SectionCommand™ Overview

The SectionCommand™ system uses a valve block with actuators to control product output by closing and opening gates on the bottom of the meter. Various sensors along with data entered into the monitor determines when the actuators close and open each gate to stop product flow.

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A - Hydraulic Valve Block

B - Actuator

C - Actuator Pin

D - Gate

The SectionCommand™ system uses a hydraulic valve block (A) to drive a meter cartridge actuator (B). The actuators push actuator pins (C) and close gates (D) on each section, managing product output and reducing yield loss. When commanded, hydraulic pressure to the actuators reverses and with spring force retracts the gates allowing product to flow again. SectionCommand™ can be operated manually or with John Deere Section Control for automatic operation.

NOTE: For optimal performance, when using sectional control on both the air cart and rate controller, set up the sections so they are the same number and width. If multiple sections are not achievable on the rate controller, the rate controller should be operated manually to avoid performance issues. See Monitor Manual for more information.

To ensure full coverage before leaving the field, review the GreenStar™ as applied map for the air cart.

Oily residue on actuators during the first twenty 20 hours of operation is normal. Residue can be washed off with detergent and water.

When the cart ground speed reaches zero, the actuators retract allowing the meter cartridge to be removed.

Gate Detection Overview

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There is potential risk for skips caused by field conditions and GPS shifting. To decrease skipping risk, turn off section control on theGreenStar™ Monitor page when making inside pass of end rows.

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Sample Field Diagram

Additional features of SectionCommand™ are:

• Ability to close sections when passing over previously seeded ground.
• Ability to monitor gate activity from the monitor.

System Components:

• Valve Block—Houses actuators, solenoids, and controls hydraulic fluid flow.
• Accumulator—Allows for extra hydraulic fluid drainage capacity.
• Solenoids—Controls hydraulic actuators.
• Actuators—Push gates closed to stop product flow.
• Gate Detection Sensor—Monitors gate position inside meter.
• Gate Detection Module—Receives input from gate sensors and relays to the monitor.
• Electronic Power Module—Provides power to solenoids
• Gates—Stop product flow when closed.

Hydraulic Requirements:

• Tractor with power beyond and load sense is recommended.

System Functionality:

• SeedStar™ Controller: A controller mounted on the cart frame receives power from the tractor and signals from all the system components. The controller processes all the information and provides information to the monitor display. The controller communicates over a CAN (Controller Area Network) system.
• Monitor Display: A monitor accepts operator inputs and sends data to the controller. The monitor also displays data received from the controller.
• Valve Block: Receives hydraulic fluid from the tractor and provides flow to the actuators.
• Accumulator: Absorbs high instantaneous flow from retracting actuators without creating excessive case drain pressure.
• Solenoids: Receives electrical current from the electronic power module and hydraulically engages the actuators.
• Actuators: Transmit force to the pins inside the meter housing.
• Electronic Power Module: Receives electrical current from the tractor and distributes to the solenoids.
• Gate Detection Controller: Utilizes feedback from the Gate Detection Sensor to interpret gate position and communicates with the SeedStar™ Controller.
• Gates: Panels that are held open by spring until the actuator pushes closed, stopping product flow.
• Gate Detection Sensor: Used to determine and deliver meter gate status to the Gate Detection Controller.
• Actuator Pins: Attach to the end of the actuators and transmit force to close the gates within the meter cartridge.

A properly functioning SectionCommand™ system will consist of the following components:

• 1910 commodity air cart controller.
• Global position satellite system receiver (GPS).
• User interface (GreenStar™ display 1800 or 2630) running John Deere section control software.
• Section control electronic power modules and gate detection modules.
• Electro-hydraulic rate meter drive (include meter speed sensor).
• Meter system with SectionCommand™ doors and gate detection sensor CAN communication network.

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Run Screen

During normal operation, a visual indicator appears on the run screen when SectionCommand™ is operational. The individual section indicators display the following:

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  Green—Indicates that the section is open.

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• Clear—Indicates that the section is closed.
• Black—Indicates that the section is closed by the section control software.

SectionCommand™ Component Communication

1. 
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   SectionCommand Communication

   A - Air Cart Controller

   B - Monitor

   C - Gate Detection Controller

   D - Gate Detection Sensor

   E - Electronic Power Module

   F - Solenoids

   System controller (A) sends and receives data from monitor (B), gate detection controller (C), and electronic power module (E).

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2. Gate detection controller (C) determines gate position from gate detection sensor (D) and sends data to the system controller (A) to be interpreted.

3. Electronic power module (E) receives data from system controller (A) and sends electrical current to solenoids (F).