Operator’s Manual
Portable Tobacco
Moisture Tester
ENGLISH
DOCU-M0135 0212
Introduction
THANK YOU for purchasing a Tobacco Moisture Tester.
READ THIS MANUAL carefully to learn how to operate and service the
Moisture Tester correctly. Failure to do so could result in personal injury or equipment damage.
THIS MANUAL SHOULD BE CONSIDERED a permanent part of the
Moisture Tester and remain with the Moisture Tester when you sell it.
WARRANTY is provided for customers who operate and maintain the
Moisture Tester as described in this manual.
This warranty provides you the assurance that we will back our products where defects appear within the warranty period. In some circumstances, the manufacturer also provides field improvements, often without charge to the customer, even if the product is out of warranty. Should the Moisture Tester be abused, or modified to change specifications, the warranty will become void and field improvements may be denied.
PROOF OF PURCHASE (retail sales receipt) must be included with the returned Moisture Tester to obtain free warranty service. Without proof, the
Moisture Tester will be assumed to be out of warranty and repair costs will be invoiced.
RECORD SERIAL NUMBERS. Accurately record all the numbers on the back cover of this manual, and refer to it in all communication with the factory. The manufacturer, needs these numbers when you order parts or obtain service.
All information, illustrations and specifications in this manual are based on the latest information available at the time of publication. The right is reserved to make changes at any time without notice.
i
Contents
Set Up and Installation
Contents of the Box ........................................................................... 05-1
General ............................................................................................... 05-1
Operation
Calculating Bale Densities ..................................................................10-1
Checking and Changing the Scale .....................................................10-1
Basic Operation ..................................................................................10-2
Calibration Check ...............................................................................10-2
Measurement .....................................................................................10-3
Automatic Average Calculation ..........................................................10-3
Erasing the Average Calculation Memory ..........................................10-3
Adjusting the Result ...........................................................................10-4
Erasing of the Scale Adjustment ........................................................10-4
Illustrations .......................................................................................15-1
Battery Replacement
Battery ................................................................................................20-1
Warranty and Service .......................................................................25-1
Manufacturer’s Contact Information ...............................................30-1
Caution: the tobaCCo Moisture tester May
Cause harM if used iMproperly. please u se the pointed p robe tip with Care.
ii
Set Up and Installation
CONTENTS Of THE BOx
•
Tobacco Moisture Tester
•
18” Probe
•
Operating instructions
General
The TMT Portable Tobacco Moisture Tester accurately and reliably measures the moisture content of three different types of tobacco throughout the range specified by tobacco industry standards.
•
Direct readout in 1/10 of 1% increments
•
Field tested and factory calibrated
•
Solid state microprocessor electronics
•
Tobacco bale density compensation
•
Automatic temperature compensation
•
Adjustable scale function
•
Tester enclosure and extra-rugged probe shaft made of aircraft aluminum
•
18” probe attaches in seconds
•
9V battery not included
The tester shows the moisture content of the material in weight percent.
The measurement range is:
13 – 30% for Burley
13 – 30% for VFC
10 – 20% for Oriental
05-1
Operation
CaLCULaTING BaLE DENSITIES
Rectangular Bales
Measure the length, width and height of the bale in inches. Multiply these figures and divide the product by 1,728. The result will be the volume of the bale in cu. ft.
Next find the weight of the bale. Then divide the weight by t he volume calculated below, and you will have the bale density.
Example:
Bale dimensions:
Bale weight:
Calculation:
18 in. x 18 in. x 36 in.
60 lb.
18 x 18 x 36 = 11664 cu. ft.
60 / 6.75 = 8.88 lb. / cu. ft.
CHECkING aND CHaNGING THE SCaLE
Before taking the measurement always remember to check, if you are using the correct scale. The complete list of the scales is located on the side label of the tester. There is an additional -0- scale in the tester. -0- scale is used by the service department to calibrate the testers.
Checking the scale
Switch the tester on with a single press on the POWER - button. The number of the present scale, for example -1-, will appear on the display. If the scale is correct, keep waiting. You will see run on the display and in a moment the meter will turn off. Now the meter is ready for use.
