integrate with any imple-
ment, in some cases, connecting the
Sentinel starts at the tractor’s ISOBUS
connection. Power and information is
relayed to the Sentinel ECU using a
SurePoint Front ISO Extension which
includes power and CAN bus connec-
tions. Already using the tractor ISOBUS?
No Problem. SurePoint carries ISOBUS-
Y harnesses to split the ISO connection
at the tractor.
Service Connections
The Terminating Resistor, Programming
and RS232 connectors are for service
only and should not be used.
Bus Connections
Two Flowmeter Bus connections are provided for use in
several applications. For standard Sentinel NH3 use,
connect the Temperature Interface Module to Flowme-
ter Bus 1.
Implement Height and
Speed Input
Not used in all configurations, the imple-
ment height and speed input connections
provide additional input options in situa-
tions that require advanced alarm control
and an auxiliary speed source. These
conditions generally exist only in hybrid
systems, utilizing multi-branded compo-
nents.
In-Cab Display
(user-provided)
CAN Bus and Power
-In Connectors
CAN Bus and Power-
Out Connectors
(Terminator)
Implement Switch
(optional)
FlowMeter
Bus 2
FlowMeter
Bus 1
Front ISO Extension
(optional)
Tractor
ISOBUS
Sentinel ECU
Speed Input
(optional)
Term. Resistor
Programming
LS Controller Prod 2
LS Controller Prod1
RS232
C
Components
Wiring & Elec.
LiquiShift Connections
These two connectors are not used for
Anhydrous Ammonia Application.
SurePoint Ag Systems

396-4519Y1 Sentinel NH3 Blockage Monitor 9 Revised 01/26/2022
© 2016-2022 SurePoint Ag Systems Inc.
Component List
The major components of a Sentinel NH3 System are:
 Sentinel NH3 ECU
 Sentinel NH3 harness
 Temperature Interface Module
 Line Sensors (1 per row)
 3-Pin Weather Pack extensions
Row 1
Temperature
Interface
Module
CAN/Power in CAN/Power out
(Terminate)
Flowmeter Bus 2
(not used)
Flowmeter Bus
1
3-pin Weather Pack extension
(206-03-XXXX)
Daisy chain to
Row 2
D
Wiring & Elec.
C
Components
Wiring & Elec.
Line Sensor
3/8” sensor
229-04-36021004
1/2” sensor
229-04-36021017
Temperature
Interface
Module
CAN/Power in CAN/Power out
(Terminate)
Sentinel NH3 ECU
Sentinel NH3 Harness
208-06-5021Y1
Or
208-06-5374Y1
3-pin Weather Pack extension
(206-03-XXXX)
Component Layout—Single NH3 manifold Layout
Row 1
SurePoint Ag Systems

396-4519Y1 Sentinel NH3 Blockage Monitor 10 Revised 01/26/2022
© 2016-2022 SurePoint Ag Systems Inc.
Dual NH3 manifold Layout
Row 1
Temperature
Interface
Module
CAN/Power in CAN/Power out
(Terminate)
Flowmeter Bus 2
(not used)
Flowmeter Bus
1
3-pin Weather Pack extension
(206-03-XXXX)
Daisy chain to
next row
D
Wiring & Elec.
C
Components
Wiring & Elec.
Last Row of
Manifold 1
Sensor Dust
Cap
First Row of
Manifold 2
Last Row of
Manifold 2
3-pin Weather Pack extension
(206-03-XXXX)
SurePoint Ag Systems

396-4519Y1 Sentinel NH3 Blockage Monitor 11 Revised 01/26/2022
© 2016-2022 SurePoint Ag Systems Inc.
Three NH3 manifold Layout
Row 1
Temperature
Interface
Module
CAN/Power in CAN/Power out
(Terminate)
Flowmeter Bus 2
(not used)
Flowmeter Bus
1
3-pin Weather Pack extension
(206-03-XXXX)
Daisy chain to
next row
D
Wiring & Elec.
C
Components
Wiring & Elec.
Last Row of
Manifold 1
Sensor Dust
Cap
First Row of
Manifold 2
Last Row of
Manifold 2
3-pin Weather Pack extension
(206-03-XXXX)
First Row of
Manifold 3
Last Row of
Manifold 3
SurePoint Ag Systems

396-4519Y1 Sentinel NH3 Blockage Monitor 12 Revised 01/26/2022
© 2016-2022 SurePoint Ag Systems Inc.
SurePoint Ag Systems

396-4519Y1 Sentinel NH3 Blockage Monitor 13 Revised 01/26/2022
© 2016-2022 SurePoint Ag Systems Inc.
C
Components
Wiring & Elec.
SurePoint Ag Systems

396-4519Y1 Sentinel NH3 Blockage Monitor 14 Revised 01/26/2022
© 2016-2022 SurePoint Ag Systems Inc.
C
Wiring & Elec.
SurePoint Ag Systems

396-4519Y1 Sentinel NH3 Blockage Monitor 15 Revised 01/26/2022
© 2016-2022 SurePoint Ag Systems Inc.
C
Wiring & Elec.
SurePoint Ag Systems

396-4519Y1 Sentinel NH3 Blockage Monitor 16 Revised 01/26/2022
© 2016-2022 SurePoint Ag Systems Inc.
C
Wiring & Elec.
SurePoint Ag Systems

396-4519Y1 Sentinel NH3 Blockage Monitor 17 Revised 01/26/2022
© 2016-2022 SurePoint Ag Systems Inc.
C
Components
Wiring & Elec.
SurePoint Ag Systems