SeedStar™ XP Monitoring System Overview

SeedStar™ XP is an optional monitoring system that provides more detailed information about the planting operation to the operator. SeedStar™ XP retains all the features and capabilities of SeedStar™ 2 and adds the following functions:

• Seed Singulation Monitoring
• Seed Spacing Monitoring
• Set-Point Row Unit Down Force Monitoring
• Optional Active Down Force Control
• Row Unit Ride Quality Monitoring

The Planter Main 1 controller (PM1) uses signals from the existing seed sensors to provide Seed Singulation and Seed Spacing information for a more detailed indication of seed meter and overall planter seed spacing performance.

The Planter Main 2 controller (PM2) uses data from the sensor node controllers and gauge wheel down force sensors to calculate row unit down force and row unit ride quality information. This information is sent to the Planter Main 1 controller and displayed on the monitor to enable the operator to fine-tune the planter to optimize row unit penetration, seed depth control, and seed to soil contact.

The optional Active Down Force system uses a hydraulically driven compressor that works with the SeedStar™ XP system to automate down force control. Once the operator sets the target margin value the active pneumatic down force system works automatically to make sure that the planter maintains this value achieving precise soil penetration, and consistent planting depth, without sidewall soil compaction.

This system also offers a dual rank control feature for split row planters. In addition to actively controlling the pneumatic down force system across the planter, John Deere™ active down force controls the front and rear rows of a split row planter independently. This feature compensates for differing down force requirements between the ranks and maintains an accurate planting depth and consistent margin across all the rows.