Martin
Lishman
Balemaster
GRN6165
Instruction Manual
Professional Crop Moisture Measurement
Distributed by
Martin Lishman Ltd
Tel: + 44 (0)1778 426600
www.martinlishman.com
Care and Maintenance
Daily Care
Keep the meter in its protective case. Clean and dry the probe after every
reading. The point of the Bale Moisture and Bale Temperature Probes is very
sharp and should be handled with due care. Keep covered when not in use.
When removing the probe from the bale, avoid twisting the handle.
Battery
The battery will last for more than 20 hours of use. When battery power is low
[!] displays. The meter will continue to read with normal accuracy and turns off
when the battery is empty. To change the battery, remove the screw in the
battery lid on the back of the meter. Slide the lid downwards to open the battery
compartment. Remove the battery if the instrument is not used for long periods.
Calibration Check
The meter calibration can be checked by the user with the Protimeter Calcheck
Device (Part No. BLD5086) and a 2-pin moisture probe (Part No. BLD5079),
connected via the bale probe socket on the side of the meter. If correctly
calibrated, the meter will display a value in the range 14.0 to 14.4 at 20°C.
Regular Servicing and Checks
According to most crop quality assurance schemes, your bale moisture meter
and probe should be checked annually against reference values. The Martin
Lishman service centre is fully equipped to service your meter throughout its
working life. We also conduct testing clinics where you can check your meter
and obtain a test certificate to satisfy your crop assurance scheme. See our
website for the latest clinic details and to download a service return form.
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Product Overview
Introduction
The Protimeter Balemaster measures the moisture level of baled
products such as straw and hay. It is calibrated for wheat straw and
can be used to take relative measurements of other baled products.
When assessing the moisture of bales it is recommended to use an
average of several readings taken from different sides and at
different depths in the bale.
Balemaster readings can help a professional make an informed
judgement as to the moisture condition of the bale. Readings are
not definitive and can be affected by external factors such as bale
density and consistency.
When testing a large number of bales, the meter can be set to show
the difference in moisture level from a reference reading. This
makes the job much quicker.
Optional stainless steel fast response bale temperature probes are
available - 1.5m long (GRN 6153) or 600mm long (GRN 6154).
All of the moisture and temperature probes take their readings form
the tip of the probe.
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Taking a Moisture Reading
Before every reading
Ensure the probe is clean and dry.
Taking a reading
Connect the moisture probe to the meter.
Press and release
. The meter will show
standby mode:
Push the moisture probe into the bale. A precise
numeric reading, as well as colour LED and
moisture range description will show as follows:
DRY
8.5 to 15%
Green LED
- bales are in a safe
condition for storage
AT RISK
15.1 to 19.5%
Yellow LED
- bales are not in a safe
condition for storage
WET
19.6 to 36.8%
Red LED
- additional drying is
recommended
Switch the meter off by pressing and holding
automatically after the set time (see Page 6).
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or leave and it will switch off
Taking a Moisture Reading
Other functions
HOLD - this is available if readings need to be frozen during measurement.
Activate as follows:
Press
during measurement. HOLD will be
displayed. Withdraw the probe from the bale
and the reading will remain on the display.
Reference Measurement - this is ideal for when testing a large number of bales.
The meter can be set to show the difference in moisture level from a reference
reading. This makes it much quicker to give an indication of the moisture
variability when doing a lot of tests.
Take the first reading which is to be used as
the reference. While the reading is
displayed, press and hold
for 2 seconds
to enter Reference Mode. Take the second
reading. The display will be as shown. The
top number is the second moisture reading
and the lower value is the difference
between the reading and the reference
reading. To return to normal measurement
mode, press
again.
Interpreting Readings
Balemaster readings can help a professional make an informed judgement as to
the moisture condition of the bale. Readings are not definitive and can be
affected by external factors such as bale density and consistency.
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Meter Settings
Default Settings
The Balemaster is supplied ready-to-use with moisture descriptions, buzzer
tone and backlight on, auto-off time set at 2 minutes and temperature in °C.
To alter default settings enter Settings Mode:
With the meter switched off, press and hold
and then press
. Hold both
buttons until the Settings Mode display shows and then release both buttons.
The screen will then scroll through the existing settings, showing each one for 2
seconds. If there is no key press within the 2 seconds it moves to the next setting:
Moisture range
descriptions ON
Buzzer Tone ON
To change the settings above to OFF, press
Auto Off time delay 2 mins
To set turn off time between 1-6
mins press
and then press .
If set at 0, turn off is manual by
pressing and holding
for 5 secs.
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Backlight ON
and then press
Temperature readings in °C
To change to °F, press and
then press
Temperature Probes
Optional Grain and Bale Temperature Probes
Bale Temperature Probe 600mm (pictured right)
(Part No. GRN6154)
T-Bar stainless steel fast response bale temperature
probe used with the Balemaster to check the
temperature of bales of hay and straw. Suitable for other
baled products.
Grain Temperature Probe 1.5m (not pictured)
(Part No. GRN6153)
Stainless steel fast response probe used with the
Balemaster to check the temperature of stored grain.
Taking a temperature probe reading
Push the probe into the grain or bale and allow the
temperature to stabilise. Connect the probe to the
meter. Press
. The display will show _ _ _ .
Press
to display the temperature reading.
If the probe remains connected, the next time the
meter is switched on, the temperature will display
immediately.
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Specifications
Moisture Measurement Range: with Bale Moisture Probe in wheat straw: 8.5 to 36.8%
Weight with Bale Moisture Probe: 228g
Dimensions: Meter - 19 x 6.5 x 3.5cm; Probe - 600mm long
Power: 9V battery (alkaline 550 mAh)
Resolution: 0.1
Operating humidity range: 0 - 90% RH (non-condensing)
Operating temperature range:
Meter - 0 °C to 50 °C
Temperature probe - 0 °C to c.80 °C
Regulatory compliance: CE, RoHS, ETL
Warranty
The Balemaster (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.
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.
© Martin Lishman Ltd April 2016
Tel: + 44 (0)1778 426600
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Protimeter Balemaster is a trade mark of Amphenol Advanced Sensors
[email protected]
www.martinlishman.com
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