RowCommand controls seed output

RowCommand on a MaxEmerge™ 5 row-unit

RowCommand on a chain drive MaxEmerge 5 row-unit

Controlling input costs and improving productivity are key producer requirements today. RowCommand is an effective, integrated John Deere solution designed to meet these intensifying needs. The RowCommand system manages seed output, reduces yield drag, and improves harvest capabilities on all Pro-Shaft™ driven row-units, and chain-driven MaxEmerge 5.

NOTE: Chain-drive RowCommand is only compatible with planters equipped with pneumatic downforce systems. On planters equipped with the heavy-duty downforce springs, potential chain interference may result and is not recommended.

NOTE: Chain-drive RowCommand requires some modification to brackets in order to function with corn finger pickup meters.

NOTE: Pro-Shaft drive RowCommand is compatible on MaxEmerge 5 row-units with vacuum and corn finger pickup meters. For mini-hopper row-units, RowCommand is compatible on vacuum meters only and is not compatible on corn finger pickup meters. Pro-Series™ XP row-units with corn finger pickup meters are not compatible with RowCommand.

RowCommand controls seed output by incorporating individual, low amperage clutches inside the Pro-Shaft and chain-driven gearboxes. Clutches are completely enclosed within the gearbox housing to protect them from the elements and harsh operating conditions.

When power is supplied, either manually or through John Deere Section Control software, clutches disengage the seed meters and seed flow stops. Controlling seed output at individual rows reduces overplanting in point rows and maximizes seed placement when entering/exiting headlands.

Components and operation

Electronic power modules shown on a 1775NT Planter

RowCommand clutch on MaxEmerge 5 with 105.7-L (3-bu) hopper

RowCommand is a simple and efficient solution to control individual row planting. This system does not utilize air to operate; therefore, no compressor, air lines, or valve modules are required.

RowCommand utilizes low-voltage controller area network (CAN) messaging to signal power to the desired clutches to stop planting or eliminates power to resume planting.

This means very little power is used in normal planting conditions, and in the event a clutch fails electrically, the meter will continue to plant.

The RowCommand system requires the following five basic components to operate: 

Clutches are protected within the sealed Pro-Shaft and chain-driven gearboxes for years of trouble-free operation and simple installation or removal. RowCommand has true individual-row control of up to 16 clutches or sections for planters larger than 16 rows.

Unique to RowCommand, the 16 available control sections can be configured based on operator preferences. For example, on a 1775NT 24-Row Planter, every two rows can be paired together for a total of 12 control sections or control the outermost eight rows individually and the remaining inner rows paired together for 16 control sections.

While SeedStar with RowCommand has 16 control sections, a minimum of 152.4-cm (60-in.) wide sections are recommended for optimum Swath Control Pro™ solution capabilities. As with other Swath Control Pro products, an SF2 signal is the minimum level of accuracy recommend for operation.

Chain-drive RowCommand and heavy-duty downforce

Chain interference with heavy-duty downforce

As seen in the image, chain interference may result when operating chain-drive RowCommand on planters equipped with short and long parallel arms and heavy-duty downforce springs.

NOTE: Chain-drive RowCommand is only compatible with planters equipped with pneumatic downforce systems. On planters equipped with the heavy-duty downforce springs, potential chain interference may result and is not recommended.

Chain-drive RowCommand with corn finger pickup meters

Bracket material removal

Due to the design characteristics of the chain-drive RowCommand clutch, some modification to the corn finger pickup meter drive bracket is required. As seen in the image above, some material needs to be removed from the front of the meter drive bracket in order for the chain-drive RowCommand clutch to have sufficient space for installation.

NOTE: Chain-drive RowCommand requires some modification to brackets in order to function with corn finger pickup meters.

RowCommand ordering information

To add RowCommand to a model year 2009 and newer planter model listed above is simple. Pro-Shaft drive attachments for field conversion and chain-drive attachments for field conversion are available by planter model to add the appropriate number of clutches, EPMs, brackets, hardware and row-unit harnesses. For complete installation and part detail for the RowCommand conversion, please use the RowCommand compatibility tool per specific planter model.
 
