Supertech agroline Farmpoint User manual

Farmpoint User Manual
Instruction manual
Bedienungsanleitung
Notice d’utilisation
Manuale di Istruzioni
Gebruiksaanwijzing
Bruksanvisning
Instrucciones de uso
Instrukcja obsługi
Ver 1.1.0 GB
Page 1/12

Farmpoint MANUAL
The Original Grain Moisture Analyser For Grain And Seeds
User Information 3
General Safety Instruction 3
Highlights & Features 4
Introduction 4
Package Content 5
Part Locator 5
Keypad 5
Instructions 6
Prepare and Make a Measurement 6
Adjusting the Calibration of the Meter 7
Farmpoint Settings and Menu´s 8
MEASURE 8
BATTERY 8
CLEAR AVERAGE 8
CALIBRATION 9
Some more valuable information about the moisture meter 9
Using the averaging facility 9
Battery 9
Storage and Advice for General Usage 9
Auto Turn OFF time - Setting 10
How to make your own grain calibration 10
Quick Guide to Display Messages 11
Technical Specifications 11
Troubleshooting 11
EU WEEE Statement 12
EU Declaration of Conformity 12
Warranty 12
Ver 1.1.0
GB
Page 2/12

User Information
Warning/ Danger symbols used in this User Manual:
These notes identify hazards which have a high probability of resulting in death
or serious physical injury if not avoided.
These notes identify hazards that can result in moderate or mild injuries if not avoided.
These notes identify hazards associated with the risk of material damage.
These notes identify information that are important for the usage and maintenance of
the device.
These notes identify hazards associated with disposal of the product.
General Safety Instruction
Guidelines and General Information
The analyzer complies with EU Directives and standards, among other regulations, for
electrical safety and electromagnetic compatibility. Inaccurate usage or handling may,
however, result in damage to the product and small to medium injuries.
The analyzer is powered by a 9-volt Alkaline battery. Extra precautions should be taken, when
handling the battery. Removing a leaking battery should be done while wearing protective
gloves, whereafter the contacts must be cleaned with a soft cloth.
Before using the device, please read and understand this user manual, including the safety
instructions.
Always keep the equipment and analyzer freely accessible and stored in it’s ABS carry case.
The instrument should not be exposed to large temperature fluctuations and should be kept
free of moisture.
Ver 1.1.0
GB
Page 3/12

Highlights & Features
●Digital readout with accuracy to one decimal point
●Automatic temperature compensation
●Compression of sample
●Individual calibration for all grain types
●Can be updated with new moisture scales
●Automatic calculation of average value
●User friendly experience
●Measuring cell made of polished aluminum
●Casing made of shockproof ABS plastic
●Supplied in shockproof carrying case
Introduction
Thank you for choosing Supertech’s Farmpoint Grain Moisture Analyser. This moisture meter is a whole
kernel moisture meter which provides quick and simple moisture readings while the processes of
harvesting and drying are taking place. It is an accurate instrument that provides consistent repeat readings
when several samples are taken. The Farmpoint is made to ensure long durability and has a bright display
for easy outdoor reading.
Read this manual carefully to learn how to operate this device correctly.
Ver 1.1.0
GB
Page 4/12

Package Content
●Farmpoint moisture analyser
●Compression lid
●Battery
●Operator’s manual
●Brush for cleaning cup
●Shockproof carrying case
Part Locator
1. Compression lid
2. Compression housing/lower compression cell
3. Display
4. Farmpoint grip
5. Keypad
Keypad
Ver 1.1.0
GB
Page 5/12

Instructions
This section explains how to use the Farmpoint
Prepare and Make a Measurement
Inspect the two parts of the compression cell to make sure they are clean and empty.
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.
1 TURN ON DEVICE Press and hold the Power button “ON/TEST”
2 SELECT ‘Measure’ and press the ON-TEST button
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.
3 Fill the sample into the cup
Fill the test cell evenly with the desired crop until top is reached. Screw on the lid until the pressure indicator
is flush with the top of the lid.
4 Immediately press the ON/TEST button.
Press ON/TEST immediately. A series of asterisks will appear across the screen, followed by the moisture
reading.
The analyser will take ~10sec to measure the moisture content and calculate the temperature
compensation and hereafter display the result.
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 first emptying and refilling.
Ver 1.1.0
GB
Page 6/12

1
2
3
4
Note: In order to ensure correct measurements, clean your device thoroughly with the enclosed
cleaning brush after each measurement.
Note: If the temperature of the grain sample differs a great deal from that of the result in the
unit, e.g. measurements taken directly from the dryer, it is recommended to preheat the tester
as follows:
1. Fill the test cell with the desired crop, wait 1-2 minutes before compressing and the press the
’ON-TEST’ button
2. Read the results on the result screen
Adjusting the Calibration of the Meter
Farmpoint 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 Farmpoint 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.
Ver 1.1.0
GB
Page 7/12

