Grainmaster i S. Grain Moisture Meter. Martin Lishman. Instruction Manual. Tel: Part No: GRN3000-S

Transcription

1 Grainmaster i S Grain Moisture Meter Part No: GRN3000-S Instruction Manual Martin Lishman Tel:

2 Protimeter Grain Moisture Meter Instruction Manual Table of Contents Quick start... 3 Points to Remember Product Features Taking a Moisture Reading... 6 Stage 1. Prepare the Meter.. 6 Stage 2. Prepare the Sample.. 6 Stage 3. Take the Reading.. 7 Stage 4. After every Reading.. 7 Information Codes. 7 Protimeter Calibration Data Chart Meter Calibration and Adjustment Pre-programmed Calibrations Adjusting the Pre-programmed Calibrations Calibration Check 10 Temperature Correction (ATC) Setup Mode 11 Care and Maintenance Grinder-Compressor Maintenance. 12 Specifications and Accuracy Optional Probes (Instructions for Use) Moisture and Temperature Probe (GRN3005). 14 Temperature Probe (GRN6046). 15 Bale Moisture Probe (GRN6138) 15 Bale Temperature Probe (GRN6155). 15 Balemaster (GRN6150) 15 Warranty

3 Grainmaster i-s - QUICK START 1. Check new battery fitted. 2. Fit Grain Cup. 8. Wind handle clockwise to grind sample completely. 3. Fit Grinder/ Compressor to meter. 9. Press green button to switch on. 4. Engage compressor by sliding selector inwards. 10. Press button to select standby ( shows in display). 5. Wind anticlockwise until several clicks are heard. 11. Press Λ or V buttons to scroll to crop. 6. Slide selector outwards. 7. Open hopper, pour in 10ml sample. 12. Engage compressor by sliding selector inwards. 13. Wind handle clockwise until several clicks are heard. 14. Press and hold green button. Moisture content (%) displays. 3

4 Grainmaster i-s - POINTS TO REMEMBER Always grind the sample - calibrations held within the Grainmaster i-s are based on ground samples. The only exceptions to this are Linseed, Sunflower Seed and Milled Rice which are based on whole samples. See the Calibration Data Chart on Page 8 for calibrations of other commodities. Keep it clean! - for accurate results keep the Grinder- Compressor unit clean and well maintained (see Page 12). Hard Wheat or Soft Wheat?- the calibration in the meter is for Soft Wheat. If measuring Hard Wheat, use the Wheat setting and refer to the Calibration Data Chart to convert to a Hard Wheat reading (see Page 8). Be aware of Bias Adjustments - each pre-programmed crop calibration can be adjusted manually to match another meter. This feature should not be used as a matter of course since it is a variation from the correct reading of the sample (see Page 9). Display Symbols You Should Know! flashing = Bias Set Always use Automatic Temperature Correction - all calibrations are created at 20 C. If the sample to be tested is not at this temperature, an adjustment must be made to the reading to compensate for this. Automatic Temperature Correction (ATC) makes this adjustment automatically. The default setting for the meter is for ATC to be switched ON. There are very few circumstances where it should be switched off (See Page 11 ). Display Symbols You Should Know C or F flashing = ATC is OFF Avoid extremes! - for best results keep the grain sample and the meter at a similar temperature when taking a reading. 4

5 Product Features Contents of the Case Grinder- Compressor Unit Cleaning Brush Sample Spoon (10ml) Grain Cup Grainmaster i-s Meter Unit Grain Cell Quick Check Grainmaster i-s Spares: Grinder Blade and Feeder Ring (GRN6004) Free first year Service Voucher Meter Functions Socket for Optional External Probe Standby Mode Button Grind/ Compress selector Crop Selector & Temperature Display Buttons On & Moisture Reading Button (Auto-off after 7 seconds) 5