RowCommand is compatible and available for model year 2003 (serial number 700101) to 2008 (725101) planter models listed above. In addition to the attachment for field conversion attachment, a planter mainframe harness, SeedStar 2 controller (wedge box), and additional CAN harnesses are needed.

Integrated Section Control

Coupling RowCommand with Section Control provides the ultimate in precision planting and productivity. One company and one integrated solution are what John Deere offers by incorporating Section Control capabilities within the SeedStar 2 wedge box (controller). Unlike previous systems, no rate controller, additional harnessing, or components are required to achieve automated individual-row control.

SeedStar 2 and XP monitoring, RowCommand, and Section Control activation from John Deere Precision Ag Technologies are all that is needed when ordering.

System requirements

RowCommand is a simple and efficient means to control individual row planting using low-voltage electric clutches. When activated, each clutch consumes no more than 0.5 amps. By design, power is only supplied to the clutch when a signal is received to stop planting. In a normal planting condition, no power is supplied, and the clutch is de-energized. 

Power for the RowCommand system is provided from the nine-pin ISO implement connector. All late-model 8X00 and 9X00 Series and newer John Deere Tractors equipped with the nine-pin ISO implement connector can supply ample power for system operation.

Along with ample system power, a GreenStar display and SeedStar monitoring are required for operation and control interface. The GreenStar display is where system setup, control settings, and manual control functions are performed.

Integrated innovation is what operators will appreciate with the SeedStar 2 monitoring system and GreenStar™ 2 Display. An increasing number of acres combined with rising seed costs drive the need to easily understand planter functions and monitor performance. It is all about making every seed count and that is what SeedStar 2 delivers. 

The SeedStar 2 monitoring system is a full-feature, color, seed population monitor used in conjunction with the GreenStar family of displays. SeedStar 2 is compatible with the GreenStar 2 1800 and 2600 Displays, GreenStar 3 2630 Display, the Gen 4 4200 CommandCenter™ Display, the Gen 4 4600 CommandCenter Display, the 4240 Universal Display, and the 4640 Universal Display. SeedStar 2 is not compatible with the Gen 4 Extended Monitor. Conveniently, SeedStar 2 planting functions are fully integrated with the full spectrum of Precision Ag Technology applications—guidance, coverage maps, and field documentation can be shown all on one display.

When a SeedStar 2 system is used on a planter, there is no need for a ComputerTrak™ monitor. All vital planting information is displayed in one central, easy-to-read location.

SeedStar 2 features

SeedStar 2 full-screen planter run page

SeedStar 2 is a user-friendly system that has retained all the valued features of SeedStar and incorporated the next generation of enhancements. For example, on-screen color indicators show drive engagement/disengagement status. In addition, three color planter-at-a-glance bars (black, orange, or red) visually inform the operator of row population status.

Not only does SeedStar 2 incorporate the use of color, but it also utilizes an intuitive icon and folder-based operator interface. Icons are easy to understand across many languages and reduce the need for text. Icons for planter main run page, planter setup, seed/crop setup, totals, and diagnostics are located in the soft-key region of the display. Setup is performed by selecting the appropriate icon and then choosing the tabs to enter/select information.

The SeedStar 2 monitor offers all the features and functionality of the ComputerTrak 350 monitor and much more. SeedStar 2 monitors the following planter functions:

• Row population/spacing
• Row failure
• Average population (entire planter and by variable-rate drive [VRD] motor section)
• Vacuum level
• Fertilizer pressure
• Acre counter
• Total acreage
• Tractor speed

In addition, planter operational information is available within the SeedStar 2 monitor system. Such operational information includes population charts, seed disk vacuum settings, and setting recommendations for the piston pump liquid fertilizer system.

All SeedStar 2 systems have the capability, through a single controller, to perform both the seed monitoring and variable rate drive functions. SeedStar 2 monitoring is required for VRD population control. Even though the planter may not be equipped with SeedStar 2 VRD, the SeedStar 2 monitoring system is available and will allow for future installation of VRD.

SeedStar 2 is compatible with the RowCommand™ system and Section Control.