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.
Farmpoint Settings and Menu´s
The Farmpoint has a number of settings that can be reached by doing the following:
1. TURN ON DEVICE
2. Use the arrow-keys to choose between the menu settings
The device have four menus:
MEASURE
The menu MEASURE is used to choose the crop to be tested.
BATTERY
This menu will give you an overview of the battery level.
CLEAR AVERAGE
This menu is used to clear the average of the last five measurements done.
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.
Ver 1.1.0
GB
Page 8/12

CALIBRATION
The calibration menu is used to recalibrate the meter. 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. See page 7.
Some more valuable information about the moisture
meter
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.
Battery
The meter is supplied with a 9-volt alkaline battery. This should be installed in the compartment on the
underside of the meter. When the battery is in need of replacement the message Replace battery will
appear on the display.
Only replace it with a similar high quality 9-volt alkaline battery. Removing the battery has no effect on the
information stored in the meter.
9-volt batteries should not be thrown away with trash. This may risk contact with other batteries or pieces
of metal which could lead to danger.
In case of battery leaking please remove carefully by using gloves. After removal please clean the device
carefully with a clean cloth.
Storage and Advice for General Usage
It is recommended that you store the meter at all times in the carrying case provided, so that the instrument
is not exposed to large temperature fluctuations and that it is kept free of moisture. If the instrument is
taken into a warmer environment from a cold storage location, it is recommended that you allow the unit to
acclimatise so that condensation does not affect the results of the measurement. 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 mechanism and lubricate the spindle with a thin layer of non-corrosive oil.
Ver 1.1.0
GB
Page 9/12

Auto Turn OFF time - Setting
Our Farmpoint is pre programmed to Turn-OFF after approximately 90 seconds of inactivity.
If the device turns off by itself while using it please turn on the meter by pressing ON/TEST.
Note: Due to different sized kernels one can expect slight deviations in the measurements since each
sample will not be packed the same. As compensation one is recommended to take 3-5 measurements
from the same batch of grain and use the average as a marker for the true moisture content in the grain.
Remember to empty and refill the test cell in between each test.
Note: High moisture grain will continue to compress in the test cell once the pressure lid is screwed
down. High readings will be the result if the test button is not pressed immediately after screwing on the
lid.
Note: Some grains, such as grass seeds are too small to push up the pressure indicator screw to
become flush with the top of the lid. In this case, screw the lid down all the way and take a reading. Do
not attempt to add additional grain to the test cell.
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 ⇓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 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.
Ver 1.1.0
GB
Page 10/12

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 the upper operating limit (50°C).
Temperature --
Grain temperature is below the lower operating limit (0°C).
Hi
Grain moisture content is above the upper limit (varies with crop).
Lo
Grain moisture content is below the lower limit (varies with crop).
Change battery
Battery needs replacing.
Technical Specifications
●Measuring range (Moisture): 5 to 45% Depending on crop type
●Operating range (Temperature): 0 to 50 ºC
●Resolution: 0.1% moisture
●Temperature compensation: Automatic
●Weight including case: 1.5 kg
●Dimension: 21 x 7,5 x 7,5 cm
●Battery: 9 V Alkaline
●Display: 2 line LCD
●Accuracy: Better than +/- 0.5% in normal moisture range, by using average and
calibration adjustments
Troubleshooting
➢The meter does not start at press ON/TEST button
Change the battery. It is a good idea to always have a new battery in your carrying-case
➢The meter shows Lo<xx% in the display
The moisture content of the sample in the measuring cell is below the measuring range
➢The meter shows Hi>xx% in the display
The moisture content of the sample in the measuring cell is over the measuring range
➢The meter shows other values compared to official certified meters
Calibrate the tester as explained in the section “Adjusting the calibration of the meter”
Ver 1.1.0
GB
Page 11/12

EU WEEE Statement
This product should not be discarded along with household waste but should instead be collected and
treated separately as electronic equipment in compliance with governing local legislation. This must be
considered in regards to human health and protection of the environment.
The battery must be removed and disposed of in compliance with governing local legislation. Failing to
meet this requirement can result in heavy metals accumulating in the environment and potentially be
damaging towards humans, animals and natural resources.
EU Declaration of Conformity
According to ISO/IEC 17050-1, the manufacturer
Supertech Agroline Aps.
Maltgørervej 7
5471 Søndersø, Denmark
Declares Farmpoint to be in conformity with the requirements of the, Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC
Directive - 2014/30/EU and RoHS Directive - 2011/65/EU
A signed Declaration Of Conformity document is available online at supertechagroline.com
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 the
settlement of grain. The guarantee covers defects in materials and manufacturing for 2 years. 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.
Ver 1.1.0
GB
Page 12/12