Yamato DFA110 User manual

Fish Analyzer
Fish Analyzer TM PRO
[DFA110]
Operation Manual
Yamato Scale Co., Ltd.
● Please read this manual before using the device for correct use and keep it with you at all
times for later reference.
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Fish Conditioner Fish Analyzer TM or the Fish Analyzer TM PRO. Please read
this manual carefully for proper use and it is our hope that it can help improve the fish quality for your
business or your organization.
Yamato Scale Co., Ltd.

Message to our customers
Traditionally, the quality of marine (fish) products has been subjectively evaluated by the experiences of
specialists and not on a quantified or objective basis. In order to digitize and make it objective, it requires
specialized knowledge and special equipment and/or to rely on time-consuming chemical analysis. Our goal was
to develop a compact device that can measure the content of fish fat, which is one of the major indicators for fish
tastiness (deliciousness) index for quality marine products, easily and nondestructively.
In order to develop the Fish AnalyzerTM Pro, we joined forces with Japan’s top researchers and Universities
such as: Nagasaki University Fisheries Department, Nagasaki Prefectural Fisheries Research Institute, Chiba
Prefectural Fisheries Research Center, Yamato Scale Co., Ltd., Fisheries Research Institute (currently National
Research Development Corporation Fisheries Research and Education Organization). We developed technology
conferences with Agriculture and Forestry and Fisheries Technology 2010 “New Practical Technology
Development Project to Promote Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Policy” and "Development of quality
measurement equipment aiming at improvement of fish prices and provision of high-quality marine products and
fish processing products". The result of our collaboration and development was the Fish Analyzer TM Pro. We are
proud to bring to market the Fish AnalyzerTM Pro that can measure the fish fat content and fish freshness of
horse mackerel, yellowtail, tuna, sea bream, bonito, and sardines and many more nondestructively, quickly and
easily at any location.
In addition to measuring fish fat, the Fish AnalyzerTM Pro can distinguish fish that have been previously frozen
or thawed. The information you can gather by using the Fish AnalyzerTM Pro will help to improve the taste and
the freshness of the fish for superior aquatic product. The ability to make on the spot decisions by using the Fish
AnalyzerTM Pro at your processing site, warehouse or anywhere you choose will help to improve the quality of
your fish products. We hope that the Fish AnalyzerTM Pro can contribute to the sustainable supply of high-quality
products to consumers.
Nagasaki University Fisheries Department
Doctor of Health
Katuyasu Tachibana
Japan Association for Techno-innovation in Agriculture,
Forestry and Fisheries
Doctor of Agricultural Science
Masakazu Murata
1

―――――――――― Table of contents ――――――――――
Contents
Read before use 3
For Your Safety 3
Preparation 5
How the Fish Analyzer Pro works & Functions 6
Product package: What included in the box 7
Main device interface & details 7
Maintenance & Upkeep 8
Preparation before use 9
Battery & Sensor attachment setup 9
Display and keys 10
Fish species and recommended measuring spots/locations on the fish 11
Day of the catch and day after catch measurements 14
How to measure 15
How to hold and place the device on the fish for accurate measurement 15
Taking Measurements 16
See results from past measurements 16
Determining Fish Freshness (Fish Status) 18
Options and usage 19
Fish species selection 19
Energy saving mode for longer battery life 20
Display the average value 21
Limitations of Fish Fat measurements 21
Evaluation of measured result 22
Evaluation by impedance mode 22
Evaluating “Fish Status” (fish freshness) with actual measurement 22
Measuring in impedance mode 22
Custom Calibration: How to make an original algorithm 22
Other topics - Error messages & FAQ’s 24
Error messages 24
Frequent Q&A 24
Specifications 25
2

Chapter 1 Read before use
1-1. For Your Safety
Read "For Your Safely" before using this product for protecting yourself and for others.
After you read it, keep it with care so as to be available whenever you need it.
● Marks and symbols used in this manual and its meaning
Danger:
Indicates operations that may result in fatal or serious injury
Warning:
Indicates operations that may result in bodily injury or damage of properties
Caution:
Indicates operations that may result in damage of the entire product.
Indicates things to be prohibited, strong do not recommend
Indicates things to be enforced
● Before use please read “Danger”, “Warning” and “Caution” carefully and comply accordingly.
Danger
●Preventing electric shock accidents
Do not remove any screw on the back of the housing case.
：Preventing from explosion or fire accident
This device does not have non-explosion features.
Do not use the device where flammable gas or hazardous substances exist.
：Preventing fire and/or electric shock accident
Using it in such an abnormal situation where there is smoke or unusual smell may result in
fire and/or electric shock.
Remove batteries and confirm that no smoke comes out before asking the vendor for
its repair.
Do not try to repair by yourself as it is dangerous.
Warning
Preventing from injury or damage
3

