Martin Lishman Field Check PLUS Guide

Field Check
PLUS
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
and USER GUIDE
Distributed exclusively by
Martin Lishman
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
www.martinlishman.com

1
Introduction
The Field Check PLUS moisture meter is a ground grain meter which
provides quick and simple moisture readings while the processes of
harvesting and drying are taking place. It is an accurate instrument that
gives consistent repeat readings when several samples are taken.
Preparing to take a measurement
1. Inspect the two parts of the grinder cell and lid to make sure they are
clean and empty.
2. To turn on the meter press ON/TEST (by holding ON/TEST the
backlight in the display will switch on).
3. If the temperature of the grain sample differs a great deal from that of
the meter, e.g. when taking measurements directly from the dryer, it is
recommended to preheat the meter as follows:
a. Fill the test cell with the desired crop, grind it and wait approx. 1-2
minutes.
b. Proceed with the normal testing procedure as detailed below.
To select the crop to be tested
1. After pressing ON/TEST the display will show the software version,
followed by the level of the battery and lastly the word MEASURE
(choice of crop).
2. Press ON/TEST again and select the crop to be tested by using the
arrow keys or . To select a different crop press the ESC/OFF button
to return to MEASURE and use arrow keysor to cycle through the
options.
To take a reading
1. Using the built-in measuring cups (9ml and 11ml) in the upper part of
the grinder, measure the quantity required of the crop to be tested. This
is shown in the display alongside the crop name.
2. Screw on the upper part of the grinder and rotate it clockwise until the
two stop pins meet. It is important to rotate to this point to obtain the
correct test result.
Important: Never screw together the upper and lower part of the grinder
when the measuring chamber is empty as serious damage can be done
to the fine grooves of the grinding discs.
3. Press ON/TEST immediately. A series of asterisks will appear across
the screen, followed by the moisture reading. The left side of the display

2
will show the actual moisture content of the sample e.g. 14.5%. The
right side of the display will show the average of the last 4
measurements e.g. %14.8%.
4. A new reading can be made by emptying and cleaning the test cell and
filling it with a new sample. Do not re-test the sample without emptying
and refilling.
Note 1: To ensure accurate repeat measurements, clean both grinder
discs thoroughly with the supplied wire cleaning brush after each
measurement. Remnants of sticky or moist material can be removed by
grinding a dry grain sample.
Note 2: When grinding crops with high water content there may be a
risk of the two grinder discs touching one another so that the display
reads Hi. If this happens, carry out a new measurement with an
increased sample size. Try with approx. 2-3 ml more than the quantity
specified in the display. In particular, when measuring maize with more
than 20 % moisture (and some grass types), 18ml (2x9 ml) must be
measured out for grinding, as stated in the display.
Using the averaging facility
1. Due to the changing nature of grain when being harvested or dried, it is
recommended to take several readings. These will automatically be
used to create an average reading.
2. It is recommended to take 3-5 measurements from the same batch of
grain and use the average as the true moisture content of the grain.
3. Remember to empty, clean and refill the test cell between each reading.
To clear the stored average value
1. Turn on the meter by pressing ON/TEST.
2. When MEASURE appears in the display use the arrow keys or 
until CLEAR AVERAGE is displayed.
3. Accept this choice by pressing ON/TEST. OK will appear in the display
followed by an automatic return to MEASURE.
To turn off the meter
Press the ESC/OFF button and hold it down until the meter has turned off.
The meter will automatically turn off after 90 seconds if no button has been
pressed.

3
To adjust the calibration of the meter
Field Check PLUS is factory calibrated for every crop using the official
methods of measuring moisture content as compiled by ISTA (International
Seed Testing Association). The calibration scales are compiled using
samples of crops grown in normal conditions. Differing growth factors
between years and between varieties can have an effect on the electrical
characteristics of the crop and it can therefore be necessary to recalibrate
the meter. To avoid disputes, it is strongly recommended that Field Check
PLUS is checked against the meter being used by the buyer of the grain
(using grain from the same sample in both cases), and adjusted as
required.
Each crop calibration in the meter can, if necessary, be adjusted
individually up or down by up to 3.9% in increments of 0.1%. This is
achieved as follows:
1. Turn on the meter by pressing ON/TEST.
2. When MEASURE appears in the display use the arrow keys or 
until CALIBRATION is displayed.
3. Accept this choice by pressing ON/TEST.
4. Use the arrow keys or to select the crop that is in need of
calibration adjustment.
5. Accept this choice by pressing ON/TEST. The numeric value +0.0 is
shown in the display (factory calibration).
6. Use the arrow keys or until the desired calibration adjustment
value is displayed. Adjustments can be made in the range from -3.9% to
+3.9%.
7. Accept the selected calibration adjustment value by pressing ON/TEST.
8. An asterisk (*) will appear at the end of the name of the crop if
adjustments have been made compared to the factory calibration.
Battery
1. The meter is supplied with a 9 volt alkaline battery. This should be
installed in the compartment in the underside of the meter.
2. When the battery is in need of replacement the message Change
battery will appear in the display. Only replace it with a high quality 9
volt alkaline battery. Removing the battery has no effect on the
information stored in the meter.
3. To check the level of the battery while in use:
a. Turn on the meter by pressing ON/TEST.

