Machine control: where to start on a new controller for air seeder

Hardware
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We had our old Flexicoil 2320 seeder’s control module crater and a new one is thousands. We do have another seeder so I was going to experiment with this one. I have a few hall sensors and a clutch to control, and was thinking to convert the finicky metering boxes to NEMA steppers. I’d probably use another Teensy on the cart, or even a rPi.

I know there’s a machine communication method because I used it at one point for a 3 section pull sprayer.

I was wondering if there were any existing projects for something like this, and if not, what’s the best way to get started on this?

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Is it just a chain drive unit? Should be easy then, just have your machine control relay control the clutch on and off with Agopengps, that way it can turn it on 2 seconds ahead and shut off 1 second ahead ( or what ever timing works for your cart)

I just run a camera to make sure my meter roller is spinning but if you want to build a new monitor with hall sensors and level sensors Chatgpt is pretty good at coding ardunios.

There is a project started for variable rate control but I’m not sure if that was ever successfully tested on a air cart

3

i believe @TeddyStamford converted a seed drill to run off a pfidgets motor

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Yah, the basic step would be activating the clutch with the work switch. I really hate rebuilding those meter boxes so I’d like the steppers for rate control and calibration. I figure a dashboard on the tablet to see the roller speed, wind and fan speeds, and to adjust the rates wouldn’t be difficult.

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SK21s rate controller can do all that. Phidgets motor on 24v, cameras for the tanks done. So far our flexi coil cart is behaving well, since sensors are available again, but im ready to convert it to SK21s rate controller if it acts up one more time… You might need 20 amp motor conrollers instead of the 13 amp cytron. The phidgets motors are continuous duty and protected well against the elements, they might need a cover eventually. The 50 series cart has hydraulic support to turn the motors. Im not sure how much torque the 2320 cart requires it could be a bit much for the pidgets motors. We still have a 3 tank 2320 sitting in our yard waiting for a new home. Electronics worked when we parked it…

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