Farm Equipment - AC Planter Seed Monitor Questions

AC Planter Seed Monitor Questions

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Category: Allis Chalmers
Forum Name: Farm Equipment
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URL: https://www.allischalmers.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=138755
Printed Date: 29 Dec 2025 at 12:14pm
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Topic: AC Planter Seed Monitor Questions

Posted By: Kyle(MN)
Subject: AC Planter Seed Monitor Questions
Date Posted: 24 May 2017 at 10:46pm

About 4 years ago I picked up a nice 4-row 330 planter and ACP3 monitor in NE WI. At first I didn't really pay attention to the monitor and didn't spend the time to learn about it- the air blower worked and it planted and for my few acres, that was fine. After experiencing some skips etc the last few years, I'd really like to get the monitor working if I can.

I am having trouble deciphering the monitor in terms of figuring out the likely source(s) of the problem(s) I'm having. In all cases, the alarm sounds continuously:

ON- #3 is lit

SCAN- #3 & #4 are lit

Row 1- #3 is lit

Row 2- #3 & #4 is lit

Row 3- #3 & #4 is lit

Row 4- #4 is lit

These seem like somewhat "schizohrenic" results?

There's nothing obviously wrong with wiring in terms of frays etc, and I've cleaned the pronged connectors quite well. I've taken out the seed boots and used the air compressor to blow off the sensors. I've interchanged the monitor light bulbs to determine they all work. When I was planting a few weeks ago, it did seem that #1 worked as it blinked and I could get some seed counts (it was the only row that blinked). #2 never did light up- I thought the bulb was bad but now I know different. Now, #1 & #2 don't light but I do get a flicker randomly when fidgeting with them.

I do have an owners manual but its not shedding light to me on the above results. One specific question I have is- when a row isn't working, would a properly working monitor show an unlit bulb on that row, or a constantly lit bulb?

Any help or direction appreciated!!!

Replies:

Posted By: tbran
Date Posted: 26 May 2017 at 10:29pm

Unplug the harness - turn on - all lights off , alarm off after light briefly flashing. When a seed passes through the light beam the light flashes - the rest of the time lights are off. Switch row one with row two back at the planter and see if the problem is now row 1 - if so you have a bad sensor. Early seed disc were clear - later tinted green to keep light out of seed boot. Finally unplug each sensor leave harness plugged in- - all lights should be off. 99% of the time problems are bad sensors.

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When told "it's not the money,it's the principle", remember, it's always the money..

Posted By: Kyle(MN)
Date Posted: 27 May 2017 at 12:24pm

Thank you for the input!

I think I have a combination of monitor and sensor issues.