20/20 SeedSense® Frequently Asked Questions
20/20 SeedSense FAQ print version
Operation Questions
Will the SeedSense work with crops other than corn?
The SeedSense will provide its full spectrum of information for corn, sunflowers, cotton, etc. For high population crops, such as soybeans, it provides population, down force, vacuum, ride quality, speed and other standard measurements but will not provide singulation, spacing, or economic data.
Will the SeedSense replace my current planter monitor?
The SeedSense will replace you existing monitor so long as you are not using your current monitor for any planter control options. If so, both will run side-by-side in the cab with you.
How does the SeedSense measure population, singulation, and spacing?
The SeedSense reads the information reported by the seed tube sensors to provide accurate, real-time seed information. The Smart Connector processes this information and reports it to the display unit.
How does the SeedSense measure down force?
The SeedSense replaces a pin or link in the depth adjustment system with a similar pin or link equipped with a load sensor. This sensor measures the weight being carried by the gauge wheels.
How is Ride Quality measured?
Accelerometers in the Row Unit Modules measure the vertical velocities of the row units to which they are attached. They report to the monitor what percentage of the time the movement of the row units is good (not negatively affecting the performance of the row unit).
What is Hex Shaft Error?
Hex Shaft Error measures the speed that your meters are actually turning relative to the speed that they should be turning based on actual speed and your population setting in the transmission. This is a way for you to check for excessive wheel slip or transmission issues on ground driven planter systems. It can also check the accuracy of you speed calibration on your tractor.
Can I track my hybrids with SeedSense?
Using the SeedSense Setup Tool, you can enter all of the hybrids that you will be planting into the SeedSense. You can also add hybrids directly into the SeedSense display itself. As you plant, you can designate which of those hybrids are being planted and on what rows. This information is saved as part of the field map data which can be exported to most farm management software applications.
Why do I need GPS for the SeedSense?
The SeedSense uses GPS for two purposes. First, it calculates speed which is displayed in the upper right hand corner of the display. Second, the SeedSense saves all of its measurements every second, giving them a GPS location stamp. This allows you to export field mapping data to your farm management software for mapping purposes.
I already have GPS. Do I need to use your GPS?
You will most likely be able to run the SeedSense with your existing GPS system. This will require the purchase of an adapter from Precision Planting. The SeedSense will still come with its own GPS receiver, however.
What happens if I lose the GPS signal?
In those rare circumstances where you might lose GSP signal, you can enable the “simulated speed” feature. This allows you to input your known speed and allow the SeedSense to continue to function fully.
Will the SeedSense work with my older, low-rate sensors?
While the SeedSense will operate with low rate (2-eye) sensors, its information will only be as good as the sensors that provide the data. The low rate sensors will not see every seed and will report those missed seeds as skips.
Installation and Parts Questions
Why does the SeedSense only come with three Row Unit Modules (RUMs) and Smart Pin/Link DownForce sensors instead of one per row?
Our research indicates that three RUMs and Down Force sensors provide good, useable data to help you manage the ride quality and down force on your planter. Additional RUMs and Smart Pin/Links can be purchased if you would like to have this data provided on more than three rows.
How does the SeedSense read information from the seed tube sensors and harness on my planter?
For John Deere and Kinze 2000 (KM or DJ monitor) series planters, the Smart Connector mounts on the planter between the 37 pin connectors that connect your planter and tractor harnesses. This allows the Smart Connector t process the seed information and to provide the monitor with accurate, real-time population, singulation, and spacing information.
For Kinze 3000 series planters you will need to replace the harness and seed tube sensors on your planter in order for it to be compatible with SeedSense. Once this is done, it works just like a Deere or Kinze 2000 series as described above.
Where do I mount the down force sensors on my planter?
For a John Deere or Kinze 2000 series planter, down force is measured by a Smart Pin. This pin replaces the pivot pin on your row unit below the depth adjustment lever.
For a Kinze 3000 series planter, down force is measured by a Smart Link. This replaces the linkage in the depth adjustment arm in your row unit.
Where do I mount the Smart Connector?
On most planters, the Smart Connector mounts on the planter hitch between the 37 pin connectors that join your planter harness with your tractor harness.
On John Deere and Deere Bauer planters with SeedStar monitors, the Smart Connector will mount farther back on the planter near the wedge box. Use the MetriPack cable to attach the Smart Connector between the seed tube sensor wires and the wedge box. Your planter may have two wedge boxes, one taking data from the seed tube sensors and another managing the hydraulics. Make sure you locate the wedge box that is attached to the seed tube sensor wires.
What are my options for mounting the touch screen display in my cab?