SeedStar 2 enhancements

SeedStar 2 half-screen planter run page

SeedStar 2 showing half-width disconnect status

The SeedStar 2 enhanced planter features include:

• GreenStar 2 display integration – eliminates the need to operate the GreenStar 2 2600 Display in the original GreenStar monitor mode or the use of dual displays.
• User-friendly, intuitive icons
• Half- or full-screen run page
• On-screen, color drive status – a quick glance at the display tells the operator if the half-width disconnect is engaged or disengaged.
• Three-color planter-at-a-glance population bar – a black bar indicates that population is close to target and within established limits; orange shows the population is above/below the alarm set point; and red signals the population is out of operating range or is not planting.
• Three-piece, color VRD indicator – each piece of the VRD gear pie turns green when the wheel motion sensor is active, planter is lowered, and drives are engaged.

Model year 2022 changes to SeedStar 2

In addition to all the great features listed above, model year 2022 introduced more improvements to the SeedStar 2 system, including:

• Singulation, coefficient of variation (CV), and spacing metrics in base (excludes DB90 54Row20 and planters greater than 48 rows)
• Introduction of the 32-bit controller – refer to DTAC solution 218986 for more information 
• Low seed rate alarm sensitivity – allows operators to plant lower rates and at slower speeds while maintaining visibility to planter metrics and avoiding nuisance alarms

NOTE: Enabling the low seed rate alarm sensitivity toggle may cause status bars to update slower.

Low seed rate alarm sensitivity toggle

Run page with singulation, CV, and spacing metrics

SeedStar monitoring original features

SeedStar 2 retains all those SeedStar features that producers value and have come to expect:

• Planter at a glance – allows operator to view relative population levels of all rows on one screen.
• Automatic valve calibration – with the SeedStar VRD, this is now completed automatically. There is no longer a need to manually calibrate the hydraulic valves.
• Increased population updates – SeedStar updates population levels once a second at planter start up then approximately once every three seconds.
• Mapping of actual seed rates – When combined with Field Doc™ system, actual and target seeding rates can now be mapped in APEX™ software.
• Reprogrammable utilizing controller area network (CAN) via Service ADVISOR™ diagnostics system.
• Improved diagnostics/event recorder – on SeedStar VRD planters, additional diagnostic information is available, as well as an event recorder to capture system performance data at a specific point in time.
• Ability to run motors at different population levels – on SeedStar VRD, operators running multiple motor systems can run each motor at a different speed, allowing different population levels within a planter.
• User-configurable high fertilizer pressure alarm – allows the operator to be warned when fertilizer pressure reaches a specific level.
• Automatic quick-start for SeedStar VRD – the operator no longer needs to press the quick-start button on end row turns to resume planting.
• Automatic tractor speed source selection – when equipped with an 8000/9000 Series Tractor, the system selects the radar speed or allows for manual speed input selection.

SeedStar XP overview

SeedStar XP shown on the GreenStar™ 3 2630 Display

SeedStar XP shown on the GreenStar 2 1800 Display

Building upon the foundation of SeedStar 2, the SeedStar XP system takes planter monitoring to the next level. SeedStar XP is compatible with the GreenStar 2 1800 and 2600 Displays, GreenStar 3 2630 Display, the Gen 4 4200 CommandCenter™ Display, the Gen 4 4600 CommandCenter Display, the 4240 Universal Display, and the 4640 Universal Display. SeedStar XP is not compatible with the Gen 4 Extended Monitor.

Specific information about how the planter is performing enables the operator to make needed adjustments for implement optimization.

The SeedStar XP planting functions are fully integrated with the full spectrum of Precision Ag Technology applications such as Swath Control Pro™ system for planters, Section Control, GreenStar AutoTrac™ assisted steering system, John Deere Operations Center, Documentation, and others. Integrated planting technologies for better asset utilization and ease of use is just part of what SeedStar XP provides.

SeedStar XP seed singulation monitoring

SeedStar XP seed singulation planter run page

Understanding the meter singulation performance on the planter is critical to minimizing the amount of seed multiples and skips. As a result, the SeedStar XP monitoring system provides real-time information from the row-units about the overall seed singulation performance.

