farmex GMTGrind User manual

Operators Manual
GMTGrind™
Grain Moisture Tester
ENGLISH
Jun 2009

THANK YOU for purchasing a Farmex product.
READ THIS MANUAL carefully to learn how to operate and service
your GMTGrind™ Grain Moisture Tester correctly. Failure to do so
could result in personal injury or equipment damage.
THIS MANUAL SHOULD BE CONSIDERED a permanent part of your
GMTGrind™ Grain Moisture Tester.
RECORD SERIAL NUMBERS in the Service section. Accurately
record all the numbers. AgraTronix needs these numbers when you
order parts. If this manual is kept with the GMTGrind™, also file the
identification numbers in a secure place separate from the
GMTGrind™.
WARRANTY is provided through AgraTronix for customers who oper-
ate and maintain their GMTGrind™ Grain Moisture Tester as described
in this manual. The warranty is explained in the warranty section
located on Page 30-1.
This warranty provides you the assurance that AgraTronix will back
its products where defects appear within the warranty period. In some
circumstances, AgraTronix also provides field improvements, often
without charge to the customer, even if the product is out of warranty.
Should the equipment be abused or modified to change specifications,
the warranty will become void and field improvements may be denied.
Introduction

Contents
Safety................................................................................................... ii
Parts
Contents of the GMTGrind™ Case .................................................05-1
Operation
Testing and Replacing the Battery...................................................10-1
Important Calibration Notes.............................................................10-2
Sample Taking .................................................................................10-3
Measurement of the Grain Sample..................................................10-3
Calculation of the Average Value.....................................................10-4
Calibration .......................................................................................10-5
Adjustment of the LCD Display Contrast .........................................10-5
Specifications ................................................................................20-1
Warranty and Service....................................................................30-1
Manufacturer’s Contact Information............................................40-1
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

Safety
RECOGNIZE SAFETY INFORMATION
This is a 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
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.
Learn how to operate the machine and how to use controls properly.
Do not let anyone operate without instruction.
Keep your machine in proper working condition. Unauthorized modifica-
tions to the machine may impair the function and/or safety and affect
machine life.
If you do not understand any part of this manual and need assistance,
contact AgraTronix customer service at [phone].
ii

Parts
CONTENTS OF THE GMTGrind™ CASE
The GMTGrind™ case includes:
• GMTGrind™ Grain Moisture Tester
• Carrying Case
• Cleaning Brush
• Operation Instructions
• 9V Alkaline Battery (Installed)
05-1

Operation
TESTING AND REPLACING THE BATTERY
Turn the GMTGrind™ Grain Moisture Tester on by pressing and releasing the
ON/OFF button.
When the tester starts up, the text BATT and the battery voltage will be
displayed briefly. When the tester is on, battery voltage can be viewed by
doing the following:
Press the arrow keys until the text BATT is displayed in the lower left
corner of the LCD display.
The battery voltage will now be displayed in the lower right corner of the
display.
The battery voltage should be higher than 7.2V. If the voltage drops
below 7, the GMTGrind™ Grain Moisture Tester automatically turns off.
The battery box is located on the end of the tester (see Figure 1 below). To
replace the battery, slide the battery door towards the top of the tester, then
pull the battery compartment out. Replace the battery.
Remove the battery from the tester if the tester is not going to be used for a
long period of time. To ensure the correct functioning of the tester, replace
the battery when needed. If a fault in the tester is suspected, always test the
battery first.
NOTE: A battery slowly discharges itself even if the tester is not used.
10-1
Figure 1.
Battery box.

IMPORTANT CALIBRATION NOTES
The GMTGrind™ Grain Moisture Tester should be calibrated to match a
reference moisture tester before using it.
See instructions on page 10-5.
If the display shows “——” or “++++”, the measured moisture is out of range.
“——” means that the sample is too dry or that the grinder is disconnected.
“++++” means that the sample is too wet or that the grinder is short circuited.
If you feel that the sample is within the above range, try using a larger test
sample. For example, test 11 ml instead of 9 ml.
Store the tester in a dry place, preferably at room temperature. Do not drop
the tester or get it wet. Remove the battery when storing the tester for long
periods of time or when not in use.
Operation
10-2

Operation
MEASURING THE MOISTURE
SAMPLE TAKING
Always take several samples from different
locations of the grain. Define the grain moisture
content by calculating the average value of the
measurements.
Remove foreign material from the
grain samples.
Remember that the moisture inside the
grain dryer varies up until the final stages
of the drying process.
MEASUREMENT OF THE
GRAIN SAMPLE
Start the tester by pressing and
releasing the ON/OFF button.
Select grain by using the arrow
keys.
The correct sample size is shown on
the upper right corner of the display,
e.g. “9 ml”.
Fill the test cell with grain, according
to the displayed amount, by using
the measuring cup in the cap to
measure the correct amount of
grain, either 9 or 11 ml (see
Figure 2).
Pour grain into the test cell and
distribute evenly around the the cell
(see Figure 3).
Mount the upper grinding cap and
turn the cap until it reaches the
stopper (see Figures 4 and 5).
10-3
Figure 2.
Measure
grain.
Figure 3.
Pour grain
into cell.
Figure 4.
Turn cap.
Figure 5.
Cap
reaches
stopper.