6 Taking a Moisture Reading If you are familiar with the operation of the Grainmaster i-s, use the Quick Start section at the beginning of this manual to guide you through the procedure. Use the following section for more detailed guidance on correct operation of your meter. Stage 1 - Prepare the Meter 1. Disconnect any external probe and check the meter is in internal measurement mode. 2. If necessary, clean the Grain Cell (silver disc on the right of the meter) with the brush supplied. 3. Place the Grain Cup (the matt aluminium ring) over the Grain Cell. Stage 2 - Prepare the Sample It is very important that the grain sample is correctly ground and compressed. Incorrect use of the Grinder-Compressor unit can lead to inaccurate readings. 1. Ensure that the Grinder-Compressor unit is clean and is operating smoothly. If not, disassemble and clean as detailed on Page Ensure that the compressor plunger is fully retracted, as follows: - Slide the Selector Switch on the Grinder rotating handle inwards to the Compress position. (The sliding switch can only be pushed or pulled into position when the black pips on the top of the rotating handle are aligned with the yellow X.). - Rotate handle anti-clockwise until the clutch clicks a few times. 3. Slide the Selector Switch outwards to the Grind position and place the Grinder- Compressor unit over the Grain Cup. Lock the unit in place by twisting it clockwise against the three lugs. 4. Always use the correct sample size of 10ml. Using the 10 ml spoon provided, pour a sample into the hopper on the side of the Grinder-Compressor unit. 5. Hold the Grainmaster i-s firmly on a flat surface and rotate the handle clockwise to grind the sample and push it through into the Grain Cup. Continue grinding until all of the sample is fully ground and there is no further noise of grinding. Make sure that the yellow cross on the top of the Grinder- Compressor remains stationary during grinding. 6. Press and release the green ON button. If it is in the correct mode, the display will show %H 2 O in the top right-hand corner, three horizontal lines and the previously selected crop. If the display shows BALEPROBE or PROBE or if a number is displayed, press the button to switch to internal mode. 6

7 7. Press to put instrument in standby mode (3 dashes on display), then use Λ or V buttons to scroll through to the crop required 8. Slide the Selector Switch inwards into the Compress position. Rotate the handle clockwise to screw the plunger down and compress the ground sample that is now in the grain cup. Continue turning until the clutch clicks a few times. Stage 3 - Take the Reading 1. Press and hold the ON button to take the reading. The moisture content will be displayed. When the reading has stabilized, release to freeze the %H 2 O value for approximately 7 seconds. Note and record this value as required. 2. Release the green button and press Λ or V to toggle the display to temperature. This is the temperature of the Grain Cell. It is used to apply the temperature correction factor to the moisture content result. 3. The reading may vary when there are extremes of temperature between the sample and the instrument, so it is worthwhile turning the Grinder/Compressor handle a few more times and taking the reading again. This ensures the sample is in close temperature equilibrium with the instrument and the Automatic Temperature Correction (ATC) will be working properly to give a true result. Stage 4 - After every Reading 1. Rotate the Grinder/Compressor handle anti-clockwise until the clutch clicks (to fully retract the plunger). 2. Remove the Grain Cup and the tested sample and clean the Grain Cell with the brush before starting another test. Information Codes The meter may display a range of codes. The meanings are as follows: Standby mode. Use Λ or V to select crop or leave 7 secs to u - r switch OFF. Under measurement range. The crop sample is too dry or temperature is too low. Can also suggest you have provided an insufficient sample or the sample is not compressed. o - r Over measurement range. The crop sample is too wet. C or F (flashing) Automatic Temperature Correction (ATC) is deactivated.! (flashing) Crop calibration has been adjusted. [!] Low battery power. Change the battery. Note: If any E codes appear, the instrument should be returned to the Martin Lishman service department. 7

