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Click on a product to view a compilation of Frequently Asked Questions:
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Four Channel Shaft and Bin Monitor
Q: How long is the warranty? A: Agtron products are now covered by a three year warranty! When you receive your monitor, complete the warranty registration card and mail it in. Without record of a completed warranty card, the monitor is only covered by a one year warranty. For complete details on our warranty policies, see the warranty policy section of this web page. Q: Why is there no power switch? A: In the early days of Agtron we fixed other manufacturers electronics. A major cause of complete system failure was the power switch. The systems worked, but the switch was no longer able to provide power to the electronics. To avoid a possible cause of failure we designed our monitors without power switches. If you desire to install a switch into the power wire, feel free, but having the monitor always on when the tractor is on will not hurt the electronics. Q: What do the knobs do? A: The knobs adjust the low RPM alarm level. The more clockwise the knob is turned the faster the shaft will need to turn to satisfy the alarm condition. To know as soon as a shaft begins to slow down, turn the knob fully clockwise while the shaft is turning and then turn the knob counter-clockwise until the alarm stops. Q: How do I turn off an unused channel? A: Turn the dial underneath the channel fully counter-clockwise until you hear the click. This stops the alarm from occurring on that channel. Q: How do I tell if the monitor is on? A: When the monitor is on and all the channels are turned off or operating normally, the OK / Warning light will be on. Q: How do I tell what is causing a channel not to work? A: Start the testing by swapping a sensor from a working channel to the channel that is not working. Also see below about how to test the sensors, cabling and monitor head. Q: How do I test if a channel is working? A: First, remove the sensor from the channel wires. Make sure the channel is not configured for bin sensors. Making and breaking a connection between the channel wires (tap, tap, tap, tap, etc) will generate a similar signal to that of a shaft sensor. The channel should go out of alarm. Repeat this test at every connection point in the cable that goes back to the monitor in the cab. If the test fails at the last connection, the monitor head requires servicing. Q: How do I know if a shaft stops turning? A: When the shaft stops turning, the light of the channel it is connected to will begin to flash, and the audible alarm will sound. Q: How do I test a shaft sensor? A: Using an ohmmeter on the contacts of the sensor, 0 ohms should be read when a magnet is aligned with the detector and infinity ohms (hundreds of meg-ohms) with no magnet. If these results are not seen the shaft sensor is defective and will need to be replaced. Without an ohmmeter, passing a magnet in front of the sensor should be able to put the monitor out of alarm. If this does not work, test the cable and monitor head. Q: How do I monitor a very slow turning shaft? A: By using multiple magnets, you increase the speed at which the monitor sees the shaft turning. Example: two magnets will double the RPM seen by the monitor. When doing this, evenly space the magnets. Caution: more magnets are not always better. If the magnets are too close together, the sensor will not be able to distinguish individual magnets. Q: How do I test a bin sensor? A: By wrapping black electrical tape over both of the sensor "eyes", a seed condition can be simulated. If this produces no results test the signal and sensor common wires (as described above). Remember that the bin sensor is a powered sensor. There must be 12 volts on the red wire for the bin sensor to work. Q: What is the fourth wire on the bin sensor used for? A: The bin sensors can be wired to detect a empty or full bin condition. Only the location of the bin sensor would change, but the white wire is used to have the sensor alarm when it sees seed, where the green wire causes an alarm when the sensor does not see seed. Q: How do I get service? A: Simply contact Agtron Enterprises Inc. using our toll-free number or the customer service department's email address. Our service department is here to make using and installing your monitor as easy as possible. Also, if you prefer, you can inform your local dealer and they can contact us on your behalf. Back to top | |
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Area Plus Q: How long is the warranty? A: Agtron products are now covered by a three year warranty! When you receive your monitor, complete the warranty registration card and mail it in. Without record of a completed warranty card, the monitor is only covered by a one year warranty. For complete details on our warranty policies, see the warranty policy section of this web page. Q: Why is there no power switch? A: Agtron Enterprises Inc. started out in the agricultural electronics industry by fixing other manufactures electronics. During this time it was noted how many monitors were rendered useless simply because the power switch failed. To ensure that our products did not experience the same failure we made them without an internal power switch. Feel free to install a switch into the