ReconBlockage Uses Acoustic Sensors to Detect Blockages

Apr 02, 2025
By Ryan Ridley
Assistant Editor, North American Content, Farms.com

Blockage System Uses Sound for Real Time Performance Updates on Your Seeder or Strip-Till Bar

What do stethoscopes and Precision Planting’s ReconBlockage technology have in common?

They both use sound to detect issues.

Brady Johnson, product support with Precision Planting, met with Farms.com to discuss this unique system.

Designed to help farmers detect and address flow blockages more efficiently, ReconBlockage stands out by using acoustic sensors rather than traditional optical ones.

Johnson explains that instead of relying on visual detection, the system listens to the sound of product hitting a stainless steel plate.

This sound is carried through an auditory tube to microphones and an electronic control unit (ECU), which then interprets the signals to determine whether a run is blocked or flowing smoothly.

Data from the ECU is transmitted wirelessly to an iPad in the cab, providing real-time updates. The system runs exclusively on iOS devices, offering a user-friendly interface through a dedicated app.

Farmers can visually monitor each run, and any irregularity—such as a blockage—causes the affected section to turn red on the display, while normal flow appears green.

The system is compatible with both strip toolbars and air seeders, making it a flexible option for a variety of farm setups. It is available as both a retrofit and OEM solution, allowing farmers to integrate it into existing machinery with ease.

A standout feature of the ReconBlockage system is its ability to simulate and display real-time issues, allowing for quick learning and immediate troubleshooting. This practical approach ensures minimal downtime and greater planting precision.

With this system, Precision Planting continues its mission to bring smarter, more efficient technologies to modern farming.

The ReconBlockage system is a step forward in improving accuracy, productivity, and peace of mind for producers.

Johnson shows you how it works in the video below.

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