GrainSense A-2 User manual

GrainSense® Analyzer A-2
User Manual

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Imprint:
Imprint Issue: 05.2022
Manufacturer:
GrainSense Oy
Tutkijantie 9
90590 Oulu
Finland
Contact details can be found on the back page of this manual.
Information
The information included in this manual corresponds to our current state of knowledge
and is no claim for completeness.
This manual is only intended for the GrainSense Analyzer (A-2). Before using the
GrainSense Analyzer, the operator must carefully read the detailed instructions for the
safe and correct usage of the GrainSense Analyzer.
Declaration of conformity
The GrainSense Analyzer A-2 comes with a type label included. It proves that the device
conforms with applicable regulations. The Declaration of Conformity is available upon
request.

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Table of Contents
1. Introduction .................................................................................... 4
2. Safety and correct usage instructions......................................... ....4
2.1 Correct use .................................................................................4
2.2 Avoiding measurement errors .....................................................4
2.3 Exclusion of warranty ................................................................5
3. The GrainSense Solution (with the A-2 Analyzer) ............................ 5
3.1 GrainSense solution architecture................................................5
3.2 The GrainSense Analyzer A-2 ......................................................6
3.2.1 Package contents ..........................................................................6
3.2.2 Grainsense Analyzer A-2 overview ...............................................6
3.3 GrainSense Application...............................................................7
3.4 GrainSense Dashboard................................................................7
3.5 GrainSense Data collection .........................................................8
3.5.1 GDPR guidance...............................................................................8
3.5.2 Data infrastructure and protection..............................................8
3.5.3 Data handling.................................................................................8
3.5.4 User data control ...........................................................................8
4. Setup and operation........................................................................ 9
4.1 Creating a GrainSense User account ...........................................9
4.1.1 Downloading the GrainSense Mobile App from the app store ..9
4.1.2 Registering to GrainSense cloud ..................................................9
4.3 Taking a measurement ................................................................9
4.3.1 Representative sample requirement
for reliable measurements ...........................................................9
4.3.2 Sample size and placement of kernels on the tray...................10
4.3.3 Doing a measurement .................................................................12
4.4 Viewing the results, adding notes, averaging
and sharing results....................................................................13
4.5 Error icons.................................................................................13
5. Maintenance and servicing............................................................ 14
5.1 Cleaning the sample tray...........................................................14
5.2 Replacing the batteries .............................................................14
5.3 Transportation and storage.......................................................14
5.4 Disposal ....................................................................................14
5.5 Updating the calibrations on the GrainSense Analyzer ..............14
5.6 Over The Air Firmware Updates (OTA FU) ...................................15
6. Support ......................................................................................... 15
7. Declaration of Conformity ............................................................. 15

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1. Introduction
Thank you for choosing GrainSense.
In farming, timing is everything. You need to know when to act, when to harvest, in which
order to harvest, when to store, which grains to select for feed, and when to trade. Grain
quality data is key to making all of those decisions.
With GrainSense, you know your grain. You can track your grain quality instantly,
anywhere. You receive reliable data quickly, and you can store results in the cloud along
with their GPS location– so you can make the right decisions to control your outputs.
The GrainSense Analyzer is a battery-powered, handheld grain analyzer with advanced
NIR (Near Infrared) technology. You get reliable protein, moisture, oil and carbohydrate
contents in seconds from just a few kernels.
Know your grain, grow your business.
2. Safety and correct usage instructions
2.1 Correct use
The following points must be observed in order to use the Analyzer in a correct manner:
• Set up and Operation
• Adherence to the maintenance and servicing instructions
• The Analyzer performs best under dry conditions
2.2 Avoiding measurement errors
Observe the following points in order to avoid incorrect measurements:
• Do not take measurements when kernels are green or unripened. GrainSense
calibrations do not include green kernels
• Do not perform all measurements on the same plant when measuring the average
content for the field
• Do not perform all measurements on a small area of the field when measuring the
average content for the field
• Do not measure using old calibration versions. Remember to regularly connect the
Analyzer to your phone to save data and update the latest calibrations
• Do not measure if there is water/humidity on the tray, as it will affect moisture
measurement
• Do not measure if batteries are too low. Change or recharge the batteries every 50 to
150 measurements depending on battery quality and usage
• Do not use samples containing dirt, leafs, straws, etc. since they may interfere
measurements

