Almaco Seed Spector LRX User manual

Operator’s Manual
for
Seed Spector LRX
99 M Avenue
Nevada, IA 50201-1549
Phone [phone] / Fax [phone]
www.almaco.com
MOE0108022

SEED SPECTOR LRX
OPERATORS
MANUAL

RECOGNIZE SAFETY INFORMATION
This is the safety-alert symbol. When you see this
symbol on your machine or in this manual, be alert
to the potential for personal injury.
Follow recommended precautions and safe
operating practices.
UNDERSTAND SIGNAL WORDS
A signal word-DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION-
is used with the safety-alert symbol. DANGER
identifies the most serious hazards.
DANGER or WARNING safety signs are located
near specific hazards. General safety precautions
are listed on CAUTION safety signs. CAUTION
also calls attention to safety messages in this
manual.
FOLLOW SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Carefully read all safety messages in this manual
and on your machine safety signs. Keep safety
signs in good condition. Replace missing or
damaged safety signs. Be sure new equipment
components and repair parts include the current
safety signs.
SAFETY
CAUTION! Read the following guidelines carefully. Equipment malfunction or damage could occur if these
precautions are not followed.
• The Seed Spector LRX should always be turned off when starting or stopping machinery engines.
• Disconnect all cables from the Seed Spector LRX prior to connecting any type of battery booster or
charger to machinery electrical systems.
• Never weld on machinery equipped with a Seed Spector LRX. Remove the Seed Spector LRX and
moisture probes before welding.
• Never connect the Seed Spector LRX to machinery equipped with 12-volt positive ground electrical
systems.
• Using portable radio transmitting equipment, portable telephones, AC inverters, or generators near the
Seed Spector LRX may cause malfunctions.

TO THE PURCHASER:
We at ALMACO wish to extend to each customer our thanks and congratulations for
your selection of one of our harvest electronics to be included in your agricultural
experiments and field production inventory.
We believe that our Seed Spector LRX offers outstanding performance along with
“in-the-field” versatility.
The result of our efforts and years of development with practicing agronomists has been
a “laboratory instrument” capable of volume production, yet still meeting the rigid
requirements for field trials and evaluations.
You and your company have joined the ever-growing group of agricultural researchers
using ALMACO products.
Please read the information contained within the operator’s manual carefully before
operating your equipment.
Respectfully,
Gary W. Clem
President

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
WARRANTY
OPERATION INTRODUCTION
RUN ....................................................................................................................................1
CONFIGURE.........................................................................................................................1
CALIBRATE .........................................................................................................................1
RESET ...................................................................................................................................2
SET DEFAULTS...................................................................................................................2
BASIC OPERATIONS
NUMERIC KEYS..................................................................................................................2
OPERATION KEYS..............................................................................................................2
AUXILIARY KEYS..............................................................................................................2
BASIC MENUS.....................................................................................................................3
MAIN MENU..................................................................................................................3
CONFIGURE MENU......................................................................................................3
DATA TYPE MENU.......................................................................................................3
CALIBRATION MENU..................................................................................................3
POWER UP ...........................................................................................................................3
CALIBRATION PROCEDURE
STANDARD INTERFACES.................................................................................................3
MT1, MT2........................................................................................................................3
WT1, WT2.......................................................................................................................4
TM1, TM2........................................................................................................................4
TWT1, TWT2..................................................................................................................4
MOISTURE CALIBRATION ...............................................................................................4
SAMPLE ENTRY ...........................................................................................................6
MANUAL ENTRY..........................................................................................................6
WEIGHT CALIBRATION....................................................................................................7
SAMPLE ENTRY ...........................................................................................................7
MANUAL ENTRY...........................................................................................................9
TEST WEIGHT CALIBRATION…………………………………………… ……………..9
SEED SPECTOR LRX CONNECTORS ..............................................................................11
APPENDIX A: TROUBLE SHOOTING ……………..…………….……….…………14
APPENDIX B: PORT COMMAND OVERVIEW ………………….……….…………16
PORT COMMAND FORMAT INFORMATION ……………..…………….…………..17
DRAWINGS AND DIAGRAMS ..………………………………………………………..28