（1）When the housing case or electrodes are damaged from being dropped, stop using the
device. It may damage the fish or injure you.
（2）When the display is damaged from being dropped and liquid leaks, stop using it as it is
toxic. Please do not swallow or accidentally put it in your mouth.
Caution
Do not damage the device
（1）Use designated batteries. Otherwise, rupture or leakage of batteries may cause
fire, injury or damage.
（2）Do not put a battery in fire or water, or heat it. It may burst
（3）Do not mix alkaline and manganese batteries. It may cause liquid leakage or explosion
（4）Set batteries correctly as shown by the polarity marks (+ and -). Incorrect installation
may cause liquid leakage or explosion.
（5）Remove batteries when the equipment is left unused for a long time (about 1 month or
longer). Otherwise, they may leak and cause the inside of the equipment to be
corroded.
（6）Do not separate or modify the device.
（7）Do not drop the device. It may cause damage on the device.
（8）Do not sink the device in water or store it in a humid environment. It may damage the
device.
4

1-2. Preparation
●In order to avoid common issues:
（1）Do not separate or modify the device.
（2）Do not hit the display and keyboard (buttons) with a nail tip or a sharp tool.
（3）Hold the main body portion when you carry it.
（4）Do not drop the device or do not give excessive shock or vibration.
（5）Do not apply thinner, benzine, etc.
● In order to keep the device accurate:
（1）Do not operate near fire, steam, direct sunlight or wind from the air conditioner.
（2）Do not operate near devices like a microwave, which generate excessive shock, vibration or
electro-magnetic discharge.
（3）Operate under the designated environment (-10℃ ～ +40℃, 30％RH ～ 85％RH)
Measuring error may happen even under certain conditions if dew condensation generates:
1）Being operated or stored for a long time within a humid environment.
2）Sudden temperature changes even under low humidity (splashing cold water on the device)
3）Operating the device when exposed to direct cold air from a refrigerator or steam.
Storage and Disposal
●Storage
(1) Do not store the equipment in the place with high temperature/humidity or receiving direct
sunlight for a long period of time. It should also be noted that substantial changes in the
ambient temperature may cause condensation inside the equipment, resulting in a failure of the
operation
(2) This is an electronic precision equipment. Do not store it in the place where vibration and/or shock
can be expected.
●Disposal
(1) At time of disposal, it must be disposed of as an industrial waste (nonflammable waste). Make
sure to observe local regulations when disposing.
(2) When used batteries are disposed of, put scotch tapes on electrodes and dispose according to
the local regulations.
5

1-3. How the Fish Analyzer Pro works & Functions
1 Measurement method that does not damage the fish (Nondestructive).
Fish AnalyzerTM Pro uses "bioelectrical impedance method" to send weak electrical
signals into the fish using the four electrodes (sensors) that estimates fat percentage
and fish freshness. The result is displayed in only 4 seconds without damaging the
fish.
2. Multi-frequency measurement method.
Fish AnalyzerTM Pro uses low and high frequencies bands to measure the fish fat
content and fish freshness. When a low frequency band is used, electricity flows
outside/around a fish cell. When a high frequency band is used, electricity flows
into/through the fish cell. Fish AnalyzerTM Pro uses the multi-frequency measurement
method to achieve high accuracy results.
3. Measuring fat percentage of 20 fish species.
This device can currently measure: Horse Mackerel 1, Mackerel 1, Mackerel 2,
Sardine, Saury, Bluefin tuna (back, belly, tail), Sea bream, Alfonsino, Bonito 1,
Salmon, Rainbow trout, Spanish mackerel, Butterfish, Sea bass, Sailfin sandfish,
Grouper, Bonito 2, Sea eel, Horse mackerel 2.
4. Measuring fish fat for other fish species.
If you want to measure a fish species not listed in the above 20 that it currently
supports, it’s equipped with "calibration curve mode". This mode will provide custom
calibration for the specific fish species. In impedance mode, the impedance value of
100 kHz is displayed instead of the fat percentage. From this number, you can figure
out the approximate fat ratio. You can also refer to the Fish A, Fish B, and Fish C
scale to create an original formula.
5. Detecting previously defrosted products
After freezing and thawing a fish, cell membranes of the fish are destroyed. This
means that there is no difference in the flow of electricity within the fish. Knowing this
phenomenon, a fish that has been previously frozen will display as "defrosted".
However, please note that the fat percentage of the thawed product is not displayed.
6. Displaying the average value of measurement results.
If you want to measure many fish at once to determine an average fish fat percentage
in a certain lot or container you received, use the "average value” calculation function.
The average value is displayed at the bottom of the screen until you press or turn
off the power.
7. Displaying the 5 level of fish freshness index.
Fish AnalyzerTM PRO measures fish freshness along with fish fat in the same
measurement. The freshness of fish is a function of changing cells within the cells of
the fish. These changes in cells are “graded” as A ', A, B, C, D according to the
deterioration of cells and decreasing water content. It can be used for cooking
guidelines and quality control.
8. Strict quality control measurements.
Fish AnalyzerTM PRO is equipped with "Fish status mode". In this mode, 5kHz
impedance is displayed along with the 5 levels of grading. As the impedance
decreases, so does the fish freshness. These results allow for strict quality control for
fish freshness.
6