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2.3 Exclusion of warranty
GrainSense is not liable for the following damages to the Analyzer:
• Damage to the Analyzer following impacts or vibration
• Damage to the Analyzer resulting from moisture or dust
• Damage to the display resulting from applied pressure and scratches
• Malfunctions resulting from cleaning the sample tray with cleaning agents
containing alcohol or other chemicals
• Damage caused by heat or intensive solar radiation: The Analyzer must not be placed
in the immediate vicinity of heat sources or be exposed to direct sunlight
• Incorrect storage
3. The GrainSense Solution (with the A-2 Analyzer)
3.1 GrainSense solution architecture
The key components of the GrainSense solution are the GrainSense Analyzer A-2, the
GrainSense Mobile Application, and the GrainSense cloud-based database.
The three pillars in the GrainSense system are connected as follows:
1. The GrainSense Analyzer measures the grain quality from a few kernels for any
calibrated species. The protein, moisture, carbohydrates and oil contents are measured
in a few seconds. The GrainSense Analyzer A-2 interacts with the GrainSense Mobile
Application via Bluetooth and for Over-the-Air Firmware Updates
2. The GrainSense App connects with the cloud to upload calibrations and other settings
to the GrainSense Analyzer and sends measurements results from the Analyzer to the
cloud-based database.
3. The GrainSense cloud-based database and API store the measurement results
and provide updated calibrations/settings to the GrainSense Analyzer (via the Mobile
application). The cloud services include access to the GrainSense App and the
GrainSense Dashboard.
*Over-the-Air Device Firmware Updates

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3.2 The GrainSense Analyzer A-2
3.2.1 Package contents
The GrainSense Analyzer A-2 Package contains:
• GrainSense Analyzer A-2
• AA batteries, rechargeable batteries are allowed
• GrainSense Cap
• Quick guide
• Set of 4 GrainSense sampling spoons
• Carrying bag
• GrainSense cleaning cloth
3.2.2 Grainsense Analyzer A-2 overview
The GrainSense Analyzer A-2 is a handheld and battery-powered device which measures
grain kernels in the field and determines protein, moisture, carbohydrate, and oil contents.

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3.3 GrainSense Application
GrainSense provides a mobile application for iOS and Android platforms. The App
communicates with the Analyzer via Bluetooth and with the cloud database via REST
API. The App downloads the calibrations and user settings from the cloud and sends
measurement results back to the cloud. It also communicates with the Analyzer for Over
The Air Firmware Updates.
Refer to the GrainSense App sheet for more information.
3.4 GrainSense Dashboard
The GrainSense Dashboard is a great web tool to analyze and manage the measurements
on computer or tablet.
Visit it at https://dashboard.grainsense.com/. Use the same login and password for
logging in the GrainSense Mobile Application. The GrainSense Dashboard also allows the
user to export the data via an .xls or .csv file.
Refer to the GrainSense Dashboard sheet for more information.
Note! As batteries differ widely in performance, the LED color is a rough indication and
the user should change the batteries regularly (every 50-100 measurements).
The GrainSense Analyzer has:
• An LCD display
• Up and down arrow buttons to select
and change view content (If arrows are
shown on the screen)
• Confirmation button to move to the next
phase of the measurement process
• Dedicated power button
• Power on by pressing the button
until the display turns on
• Power off by holding the button
until the display turns off
• Battery light to indicate battery levels
• Green: battery level strong
• Red: batteries should be replaced
soon
• Bluetooth light to indicate a connection
with the GrainSense App
• Blink: seeking connection
• Steady: connected

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3.5 GrainSense Data collection
3.5.1 GDPR guidance
GrainSense is fully compliant with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
The GDPR has been in place since 25.5.2018. and involves all companies handling data
from EU citizens. Data controllers (i.e. company) and data processors (company or
subcontractor) are required to comply and give more power to a person regarding his
data, that includes to:
• Ask explicit consent for all different data types (GPS, email marketing, etc),
describe how to data is used and for what purpose
• Allow users to control the data (delete and export)
Companies must also have an internal guidance (this chapter of the User Manual) on
GDPR.
3.5.2 Data infrastructure and protection
GrainSense acts as a data controller and processor, but for processing, it uses an
outsourced infrastructure (DigitalOcean). GrainSense has taken measures to protect
user data by:
• Applying standard encrypted HTTPS (TLS) communication
• Using proper authorization and authentication methods
• Using enterprise level framework (Java Spring)
• Taking nightly backups of the data (last 30 days)
• Limiting admin rights to the databases (two key persons have access to user’s
personal data)
3.5.3 Data handling
GrainSense gathers data of all registered users to:
• Provide calibrations and other data to users and to their GrainSense Analyzers
• Provide statistical analyses of the user-specific data, and to showing it only to the
user itself
• Verify account status and level
• Store all measured data to provide an access anytime anywhere to the user
• Provide high level customer support and guidance
• Provide higher level statistical data of a specific reason (anonymized) and providing
it to all users
3.5.4 User data control
The user can stop their subscription at any time and ask for their data to be deleted
by sending a request to [email protected] from the account email address.
Deletion is made by completely anonymizing the user data: User details (email, address,
etc) are anonymized and GPS locations changed. However, measured data itself is not
deleted and will be used for statistical purposes.