INTRODUCTION
Read this manual carefully to familiarize yourself with all aspects of operation and
service of your machine. It is important that all operators are properly trained. This
manual contains safety information that can prevent personal injury or equipment
damage.
This manual is a permanent part of the machine and should remain with the machine for
reference, service, and resale. On ALMACO combines two storage compartments for
manuals have been provided behind the operator’s seat.
Machine orientation for left-hand, right-hand, front, and rear in descriptions and
drawings is determined as if you are sitting in the operator’s seat.
Record Keeping is an important part of machine operation. This information will help
when ordering replacement parts and during service calls. Please provide your
equipment model and serial number, when calling for service or ordering parts.
All specifications, diagrams, and drawings in this manual are based on the latest
information at printing time. ALMACO reserves the right to make changes at any time
without notice.
Please contact an ALMACO representative if you have any questions about:
- Material in this manual,
- Repair, maintenance, service, or other topics,
ALMACO
99 M Ave.
PO Box 296
Nevada, IA 50201-1549
USA
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Beeper: [phone]
Web Page: www.almaco.com
E-Mail:
servi[email protected]
[email protected]

MANUFACTURER’S WARRANTY
We guarantee each ALMACO combine to be free from defects in material and
workmanship for one year from date of shipment from the factory.
Our obligation under this warranty is limited to the replacement or the repair at our
Nevada, Iowa factory of such part as shall appear to ALMACO, upon inspection, to have
been defective in material or workmanship.
This warranty does not obligate ALMACO to bear the cost of labor or any transportation
charges in connection with the replacement or repair of the defective parts, nor shall it
apply to any part upon which repairs or alterations have been made unless authorized by
ALMACO.
ALMACO makes no warranty in respect to trade accessories furnished on ALMACO
products, such accessories being subject to the warranties of their respective
manufacturer.
ALMACO shall in no event be liable for consequential damages or contingent liabilities
arising out of the failure of any part to operate properly, or the operator’s failure to take
proper safety precautions in the operation of this equipment.
NOTICE:
Do not attempt to make repairs to any part of this equipment found to be
defective. Any such repairs made to any part without written authorization
from the manufacturer will void this warranty.
The manufacturer reserves the right to modify, alter, and improve future models of the
ALMACO combine or parts of, without incurring any obligation to replace any products
or parts previously sold without such modified, altered or improved product or part.
Model No. ___________________________
Serial No. ________________________
Date Shipped. ________________________

SEED SPECTOR LRX MANUAL
1
OPERATION INTRODUCTION
Run
The Run option displays the configuration selected on the Configure section. The Run
screen is displayed while harvesting to view the real-time values of the system.
Configure
The Configure utility allows for the adjustment of the information displayed at the Run
screen. There are different configurations for the screen based on the combine setup:
- 1 PLOT – This displays a single moisture and weight reading. This would be selected
on a single bucket system without a test weight hopper.
- 1 PLOT + TW – The banner MST, WT, and TWT and real-time readings are displayed
on the LRX screen. This would be selected when test weight is used on a single
bucket hopper.
- 2 PLOT – This allows for the weight and moisture on a dual plot combine. The top
row of the display labeled ‘1’ is the left plot and the bottom row labeled ‘2’ is the right
plot. This should be selected for dual plot combines without test weight hoppers.
- 2 PLOT + TW – The moisture, weight, and test weight for a dual plot application are
displayed on the Seed Spector screen. The top row of data is the information for the
left plot and the bottom for the right plot. A typical application for this selection is a
dual bucket TR-88
- Temperature 1 – The temperature (in Celsius) is displayed on the LRX screen. If the
Seed Spector used on a dual plot machine, the left plot temperature is displayed.
- Temperature 2 – On a dual plot system, the right plot temperature is displayed.
Calibrate
The Calibrate utility is used to calibrate the different data selections. Below is a brief
description of the utility selections.
- Initialize - This selection is used to initialize (erase) the current calibration before the
generation of a new calibration.
- Generate - This selection is used to create a user-generated calibration from actual
seed samples.
- Upload - This selection allows for calibration files to be transferred to a host computer
for storage and archiving.
- Download - This selection allows for previously saved calibration files to be transferred
from a host computer to the Seed Spector LRX. This feature makes an unlimited
number of calibrations available to the user and enables the calibrations to be easily
transferred.