Before carrying out the measurement mix the collected sample properly.
Changing the scale
If you need to change the scale, switch the tester on with a single press on the
POWER - button. The number of the present scale, for example -1-, will appear on the display. When the number of the scale is displayed, you can change the scale by pushing the fUNCTION - button. When the number of the correct scale is displayed, keep waiting. You will see RUN on the display and in a moment the tester will turn off. Now the meter is ready for use.
10-1
Operation
BaSIC OPERaTION
1. Attach probe to the tester.
2. Insert probe into the bale.
3. Depress the POWER - button once. The first indication you will see is
- - - and after that the tobacco scale will display
- 2 -
Now you can change the display to the correct scale, merely depress the
fUNCTION - button repeatedly until you have the correct number.
4. The next display shows the density setting of the bale (lb/cu. ft), for example:
12
If the indicated number does not correspond to the desired reading, depress the fUNCTION - button until the desired density figure appears. When internal calculation is running the display shows
R U N
5. If you have made and adjustment to the reading of the selected scale, the tester will display the amount of correction shortly, for example
-.3
6. The next number that appears will be the moisture content of the bale, given the probe that you are using and the bale density that you have chosen.
16.3
7. Check the calibration of the tester regularly according to the CALIBRATION
CHECK section below.
CaLIBRaTION CHECk
Calibration and Service
The Portable Tobacco Moisture Tester was calibrated prior to shipping and will generally never need re-calibration. However, if the tester should for some reason need re-calibration or require other servicing follow the instructions on page 25-1.
Checking the Calibration
Select scale -0-, when you have the 18” probe affixed. Keep the probe in free air and read the result. The reading should be 1995 ±10.
NOTE:
Readings over 1999 will be displayed without the first digit, for example:
2003 will display as “003”.
10-2
Operation
MEaSUREMENT
Switch the tester on with a single press on the POWER - button.
The number of the selected scale will appear on the display. After that the tester proceeds to the measurement. You will see RUN on the display during the measurement. The result of the measurement (moisture content) will be displayed in weight percent. After the measurement the tester will automatically turn off and will be ready for a new measurement.
You can ensure that the measurement result represents the average quality of the whole mass by making the measurement from different places of the mass.
Make several measurements if needed.
NOTE: Moisture content within the same mass can vary greatly.
aUTOMaTIC avERaGE CaLCULaTION
The tester can calculate the average value of several measurements. After you have made the measurement, the result can be saved for the average calculation.
Saving the measurement result for the average calculation
Take the measurement as usual. When the result is displayed, push the
fUNCTION - button for a short time. a will appear on the display and the tester will add the measurement result for the average calculation. The average calculation is ready when two numbers, for example a05 and 25.6, appear alternating on the display.
In this case a05 means that the number of measurement results included into the average value is 5. Number 25.6 is the average value of those 5 measurements.
If you do not want to include the measurement result into the average calculation, do not take any readings after the measurement, just wait until the tester automatically turns off and is ready for the next measurement.
Before calculating the average value of every new lot of material, make sure that average calculation memory is empty and erase it if needed.
ERaSING THE avERaGE CaLCULaTION MEMORy
Push and hold the fUNCTION - button. Switch the tester on with a single press on the POWER - button.
When you see a on the display, release the fUNCTION - button. If the average value appears on the display now, you can erase it by pushing and holding the
fUNCTION - button. The memory is erased, when 0 appears on the display.
NOTE: always remember to erase the average calculation memory after the measurement series so that the previous average value will not affect the average value of the new lot.
Average calculation memory can accommodate maximum 99 results. If no more results can be added to the memory, the number on the display will start blinking.
10-3
Operation
aDjUSTING THE RESULT
If the quality of the measured material is different from normal, the result can be incorrect. You can adjust the result shown by the meter to conform to a reference value.
adjusting the value upwards - When the measurement result is displayed make the double press on the fUNCTION - button. Three bars
will appear on the upper edge of the display. Wait for a moment and
the result appears on the display again. Now each time you push the
fUNCTION - button, 0.1 moisture % will be added to the result.
adjusting the value downwards - When the measurement result is displayed, push the fUNCTION - button three times. Three bars will
appear on the lower edge of the display. Wait for a moment and
the result appears on the display again. Now each time you push the
fUNCTION - button, 0.1 moisture % will be deducted from the result.
