GREISINGER electronic BaleCheck 100 User manual

H63.0.11.6C-01
GREISINGER electronic GmbH
as of version 1.0 BaleCheck 100
Operating Manual
Hay and straw humidity measuring device
WEEE-Reg.-Nr. DE 93889386

H63.0.11.6C-01 Operating Manual BaleCheck 100 page 2 of 10
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Index
1GENERAL NOTE .......................................................................................................................................2
2SAFETY........................................................................................................................................................3
2.1 INTENDED USE.........................................................................................................................................3
2.2 SAFETY SIGNS AND SYMBOLS...................................................................................................................3
2.3 SAFETY GUIDELINES.................................................................................................................................3
3PRODUCT SPECIFICATION...................................................................................................................4
3.1 SCOPE OF SUPPLY.....................................................................................................................................4
3.2 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE ADVICE..................................................................................................4
4HANDLING .................................................................................................................................................5
4.1 DISPLAY ELEMENTS .................................................................................................................................5
4.2 CONTROL ELEMENTS................................................................................................................................5
4.3 START OF OPERATION...............................................................................................................................5
4.4 SELECTION OF THE CHARACTERISTIC CURVE............................................................................................5
5PRINCIPLES OF THE MEASUREMENTS............................................................................................6
5.1 MOISTURE RATING (WET -MEDIUM -DRY )....................................................................................6
5.2 MOISTURE U AND WATER CONTENT W......................................................................................................6
5.3 TEMPERATURE COMPENSATION................................................................................................................6
5.4 AUTO-HOLD FUNCTION............................................................................................................................6
5.5 MEASURING PRACTICE.............................................................................................................................7
6CONFIGURATION OF THE DEVICE....................................................................................................8
7ERROR AND SYSTEM MESSAGES......................................................................................................8
8RESHIPMENT AND DISPOSAL..............................................................................................................9
9SPECIFICATION........................................................................................................................................9
1 General Note
Read this document carefully and get used to the operation of the device before you use it.
Keep this document within easy reach near the device for consulting in case of doubt.
Mounting, start-up, operating, maintenance and removing from operation must be done by quali-
fied, specially trained staff that have carefully read and understood this manual before starting any
work.
The manufacturer will assume no liability or warranty in case of usage for other purpose than the
intended one, ignoring this manual, operating by unqualified staff as well as unauthorized modifica-
tions to the device.
The manufacturer is not liable for any costs or damages incurred at the user or third parties be-
cause of the usage or application of this device, in particular in case of improper use of the device,
misuse or malfunction of the connection or of the device.
The manufacturer is not liable for misprints.

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2 Safety
2.1 Intended Use
The BaleCheck 100 is a material moisture measuring device with moisture display and rating.
The slim and robust measuring probe makes the set a first-class tool for humidity measurements of
pressed straw or hay (bales) and grain.
The Probe included to the set is connected to the device by a BNC-plug.
Depending on the application either the material moisture u (based on dry matter) or the water con-
tent w (based on wet total mass) can be displayed.
Please consider the information “Measuring precision” in chapter 5.5
2.2 Safety signs and symbols
Warnings are labelled in this document with the followings signs:
DANGER
Caution! This symbol warns of imminent danger, death, serious
injuries and significant damage to property at non-observance.
Attention! This symbol warns of possible dangers or dangerous
situations which can provoke damage to the device or environ-
ment at non-observance.
Note! This symbol point out processes which can indirectly influ-
ence operation or provoke unforeseen reactions at non-
observance.
2.3 Safety guidelines
This device has been designed and tested in accordance with the safety regulations for electronic
devices. However, its trouble-free operation and reliability cannot be guaranteed unless the stand-
ard safety measures and special safety advises given in this manual will be adhered to when using
the device.
1. Trouble-free operation and reliability of the device can only be guaranteed if the device is not
subjected to any other climatic conditions than those stated under "Specification".
If the device is transported from a cold to a warm environment condensation may cause in a fail-
ure of the function. In such a case make sure the device temperature has adjusted to the ambi-
ent temperature before trying a new start-up.
2. If there is a risk whatsoever involved in running it, the device has to be switched off
immediately and to be marked accordingly to avoid re-starting.
Operator safety may be a risk if.
- there is visible damage to the device.
- the device is not working as specified.
- the device has been stored under unsuitable conditions for a longer time.
In case of doubt, please return device to manufacturer for repair or maintenance.
3. Do not use these products as safety or emergency stop devices or in any other ap-
plication where failure of the product could result in personal injury or material dam-
age.
Failure to comply with these instructions could result in death or serious injury and
material damage.
DANGER
DANGER