2
[Reset]
The Reset feature restarts the Seed Spector LRX and does not erase the calibrations.
This feature acts as a soft restart to free up the memory of the unit.
[Set Defaults]
The Set Defaults option loads the factory calibrations stored internally on the Seed
Spector into memory. The default calibrations will erase the current calibrations and
replace them with the default values.
BASIC OPERATIONS
The Seed Spector LRX has three sets of keys consisting of a 2x6 Numeric Key matrix, a
2x6 Operation Key matrix, and 6 in-line Auxiliary keys located under the display. The
basic function of each of these sets of keypads is described below.
Numeric Keys
The ‘0’ through ‘9’ keys are used for inputting numerical values. These keys are used to
manually enter values during the calibration process.
Operation Keys
The functions of the other keys follow.
- ‘ALT’ - Allows for the use of the letter keys displayed in red on the keypad. The ALT
key is not operational in this version of the LRX software.
- ‘ON’ - Turns the power on the Seed Spector LRX. To turn the LRX off, the ALT and
EXE keys need to be pressed.
- Arrows - These keys are used to navigate and select different options.
- Decimal - Used with numeric keys to enter values into SS-LRX during calibration.
- ‘CLR’ - Clears an entire inputted value at once.
- ‘ESC’ - Escapes, or backs out of a menu to a previous menu.
- ‘EXE’ - Executes a function selected on the display, or to input a value.
Auxiliary Keys:
The other keys function as follows:
- ‘TARE’ - Tares the bucket so the empty weight reading is ‘0.0’. If used on a dual
bucket machine, only the left bucket weight is set to zero. This is necessary due to
grain residue buildup in the bucket or drift in the load cell caused by temperature
variations.
- ‘PRINT’ - Sends the data on the SS-LRX screen to the printer.
- ‘CYCLE’ - Cycles the bucket system by powering the SS-LRX relays.
- ‘F1’ - Sends requested data out the control port (see $Q command).
- ‘F2’ - Tares the second bucket weight (WGT2).
- ‘F3’ - Tares both of the test weight values (TWT1 & TWT2).

SEED SPECTOR LRX MANUAL
3
BASIC MENUS
There are several menus that appear often when calibrating and configuring the Seed
Spector LRX. These are shown below with their appropriate name in order for you to
become familiar with them.
!
!!
!Run
Configure Main Menu
!
!!
!1 Plot
1 Plot + TW Configure Menu
!
!!
!MST 1
WGT 1 Data Type Menu
!
!!
!Initialize
Generate Calibration Menu
POWER UP
To operate the system, first turn on the power switch. The following screens will appear
sequentially.
System
Initializing
Seed Spector LRX
by ALMACO
Version 1.25.25
Copyright 2002
Moisture Weight
4.5 0.00
CALIBRATION PROCEDURES
The calibration section is used to calibrate the desired moisture and weight for the
system. Listed below is a brief description of the standard transducer interfaces.
STANDARD INTERFACES
MT1, MT2 Moisture 1 and Moisture 2 (Non-Compensated)
These selections calculate seed moisture from a pieced linear curve without
compensation for temperature and test weight (density). (Calibrations are
generated by the user.)