The touch screen display comes with a metal mounting arm that pivots up and down. You may also purchase a RAM articulated arm mount. The RAM may be mounted directly to a spot in the cab or you may purchase the suction cup base and mount the RAM to a window or other flat surface.
Why do I need to change the seed tube sensors and harness on my Kinze 3000 series planter?
The seed tube sensors that operate with the KPM monitor that equips Kinze 3000 series planters and some 2000 series planters do not report individual seed data. Rather, they provide only summary data that cannot be used to provide singulation and spacing information.
How do I mount a vacuum sensor on my row unit?
The vacuum sensor plugs into the Row Unit Module. The hose will then attach to an elbow joint that screws into a small hole drilled into the meter cover.
On what rows should I install my Row Unit Modules and Smart Pins/Links?
You should install your RUMs and Smart Pins/Links on one row on each section of the planter. The exact rows are not important in most cases. However, this may vary with planting conditions and the size of your planter.
Setup and Software Questions
How do I run the demonstration fields in the SeedSense?
To run demonstration fields in the SeedSense, press the Setup button on the dashboard screen. Next, press the Display Settings button. Finally, press the Enter Demo Mode button. You are now in Demo Mode. Press the Home button and you will return to the dashboard screen with a demonstration running.
Can I use the data from the SeedSense to create field maps?
The SeedSense saves all of its measurements every second with a GPS location stamp and a time/date stamp. This allows you to download the data this field map data to a farm management software application for field mapping.
Can I view field maps on the SeedSense display screen?
At this time, field map data can only be exported to another application for viewing. The SeedSense will display coverage maps for planted areas; however, in depth field map data will need to be exported to a pc based mapping application.
How does the SeedSense store information?
The SeedSense stores setup and configuration data as well as field map data on an internal SD card.
How much data can the SeedSense store?
The SeedSense can store about 10,000 acres worth of planting data.
What happens when the memory gets full?
Once you are finished using the field map data at the end of the year, we recommend deleting that information from the internal memory to free up additional space for next year’s field map data. If you keep the data over several years, you will need to delete the oldest year’s data each time your internal memory fills up in order to provide more room for this year’s data.
How do I know how much memory I have left?
To locate your current memory usage, press Setup, then System Status, then Device Status. The Display Unit’s internal disk usage is listed on this screen as a percentage of available memory.
Will I have to pay for software updates?
Software upgrades that improve the usefulness of the current functions of the SeedSense (such as adding the ability for the SeedSense to automatically dim its screen as light conditions change) are available to SeedSense owners at no cost. If you register your SeedSense with us, we will e-mail you a link to the new software each time it is released. Software improvements that add functionality such as a new measurement will be available for purchase as an add-on.
Can I set up the SeedSense to monitor variable rate planting?
The SeedSense is capable of monitoring variable rate planting with up to four different population set points.
Can I use the SeedSense to monitor seed corn planting where population is different on various rows?
The SeedSense is capable of monitoring seed corn planting with a female population and one or more male populations. A total of four populations may be entered.
Planter Configuration Questions
What if I trade planters in a couple of years? Will I have to buy a whole new SeedSense?
Most components of a SeedSense (the GPS receiver, touch screen display, smart connector, and row unit modules) are transferable between any two planters. In most cases, you will only need to buy a new finishing kit with a new tractor cable and new down force sensors. If you are trading within the same planter family (for instance trading a 1720 for a 1790) you will not need new down force sensors. If your new planter is wired for the same monitor as your old planter, you may not need a new tractor cable.
I have a Kinze 3000 series planter with interplant rows. Will I need to buy a new wiring harness and seed tube sensors for these rows as well?
You may choose to leave your old harness and seed tube sensors on your interplant rows. If you do, you will need to run both the SeedSense and your KPM monitor in the cab when you are planting with all rows. The SeedSense will display information for your corn rows and the KPM for your bean rows. You may also choose to change the harness and seed tube sensors on all rows. If you do this, you will only need one monitor in the cab and all of the SeedSense’s information will be available for all rows of your planter.
Support and Policy Questions
Who do we call for technical support with the SeedSense?
Your first resource for technical support will be the dealer that sold you your SeedSense. Our dealers are extensively trained on the operation, installation, and configuration of the 20/20 SeedSense monitor. If they are not available or are unable to address your concerns, Precision Planting has a staff of customer service technicians who will be happy to help you get the full potential out of your SeedSense. The call center is staffed from 8am to 5pm central time, Monday through Friday.
What is the warranty on the SeedSense?
The SeedSense is warranted for one year from the dealer invoice date and is active only after the SeedSense is registered.
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