power line that supplies the Monitor Head. Q: Why is there no fuse? A: This monitor has an internal component that acts like a reset-able fuse. If a short circuit occurs this component will open the circuit and protect the electronics from getting damaged. Q: How do I test if the monitor is working? A: Disconnect the wire that connects into the speed sensor. Change your CIRC calibration value to 12.0 (make sure to record your existing CIRC value). Select the DIST mode and zero out the count. Next, make and break a connection between the two sensor wires. Every time the wires are touched the DIST value will increase be one foot. If the count never changes, then move down the connections in the wiring harness, repeating this test. If at the last connection there is still no count change, the monitor head will need to be serviced. Q: Does the monitor need constant power to keep my calibration values? A: No. The monitor head will detect when the power is shut off, and save all the calibration values in its internal memory. Once this is done, no power is needed. The values will be restored the next time the Area Plus is turned on. Q: How can I use the Area Plus on a truck? A: Mount a magnet onto the truck's drive shaft. You will have to use a cable clamp to secure the magnet onto the drive shaft (otherwise you will be replacing a lot of lost magnets). Everything else is done normally. Q: When do I not enter the full width of my implement? A: For applications, like cultivating, where you are over lapping field passes should be accounted for in the calibration of the width value. This means that you would enter an implement width that is shorter then the actual width. Likewise, for applications like spraying, you are actually covering a width slightly bigger then the actual width of the sprayer. Q: Are the readouts in Imperial or Metric? A: All acre, speed and distance functions are displayed in Imperial measurements. Q: Which is the best method for calibrating the Area Plus? A: Method 1 is the most recommended calibration procedure because the longer the distance, the more accurate the calibration value will be (because of averaging). For more information, consult the Area Plus owner's manual, or contact the Customer Service department. Q: What is the remote run/hold option all about? A: This feature is made available for instances where your implement is moving but you do not wish to record any area covered. An example would be when turning your implement around at the headlands and not wishing to accumulate the area covered during the turn. Q: How do I clear or zero my acre and distance counts? A: Select the count you wish to zero out. Press and hold the down arrow key until it reads 000.0 Q: How do I view my calibration values? A: Select the calibration value you wish to view (i.e. width or wheel circumference). Press the calibration key. Q: How do I use the RPM part of the monitor? A: Since most customers do not need the RPM function of the Area Plus, the sensor needed to use this function is an optional part. Simply purchase a Hall Effect Sensor from Agtron Enterprises Inc. and connect it as described in the owners manual (green and black wires). Q: How do I test the RPM sensor? A: You will need an ohmmeter to test an RPM sensor. Disconnect the sensor from the wiring harness, and place an ohmmeter probe onto each wire. There should be a reading somewhere between 300 to 3000 ohms. If this result is not seen, the RPM sensor is not able to produce a signal and will need to be replaced. Q: How do I test the speed sensor? A: Using an ohmmeter on the contacts of the sensor, 0 ohms should be read when a magnet is aligned with the detector and infinity ohms (hundreds of meg-ohms) with no magnet. If these results are not seen, the shaft sensor is defective and will need to be replaced. Without an ohmmeter, passing a magnet in front of the sensor should be able to generate a speed or distance readout on the monitor head. If this does not work, test the cable and monitor head. Q: Is there a recall on this product? A: There is a product recall for the Area Plus. To check if your Area Plus needs to be updated, look at the back of the Area Plus Monitor Head. If the serial number starts will an 88 or lower, the Monitor Head should be sent in to Agtron to be updated. The recall was done to improve the input circuitry of the wheel sensor. Q: How do I get service? A: Simply contact Agtron Enterprises Inc. using our toll-free number or the customer service department's email address. Our service department is here to make using and installing your monitor as easy as possible. Also, if you prefer, you can inform your local dealer and they can contact us on your behalf. Back to top | |