4
WT1, WT2 Weight 1 and Weight 2
These selections measure total sample weight at each weigh hopper via a
load cell. (Calibrations are generated by the user.)
TM1, TM2 Temperature 1 and Temperature 2
These selections measure the temperature at each moisture probe.
(Calibrations are generated by the user.)
TWT1,TWT2 Test Weight 1 and Test Weight 2
These selections measure test weight via a load cell. (Calibrations are
generated by the user and the volume of the test weight chamber must be
known.)
MOISTURE CALIBRATION
Before beginning, please read the following important moisture calibration procedures.
1. Samples used for calibrating should be uniform and homogeneous. Do not mix
samples of different moistures to obtain intermediate samples. Large chunks of cob
or other trash will cause readings to shift.
2. Samples should enter the moisture-sampling chamber the same way they do when
the combine is harvesting. For calibrating, the samples are poured into the holding
hopper and then dumped into the weigh hopper and moisture chamber from the
holding hopper. This is the same as if the combine were harvesting plots.
3. The combine should be running the same as during harvest. That is, the shakers,
header & cylinder operating at the same RPM as they do when the crop is being
harvested. The machine vibration causes the grain to settle in the moisture-
sampling chamber, so for the calibration to be accurate the conditions must simulate
harvest as close as possible. Also the sample needs to set in the moisture-sampling
chamber for the same amount of time as it normally would during the harvest
procedure and be subject to the same amount of vibration, prior to the calibration
value being entered in the Seed Spector.
4. Care should be used in the handling of higher moisture samples. Exposure to the
air will cause them to loose moisture. So minimize the handling of the samples, and
recheck the moistures after the calibration process is completed to make sure that
they did not change too much.
To calibrate the moisture, use the down arrow to select ‘Calibrate’ from the main menu.
If starting from the run screen, press the ESC key to display the main menu. Press the
EXE key and the calibration data types appear.
!
!!
!MST 1
WGT 1

SEED SPECTOR LRX MANUAL
5
With the arrow highlighting MST 1, press the EXE key to display the calibration menu.
!
!!
!Initialize
Generate
A new moisture calibration requires the user to select and execute ‘Initialize’ after which
the data type had been selected. The Initialize feature erases the old calibration from the
SS-LRX memory. If the initialization is not done, the new moisture points will be added to
the existing calibration causing inaccuracies. Highlight the Initialize option and press the
EXE key.
!
!!
!Init MST 1 ?
NO
Press the down arrow key to move the selection arrow to ‘YES’ and press the EXE key.
After ‘MST 1’ has been initialized, the SS-LRX returns to the calibration menu screen.
NO
!
!!
!YES
The SS-LRX is ready to be calibrated with the known samples. At the calibration menu,
highlight the ‘Generate’ and press the EXE key to display the calibration entry screen.
The ‘MST 1’ indicates the data being calibrated and the ‘New 1’ represents the point of
the calibration.
MST 1 New 1
[ 0.00] 0000
To calibrate the moisture reading the user will need to use several samples of grain, each
with a known moisture percentage. The moisture contents of these samples should be
determined using the ASAE dry down method or a calibrated moisture meter such as the
Dickey-john GAC 2000. To develop the most accurate curve inside the Seed Spector
LRX, it’s recommended that the lowest moisture sample be inputted first. The next
sample needs the highest moisture, which should represent the highest moistures
measured in the field during harvest. After these two samples have been entered, the
remaining grain samples can be input at random. A minimum of two samples is required
for a valid calibration. Three or four samples shoud be used, if a wide range of moistures
is being harvested. Adjacent samples should be no closer than 3-4% in absolute
moisture.

6
Sample Entry
To calibrate the moisture, enter the moisture values in the left side of the display. After
the proper moisture value has been entered, press the right arrow key and move the
brackets around the 0000 value. Place the grain from the holding hopper into the weigh
bucket containing the probe.
MST 1 New 1
12.5 [ 0000 ]
Press the right arrow again and the raw data will appear on the right side of the display.
The value is not a real-time reading, so the right arrow button needs to be pressed again
to verify a stable value being displayed.
MST 1 New 1
12.5 [ 0548 ]
Press the EXE key to accept the stable raw data value. After the value has been
accepted, the SS-LRX will be advance to the next moisture sample. The ‘MST 1’
indicates the same data curve is being calibrated and the ‘New 2’ represents the second
point of the calibration.
MST 1 New 2
[ 0.00] 0000
Repeat this procedure with all of the grain samples. The accuracy of the curve will be
dependent upon the number of samples and the accuracy of the known sample moisture.
When the calibration process is complete, press ESC key three times to return to the
Main Menu.
Manual Entry
To calibrate the moisture with known values, enter the moisture on the left side of the
display. After the proper moisture value has been entered, press the right arrow key and
move the brackets around the 0000 value.
MST 1 New 1
12.5 [ 0000 ]
Using the keypad, manually enter the known raw moisture reading.
MST 1 New 1
12.5 [ 0548 ]