8 Protimeter Calibration Data Quick Check Value at 20 C or with ATC off (see page 10) CROP SCALE Barley I.S.O. 712 Ground Beans/Tic/Winter Ground Canola I.S.O. 665 Ground Coffee Ground Linseed Whole Maize/Corn Ground Oats I.S.O. 712 Ground Oilseed Rape I.S.O. 665 Ground Paddy Ground Peas (Field protein type) Ground Peas (Progreta marrowfat type) Ground Sorghum/Milo Ground Soya Beans Ground Sunflower Seed Whole Rice(milled) Whole Wheat/Rye - Hard ISO 712 Ground Wheat/Rye - Soft ISO 712 Ground Please note: The difference in calibration values for hard and soft wheat may not hold true for all hard wheat varieties. If in doubt, obtain oven tests of a hard wheat sample so that the calibration can be verified for your hard wheat variety. 8

9 Meter Calibration & Adjustment Pre-programmed Calibrations Fifteen calibrations are pre-programmed into the Grainmaster i-s. These are highlighted in red in the calibration chart opposite. Other calibration data This chart can be used to measure the moisture level of the crops shown in black in conjunction with the meter s reference scale or the Ground Soft Wheat Calibration. Convert the reference reading obtained for the sample by looking up or down the column until it intersects with the row of the crop under test. Further calibrations can be found on our website Other calibrations may also be available - contact us for details. Notes: Not all calibrations in the chart are for ground samples. The pre-programmed wheat calibration is for soft endosperm texture wheat, so if you are testing the moisture content of hard endosperm texture wheat, select the wheat calibration and refer to the Hard Wheat/Rye calibration given in the chart. Please note the advice about the hard wheat calibration given below the chart opposite. All the crop calibrations are mean values of laboratory test results, so should not be considered as absolute: local environmental conditions, soil characteristics, crop varieties and other variables may lead to differences. Growers may choose to match their Protimeter instrument calibration with an agreed reference (eg. a merchant's moisture instrument or an oven test) by using the calibration adjust facility (see below). Adjusting the Pre-programmed Calibrations The pre-programmed crop calibrations (except the scale) can be adjusted individually by +/-1.5%.To adjust calibrations, complete the following steps: 1. Select required crop and measure the moisture content of a sample. 2. While holding the ON button to display the %H 2 O value, press Λ to increase the calibration or V to decrease the calibration in increments of 0.1. An! flashes in the bottom right corner of the display to indicate that a calibration has been adjusted. 3. Remove an adjustment by pressing ON while pressing. The! will disappear. Note: The calibration adjustments are separate for each crop and are stored in the instrument s memory until cleared in step 3 above or in Setup Mode (see Page 11). Calibration adjustment can also be made when using the Optional Moisture & Temperature or Bale Moisture Probes (see Pages 14 & 15). No adjustment is possible for temperature readings. 9

10 Meter Calibration & Adjustment Calibration Check The Grainmaster i-s is supplied with a Quickcheck device to verify the instrument calibrations are correct. With the type of modern electronics used in the Grainmaster i-s it is rare for the meter calibration to change or for the meter to malfunction without there being an obvious indication of this (for example, an Error Code). There are two ways to use the Quickcheck: Using Quickcheck with Automatic Temperature Correction (ATC) ON 1. Disconnect any external probe 2. Ensure the Grain Cell is clean and dry. 3. Set the instrument to Wheat. 4. Place the Quickcheck on the Grain Cell and hold in position. 5. Press and hold the ON button. Take a reading with the Quickcheck. 6. Release the ON button and press Λ or V to toggle the display to temperature and note the reading. The value of the Quickcheck will be 16.3% at 20 C. For every C above 20, ATC will subtract 0.1 %. For every C below 20, ATC will add 0.1%. Example 1: Quickcheck reading is 15.8% at a cell temperature of 25 C. ATC will have subtracted 0.5% from 16.3% to give 15.8%. Instrument is therefore calibrated and working correctly. Example 2: Quickcheck reading is 16.6% at a cell temperature of 17 C. ATC will have added 0.3 to 16.3% to give 16.6%. Instrument is therefore calibrated and working correctly. Using Quickcheck with ATC OFF 1. Disconnect any external probe. 2. Ensure the Grain Cell is clean and dry. 3. Deactivate ATC as detailed opposite. 4. Select the relative scale. 5. Place the Quickcheck on the Grain Cell and hold in position. 6. Press and hold the ON button. The instrument should display /-1.0. If the reading is not within these limits, the instrument should be returned to Martin Lishman for servicing. 7. Reactivate ATC before continuing to use the instrument. Please note: If a calibration has been adjusted by the user, Quickcheck readings will reflect the bias. For example: Quickcheck reading is 17.1%, cell temperature is 17 C, wheat calibration is biased + 0.5%. The reading is derived from 16.3% (Quickcheck value at 20 C) + 0.5% (bias) + 0.3% (ATC) = 17.1%, so the meter is working correctly. Referring to the Calibration Data Chart on Page 8, the column coloured yellow gives the values that can be expected from the Quickcheck at either 20 C or with the ATC off. Alternatively, check the temperature and compute the value as per the examples above. 10

