Need help with the Seed Manager™ SE?

Select from the list of frequently asked questions and troubleshooting tips below to find the answer.

Seed Manager™ SE FAQs

Q: My monitor won’t let me into setup mode, and an alarm keeps going off.
A: The alarm won’t stop until it’s acknowledged. To shut off the alarm, press the Alarm button located on the top right hand side of the monitor.

Q: How do I check my modules to see if I have one that is bad?
A: The proper way to check modules is to unplug P2 at the drawbar and unplug all modules. Plug one module into an available slot on P1. Then, go to the cab, configure the Seed Manager SE for one module and run the auto test. The module(s) that are bad will fail this test.

Q: My monitor won’t let me into setup mode, and an alarm keeps going off.
A: The alarm won’t stop until it’s acknowledged. To shut off the alarm, press the alarm button located on the top right hand side of the monitor.

Q: How do I check my modules to see if I have one that is bad?
A: The proper way to check modules is to unplug P2 at the drawbar and unplug all modules. Plug one module into an available slot on P1. Then, go to the cab, configure the Seed Manager SE for one module and run the auto test. The module(s) that are bad will fail this test.

Q: I have a John Deere CCS air drill, and I’m getting an erratic population count.
A: There are two slide gates located under the main hopper of the drill, make sure both are wide open and there is no blockage. If the sensors are dirty, clean them with soap and water. If that doesn’t work, install new sensors.

Q: Can I mount my sensor on the tube anywhere I want?
A: Yes, you can mouth the sensor anywhere seed flow is present.

Q: As I am going through the field my monitor shuts off and then comes back on. What should I do?
A: The first place to check is your power connection. You should be hooked directly to the battery, both leads positive and ground. If you’re using a convenience plug in the cab, run it directly to the battery. If you’re using a ground bank, it should also be moved to the negative post on the battery. If you’re connected directly to the battery, look over the power wiring, fuse, and fuse holder to ensure that there are no cuts, breaks, or tears in the harness. If all this looks good, check all harnessing and connections to the planter. Any cut, tear, or break in the harnessing could be the reason the monitor is shutting down.

Q: How many modules can I run off of P1?
A: The maximum number of modules is four on P1. If you want to use more modules you will need to use P2.

Q: I don’t want to put a population sensor on every row, can I use one population sensor on the first row of each module?
A: Yes, you will need to configure the Seed Manager SE to read the population on the first row of each module (pages 23 and 24 in your Seed Manager SE manual).

Q: Is there a proper way to mount the modules on my planter?
A: Yes, the modules should be mounted with the plug ports pointing down or at the ground.

Q: I just installed Seed Manager SE and tried to run a few feet to make sure the sensors are counting, but it’s not working. What’s wrong?
A: You will have to plant a round or two to allow time for the monitor to figure a population and start counting.

Q: My P1 wire broke. Can I use P2?
A: Yes, both P1 and P2 will work the same. Take P1 and tape each individual wire to prevent shorting. P1 should be replaced as soon as possible.

Q: What options do I have for sensors when I order my Seed Manager SE?
A: You have three options, a non-counting blockage-only sensor (Strap-On Recon Flow Sensor), a non-counting drill sensor (Recon Flow Sensor), or a population drill sensor (High-Rate Seed Sensor).

Q: Why did my DICKEY-john rep. tell me that I need four modules when I could get by with three?
A: Depending on the length of your planter, it may be more feasible to use another module rather than extra harness. It could also be the way the planter folds for transport.

Q: I have a Seed Manager SE, and my neighbor has a Seed Manager 48, can we trade parts if one of us encounters a problem?
A: No, the Seed Manager 48 is configured for modules and has different harnessing. The only thing you could trade is a ground speed device.

Q: How much difference is there in the bars that make up the bar graph?
A: Each line represents 5%. The lines above and below the bar graph represent how far above or below target population you are.

Q: Will the Seed Manager SE count up to one million population?
A: Yes, the Seed Manager SE can count up to one million population.

Q: How do I tell the difference between J1 and J2?
A: J1 is configured to carry the power connection, and J2 is configured to carry a RS 232 cable. The RS 232 is there to provide updates/new flash software when it becomes available.

Q: My Seed Manager SE has five wires on each sensor, what kind of sensor is this?
A: The five-wire sensor is a Smart Sensor. Typical DICKEY-john sensors will only have three wires on their harness: a red, black, and green wire. These cannot be switched one for another because the five-wire sensor needs a Smart Harness.

Q: If I no longer wanted to use the Smart Harness what components would need to be changed in order to switch back to the regular DICKEY-john system?
A: To change back to a standard harness, you will need all new sensors and harnessing. To order call your local DICKEY-john dealer or DICKEY-john sales associate at 1-800-637-2952.

Q: My screen only shows a 0.0, what does this mean?
A: The Seed Manager SE is asking for a manual ground speed sensor. The original speed sensor may be damaged, unplugged, or failing to work properly. The Seed Manager SE can still be used in manual, but for best results enter the normal speed that you run. Then, try running that speed consistently in order to keep population and acres accurate.

Q: Will the Seed Manager SE work as an acre counter only?
A: Yes, the Seed Manager SE will still need to be set up for speed and area mode. (See page 10 in your manual).

Q: If I am using a reluctance sensor for speed, do I use R1 or D1?
A: R1 is used for a reluctance sensor. A reluctance sensor is a two-wire sensor. D1 should be used when a radar, hall effects, or satellite sensor is available. These are all three-wire sensors.

Q: One of my rows is counting higher/lower than any of the other rows, even though I am sure it is planting properly, what is wrong?
A: The sensor/tube could be dirty, try brushing out the tube and sensor, or clean it with soap and water. There could also be a problem with the harnessing; check all harnessing for any cuts, tears, or breaks. Or try swapping the subject row with another row to see if the problem follows the sensor or stays with the row. If the problem follows the sensor, replace the sensor. If the problem stays with that row, check all harnessing and monitors.

Seed Manager™ SE Troubleshooting

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• Seed Manager™ SE Troubleshooting Manual

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