As seen in the screen shot image above, seed multiple information is displayed on the top portion of the planter-at-a-glance bar with seed skip information on the lower portion. This provides the operator a better understanding of relative seed multiple and skip data on a row-unit basis, all within one easy glance.

Also, within the seed singulation planter run page, information about row-units with the highest percentage of seed multiples and skips is provided in order to make necessary adjustments for better planter optimization.

SeedStar XP row-unit ride dynamics planter run page

SeedStar XP ride dynamics planter run page

While operating a planter, travel speed and field conditions can affect the amount of row-unit bounce that is experienced. Excessive row-unit bounce or vertical motion can cause problems with meter performance. To better understand the amount of row-unit vertical motion when travelling through a field, the SeedStar XP monitoring system provides real-time information on row-unit ride dynamics.

As seen in the ride dynamics planter-at-a-glance screen shot image above, the SeedStar XP system provides ride dynamic information for each sensor node that is mounted on the planter. Each sensor node transmits ride dynamic information for each planter frame section to allow for the operator to make necessary operating adjustments to improve overall planting performance.

SeedStar XP row-unit downforce planter run page

SeedStar XP downforce planter run page

As row-unit downforce systems gradually change from heavy-duty downforce springs to pneumatic downforce, being able to understand the amount of as-applied row-unit downforce is needed while operating the planter.

With various soil conditions, moisture, etc. experienced while planting, it is imperative to have the ability to change actual row-unit downforce to have enough force for the Tru-Vee openers to penetrate the soil media. However, in some conditions, having too much downforce applied to the row-units for effective opener penetration could cause problems with side wall compaction from the gauge wheel.

Side wall compaction within the seed furrow can cause hatchet roots to develop, or roots that do not have the ability to penetrate the seed furrow soil media. This could lead to poor plant emergence and eventually lower overall yield performance.

With the SeedStar XP monitoring system, row-unit downforce information is measured by the downforce sensor and sensor nodes and transmitted to display in the tractor cab (as seen in the image above). The row-unit downforce information is displayed on the top portion of the planter-at-a-glance bar with more row-unit downforce information on the lower portion.

Two different control options are available on 1775NT, 1795, and DB Series Planters for pneumatic downforce. The base pneumatic downforce system requires manual control of the downforce to maintain the desired planting results or row-unit margin. Optional active pneumatic downforce takes SeedStar XP even further by removing constant downforce adjustments from the operator and actively controlling the downforce system to maintain a desired target margin.

The 1745 Planter with pneumatic downforce and SeedStar XP will require manual control of the downforce to maintain row-unit margin.

SeedStar XP seed spacing monitoring

SeedStar XP seed spacing planter run page

Throughout the planting process, obtaining good seed spacing is critical toward achieving plant growing conditions for maximum yield potential.

Today, many items are adjusted on the planter prior to planting to optimize overall seed spacing performance. After such adjustments are made, information about the actual seed spacing performance during planting was missing within the planter monitoring system. With SeedStar XP, seed spacing information is transmitted live via the GreenStar display to show the operator exactly what is happening with the planter behind them.

The SeedStar XP transmits seed spacing information onto the planter-at-a-glance bar for easy understanding of planter seed spacing performance. Also, information about seed skips and multiples is provided to help understand actual planter meter performance and other related system functions in order to make necessary adjustments if needed.

NOTE: Seed spacing and seed singulation information is only available when planting crops with seed drop rates below 40 seeds per second such as corn. With higher population crops such as soybeans the system does not provide spacing and singulation information because the number of seeds dropping per second is much higher.

SeedStar XP full planter performance page

SeedStar XP planter details

With the capability of monitoring differences in planting performance items such as seed singulation and row-unit downforce, having one screen to view all planter performance elements is needed to understand the whole planting system. SeedStar XP combines all of the various planting performance elements into one full-color, planter overview screen to enable for a quick understanding of relative planting functionality.

