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Working with the Electrolee Planter Monitor The function of the indicator lights in the upper row of the panel, is to indicate the seed flow through the seed tubes of the planter. Every light is electronically connected to a corresponding sensor on the planter by means of a cable. The flow of seed, liquid fertilizer, granular fertilizer as well as axle rotation can be monitored with the Electrolee Planter Monitor. Different types of sensors can be used in one system. One channel is needed for each item that is to be monitored. The Planter Monitor is equipped with an alarm that sounds when the occurrence that is monitored (seed flow, fertilizer flow or axle rotation) stops to occur. As soon as the alarm sounds, it can be silenced by pressing the "Alarm Acknowledge" button. A light will then indicate at which channel (row) the problem exists. The tractor driver can then stop to investigate the problem. For every item that is to be monitored, there must be a channel available on the monitor. A minimum system consists of a monitor with the same amount of channels as planter rows. A PM4 monitor, for example, can be used on a 4-row planter. In this case, a Digital Unit can not be added to the system. An optional Digital Unit can only be added where provision is made to accommodate at least one axle on the monitor. Regarding the case above, it will be best to buy a PM6 monitor in order to accommodate an extra sensor for axle rotation. The Digital Unit make use of one axle sensor to determine the distance covered. (Note: the Digital Unit has to be factory fitted to the actual planter monitor and it must be ordered as such ). The Electrolee Planter Monitor automatically cancels all channels that are not in use. E.g. a PM4 monitor can be used on a 3-row planter. When there is no sensor plugged in at one of the channels, and the ON button is pressed thereafter, the monitor will register that the specific channel is not in use. Where fertilizer is not monitored per row, the rotation of the fertilizer drive axle could be monitored. When a chain disengages and the axle stops, an alarm sounds to get the attention of the driver. Each rotation of the fertilizer drive axle causes a flash of the LED light on the monitor panel. Such an axle sensor consists of a combination of a magnetic sensor and a magnet. While the planting process proceeds normally, no alarm will sound. When the planter turns at the end of a row, and therefore seed flow is interrupted, the alarm will sound. This happens because all processes that are monitored, come to a standstill. As soon as the planter starts planting normally again, the alarm cancels automatically. If, for example, the seed tube is blocked by mud, the alarm will sound within a very short distance. The Planter Monitor mounts easily. It could be mounted in different ways. E.g.: Two special mounting rings, that are provided, are fitted above the tractor's instrument panel with the aid of "Pop rivets". The monitor is then tied to the rings by way of cable ties. This is a "strong enough but not permanent" way of fixing the monitor to the tractor for the planting season. It is always good practice to store the monitor in a safe place when not using it. Other more permanent ways of attaching the monitor to the tractor is also possible. There are wholes appropriately placed in the monitor's feet to fasten it by means of screws. With feet that could turn 360 degrees, the monitor could be fixed in many positions:
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