11 Temperature Correction The Importance of Temperature Correction - ATC should always be on Grain moistures are based on oven test calibrations at 20 C. If the sample is warmer than this, the meter will read lower and if colder, will read higher, so a correction is necessary. The Grainmaster i-s measures temperature within the test cell and automatically calculates the correction as follows: For every 1 C over 20 C, ATC will reduce the reading by 0.1%. For every 1 C below 20 C, ATC will increase the reading by 0.1%. The errors can be large at temperature extremes if not corrected. For example, if ATC is off, grain at 30 C would read 1.0% higher than true and grain at 10 C would read 1.0% lower than true. This is why, with ATC on, it is vital to give the grain sample and the meter Grain Cell sufficient time to reach temperature equilibrium. A hot meter testing a cold sample will under-read significantly and a cold meter testing a hot sample will over-read the moisture. Meters should be kept out of direct sunlight, particularly in vehicles. Allow grain samples taken from a high temperature drier to cool before testing. Setup Mode The Grainmaster i-s is supplied ready-to use with ATC on, crop adjustments at zero and temperature set at C. The user can alter these settings as follows: To enter setup mode: 1. With the meter switched off, press and hold and then press ON and then release both buttons at the same time. 2. The meter version (eg. 1.06) will display until these buttons are released. 3. GRN3000 will scroll across the display from right to left followed by the version date (eg ) and then the first set up code, 0=0. Setup mode options (display description): 0=0 No action. 0=1 Resets to default settings ( C, ATC ON) and all crop adjustments to zero. 1=0 Selects C for temperature display (accompanied by C on display). 1=1 Selects F for temperature display (accompanied by F on display). 2=0 Activates automatic temperature correction (! in corner cleared). 2=1 Deactivates temperature correction (! displays). To change from C to F: 1. Enter setup mode as above; press to display 1=0, C. 2. Press Λ to change display to 1=1, F (temperatures now in F). 3. Press to save this change and press ON to exit setup mode. To deactivate ATC: 1. Enter setup mode as above; press twice to display 2=0, ATC on. 2. Press Λ to change display to 2=1, ATC off. 3. Press to save this change and press ON to exit setup mode. Note: It is recommended that ATC is only deactivated when using the Quickcheck to verify the calibration of the instrument (see opposite). When ATC is OFF C or F flashes while moisture measurements are displayed. 11