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Air-seeder Blockage Monitor Q: How long is the warranty? A: Agtron products are now covered by a three year warranty! When you receive your monitor, complete the warranty registration card and mail it in. Without record of a completed warranty card, the monitor is only covered by a one year warranty. For complete details on our warranty policies, see the warranty policy section of this web page. Q: Why is there no power switch? A: Agtron Enterprises Inc. started out in the agricultural electronics industry by fixing other manufactures electronics. During this time it was noted how many monitors were rendered useless simply because the power switch failed. To ensure that our products did not experience the same failure we made them without an internal power switch. Feel free to install a switch into the power line that supplies the Monitor Head. Q: Why is there no fuse? A: This monitor has an internal component that acts like a reset-able fuse. If a short circuit occurs this component will open the circuit and protect the electronics from getting damaged. Q: How can I tell if a sensor is detecting a blocked run? A: When a Seed Flow sensor detects a blocked seed or fertilizer run, the Seed Flow sensor number will flash on the display of the Monitor Head in the cab of the tractor. An audible alarm will also occur when the number flashes. Q: What does it mean when I see Err and a number on the display? A: An Err message indicates that the Monitor Head cannot detect a certain sensor. The undetected sensor is identified by number on the Monitor Head. This usually indicates a disconnected cable. If you are seeing this message and need further assistance, refer to the Troubleshooting section, or contact the Customer Service department. Q: What does it mean when I see HELP on the display? A: A HELP message indicates a communication problem. It means that the system cannot even establish communication with the rest of the system. It is similar to picking up the telephone and having no dial tone. If you are seeing this message, refer to the Troubleshooting section, or contact the Customer Service department. Q: What does the FAN button do? A: For this function to work a Fan sensor must be installed. With the optional component called a Junction Box, the AR99 Blockage Monitor System can have Shaft and Bin sensors as well as a Fan sensor installed. Q: How do I test the Fan sensor? A: You will need an ohmmeter to test the Fan sensor. Disconnect the sensor from the wiring harness, and place an ohmmeter probe onto each wire. There should be a reading somewhere between 300 to 3000 ohms. If this result is not seen, the Fan sensor is not able to produce a signal and will need to be replaced. Q: How do I test the seed flow blockage sensors? A: Remove the Seed Flow sensor, and connect it directly to the Y-cable. You should see "HI", "1" and "End" on the display of the Monitor Head. If these messages are not seen, the sensor is not functioning and will need to be replaced. This will be followed by a continuous alarm condition (beep and flashing 1). By using a pen, pencil, screwdriver, etc. you should be able to move the object back and forth inside the Seed Flow sensor and stop the blockage alarm. If the blockage message continues, try cleaning the sensor's detectors or "eyes". Repeat the test. If the sensor still always indicates a blockage, it is not functioning and will need to be replaced. Agtron also makes a Seed Flow sensor and extension cable tester called a Loop Analyzer. Q: How do I know what number a Seed Flow sensor is? A: There are two simple ways of identifying a Seed Flow sensor. By observing the arrows on the extension and sensor cables, you will be able to determine which direction to count the sensors. Locate the first sensor. It will be connected to the male plug of the Y-cable (there may be extension cables between this point). Now that Seed Flow sensor #1 has been located you will be able locate any sensor number. A second method is to disconnect one of the Seed Flow sensor loop plugs. When powered-up the Monitor Head will display an Err message and a number. This number is the Seed Flow sensor that the Monitor Head cannot locate. By observing the direction to count, you will be able to locate any sensor. Q: How do I program in the number of sensors? A: The Air Seeder Blockage Monitor System does NOT require any programming. Simply make all the cable connections to form a complete Seed Flow sensor loop and then turn on the power. The monitor will then program itself with how many sensors are connected to the system. In fact, whenever the sensor loop is broken and reconnected the Air Seeder reprograms itself. This allows for sensors to be bypassed without turn off the power or reprogramming the system. Q: What is the white wire in the power cable for? A: There are three wires in the Monitor Head's power cable. The white wire is used to provide power to the back light of the display. This was done to allow you the option of wiring the back light to your work light switch. Q: Can I leave the sensors outside for the winter? A: Yes you may. All of the Seed Flow sensors have been filled with a rubber compound that protects the electronics from water and other environmental damage. Q: Can the blockage sensors be repaired? A: Because of the rubber compound that seals the electronics, Seed Flow sensors are to labour intensive to be worth repairing. Agtron does require back any product that fails under the warranty period so that we can determine the cause of the failure for future product improvements. Q: What exactly is the problem with having sensor grounds connected? A: Originally the Seed Flow sensor grounds were installed to provide a path for static and electric clutch noise to be drained away so that it would not affect the system. What actually occurred is that the sensor grounds provided a path for the static and electric clutch noise to directly enter and affect the system. This could result