FARM SCAN 2188 User manual

DIGITAL HAY MOISTURE METER 2188
WITH CALIBRATION CLIP
OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS

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CONTENTS
CONTENTS .......................................................................................................................................................... 2
2.0 GENERAL INFORMATION ....................................................................................................................... 3
3.0 BATTERY INSTALLATION ........................................................................................................................ 3
4.0 OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS ................................................................................................................... 4
4.1 OPERATION ...................................................................................................................................................... 4
4.2 TESTING PROCEDURE &INFORMATION ............................................................................................... 5
4.3 VARIABLES AFFECTING MOISTURE READING .................................................................................... 5
5.0 CALIBRATION ............................................................................................................................................ 6
6.0 CARE AND MAINTENANCE .................................................................................................................... 6
7.0 TROUBLESHOOTING & WARRANTY .................................................................................................... 7
8.0 SPECIFICATIONS ....................................................................................................................................... 8

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2.0 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, especially over 30%.
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 bale, and use the highest reading as a guideline.
Remember : Consult your local agricultural extension office for recommended bailing moisture.
Our tester is for reading moisture in hay. Placing a probe in 100% moisture – water will NOT result i
n a reading of 100%
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.

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4.0 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:
Temperature:
Backlighting:
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!
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.
Press the temperature button. The unit will display the temperature at the
probe tip, firstly in fahrenheit & then degrees.
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.

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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.
For best results: INSERT THE PROBE INTO THE “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.
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.

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5.0 CALIBRATION
Calibration Key:
Calibration Check (Re-calibration)
1. Clean the probe tip. While holding the probe in the air, press and hold the “TICK” 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 “TICK” 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 “TICK” 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.
Steel contacts

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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 open air.
OR
Open air reading of 8.0 is displayed.
Clean probe tip and calibrate moisture
meter
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
Calibrate Unit.
WARRANTY
Farmscan Pty Ltd “Farmscan” 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.
Farmscan Guarantee is subject to the following conditions:
• Faulty equipment must be returned to Farmscan or an authorised repair center at the
owner’s expense and at the owner’s risk.
• If gurantee valid, Farmscan may 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 Farmscan.
• 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.
• Our full warranty & liability statement is available on request or on our website:
www.farmscan.com.au.

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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
Sold & Serviced by:
Farmscan Pty Ltd
ABN 76 632 674 545
Unit 4, 27 Mordaunt Circuit
Canning Vale, WA 6155
Sales Line : [phone]
Support Line : 0480 018 282
www.farmscan.com.au