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4. This device must not be used at potentially explosive areas!
The usage of this device at potentially explosive areas increases danger of defla-
gration, explosion or fire due to sparking.
5. Avoid injuries by handling the sharp measuring probe carefully!
3 Product Specification
3.1 Scope of supply
The scope of supply includes:
Handheld meter BaleCheck 100
Measuring probe GSF 40
9V battery
Operating Manual
Protection bag ST-KR
3.2 Operation and maintenance advice
a.) Battery operation:
If ‘bAt’ is shown in the lower display the battery has been used up and needs to be replaced.
However, the device will operate correctly for a certain time.
The battery has to be taken out, when storing device above 50 °C.
We recommend taking out battery if device is not used for a longer period of time.
After recommissioning the real-time clock has to be set again.
b.) Treat device and sensor carefully. Use only in accordance with above specification. (do not
throw, hit against etc.). Protect plug and socket from soiling.
3.3 The measuring probe GSF 40
isolator
probe tip probe tube
100
minimum immersion
DANGER
DANGER

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4 Handling
4.1 Display elements
1: Main display Display of the current moisture or water
content
2: Material display The name of the selected material char-
acteristic curve is displayed
3: Moisture display Moisture rating via bar graph:
4: HLD The measuring value is ‘frozen‘
(hold-key)
4.2 Control elements
Key 1: Ein on/off key,
Press long: switch device off
Press shortly:changeover between measuring display
and temperature adjustment
Key 2: sort
Selection of characteristic curve: p.r.t. chapter 4.4
Key 3: hold:
press shortly: The measuring current value is ‚frozen‘
('HLD' is displayed)
4.3 Start of operation
Switch the device on with the key .
After segment test the device displays some information to its configuration:
P.OF if the automatic-off-function is activated (p.r.t. chapter0)
The device is ready for measuring afterwards.
4.4 Selection of the characteristic curve
Selection of characteristic curve: by pressing the next characteristic curve will be selected.
The use of inappropriate characteristics can cause faulty measurements!
Selectable material characteristics:
Display Characteristic curve
R E F Reference characteristic
X E U Hay
S T R Straw
GE T Grain (wheat, barley, rye)


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5 Principles of the measurements
5.1 Moisture rating ( WET - MEDIUM - DRY )
In addition to the measuring value there is a moisture rating via bar graph:
Therefore the determination ‘wet’ or ‘dry’ is easy and comfortable for most applications and has no
longer be deduced from literature and tables.
However, this rating can only be a first approximate value, because factors like the ap-
plication field of the measured material have to be taken into account for the final rating.
Experience and knowledge can only be supported by this instrument, not replaced!
5.2 Moisture u and water content w
Either moisture u or water content w is needed according to the application. The BaleCheck 100 is
supposed to be used the unit moisture u (relating to oven-dry mass). In some cases, like rating of
combustibles, the water content w may be more suitable.
The instrument can be configured to both of the values, please refer to chapter 6.
Moisture u (relating to oven-dry mass) –recommended setting
The unit is %u (also common: % atro, weight percent)
mass wet : mass of the sample (= total mass = masswater + mass dry)
mass water : mass of the water contained in the sample
mass dry : mass of the oven-dried sample after (water has been evaporated)
Example: 1 kg wet hay that contains 500 g water has a moisture u of 100%
Water content w (= moisture relating to wet total mass)
The unit is % w.
Example: 1 kg wet hay that contains 500 g water has a water content of 50%
5.3 Temperature compensation
The temperature compensation is important for a reliable moisture-measuring.
There for the device features a manual temperature compensation input.
According to the selected material characteristic curve the device will use the associated tempera-
ture compensation.
Temperature selection:
• press shortly : in the left display will appear: t.°C or t.°F
• set the temperature by pressing or .
• press again to switch back to the measuring display.
5.4 Auto-Hold function
Particularly when measuring dry materials, electrostatic charges and other similar noise could dither
the measuring value. With activated auto-hold function the device will acquire an exact measuring
value automatically. During that, the device could be put down to avoid noise through discharge of
the clothing etc.
After having acquired the measuring value, the display will change to ‘HLD’: The value will be fro-
zen as long as a new measuring is initiated by pressing key 3 (hold).
moisture u[%] = ( (mass wet - mass dry ) / mass dry) *100
or: moisture u[%] = (mass water / mass dry) *100
water content [%] = ( (mass wet - mass dry) / mass wet) *100
or: water content [%] = (masse water / mass wet) *100