in false blockages, sensor not indicating blockages, random Err and HELP messages, and the system counting to the wrong number of sensors. Usually what would occur is that the ground fuse would blow and the system would still operate by sourcing ground through the sensor grounds. This was a very unstable and noisy ground and the system would operate intermittently. If you have sensor grounds connected to ground tabs coming out of the sensor body, remove them. It is also recommend that the Monitor Head be sent in to be check over to ensure no damage has occurred to the electronics. Q: Do you make blockage sensors that fit in the main hoses (2.5 to 3 inches)? A: We do not make any sensor larger then 1 ¼ inch (inside hose diameter). The main hoses can be monitored for blockages by simply installing one Seed Flow sensor per tower or distribution group. This will indirectly monitor for blockages in the mains since if the main is blocked, no product will be supplied to the secondary hoses and will cause an alarm condition. Q: How do I test an extension cable? A: To test a cable on a system with a Y-cable you will need a Seed Flow sensor that you know is working properly. On systems with a Junction Box, a sensor is not needed. Disconnect the sensor loop from the Y-cable or Junction Box (connect the good sensor if needed). Then connect the extension cable under test to the Y-cable or Junction Box. You should see the same results as when testing a single Seed Flow sensor. Agtron also makes a Seed Flow sensor and extension cable tester called a Loop Analyzer. Q: How do I get service? A: Simply contact Agtron Enterprises Inc. using our toll-free number or the customer service department's email address. Our service department is here to make using and installing your monitor as easy as possible. Also, if you prefer, you can inform your local dealer and they can contact us on your behalf. Back to top | |
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Grain Loss Monitor Q: How long is the warranty? A: Agtron products are now covered by a three year warranty! When you receive your monitor, complete the warranty registration card and mail it in. Without record of a completed warranty card, the monitor is only covered by a one year warranty. For complete details on our warranty policies, see the warranty policy section of this web page. Q: Why is there no power switch? A: Agtron Enterprises Inc. started out in the agricultural electronics industry by fixing other manufactures electronics. During this time it was noted how many monitors were rendered useless simply because the power switch failed. To ensure that our products did not experience the same failure we made them without an internal power switch. Feel free to install a switch into the power line that supplies the Monitor Head. Q: What is the sensitivity dial for? A: The sensitivity dial is used to adjust the needle readout on the Monitor Head. When you are operating within your normal acceptable parameters, use the sensitivity dial to place the needle in the middle of the meter. This allows you to detect any greater or lesser grain loss. Q: Where should I mount the grain loss sensors? A: You may mount the grain loss sensors wherever you wish to monitor loss. Usually mount the sensors where your greatest loss occurs. In some cases, you may want to install a grain loss sensor on either side of the sieve. Q: What is the green wire in the power cable for? A: There are three wires in the Monitor Head's power cable. The green wire is used to provide power to the back light of the display. This was done to allow you the option of wiring the back light to your work light switch. Q: Can I use a grain loss sensor on my rotor? A: The sensors used for the walker and sieves are identical sensors. We simply labeled the channels walker and sieve. If there is a known area where you could mount a grain loss sensor to detect rotor loss, then there should be no problem. Q: How do I connect multiple sensors to the same channel? A: To install multiple sensors on the same channel, connect the sensor wires together. Since the sensors generate an analog signal, this will simply combine the two signals together. Q: Do I need any special parts for my make of combine? A: No. We tried hard to manufacture a grain loss monitor that was not brand specific. As long as there is a stationary location to mount the sensor pads, the Grain Loss Monitor will work on your combine. With pull-type combines you will need some extra cable and a hitch connection. Q: Can the grain loss sensors detect canola? A: Yes. In fact, canola is used as the sample product in the testing of our grain loss sensors. Q: Can I use an existing or customized mounting bracket instead of the one that is provided? A: Yes, as long as the customized bracket does not tightly secure the sensor pad to the combine chassis or frame. The provided mounting bracket has two rubber pieces to isolate the sensor pad from detecting any mechanical noise created by the combine. Q: How can I test a grain loss sensor? A: By using a set of keys or spinning a screwdriver handle on a grain loss sensor pad will generate enough impact to create a readable signal on the Monitor Head. Q: The grain loss sensor cable diagram shows the black wire as common. Can I connect it to the combine chassis? A: No. The black common wire is needs to be supplied by from the Monitor Head in the cab. If the black common wire is connected to the chassis, the sensors may not work properly and sensitivity will be lost. Q: How do I get service? A: Simply contact Agtron Enterprises Inc. using our toll-free number or the customer service department's email address. Our service department is here to make using and installing your monitor as easy as possible. Also, if you prefer, you can inform your local dealer and they can contact us on your behalf. Back to top | |