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4. Setup and operation
4.1 Creating a GrainSense User account
4.1.1 Downloading the GrainSense Mobile App from the app store
GrainSense Mobile App is available at official Google Play and iOS app stores. Search
using “grainsense”. Download and install the app for compatible Android (OS 7.0 or
higher) and iOS (OS 12.0 or higher) phones.
4.1.2 Registering to GrainSense cloud
Registration is done via a separate web application at www.grainsense.com/register.
There are two alternatives to do the registration:
• Alternative 1:
• Open GrainSense App on the mobile phone and click on the “Not yet
registered?” link.
• A web browser is opening from the mobile phone
• Create a GrainSense User Account by filling in the details
• Alternative 2:
• Open a laptop or tablet and go to the registration URL
www.grainsense.com/register
• Create a GrainSense User Account by filling in the details
Follow the instructions on the registration page and don’t forget to verify your account by
clicking on the email you received.
After successful registration, the user can open the GrainSense App and log in using the
email and password provided in the registration application.
4.3 Taking a measurement
4.3.1 Representative sample requirement for reliable measurements
The cornerstones to get reliable measurements with the GrainSense Analyzer are
representative samples and a correct use of the GrainSense Analyzer.
Obtaining a representative sample from a lot of grain is an important and essential part of
the grain inspection process. If the sample is not representative, the final quality results
will not reflect the true quality of the lot.
Taking samples in the field:
• In order to obtain a representative average reading, the measurements must be
carried out randomly distributed across the field.
• When measuring, avoid any atypical areas of the field (e.g. areas with distinctly
different soil properties, such as sand banks or similar)!

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Taking samples from the truck/silo:
• Different guides about grain sampling already exist, including:
• AHDB, UK: Grain sampling guide for cereals and oilseeds.
• USDA, USA: Grain Inspection Handbook - Book I - Sampling.
Note! It is not the responsibility of GrainSense to provide a sampling guide, only
recommendations can be given.
4.3.2 Sample size and placement of kernels on the tray
For most cereals, the size of the sample should be about 60–80 kernels corresponding to
3–5 grams. When kernels are bigger, the number of kernels can be reduced. For rapeseed,
the amount of seed should correspond to about 2 grams.
For a more precise sampling, use the set of GrainSense spoons and choose the proper
spoon size according to the grain type selected (2.5ml for rapeseed and 5ml for cereals:
wheat, barley, oats and rye). The 2.5ml spoon is also used to sample maize and soybean.
Sample size of different species
Wheat 3g/5ml Evenly spread across Tray
Barley 3g/5ml Evenly spread across Tray
Oats 3g/5ml Evenly spread across Tray
Rye 3g/5ml Evenly spread across Tray
Rapeseed 2g/2.5ml Towards bottom of Tray, no
overlapping
Maize 2x2.5ml
Evenly spread across the
Glassless Tray*. Refer
to Instructions for the
Glassless Tray.
Soybean 2x2.5ml
Evenly spread across the
Glassless Tray*. Refer
to Instructions for the
Glassless Tray.
The GrainSense Analyzer will also tell you whether the sample is too big or too small
with an error message. In this case, take the sample away from the tray and start from
the beginning (as for a new measurement).
* Glassless Tray is used for bigger kernels and sold as an additional accessory.

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The tray shall be loaded as follows:
Wheat Barley Oat Rye
Rapeseed Maize
When taking measurements from a larger batch of grain, it is important to remember
the following:
• Make sure the subsample taken has come from a larger sample that has been
mixed as well as possible.
• For better results, one should take several subsamples and average the results
together in the app.
• Try to avoid any foreign matter from being placed on the tray in addition to the
species being tested.
Soybean

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4.3.3 Doing a measurement
Connect the Analyzer to your phone
• Turn on Bluetooth and location services
• Go to the settings of your smartphone and make sure both Bluetooth and the
location services are on.
• For the first connection, a working internet connection is needed on your
smartphone.
• Turn on the GrainSense Analyzer and make the connection.
• Turn on your Analyzer
• The blue light on it will blink while it searches for your phone.
• In the GrainSense App, go to the “Analyzer” tab and click on the button
“Connect analyzer”.
• The GrainSense App will tell you once it is connected to your Analyzer. The
Analyzer blue light will stop blinking and it will update settings.
Adjust your Analyzer settings from the App
• Select the species you want to analyze
• In the App “Analyzer” tab, press the button “Select calibration” and choose the
species you want to load onto your Analyzer.
• Your Analyzer will update automatically. Only one species can be loaded at a
time.
• Configure an IBA (Individual Bias Adjustment) if needed
• You can use the IBA feature to adjust your GrainSense Analyzer to a local
reference.
• Click on “Configure corrections”.
• If needed, you can disable the auto shutdown of your Analyzer.
Please note that excel file for IBA calculation can be accessed from the GrainSense
Dashboard.
Make a measurement and send it to the App
• Make the reference measurement
• Press (o), verify that the sphere is empty and press again (o).
• The reference measurement takes only a couple of seconds.
• Load your sample and analyze
• Open the cover and load the right amount of grains by using the GrainSense
spoons.
• The sample size depends on the species you are analyzing
• Send the results to the App
• Results are displayed on the Analyzer, press (o) twice to send them to the App
• When you’re done, remember to open the cover and completely empty the sample
tray.