NOTE: This adjustment is specific to the used scale. In other words there may be defined specific adjustment for each scale.
ERaSING Of THE SCaLE aDjUSTMENT
When the moisture content result is displayed, you can erase the adjustment. To do that push and hold fUNCTION - button for about 6 seconds. When the result value on the display changes, you know that the adjustment has been erased.
NOTE: always make several measurements, because the moisture content in the mass can vary greatly.
10-4
Illustrations
SUGGESTED PROBING METHOD
1) Rectangular bales
15-1
Battery Replacement
BaTTERy
The tester is powered by a 9V alkaline battery.
This tester gives a warning about the low battery voltage with LOBaT - text in the left upper part of the display. If the battery is almost empty, the display will show some random marks and LOBaT text can fade.
The battery box is located on the bottom of the tester. Open the box by pushing the locking lever over the battery symbol as shown in the picture (see image) and replace the battery.
Remove the battery from the tester, if the device is not used for a long period of time. To ensure the correct functioning of the tester replace the battery regularly. If you suspect a fault in the tester, always test the battery first.
NOTE: A battery slowly discharges itself even if the tester is not used.
20-1
Warranty and Service
If the Moisture Tester should display inaccurate readings or cease to operate, follow these steps:
1. Review this manual, particularly the Operations sections.
2. Call the toll-free number, 1-800-821-9542, and ask for customer service. Be certain to call between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Eastern
Standard Time. Describe the problem to our service personnel so that a determination can be made as to what is wrong with the tester.
If necessary, arrangements can be made for repair or replacement and a Return Authorization number will be given to you. Be certain to have the serial number available.
3. In the event factory service is required AND AUTHORIZATION HAS
BEEN OBTAINED, remove the battery from the tester, pack the unit carefully and return to AgraTronix PREPAID. Do not return the battery. Be certain to include your name and return address.
4. Do not return the tester without following the above procedure. THERE
WILL BE A $15.00 HANDLING CHARGE MADE ON ALL UNITS RE-
TURNED AND NOT FOUND TO BE DEFECTIVE.
5. Repairs will be made free of charge during the warranty period. After the warranty expires, the tester will be repaired at a flat rate.
IMPORTaNT WaRRaNTy INfORMaTION
1. PROOF OF PURCHASE (retail sales receipt) must be included with returned tester to obtain free warranty service. Without proof, tester will be assumed to be out of warranty and repair costs will be invoiced.
2. Every tester has a serial number identification. Note this serial number on the appropriate line on the next page and refer to it in all communication with the factory.
LIMITED WaRRaNTy
This Moisture Tester is guaranteed to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for two years in North America and for one year overseas from date of retail purchase. This warranty does not cover the battery or damage resulting from misuse, neglect, accident or improper installation or maintenance. This warranty does not apply to any product which has been repaired or altered outside the factory. The manufacturer does not assume any liability for damage from misuse, dropping the tester or damage resulting from or damage caused by water or from unauthorized repair. The warranty does not cover any damage which may directly, indirectly, consequentially or incidentally result from use or inability to use this moisture tester.
The foregoing warranty is exclusive and in lieu of all other warranties of merchantability, fitness for purpose and any other obligation or liability in connection with its product.
25-1
Warranty and Service
RECORD SERIaL NUMBER
NOTE: The tester serial number is located on the bottom or back side of the unit.
Write your model number, serial number and date of purchase in the space provided below. The manufacturer needs this information when ordering parts and when filing warranty claims.
Date of Purchase __________________________________
Serial No. ________________________________________
Model No. ________________________________________
(To be filled in by purchaser)
Manufacturer’s Contact Information
Toll-Free 1-800-821-9542
1-330-562-2222
FAX 1-330-562-7403 www.AgraTronix.com
10375 State Route 43
Streetsboro, OH 44241
USA
© 2012 AgraTronix, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
30-1