4
b. When MEASURE appears in the display use the arrow keys or 
until BATTERY is displayed. Four bars indicates a full battery
condition, 1 bar indicates a low battery. It is advisable to have an
additional battery close at hand when 1 bar is showing.
How to make your own grain calibration
If you need to make a calibration scale for a particular crop that is not
included in the meter, this can be done as follows:
1. Turn on the meter by pressing ON/TEST.
2. When MEASURE appears press ON/TEST again.
3. Use the arrow keys or to scroll through the crop options until Bit is
displayed.
4. Fill the test cell with a sample of the desired crop for which you know
the moisture content, grind the sample and perform the test as
described earlier.
5. Note down the value which appears in the display, eg. 03.65, and the
temperature, eg. 19C, together with the moisture content in the crop.
Perform this process repeatedly using samples with different levels of
known moisture content until the calibration scale meets the range and
requirements needed. The more samples that are used the more
accurate the calibration will be. Try always to use samples at the same
temperature.
6. Plot the values on a graph, either manually or using Excel, with
moisture content on the y-axis and Bit on the x-axis and draw a line or
curve that best fits the points. The calibration is now completed and
moisture contents can now be read off the y-axis for any Bit value
measured using subsequent samples of the same crop in the meter.
Storage and general use advice
1. It is recommended that you store the meter at all times in the carry case
provided, that the instrument is not exposed to large temperature
fluctuations and that it is kept free of moisture.
2. If the instrument is taken into a warmer environment from a cold storage
location, it is recommended that you allow the unit to acclimatize so that
condensation does not affect the results of the measurement.
3. At the end of the season, wipe all surfaces with a well-wrung damp
cloth and remove the battery from the meter. Clean all parts of the
grinder mechanism and lubricate the spindle with a thin layer of oil.

5
Quick Guide to Display Messages
Symbol: Definition:
*Calibration has been adjusted from the factory setting for the crop
being displayed.
Temperature++ Grain temperature is above upper operating limit (50°C).
Temperature-- Grain temperature is below lower operating limit (0°C).
Hi Grain moisture content is above upper limit (varies with crop).
Lo Grain moisture content is below lower limit (varies with crop).
Change battery Battery needs replacing.
Technical data
Measurements
15 crop calibrations included:
Wheat, Barley, Oats, Rye, Maize, Oil seed rape, Peas, Beans, Triticale,
Red fescue, Rye grass, Linseed, Sunflower, Blue grass, Mustard
Self-calibration facility
Measurement range 5-50% depending on crop
Automatic calculation of mean value (average)
Automatic temperature compensation
Accuracy +/- 0.5% or better by using averaging and self-calibration
Resolution to one decimal point
Manufacture
Grinder parts manufactured in hardened galvanized steel
Grinder with integrated measuring cups
Outer shell manufactured in non-shock ABS plastic
Supplied in shockproof carry case
Backlight display
Dimensions
Meter: 13 x 21 x 8 cm
Case: 32 x 29 x 12cm
Weight including case: 1.8 kg
Power
9 volt alkaline battery
Other
2 year guarantee

6
Technical support, service and calibration checks
Field Check PLUS is manufactured in Denmark by Supertech Agroline and
distributed exclusively by Martin Lishman Ltd. For technical support and
annual servicing contact us as below:
Martin Lishman Ltd
Unit 2B Roman Bank, Bourne, Lincs PE10 9LQ
Tel: [phone]; Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
For a quick calibration check and a certificate suitable for quality assurance
schemes, why not attend one of our grain clinics held each Spring at
machinery dealers across the country. See our website
www.martinlishman.com for details of dates and places.
Warranty
As the instrument is for guidance purposes only, the manufacturer accepts
no liability for damages arising from any consequential losses in
connection with its use, including incorrect display in connection with
settlement of grain. The guarantee covers defects in materials and
manufacturing.
The manufacturer reserves the right to change product specification
without notice.
Full terms and conditions of sale can be supplied on request or viewed on
our website.
© Martin Lishman Ltd June 2012