We are having an issue with a loss of suction for our needle on our Farmbot. The needle suction is not powerful enough to reliably pick up the pelleted seeds for planting. We have verified the air pump itself is working properly and providing sufficient pressure, we have installed a fuel filter inline for the pump hosing (to prevent dirt pickup from clogging the pump diaphragm), and we have verified that there is strong positive pressure up to the magnetic coupling for the system.
We believe that the pressure loss is happening with the needle attachment for the magnetic coupling, but we have not been able to verify that this is the case. We have also use plumber’s tape to provide a better seal where the clear, plastic piece screws into the magnetic coupling, to no avail. Can anyone provide advice or direction for solving this issue?
We purchased the fuel filter from Amazon per prior recommendations from this forum suggesting that dirt could be causing blockages in the tubing/diaphragm, which could be reducing the suction. Here is a link to the filters we purchased: Amazon Fuel Filters.
It would be possible to remove the filter, however we were still having the same issues even without the filter. We initially were using the FarmBot without the filter, having the same suction issues, and went to Forums for advice and/or recommendations. A couple people recommended the filter, but it has not appeared to help our suction issue.
We have been trying to plant a variety of pelleted seeds, such as romaine lettuce, purple carrots, celeriac (celery root), and a few more. If you want/need more information about specific brand/variety, please let me know!
I think @stre1026 brings up a good point. The crops you are planting seem reasonable (and I’ve planted plenty of pelleted romaine in my FB unit just fine). I just wanted to be sure you weren’t planting a crop with unusually large seeds (like pumpkins).
The filter seems to not be the culprit here. I am going to tap @roryaronson and @Gabriel on the shoulder to see if they have any ideas on this one, as I’ve not seen this before. If we can’t find a simple fix (such as the one that @stre1026 mentioned) we may need to mail you a replacement.
@stre1026 Thank you for bringing that to our attention! Definitely something we can look into further. Do you know how to access the rubber washer or know how we can check to see if they are in tact?
@roryaronson Here is the picture of the top of the seeder tool (sorry about the delay, we only have access to the FarmBot once a week)
@aburbick - Oh, you’re missing the black washers. They go on the grey stubs you tried to use Teflon tape on. You can order replacements here: Amazon.com
@aburbick I think @stre1026 's assessment is spot on. Is it possible you missed that step during setup? Were the gaskets missing from your kit (if so, we can send you a replacement)? Please let us know if you require further assistance.
@aburbick, @stre1026 is correct. The UTM should have come with three black rubber O-rings pre-installed where you put the white plumber’s tape. The O-rings create a seal between the top of the Seeder tool and the UTM. Without the O-rings, air will get sucked in through a small gap and prevent a seed from being held onto the needle.
Please email contact@farm.bot with your shipping address and I will send you replacement O-rings. Sorry for the inconvenience that your kit shipped without them!