SeedStar XP half screens and other features

SeedStar XP seed singulation half screen

SeedStar XP seed spacing half screen

Other SeedStar XP monitoring features include:

• Capable of monitoring individual row-unit and overall planter performance in terms of seed spacing, singulation, and row-unit downforce
• Split-screen applications to enable use of popular guidance features such as AutoTrac assisted steering system
• On-screen indication of sensor node/downforce sensor assemblies once configured within the monitor settings application
• Full-color display icons for easy recognition and overall aesthetics
• Pneumatic downforce system controls with the GreenStar display application

SeedStar 2 monitoring original features

SeedStar XP retains all of those SeedStar 2 features that producers value and have come to expect:

• Planter-at-a-glance – allows operator to view relative population levels of all rows on one screen.
• Automatic valve calibration – with the SeedStar variable-rate drive (VRD), this is completed automatically. There is no longer a need to manually calibrate the hydraulic valves.
• Increased population updates – SeedStar will update population levels once per second at planter start up then approximately once every three seconds.
• Mapping of actual seed rates – when combined with documentation, actual and target seeding rates can be mapped in John Deere Operations Center.
• Reprogrammable utilizing controller area network (CAN) via Service ADVISOR™ diagnostics system.
• Improved diagnostics/event recorder – on SeedStar VRD planters, additional diagnostic information is available, as well as an event recorder to capture system performance data at a specific point in time.
• Ability to run motors at different population levels – on SeedStar VRD, operators running multiple motor systems can run each motor at a different speed, allowing different population levels within a planter.
• User-configurable high fertilizer pressure alarm – allows the operator to be warned when fertilizer pressure reaches a specific level.
• Automatic quick-start for SeedStar VRD – no longer does the operator need to press the quick-start button on end row turns to resume planting.
• Automatic tractor speed source selection – when equipped with an 8000/9000 Series Tractor, the system selects the radar speed or allows for manual speed input selection.

Components and operation

Planter main 2 controller

Sensor node assembly installed

The SeedStar XP monitoring system contains the following components in order to support the planting data transfer to the GreenStar 2 Displays:

• Seed monitor/variable-rate (SMVR) controller with model year 2011 or newer software
• Planter main 2 controller (installed on all SeedStar XP eligible models for model year 2011 or newer)
• Sensor node(s)
• Downforce sensor assembly

The planter main 2 controller processes the row-unit data from the sensor node assemblies located on the row-unit head casting. The processed information is then sent to the SMVR controller to be integrated into the displayed information being sent to the GreenStar Display.

Downforce sensor assemblies are found on row-units with sensor nodes installed. The downforce sensor assembly is assembled with the gauge wheel depth-adjustment handle and provides gauge wheel pressure information to the respective sensor node for data processing.

Downforce sensor installed

Downforce sensor assembly

Depending on the planter size, different configurations of sensor nodes and downforce sensors are installed in support of the SeedStar XP monitoring system.

Custom integral planter completing packages

Variable-rate drive system

The variable-rate drive on the 12Row, 16Row, 18Row, and 24Row integral planter completing packages provide the ultimate planting productivity by utilizing three hydraulic motors to turn the seeding drive shaft. Hydraulic control of the seeding drive allows for on-the-go seeding rate changes right from the display mounted inside the tractor cab. Combine this seeding flexibility with the map-based planting option, and seeding rates adjust automatically based on a prescription map.

The variable-rate drive requires the SeedStar™ 2 monitor and a speed input signal. Either tractor or planter radar may be used, or a global positioning system (GPS) speed signal. The radar speed input signal is recommended. Planter radar is ordered separately.

The variable-rate drive offers the following advantages: 

• Almost instantaneous rate changes – no ramp up or ramp down of the system as in some competitive systems
• Permits the operator to match seed population based on different soil types or irrigation practices
• John Deere design that provides added operator safety by eliminating any possible drive creep found in some competitive variable-rate drive systems

Three-width drive disconnect control

Three-width drive disconnect is base equipment on the custom 12Row, 16Row, 18Row, and 24Row integral planter completing packages. This feature is activated by three individual console mounted switches (control box), conveniently located in the tractor cab. The function easily shuts off the planter row-unit seed meters by one, two, or three drive segments independently.