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5.5 Measuring Practice
The measuring values
For storability and evaluation of quality and purpose the BaleCheck measuring is a valuable deci-
sion support –Beside other criteria like smell (mouldy?)–consistency (dust…) and look (color,
dirt…).
For freshly harvested material like straw, hay and grain the following can be recommended:
below 16 % uMaterial is sufficiently dry and storable
16 - 20 % u Material contains significant moisture, eventually dry it before storage
above 20 % u Material contains excess moisture, stop harvesting if possible!
Irregular moisture distributions
Please consider: depending on storage and harvesting procedure, there can be irregular distribu-
tions of moisture within the bales or grain heaps/stores.
Measuring precision
The Instrument is no high-precision instrument and is designed for approximate determination of
material moisture. Depending on state and sort of material there may be deviations. The strength of
the measuring system lies within the ability, due to the construction and usability, to gather fast and
comfortably many measurements spread over the bale/store (deep inside, at the floor, at critical
weathered places..) –in practical use this often is much more valuable than single precision meas-
urements and also is a valuable supplement to single precision measurements!
Minimum immersion / minimum amount of material
For best measuring results, the black isolator at the probe tip has to be completely immersed into
the material plus at least 5 cm of the stainless steel shaft has to be in good contact to the material.
When measuring grain, try to use at least ~ 500ml of grain, covering the probe tip and ensure to
have enough contact/compressed grain around the probe –In heaps/stores higher than 30 cm and
minimum immersions of 20 cm no additional measures have to be taken; otherwise the measure-
ment values may be too low.
Keep probe clean!
Especially when measuring in wet hay, the probe may be soiled very strong, this may produce to
low measuring displays.
Soilded probe -> wrong measuring!
In hard cases we suggest fine grinding fleece o rat least suitable household sponges for cleaning.
Do not use steel wool!
Display values at air
If the probe is not correctly in contact to material, the instrument may display any value!
This is caused by the design and measurement method.
At values above 25% u the measurement precision decreases!
But decision making in this range is: Wet is wet, no matter how wet!

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6 Configuration of the device
Follow these instructions to configure the functions of the device:
Switch the device off.
Press and keep it pressed, while turning the device on (press shortly).
Release the sort-button not before the first parameter “P.OF” is displayed.
Set parameter with up or down .
Jump to the next parameter by pressing .
Parameter Value Information
button buttons
.Auto Power-Off (turn-off delay) factory setting: 20 min.
1 …120 Auto Power-Off (turn-off delay) in minutes.
If no key is pressed for the time adjusted here, the device is automati-
cally switched off (adjustable 1 .. 120 min.).
0F Auto power-off is deactivated (continuous operation)
.Display unit of moisture factory setting: %u
%u Measuring value displayed in moisture %u
%w Measuring value displayed in water content %w
.Display unit of temperature input factory setting: °C
°(Temperature input in °C
°FTemperature input in °F
.
Auto Hold factory setting: oF
0F AutoHold deactivated: pressing hold-key freezes measuring and re-
leases it again.
ON AutoHold activated: hold-key starts new measuring, the display will
be ‘frozen’ as soon as a stable measuring value
was detected.
Press again to store the changed settings, the device restarts (segment test).
NOTE: If there is no key pressed within the menu mode within 2 minutes, the configuration will
be cancelled, the entered settings are lost!
7 Error and System Messages
E. 1 Value exceeding measuring range, value too high
E. 7 System error - the device has detected a system error
(device defective or not within operating temperature)
Value below display range
The blinking bAt display indicates low battery voltage, device will continue to work for a
short time.
The battery is consumed and has to be changed.
Measurements are no longer possible.

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8 Reshipment and Disposal
8.1 Reshipment
DANGER
All devices returned to the manufacturer have to be free of any residual of measuring
media and/or other hazardous substances. Measuring residuals at housing or sensor
may be a risk for persons or environment.
Use an adequate transport package for reshipment, especially for fully functional devic-
es. Please make sure that the device is protected in the package by enough packing
materials.
8.2 Disposal
Batteries must not be disposed in the regular domestic waste but at the designated col-
lecting points.
The device must not be disposed in the unsorted municipal waste! Send the device di-
rectly to us (sufficiently stamped), if it should be disposed. We will dispose the device
appropriate and environmentally sound.
9 Specification
Measurement
Method resistive material-moisture-measuring via external meas. probe
Characteristic curves 3 material characteristic curves for hay, straw and grain
additonal reference curve for high-resolution relative measurement
Measuring ranges 0,0 … 50 %w (water content)
0,0 … 100 %u (material moisture)
Resolution 0,1 %, over 19.9 %: 1 % (for %u and %w)
Moisture rating 6-stage bar graph display from WET to DRY
Accuracy the achievable accuracy depends significantly on the application and
the properties of the measured material!
Display 2 displays for material and measured value
Pushbuttons 3 membrane keys for on/off switch, menu operation, characteristic
curve selection, hold-function etc.
Hold function press button to freeze current value
Operating conditions -25 to 50 °C; 0 to 80 %RH (non condensing)
Storage temperature -25 to 70 °C
Power supply 9 V block battery, type IEC 6F22 (included)
Current consumption approx. 1.8 mA
Used battery display bAt” displayed if battery used, warning: “bAt” blinking
Auto-Off-Function device will be automatically switched off if not operated for longer time
(adjustable from 1..120min)
Housing impact-resistant ABS plastic housing, front side IP65
Dimension ~ 106 x 67 x 30 mm (H x W x D)
Weight ~ 170 g (incl. battery and protection bag)
Probe stainless stell
Dimension probe length: approx. 600 mm, Ø 10 mm
Weight approx. 270 g
Cable length approx. 1 m, fixed to probe, BNC-plug
EMC The device corresponds to the essential protection ratings established
in the Regulations of the Council for the Approximation of Legislation
for the member countries regarding electromagnetic compatibility
(2004/108/EG), additional error: < 1% FS

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