12 Care and Maintenance Regular care and maintenance of your Grainmaster i-s meter is essential to ensure accurate moisture readings. When not in use, store the meter in a dustfree environment out of direct sunlight. Remove the battery if not used for periods of more than four weeks, or when the low battery symbol appears. Check the condition of the Grinder Blade and Feeder Ring within the Grinder- Compressor unit on a regular basis and replace them if they become worn or damaged (a spare set of these parts is supplied). Grinder-Compressor Maintenance The Grinder-Compressor unit should be cleaned and lubricated at regular intervals, especially when testing wet or oily crops. Follow the maintenance procedure as follows: Separate the two halves of the unit by twisting the yellow locking ring anticlockwise and pulling apart. 1 2 Open the blade retaining wings and lift out the plunger and blade assembly. 3 4 Separate the blade from the plunger assembly and remove the yellow feeder ring. Clean the blade, feeder ring and both halves of the Grinder- Compressor unit with the brush. Clean the thread of the plunger unit and ensure it spins freely. Lubricate with a light oil. 5 Visit to view the animated guide to grinder/compressor maintenance 12 To reassemble the unit: 1. Replace the feeder ring in the top half of the Grinder-Compressor unit. Replace this part if badly worn. 2. Put the blade on the plunger assembly and reposition this unit in the bottom half of the Grinder-Compressor unit. Clamp in place by closing the retaining wings. Replace the blade if badly worn. 3. Slide the two halves of the Grinder-Compressor together, ensuring the location lugs and plunger spindle are correctly aligned.

13 Specifications Weight of instrument c/w Grinder-Compressor unit: 1kg Dimensions of instrument c/w Grinder-Compressor unit: 195 mm length x 185 mm height x 100 mm width Power: x1 6F22R 9V battery LCD resolution: 0.1 Operating temperature range: 0 C to 40 C Crop moisture measurement range - See Table below. % Moisture Measurement Ranges Wheat: 11.3 to 29.3 Canola: 7.0 to 26.0 Coffee: 9.8 to 23.9 Rice:13.2 to 26.5 Oats: 10.9 to 29.3 Linseed: 7.0 to 16.5 Soya: 7.4 to 22.2 Sorghum: 10.2 to 26.9 OSR: 7.0 to 26.0 Sunflower: 6.2 to 23.0 Beans: 12.4 to 25.0 Paddy: 10.4 to 26.2 Barley: 10.9 to 29.3 Corn: 10.4 to 26.2 Peas: 12.0 to relative Accuracy of the Grainmaster i-s The standard accuracy quoted for the Grainmaster i-s is +/-0.5%. This is typical of all manufactured moisture meters. Actual accuracy depends on several factors: Correct usage of the meter and Grinder-Compressor unit Maintenance and cleanliness of the Grinder-Compressor unit Use of Automatic Temperature Correction (ATC) Consistency of grain sample Adjustment for Hard Wheat Providing these factors are acknowledged and dealt with as appropriate, your Grainmaster i-s will give consistent and accurate results throughout its working life. 13

14 Optional Probes Optional Moisture and Temperature Probes A range of external probes to measure moisture and temperature of grain and other crops in store is available for use with the Grainmaster i-s. The external probes connect to the instrument via the connector socket on the left-hand side of the instrument. This is protected by a blanking grommet when not in use. Moisture and Temperature Probe (Part No. GRN3005) This 1.5m probe can be used with the Grainmaster i-s to check quickly the moisture and temperature levels of grain in the store. It is not a substitute for moisture measurements taken from ground samples which will have a more consistent accuracy than moisture probe measurements. Nine calibrations for the probe are pre-programmed into the Grainmaster i-s: Wheat, Canola, Oilseed rape, Barley, Oats, Linseed, Beans, Peas, scale. Use the external moisture and temperature probe as follows: 1. Make sure that the meter s Grain Cell is empty. Avoid contact with the centre pad of the cell while using the probe. 2. Push the probe into the grain and allow a few minutes for temperature to stabilise. Connect the probe to the meter. 3. Press and release ON. The display should show PROBE. If not, press once to do so. 4. If the crop shown is not the required one, press then press Λ or V to select it. 5. Press and hold ON to display either the temperature or moisture level. 6. Press and release Λ or V to switch from moisture to temperature displays as required. will toggle back to the internal moisture measurement mode. Note: User calibration adjustments may be made in the same manner as for the internal moisture measurement mode. These are stored separately in the meter s memory. Care and Maintenance: The spiral wound electrodes (that make the moisture measurement) should be wiped clean with a cloth at regular intervals to prevent the accumulation of dust that may attract moisture and give an erroneous reading. A temperature sensor is mounted behind the collar above the electrodes. Take care not to damage this area or expose it to extremes of temperature. 14