SEED SPECTOR LRX MANUAL
7
After the value has been entered, press the EXE key to accept the setting. Do not press
the right arrow because the entered value will be overwritten with the real-time reading.
After the value has been accepted, the SS-LRX will be advance to the next moisture
sample entry. The ‘MST 1’ indicates the same data curve is being calibrated and the
‘New 2’ represents the second point of the calibration.
MST 1 New 2
[ 0.00] 0000
Repeat this procedure with all of the grain samples. The accuracy of the curve will be
dependent upon the number of samples and the accuracy of the known sample moisture.
When the calibration process is complete, press ESC key three times to return to the
Main Menu.
WEIGHT CALIBRATION
Before beginning, please read the following important weight calibration procedures.
1. The suspension of the weigh bucket should be checked for friction. Any tie rod ends
should rotate freely. All tie rods need to be installed to not influence the weight
readings. The rods should be in the horizontal position. To check for friction, press
down on the weigh hopper and release. With the weight displayed on the Seed
Spector, observe the stabilized weight reading. Then lift up on the weigh hopper
and release, observe the stabilized Seed Spector reading. A variation in the two
readings indicates there is friction in the hopper system. Repeat the procedure
several times to verify. Correct any problems with the hopper suspension before
calibrating the weight.
2. It is recommended that the engine of the combine not be running when the weight is
being calibrated. Or if it is necessary to run the engine, then none of the combine
mechanisms should be engaged to cause excess vibration during the weight
calibration. The calibration routine in the Seed Spector is designed to reject entry of
data if the weight readings are changing too much due to vibration. So it is best to
calibrate with the engine off.
To calibrate the weight, use the down arrow to select ‘Calibrate’ from the main menu.
Press the EXE key and the calibration data types appear.
MST 1
!
!!
!WGT 1
With the arrow highlighting WGT 1, press the EXE key to display the calibration menu.

8
!
!!
!Initialize
Generate
A new weight calibration requires the user to select and execute ‘Initialize’ after the data
type has been selected. The Initialize feature erases the old calibration from the SS-LRX
memory. If the initialization is not done, the new weight points will be added to the
existing calibration causing inaccuracies. Highlight the Initialize option and press the EXE
key.
!
!!
!Init WGT 1 ?
NO
Press the down arrow key to move the selection arrow to ‘YES’ and press the EXE key.
After ‘WGT 1’ has been initialized, the SS-LRX returns to the calibration menu screen.
NO
!
!!
!YES
The SS-LRX is ready to be calibrated with the known samples. At the calibration menu,
highlight the ‘Generate’ and press the EXE key to display the calibration entry screen.
The ‘WGT 1’ indicates the data being calibrated and the ‘New 1’ represents the point of
the calibration.
WGT 1 New 1
[ 0.00] 0000
Only two known weights are necessary for calibrating a load cell. The empty bucket
should provide the first calibration point. Enter the ‘0.0’ in the left side of the display for
the empty bucket weight. Press the right arrow key and move the brackets around the
0000 value.
WGT 1 New 1
0.0 [ 0000 ]
Press the right arrow again and the raw data will appear on the right side of the display.
The value is not a real-time reading, so the right arrow button needs to be pressed again
to verify a stable value being displayed.
WGT 1 New 1
0.0 [ 1234 ]

SEED SPECTOR LRX MANUAL
9
Press the EXE key to accept the stable raw data value. After the value has been
accepted, the SS-LRX will be advance to the next weight value. The ‘WGT 1’ indicates
the same data curve is being calibrated and the ‘New 2’ represents the second point of
the calibration.
WGT 1 New 2
[ 0.00] 0000
Enter the value of the second weight in the left side of the display and press the right
arrow key. Position the known weight in the bucket, so the force of the weight is directly
over the load cell or beam. If the weight isn’t position on the bucket properly, calibration
inaccuracies can occur from bucket tension.
WGT 1 New 2
10.02 [ 0000 ]
Press the right arrow again and the raw data will appear on the right side of the display.
The value is not a real-time reading, so the right arrow button needs to be pressed again
to verify a stable value being displayed.
WGT 1 New 2
10.02 [ 2987 ]
Press the EXE key to accept the stable raw data value. When the calibration process is
complete, press ESC key three times to return to the Main Menu.
MANUAL ENTRY
Use the same procedure described for the moisture calibration to manually enter the
weight calibration. If you plan to use a manual calibration entry, you must write down the
values while you are calibrating, view the file after you are done calibrating, or have an
electronic copy of the file.
TEST WEIGHT CALIBRATION
‘TWT1’ and ‘TWT2’ are the designations for the test weight load cells. Calibrating the test
weight is comparable to calibrating the weight channels. Refer to the WEIGHT
CALIBRATION section and select ‘TWT1’ and ‘TWT2’ appropriately at the Data Type
Menu.

