FARMSCAN 2188 Digital Hay Moisture Meter hay moisture meter Operation instructions

2188
Digital Hay Moisture Meter 2188
WITH CALIBRATION CLIP
OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS
CONTENTS
PAGE 1
CONTENTS
2.0
GENERAL INFORMATION ..................................................................................................................3
3.0
BATTERY INSTALLATION...................................................................................................................3
4.0
OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS..............................................................................................................4
4.1
4.2
4.3
OPERATION.......................................................................................................................................4
TESTING PROCEDURE & INFORMATION .............................................................................................5
VARIABLES AFFECTING MOISTURE READING .....................................................................................5
5.0
CALIBRATION.....................................................................................................................................6
6.0
CARE AND MAINTENANCE ...............................................................................................................6
7.0
TROUBLESHOOTING & WARRANTY .................................................................................................7
8.0
SPECIFICATIONS.................................................................................................................................8
9.0
CONTACT DETAILS .......................................................................ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
Issue 3.0
Part No:AM-2188CC
Last Update
September 2010
GENERAL INFORMATION
2.0
PAGE 2
GENERAL INFORMATION
The FARMSCAN 2188 will read hay mositure between 8.0% to 45%. The Farmscan Hay
Moisture Meter is most accurate from 10% to 30%. Readings should only be used as a
qualitive indication of very high moisture.
BELOW & ABOVE LIMIT INDICATORS: Moisture readings below 8.0% will be displayed
as 00.0. Readings above 45.0% will be displayed as 99.9. Temperature readings below
0°C will be displayed as 00.0. Readings above 99°C will be displayed as 99.9.
The FARMSCAN 2188 will display 00.0% moisture in open air (if an open air reading of
8.0 is displayed, the tip probably needs cleaning, clean tip and re calibrate moisture
meter).
Your moisture meter is for reading moisture in hay (placing probe in 100% moisture ie
water there will not be a reading of 100%).
Temperatures can be measured from 0° to 99°C. Make sure to allow the metal tip of the
probe to adjust to the bale temperature. This can take a minute or two.
The moisture meter measures only the hay in contact with the tip of the probe. Moisture
and temperature may vary widely in different parts of the windrow and within each bale.
Take readings in at least five (5) places in the windrow or bale, and use the highest
reading as a guideline.
Remember : Consult your local agricultural extension office for recommended bailing
moisture. Farmscan takes no liability for ............
3.0 BATTERY INSTALLATION
The 9 Volt alkaline battery (included) must be connected before the mositure meter will
work. Remove the battery door on the back of the handle and snap the leads onto the
battery.
NOTE:
Your moisture meter will display 88.8 briefly just after the battery is replaced. This signifies
that the moisture meter has re-initialised using its last calibration and backlighting (on/off
status).
“LOBAT” will be displayed, if the battery is running low and needs replacing. Always use a
ALKALINE 9 Volt battery.
After the battery is replaced, always re-calibrate your tester using the self calibration clip
supplied. See calibration.
Issue 3.0
Part No:AM-2188CC
Last Update
September 2010
OPERATION
4.0
PAGE 3
OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS
4.1 OPERATION
There is no on/off switch. Any of the buttons except backlighting will turn the FARMSCAN 2188 on and
the unit will turn itself off after displaying the test value.
Moisture:
Press moisture button. The FARMSCAN 2188 will display continuous moisture
readings when turned on. The 2188 reads moisture between 8% and 45%.
Readings below 8% are displayed as 00.0. Readings above 45% are displayed
as 99.9.
Temperature:
Press the temperature button. The unit will display the temperature at the probe
tip, firstly in fahrenheit & then degrees.
Backlighting:
When the unit is on, press the light bulb button to turn on or off the
backlighting of the display. When the module is turned off and later turned on,
it will remember the backlighting mode of when it was last operating.
Note:
If two or more switches are pressed simultaneously, the moisture meter will not be harmed, but only a
meaningless number will be displayed.
For best results: INSERT THE PROBE INTO “TIGHT” SIDE AT A 45° ANGLE.
Take readings in at least five (5) places, and use the highest reading as a guideline.
DO NOT AVERAGE RESULTS!
Issue 3.0
Part No:AM-2188CC
Last Update
September 2010
OPERATION
PAGE 4
4.2 TESTING PROCEDURE & INFORMATION
In the bale
Because the inside of each bale is not uniform in density or leaf to stem ratio, moisture
readings with your FARMSCAN 2188 will vary from one part of the bale to another. It will
read highest if the probe is inserted into the “tight” side. Your meter will give higher
readings in tight bales than in loose bales.
In the windrow
Check the windrows at several locations by turning the windrow up on its side and
selecting a handful of hay from the bottom (hay from the bottom should contain the most
moisture, since the top of the windrow will dry out first).