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4.4 Viewing the results, adding notes, averaging and sharing results
You can view the results and add notes to a measurement after you have sent the results
from the Analyzer to your phone. You can also share the results from the App.
Refer to the GrainSense App sheet for more information.
4.5 Error icons
7 error icons have been defined and can be displayed on the GrainSense Analyzer A-2
screen, those icons are presented in the table below.
Icon Instruction
Wait
Turn on/Turn off
Try again
Sample too big, try again with a
smaller sample
Sample too small, try again with
a bigger sample
Change the batteries
Servicing required, contact your
Distributor or GrainSense at
[email protected]
A combination of icons can also be displayed. Each icon will correspond to a step you
have to take in order to get a reliable measurement.
For example, the error icon combination on your Analyzer’s screen below would mean:
Wait a bit, then try again, if the error persists servicing is required so contact your Distrib-
utor or GrainSense at [email protected]

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5. Maintenance and servicing
5.1 Cleaning the sample tray
The sampling tray of the GrainSense Analyzer should be kept clean and the batteries
changed when needed.
The tray is removable and opens by turning it counter clockwise, about 10 degrees.
Note! Never use running water or chemical cleaning agents on the sample tray (e.g.
domestic cleaner, alcohol or cleaning solvent). If required, clean the sample tray with a
dry, clean, soft cloth.
5.2 Replacing the batteries
The batteries should be changed when needed:
• Turn off the GrainSense Analyzer.
• Open the battery cover with a flathead screwdriver
• Replace the old batteries with new batteries of the same type: 6 x AA Alkaline. We
recommend using AA batteries labelled for industrial use for maximum performance
(i.e. optimized for high drainage) or rechargeable batteries.
• Make sure the batteries are inserted into the Analyzer properly.
• Close the cover tightly with a flathead screwdriver.
5.3 Transportation and storage
The GrainSense Analyzer should always be transported and stored in the GrainSense
carrying bag. Avoid knocking the Analyzer or scratching the display. Only take the Analyzer
out from the carrying bag when measuring.
5.4 Disposal
The GrainSense Analyzer and batteries may not be disposed of in normal domestic
rubbish. Please refer to your local regulations for disposal.
5.5 Updating the calibrations on the GrainSense Analyzer
To assure the accuracy of the measurement, the GrainSense Analyzer should be con-
nected regularly to the GrainSense App to upload the latest updates from the GrainSense
cloud.
When new calibration updates are available, the GrainSense App and the GrainSense An-
alyzer should be connected with internet connection on the phone. It is advised to push
the button “Update settings” from the GrainSense App “Analyzer” page in order to push
the news settings to the Grainsense Analyzer.

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5.6 Over The Air Firmware Updates (OTA FU)
The GrainSense Analyzer A-2 supports Over The Air Firmware Updates (OTA FU). This
means that when a new firmware update is available, you will be able to download it from
the GrainSense App and then transfer the update to your Analyzer remotely!
If there is a firmware update available for your Analyzer and you have connected your
Analyzer to your GrainSense App, you will see in the “Analyzer” App tab a screen informing
you that an update is available. You only need to push the button “Update now”, and it will
start the download. Firmware Update lasts usually from 5 to 10 minutes. During that time,
the Analyzer should not be disconnected from your App. Please before doing a firmware
update, verify that you have deactivated the auto shutdown of your Analyzer in the Grain-
Sense App’s “Analyzer” tab.
Once the new software upload is complete, your Analyzer will disconnect, restart and
install the new software. Do not touch the Analyzer during this process.
6. Support
Support materials are available on GrainSense Website at any time.
In case you need further help, please contact your local GrainSense distributor or send an
email to the GrainSense support team: [email protected]. Contact details can be
found in the GrainSense App.
7. Declaration of Conformity
GrainSense Oy (FI2630019-1)
Tutkijantie 9 B
90590 Oulu,
Finland
Declares under our sole responsibility that the product:
GrainSense Analyzer
Is compliant with the following directives:
-Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU
-Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU
-RoHS III 2015/863
-WEEE 2012/19/EU
A digital version of this declaration is available from the manufacturer on request.

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CONTACT
For any support, please
contact your salesperson or
[email protected]
GRAINSENSE.COM