10
INITIALIZING THE RAM
The RAM of LRX maintains the calibrations and setting of the unit. When the unit is off
the RAM is maintained by a 3 volt battery, CR1616 or CR1620. If the data in the RAM
is corrupted, the RAM will need to be initialized. Several problems can corrupt the
RAM: power spikes or surges, incorrect use of software commands, incorrect
calibration procedure, problem with the back up battery. A common cause of spikes or
surges is starting or stopping the engine with the Seed Spector "on".
CAUTION INITIALIZATION OF THE RAM WILL DELETE ALL CALIBRATION FILES
FROM THE SEED SPECTOR LRX!
To initialize the RAM: Disconnect power from the Seed Spector. Remove the cover
(remove the 8 screws that retain the cover.) There is a switch assembly with 8 dip
switches near the front edge of the mother board. Turn switch #1 "off". Connect the
power and turn the Seed Spector back "on". After the Seed Spector has finished
starting up. Set the defaults (see instructions earlier.) Then turn "off" the Seed Spector.
Disconnect the power, turn dip switch #1 back "on", install the cover. Then reconnect
the power and turn the Seed Spector back "on".
At this point you will need to install the calibration files or recalibrate the Seed Spector.

SEED SPECTOR LRX MANUAL
11
SEED SPECTOR LRX CONNECTOR DESCRIPTIONS
J1 - POWER / RELAY CONNECTOR
SOURCE PIN CONNECTION DESCRIPTION
1 12VDC
2 GRD (Ground)
3 K1no(Relay 1 N.O.)
4 K1nc(Relay 1 N.C.)
5 K1com(Relay 1 COM.)
6 K2no(Relay 2 N.O.)
7 K2nc(Relay 2 N.C.)
8 K2com(Relay 2 COM.)
9 K3no(Relay 3 N.O.)
10 K3nc(Relay 3 N.C.)
11 K3com(Relay 3 COM.)
12 K4no(Relay 4 N.O.)
13 K4nc(Relay 4 N.C.)
14 K4com(Relay 4 COM.)
15 NO CONNECTION
16 NO CONNECTION
J2 - REMOTE PORT CONNECTOR
SOURCE PIN CONNECTION DESCRIPTION
1 Y2, COMMON F1,F2,F3
2 X4-F3
3 X3-CYCLE OR F2
4 Y1-COMMON-TARE,PRINT,CYCLE
5 X2-PRINT OR F1
6 X1-TARE
7 R0
8 R1
9 NO CONNECTION
10 NO CONNECTION
11 NO CONNECTION
12 NO CONNECTION
13 RELAY COMMON
14 R3
15 R2

12
J3 - MOISTURE PORT CONNECTOR (Left or Right)
SOURCE PIN CONNECTION DESCRIPTION
1 +10VDC
2 + SIGNAL
3 - SIGNAL
4 GROUND
5 TEMP SENSOR
6 CHASSIS GROUND, SHIELD
8 -10 TO -5 VDC
J4 - WEIGHT PORT CONNECTOR (Left or Right)
SOURCE PIN CONNECTION DESCRIPTION
1 +EXE
2 - EXE
3 + SIG
4 - SIG
5 SHIELD
J5 - EXPANSION PORT CONNECTOR (requires optional relay board)
SOURCE PIN CONNECTION DESCRIPTION
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
J6 - CONTROL PORT CONNECTOR, 9 PIN MALE DSUB
SOURCE PIN CONNECTION DESCRIPTION
2 CPTXD
3 CPRXD
5 SG (Signal Ground)