Twist the sample handful into a tight knot, trying to simulate the density of a bale. Insert
the metal tip of the probe into the tightest part of the knot, so that both metal parts of
the tip are within the knot.
There are more variables to testing moisture in the windrow than in a bale. For greater
accuracy, several bales should also be baled and tested before the entire field is baled.
4.3 VARIABLES AFFECTING MOISTURE READING
Natural variations within the plant before proper curing: The higher the moisture content,
the wider the variations. Greater uniformity can be expected as more curing takes place.
SWEATING: Higher readings may occur during the first couple of days after baling.
Immediatley after baling, moisture readings may be low and then climb during the
“sweating process”. As the hay cures, moisture readings should drop and continue to
decline, as the hay becomes progressively drier. It is important to continue to monitor
moisture for several days.
PRESERVATIVE: Some preservatives increase conductivity initially, until the preservative is
absrobed, usually in 1 to 2 days, it may case the moisture reading to be 2 to 4 points
above the same hay which is untreated.
% OF GRASS IN YOUR HAY: Your FARMSCAN 2188 has been calibrated on 100% Alfalf
hay. The more grass in the hay, the higher the moisture reading is compared to actual
reading.
IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ
Because of the numerous variables which affect your FARMSCAN 2188’s readings,
the indicated moisture content should not be used as an absolute, qunatitative
measurement. Your moisture meter’s readings are, however very useful
guidelines for safely baling and storing hay.
Issue 3.0
Part No:AM-2188CC
Last Update
September 2010
CALIBRATION & CARE & MAINTENANCE
PAGE 5
5.0 CALIBRATION
Calibration Key:
Steel contacts
Calibration Check (Re-calibration)
1. Clean the probe tip. While holding the probe in the air, press and hold the 4 button.
The tester will begin to count down on the display “5,4,3,2,1” and the tester will then
display “00.0”.
2. Release the 4 button.
3. Firmly place the calibration clip on to the probe tip as shown in the clip illustrations
below and then press and hold the 4 button.
4. The tester will now display 24.8%, indicating that the unit is now calibrated.
**If the tester displays “99.9” any time during the calibration process, this indicates an
error has occurred. Try repeating the calibration procedure starting at Step 1.
6.0 CARE AND MAINTENANCE
•
After each use, always store your moisture meter in a clean and dry place.
•
The metal tip of the probe should be wiped clean between each use for best results.
Clean both parts of the metal tip from time to time with fine steel wool and/or mineral
spirits or alcohol. A dirty tip can cause lower readings. Keeping the brass shiny will give
best results.
•
Never immerse the probe in water.
•
Remove the battery, if your Moisture Meter will not be used for several months.
Issue 3.0
Part No:AM-2188CC
Last Update
September 2010
TROUBLESHOOTING & WARRANTY
PAGE 6
7.0 TROUBLESHOOTING & WARRANTY
PROBLEM
POSSIBLE CAUSE/ REMEDY
Unit does not turn on
Check battery is connected properly.
The meter displays 99.9 at all times.
Clean probe tip and calibrate moisture
meter.
“LOBAT” is displayed
Replace the battery with a new 9 Volt
Alkaline battery. Re-calibrate moisture
meter.
Hay moisture meter will not display 00.0 in Clean probe tip and calibrate moisture
open air.
meter
OR
Open air reading of 8.0 is displayed.
Temperature not readings accurate.
Make sure you allow the metal tip of the
probe to adjust to the bale temperature.
This can take a minute or two.
Unit reading inaccuratley
Read this manual again. Carfefully.
WARRANTY
Computronics Corporation Ltd guarantees to correct by repair or parts replacement,
without charge, any defect arising from faulty workmanship or materials.
The period of this guarantee is (1) one year.
Computronics Guarantee is subject to the following conditions:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Faulty equipment must be returned to Computronics or an authorised repair center at
the owner’s expense and at the owner’s risk.
If gurantee valid, Computronics will pay the cost of return freight using its nominated
carrier at owner’s risk.
Commencement date of Guarantee will be from date of registration on the warranty
card.
Guarantee card must be lodged within ten days of purchase for registration to be
accpeted.
Equipment returned for repair that is not registered for guarantee purposes will have
the guarantee period calculated from the original date of despatch from
Computronics.
Repairs to equipment will be charged if the guarantee period has expired of if fault
caused by damage or misuse.
If equipment is tampered with by unauthorised persons, then this guarantee is void.
Issue 3.0
Part No:AM-2188CC
Last Update
September 2010
SPECIFICATIONS & CONTACT DETAILS
PAGE 7
8.0 SPECIFICATIONS
Battery :
9 Volt Alkaline Type ONLY
Accuracy :
1%
Moisture Range :
8% to 45%
Temp Range :
0º C to 99º C
Weight :
400g
(800g packed)
Dimensions :
W 90mm x D 40mm x L 210mm
Issue 3.0
Part No:AM-2188CC
Last Update
September 2010