A method of monitoring a planter using a monitor system comprising a monitor device , a communication module and a display device , the method comprising: transmitting authentication data from said monitor device to said communication module ; comparing said authentication data to a key stored in a memory of said communication module ; permitting communication of data between said communication module and said display device if said authentication data corresponds to said key; the monitor device accepting configuration input entered by a user and transmitting configuration data to the display device via the communication module , the configuration input comprising parameters including operational parameters of an implement actuator of the planter ; the display device accessing a prescription data file , reconfiguring the prescription data file for use by the monitor device and transmitting a resulting prescription data to the monitor device via the communication module ; as the planter is drawn through a field, the monitor device sending command signals to the implement actuator and receiving as-applied data from downforce sensors , ride quality sensors and a GPS receiver ; the monitor device processing said as-applied data to generate processed as-applied data; the monitor device transmitting said processed as-applied data to the display device via the communication module ; the display device receiving and storing the processed as-applied data in a memory and rendering a map representing said processed as-applied data, wherein said map represents a spatial variation of parameters of the implement actuator including one of ride quality and downforce; and displaying said map on said display device . transmitting authentication data from said monitor device to said communication module ; comparing said authentication data to a key stored in a memory of said communication module ; permitting communication of data between said communication module and said display device if said authentication data corresponds to said key; the monitor device accepting configuration input entered by a user and transmitting configuration data to the display device via the communication module , the configuration input comprising parameters including operational parameters of an implement actuator of the planter ; the display device accessing a prescription data file , reconfiguring the prescription data file for use by the monitor device and transmitting a resulting prescription data to the monitor device via the communication module ; as the planter is drawn through a field, the monitor device sending command signals to the implement actuator and receiving as-applied data from downforce sensors , ride quality sensors and a GPS receiver ; the monitor device processing said as-applied data to generate processed as-applied data; the monitor device transmitting said processed as-applied data to the display device via the communication module ; the display device receiving and storing the processed as-applied data in a memory and rendering a map representing said processed as-applied data, wherein said map represents a spatial variation of parameters of the implement actuator including one of ride quality and downforce; and displaying said map on said display device . <EOS>