[Patriot 4430]

Hi guys, was just wondering if anyone has experience with flexicoil optical blockage, I got a case atx 700 and it has full blockage on the seed shoots, but seems I'm having some sensor issues and I would like to just run one sensor per tower to simplify the system for me, and at 150 bucks a pop the sensors would add up, so does anyone know if I would be best to just unplug the non required sensors and use the current 3 flow modules and gateway module or would I be better off to remove flow modules and run off the gateway only, as in the books diagram for a basic blockege system? Thanks a lot for any replies!

 

[Don Boles]

I had an all run system as you describe, it was crap giving bogus readings until we ground the sensors to the gateways and ground the gateways to the frame.
Dealer closed today, I'll see if I can dig up more tomorrow if you need, perhaps there is a bulletin on it.

 

[lanwickum]

I have ran a couple single run and one all run flexi systems. I now have an IAS blockage system. Best $10K ever spent on my seeder. I just looked in my service manual. In trouble shooting and under "problem"- "inconsistent flow blockage alarms" 2nd cause, Normal monitor operation

FYI, I replaced all my hoses when installing the IAS system. Took me about 2 full days worth to get the system installed. A couple weeks working on it off an on when time and weather permitted. Did it in the winter. Just so you can plan it in better

 

[lanwickum]

Best flexi guy I have ever talked to on blockage or any electronics was a service guy at Zerbe brothers in Montana. Glasgow?

 

[KLAJB]

Not that experienced with an all run system but it would make sense to just unplug the sensors you don't want and turn them off in the monitor. My biggest issue with the sensors was broken wires at the sensor or wires grounding to the frame where they have rubbed through the casing. Sensor wires rub in a lot of places on the frame. Need to follow them all and tie them up better with cable ties.

 

[Patriot 4430]

Great thanks for the replies fellas, i should clarify a little more, i just bought the drill from a dealer for cheap because they had not put it through there shop it looks good but i can see the blockage system has issues, it only see's 3 remotes and i think about 45 sensors, also see some broken wires on sensors as KLAJB has said. i believe it should see 4 remotes and 77 sensors(70 seed and 7 fert) I am used to primary blockage only and am fine with it although full would be nice. so just wondering what the right way to make it a basic system as the book looks like there is just one gateway for basic flow? Also does the flex system work decent usually? because i wouldn't be apposed to just scrapping it and going with something else as Ian said. thanks Don, i assume you refer to Georges? i live in central ab and was in to see them on friday and they recommend that i just take it down to basic blockage to save some head ache. man is that the place to talk flexicoil. ps i go through your neck of the woods almost everyday in winter hauling grain, beautiful country there.

 

[Don Boles]

You're welcome.
No, I was talking Linden Agri Center but you are correct, Georges' is the place to talk Flexi-Coil, I doubt there is another dealer on the planet that has moved as much Coil iron as Georges has.

 

[RunninREDharD]

You're welcome.
No, I was talking Linden Agri Center but you are correct, Georges' is the place to talk Flexi-Coil, I doubt there is another dealer on the planet that has moved as much Coil iron as Georges has.

Or..... that he has in the 160 acre boneyard at back!! I bought a monitor kit in 2013. Had issues with a box and had it replaced under warranty when it finally totally failed. It was very annoying because the error was totally random and just meant tapping the error message sometimes once or twice a day and sometimes "ALL" day. Tried to get it to fail but never could till finally the voltage went totally haywire and the main ISO monitor wouldn't see it anymore! Then I finally new it was the blockage box! I was getting a "12V aux power shorted" error. They sent an "ASIST" but they could only come up with the usual lines like check to make sure you have a good battery and make sure your alternator is charging! No one pinpointed this message to a blockage malfunction but that is where it came from!

For now, I have at least one sensor where I believe the connector to the box is haywire. Replaced the optical sensor but didn't solve the issue. Have to look at that closer in spring. There are many problems on all the Flexi-coil junctions on the cart and on the blockage monitor. Sometimes the pins are backing out, not making a connection and you can't see them visually without opening them up and poking them all the way out. If they are loose and you can push them, they were a problem.

I currently run 4 sensors on outside wing tips (sloughs and turns!) and one sensor for each of the other towers, always on the longest 1" hose. It has the least velocity (least damage) and the most apt for plugging. It is still costing me a fortune as you don't get more than 1 or 2 seasons before the optical is wore out - especially if you do a lot of peas. They are very hard on the optic in the tube. I do try to keep my velocities to a minimum and position to get the least amount of abrasion, but you can definitely see the wear! Sometimes the wires do break off nearby the sensor and if your lucky you can resolder. It is very small brittle wires which is why they probably use that so you have to buy the sensors. As recommended by Georges, I have them well ziptied on!