15 Optional Probes Temperature Probe (Part No. GRN6046) This 1.5m stainless steel probe can be used with the Grainmaster i-s for checking the temperature of stored grain. Bale Temperature Probe (Part No. GRN6155) This 600mm T-Bar bale temperature probe can be used with the Grainmaster i-s for checking the temperature of bales of hay and straw. Use the temperature probe as follows: 1. Make sure that the meter s Grain Cell is empty. Avoid contact with the centre pad of the cell while using the probe. 2. Push the probe into the grain or bale and allow about a minute for temperature to stabilise. Connect the probe to the instrument. 3. Press and release ON. The display should show PROBE or BALEPROBE (if using the bale temperature probe). If not, press once to do so. 4. Press and hold ON to display the temperature of the grain or bale. Note that V and Λ have no effect in this mode. Press twice to go to internal moisture measurement mode. Note: There is no user adjustment to the temperature reading. Bale Moisture Probe (Part No. GRN6138) This 600mm bale probe can be used with the Grainmaster i-s for checking the moisture level of bales of hay and straw. Use the bale probe as follows: 1. Make sure that the meter s Grain Cell is empty. Avoid contact with the centre pad of the cell while using the probe. 2. Push the probe into the bale. Connect the probe to the instrument. 3. Press and release ON. The display should show BALEPROBE. If not, press once to do so. 4. Press and hold ON to display the moisture of the bale. will toggle back to the internal moisture measurement mode. Note: The bale probe calibration can be adjusted (see Page 9). No crop selection is possible in bale probe mode. Take care: When removing the probe from the bale, avoid twisting the handle. The bale moisture probe is also available as a stand-alone unit with hand-held monitor - the Protimeter Balemaster (Part No.GRN6150), shown above. 15

16 Warranty The Grainmaster i-s (the unit) is guaranteed for 12 months from the date of purchase against any defect or malfunction caused by faulty parts or workmanship. To claim under warranty, the complete unit or part should be returned, at the claimant s expense, to Martin Lishman Ltd with a written explanation of the problem. Should there prove to be a defect or malfunction caused by faulty parts or workmanship, it will be repaired or replaced and returned to the claimant without charge. If a warranty claim is rejected, the cost of replacement or repair will be notified to the claimant before any work is carried out. Any warranty claim will automatically be invalidated if the unit has been modified or internally tampered with in any way. The manufacturers will not cover under warranty damage or faults occurring to the unit which have been caused by inappropriate use or by use not in accordance with the operating instructions for the unit. Under no circumstances will Martin Lishman Ltd re-imburse any costs associated with a warranty claim if these costs have been incurred without agreement in advance. Under the terms of warranty for the unit under no circumstances will liability exceed the cost of replacement or repair. The manufacturers and Martin Lishman Ltd will not be liable for any consequential or indirect loss suffered by purchasers or users of the unit, whether this loss arises from correct or incorrect use, defect or malfunction caused by faulty parts or workmanship or in any other way. Non-exhaustive illustrations of consequential or indirect loss are loss of profits, loss of contracts and damage to property. We continuously review and update our instructions. For the latest version of the Grainmaster-i S manual please visit our website. The information contained in this manual is given in good faith. As the method of use of the instrument (and its accessories) and the interpretation of the readings are beyond the control of the manufacturers and selling agents, they cannot accept responsibility for any loss, consequential or otherwise, resulting from its use. 16 GRN3000S, Rev. E Protimeter Grainmaster is a trade mark of Amphenol Advanced Sensors Martin Lishman Ltd October 2014 Martin Lishman Unit 2B, Roman Bank, Bourne, Lincolnshire PE10 9LQ, United Kingdom. Tel: +44 (0) Fax: +44 (0) sales@martinlishman.com Web: