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Control Systems

SRES Control Systems

Since all SRES planters start with the same cover assembly, the defining difference between the planters is the type of controls used.

Strip Machine


Strip machine, inset shows basic control system
The most basic SRES planter is the strip machine, designed primarily for agronomy/sales to efficiently plant strip tests. The strip machine uses a simple tractor mounted switch to spin the plate and evacuate every seed from the planter, preparing it to be manually re-filled. Although primarily designed for strip tests, this machine could be used for small numbers of research plots as well.

Classic (PLC)


Programmable Classic control system
If initial cost and simplicity to operate are critical, the SRES Classic is a good choice due to upgrade-ability, low cost (comparable to a cone planter), while still possessing the accuracy and reliability of the SRES Advanced planter.

Controls consist of a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) with only 2 settings to change, and a single button trip function. Trip with a cable winder, check head, or manually.
Seed population and spacing are controlled by transmission sprockets and seed plate holes.

Alley lengths are affected by tractor speed, manual intervention and timing. A 30" alley can be achieved while maintaining 2 mph planting speed. In some cases, the alley may be one or two seeds off, requiring minimal trimming.


Advanced (Big John Controls)


Advanced planter controls
The Advanced Planter is fully programmable using the power of the new DRS Armor Windows XP ruggedized computer. The Advanced Planter allows for the need of the researcher requiring more complex planting methods. Efficiency justifies owning an Advanced Planter: alleys are crisp, no need for alley trimming and manual labor; and because shorter alleys are feasible without stopping or slowing down, it is ideal for putting in large numbers of plots in a short amount of time.







                                  Armor computer showing seed drop

 

Planter Features Comparisons

Introduction

This document explains the features of all SRES/Monosem planters and the specific features of the SRES modifications in each family series, the “Advanced” Series and the “Classic” Series. This comparison will help make it easier to decide which planter will be more compatible with your existing needs. The Classic series can be upgraded to include all of the features of the Advanced Series planter.

Accurate Seed Singulation

All SRES/Monosem planters are well-known for accurate seed singulation. Each planter utilizes the Monosem vacuum metering system, which holds the seed gently onto the holes of the seed disc. The flat surface of the heavy-duty stainless steel disc accepts a wide variety of seeds, regardless of size or shape, without loss of accuracy. The Monosem patented metering box contains a single adjustment lever that adjusts the height of the seed scraper and the vacuum pressure at the same time. The scraper aligns the seed to the hole and eliminates doubles and skips.

Accurate Seed Spacing

As the seed disc turns, a brass ejector block assures that the seed is dropped at a consistent angle, reducing seed bounce inside the tube and resulting in precision seed spacing every time.

Consistent Depth Control

The double disc openers are flanked by independent, large-depth gauge wheels that are engineered with an equalizing rocker bar. This assures uniform depth control, even in “cloddy” or rocky field conditions.

Good Seed-to-Soil Contact for Germination

The Monosem planter provides good seed-to-soil contact for superior seed germination in any soil condition. The popular V-press wheels are independently mounted and are adjustable for shallow, medium, or deep planting.

All SRES planters are based on the Monosem NG Plus commercial planter or the Monosem MS mini-seed planter. The SRES Advanced Series, the Classic Series, the Monosem MS and the Twin Row planters all comprise a full line of planters and give researchers an excellent choice to address virtually ANY type of research planting need.

Advanced Series

Big John computerized control system
Classic Series

One button programmable logic controls with variable settings
Up to 9 preset populations, variable from plot to plot Seed population is controlled by transmission sprockets and seed plate holes
Pre-field set-up - most settings can be entered into the computer prior to going to the field - settings from prior operations can be saved in a data file and re-used Planter settings are changed in the PLC in the field as needed
Infinite seed spacing capability Seed spacing is controlled by transmission sprockets and seed plate holes
Setting for number of seeds to be planted in a given plot length, or by seeds per acre Seed spacing is controlled by transmission sprockets and seed plate holes
Display showing seed drop, no. of seeds being dropped, seed spacing, and alley display A "Dickey John" display is optional - seed spacing is controlled by transmission sprockets and seed plate holes, alleys are determined by field marking
The plot length is preset assuring consistent (non variable) row and alley length throughout the field - also assures cleaner alleys so trimming is not necessary Alley lengths are affected by tractor speed, manual intervention and timing. Shorter alleys may be defined by slower speeds or stopping in the alleyway. In some cases, the alley may be one or two seeds off, requiring minimal trimming. Because plot lengths are controlled manually, they may be varied from plot to plot. Number of ranges is infinite
Number of ranges to plant, is preset depending on field length and plot length (if data capture is required)
Field mapping capability Field mapping not applicable
Built in help screens to assist operator to understand various functions A decal has been applied to the PLC showing different settings and how they can be used.
Self-contained electrical system with alternator and battery (standard) Self-contained electrical system with alternator and battery (optional)
Vacuum chambers for collecting excess seed (standard) Vacuum chambers for collecting excess seed (manual or automatic)
Air compressor system may be used for additional functions other than the planter (standard) Air compressor system may be used for additional functions other than the planter (optional)
More thoughts on choosing
The Advanced Series has full function and is fully programmable to allow for the needs of the researcher requiring more complex planting methods. This planter may be justified because there is no need for alley trimming, thus miminizing manual labor costs and time. Because shorter alleys are feasable without stopping or slowing down, it is ideal for putting in large numbers of plots in a short amount of time. While this planter is quite capable of planting rows of any length, it was designed for best efficiency with plot lengths in the 50 to 15 foot range. If initial cost and simplicity of operation is critical, the CLASSIC is a good choice because of "Upgrade-Ability" – low cost, comparable to a cone planter, but may be upgraded in steps. This planter is simpler to operate, while still possessing the accuracy and reliability of the "Advanced". The planter was also designed for planting lengths of zero (feet) to infinite plot length. Commercial hoppers may be used to plant small increases to production fields.


Key benefits to the Advanced Planter

• Pre-field setup. Most settings can be entered into the computer prior to going to the field. Settings from prior operations can be saved in a data file and re-used.

• Up to 9 preset populations, variable from plot to plot.

• Infinite seed spacing capability

• Plot length is preset assuring consistent row and alley length throughout the field.

• Number of ranges to plant is preset depending on field length and plot length.

• Real time display showing seed drop, number of seeds dropped, seed spacing, and alley display.

• Field mapping capability.

• 24 hour service during planting season.

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SRES is the only research planter manufacturer that concentrates totally on research plot planting. Plant more seed, in wider varieties, faster, and with greater accuracy.  Learn what we can do for you.
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