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Digital Tachometer Q: How long is the warranty? A: Agtron products are now covered by a three year warranty! When you receive your monitor, complete the warranty registration card and mail it in. Without record of a completed warranty card, the monitor is only covered by a one year warranty. For complete details on our warranty policies, see the warranty policy section of this web page. Q: Why does the display back light stay on when I press the power button? A: Since the display back light is wired independently from the rest of the system, it is assumed that the switch the controls the work lights would also control the M2's back light. Q: How do I turn off an unused channel? A: Set the CAL value to one (1) and the LOW ALARM value to zero (0). It does not matter what the HI ALARM value is. This will disable the channel from alarming when a sensor is not connected to the channel. Q: How do I program a bin sensor? A: For both situations the CAL value needs to be set to zero (0). The HI and LOW ALARM values change depending on if the Bin sensor is set to alarm when the bin goes empty or alarm when the bin is full. To program the Bin sensor to alarm when the bin goes empty, set the HI ALARM value to one (1) and the LOW ALARM value to zero (0). To program the Bin sensor to alarm when the bin is full, set the HI ALARM value to zero (0) and the LOW ALARM value to one (1). It is important to note, that the Bin sensor must be mounted in the proper location for these alarm levels to work. Q: My fan has multiple metal targets. How do I get the RPM to display properly? A: Change the CAL value of the channel to the number of metal targets. Example: it you are detecting the RPM of an air-seeder fan and you are using 12 bolt heads as the metal targets change the CAL value to 12. Q: Do I have to use a magnet as a target? A: The shaft sensors used on the M2 do not require a magnet. They can use a magnet or a metal target such as a bolt head, key or key chuck. It is your choice which option you should use. Note: for very slow turning shafts it is recommended that a magnet is used as a target. Q: I see that I can get multiple splitter boxes. Does this mean I can have more then six sensors? A: No. The idea of multiple Splitter Boxes is if the user has two separate central sensor locations, they could use a Splitter Box in each location and save on sensor cable lengths. Q: Does the M2 monitor the shafts that are not being displayed on the monitor? A: Yes. The Monitor Head only displays the RPM of one shaft at a time, but it constantly monitors each sensor connected to it, and will visually and audibly alert the user when an alarm condition occurs. Q: What should be displayed on the monitor when I am using a bin sensor? A: The display will always show zero (0) when using a Bin sensor. If the Bin sensor detects an alarm condition, an audible and visual alarm will alert the user. Q: Does the monitor need constant power to keep my calibration values? A: No. The calibration values are saved to an internal memory that does not require a constant 12 volts. Q: Why can't I have multiple sensor cables to cover the distance between the Splitter Box and the sensor? A: The cables used to connect sensors to the Digital Tachometer have male plugs on both ends. Q: Will the Splitter Box survive being installed out on the equipment? A: Yes. The Splitter Box has been filled with a rubber compound that protects the electronics from water and other environmental damage. Q: How do I test a shaft sensor? A: First, check that the power indicator light is on. Passing a magnet in front of the shaft sensor should produce an RPM. Remember, the maximum distance of a magnetic target is half an inch. Always check the calibration values of the channel first. Q: How do I test a cable? A: Align a magnet with the Shaft sensor's detector. Check that the power indicator light is on. Change to calibration values of the channel to the following: HI ALARM value to one (1), LOW ALARM value to zero (0) and the CAL value to zero (0). Begin to shake and flex the cable. If an alarm condition occurs, the cable has failed and needs to be replaced. Q: How do I test a bin sensor? A: By covering both of the sensor's detectors or "eyes" with electrical tape, the Bin sensor should go in or out of alarm (depending of the existing alarm condition and channel programming). Always check the calibration values of the channel first. Q: How do I get service? A: Simply contact Agtron Enterprises Inc. using our toll-free number or the customer service department's email address. Our service department is here to make using and installing your monitor as easy as possible. Also, if you prefer, you can inform your local dealer and they can contact us on your behalf. Back to top |
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