CALCULATION OF THE AVERAGE VALUE
The GMTGrind™ Grain Moisture Tester automatically calculates and displays
the average value of the last measurements.
The average value is shown on the lower right hand corner of the display.
The current measurement value displays on the left.
For the first measurement, the average value will be the same as the current
measurement value. After the second measurement, the average value is
the average of the two measurements. When four or more measurements
have been made, the meter will always show the average of the last four
measurements.
The average measurement will remain in the memory after the meter is
turned off.
The average value is automatically reset when changing to a different grain.
Press and release the TEST button
and the testing countdown will begin.
When the display reaches zero,
the result is ready and average
measurement is updated. The current
moisture measurement is on the
left, and the average measurement
reading is on the right (see Figure 6).
After measuring, clean the test cell
using the wire brush that is included
with the GMTGrind™ Grain Moisture
Tester kit (see Figure 7).
The cleaning of all grain from the
test cell is important, since the next
measurement may be inaccurate if
the test cell is not cleaned properly!
The tester will automatically turn off
when it is not in use.
Operation
10-4
Figure 6.
Reading
on the
display.
Figure 7.
Cleaning
the cell.

Operation
CALIBRATION
The GMTGrind™ Grain Moisture Tester should be calibrated to match a
reference moisture tester.
a. Measure a sample with the reference moisture tester. For the purposes of
this example, it will be called Result A.
b. Measure the moisture with the GMTGrind™ Grain Moisture Tester. For the
purposes of this example, it will be called Result B.
c. The offset value is Result A minus Result B, e.g. 17.3 - 16.6 = 0.7 %.
d. The offset value is changed by pressing and releasing both arrow keys
simultaneously. Now the offset value can be changed by using the arrow
keys.
e. Using the example, set the offset value at 0.7 %, and press the TEST
button to return to the previous mode. Press the TEST button again to test
the change.
This adjustment is stored for each grain.
ADJUSTMENT OF THE LCD DISPLAY CONTRAST
The LCD display contrast can be adjusted by pressing the ON/OFF and
TEST buttons simultaneously. Continue holding both buttons until “contrast” is
displayed in the lower left corner of the display. Choose the best setting using
arrow keys. When finished, press and release the TEST button again.
CAUTION: Decreasing the LCD contrast too much will result in not being able
to see the characters.
10-5

Specifications
– Easy to read LCD display
– Calculation of average value of measurements
– Individual offset adjustment on each crop
– Display of battery voltage
Battery 9 Volt Alkaline
Accuracy + / – 0.5% of grain moisture (below 18%)
Calculation of
Average Measurements Automatic averaging on the last
four measurements
Offset Adjustment + / – 10% on each grain
Display Contrast Adjustable
Measuring Range Barley 10-30%
Winter Barley 10-30%
Wheat 10-30%
Buckwheat 10-30%
Oats 10.5-35%
Rye 10-30%
Triticale 10.5-35%
Peas 10-28%
Corn 11-50%
Soybeans 10-28%
Rapeseed (Canola) 6-25%
Sunflower 6-25%
Linseed 6-28%
White Mustard 6-28%
Red Clover 8-33%
White Clover 7-40%
Ryegrass 10-30%
Temperature Range Measuring range approximately 0˚C to 50˚C
Cabinet Aluminum
Test Cell Hardened steel
Weight 4.4 lbs.
20-1

30-1
Warranty and Service
If the GMTGrind™ Grain Moisture Tester should display inaccurate readings
or cease to operate, follow these steps:
1. Review this manual, particularly the Operations sections.
2. Call our toll-free number, [phone], 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
GMTGrind™’s 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 Farmex 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 RETURNED 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 GMTGrind™ has a serial number identification. Note this serial
number on the appropriate line on the next page and refer to it in all com-
munication with the factory.
WARRANTY
The Farmex™ GMTGrind™ Grain Moisture Tester is guaranteed by AgraTronix to be free
from defects in materials and workmanship for one year 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 the GMTGrind™ 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.

RECORD SERIAL NUMBER
NOTE: The tester serial number is located on the bottom of the unit.
Write your model number, serial number and date of purchase in the space
provided below. AgraTronix needs this information when ordering parts and
when filing warranty claims.
Date of Purchase __________________________________
Serial No. ________________________________________
Model No. ________________________________________
(To be filled in by purchaser)
Warranty and Service
30-2

Manufacturer’s Contact Information
Toll-Free [phone]
1 [phone]
FAX [phone]
http://www.agratronix.com
10375 State Route 43
Streetsboro, OH 44241
U.S.A.
40-1