1-4. Product package: What included in the box
Main device
Accessories
Attachment
Batteries
(CCC size x 2)
Manual
1-5. Main device interface & details
7

1-6. Maintenance & Upkeep
● Wipe off and clean the sensors after each use to avoid rust. If the sensor electrode and attachment have fish
slime or sea salt water, it may rust. Use a wet wipe or towel to clean off the sensors.
● Do not drop and avoid vibrations. Use a strap that is provided through the strap hole.
● After replacing the batteries, make sure the battery cover is securely tight to avoid water, sand or any other
foreign debris. If it’s not securely tight, it may not be fully waterproof.
● The following images show how to slide the battery cover off and clean inside the battery box. Clean the inside
of the battery box often and close the battery cover firmly when done.
Wipe off dirt and dust with a dry tissue for battery contacts. Wipe
off any moisture. If any battery erosion or leaks are found,
contact the distributor or place of purchase for detailed handling.
To make sure the battery cover is securely
tight, push the battery cover firmly from the
bottom so that there is no gap. Match the
lines on the main unit as indicated below.
● If the attachment is used, use the same care as above. Wipe off fish slime, sea salt water, dirt or any other
foreign debris each time after measurement.
Be sure to wipe off any dirt
from the sensor electrodes
with water or alcohol before
mounting the attachment.
If dirt is found on the connection terminal of
the attachment, moisten the tip of the swab
with water or alcohol, then slide the swab
toward the inside of the connection terminal
to wipe off dirt.
Be careful. If you press the
outside of the connection
terminal downward, the
connection terminal will bend
outward.
8

Chapter 2 Preparation before use
2-1. Battery & Sensor attachment setup
●Batteries
Step ①
Step ②
Step ③
Slide the battery lid down to
remove.
Insert batteries and make sure
polarity (+/-) align correctly.
Insert the top hook of the battery lid
and push it upwards.
● Sensor Attachment
Step ①
Step ②
Step ③
Align the convex to the front
and fit it straight up toward the
body.
Installation is completed when
the side hooks to the main body.
For removal, put your finger in the
space on the side hook and pull it down
slightly.
※1 Use the attachment for small fish such as Horse mackerel, Sardine, Saury, Grouper and Sea eel.
※2 For measuring in impedance mode or fish status (freshness), use an attachment if the thickness of fish is 3
cm or less.
9

2-2. Display and keys
● Display
Fish Analyzer TM Ver.3.00
Fish Analyzer TM PRO Ver.1.00
●Symbols and what they mean
Battery level
Battery level is displayed in 3 levels. Replace when only one (bar) is shown.
Attachment
It means that the attachment is needed for measurement.
Next day
This means it’s a measurement mode for the day after (24hrs) the catch.
If you want to measure on the day of the catch, please select another mode.
Not in contact
It means that the contacts of the sensor electrode are not sufficient.
（Keys）
Measurement
Use this button to measure the fish.
Press to return to the previous display under setting or measurement mode.
ON/OFF
Turn on the device.
Return to the normal screen when setting or measurement mode.
Long press for powering down (off) the device.
Set
Press to display the past measurement results.
Long press for setting options.
Press to select and to finalize the setting option.
Fish species
Press to display a fish species.
Press to advance to the next display during setting or confirming the measurement
result.
10

2-3. Fish species and recommended measuring spots/locations on the fish
No.1 Horse mackerel 1 Use attachment
No.2 Mackerel 1
Center the sensor electrode between the first and
second fins just above the sideline.
Center the sensor electrode on the back of the dorsal
fin just above the sideline.
No.3 Mackerel 2
No.4 Sardine Use attachment
Center the sensor electrode on the back of the dorsal
fin just above the sideline.
Center the sensor electrode on the center of the
dorsal fin just above the sideline.
No.5 Saury Use attachment
No.6 Yellowtail
Center the sensor electrodes on the center of the
belly fin just above the sideline.
Center the sensor electrode between the first and
second fins just above the sideline.
No.7-1 Bluefin tuna (back)
No.7-2 Bluefin tuna (belly)
Align the tip of the sensor electrode to the back end
of the chest fin just above the sideline.
Align the tip of the sensor electrode to the back end
of the chest fin between the base of the belly fin and
the sideline.
No.7-3 Bluefin tuna (tail)
No.8 Sea bream
11

Align the tip of the sensor electrode to the back of
the anal position slightly below the sideline.
Center the sensor electrode on the back of the dorsal
fin just above the sideline.
No.9 Alfonsino
No.10 Bonito 1
Center the sensor electrode on the center of the
dorsal fin, just above the sideline.
Center the sensor electrode between the first and
second fins just above the sideline.
No.11 Salmon
No.12 Rainbow trout
Center the sensor electrode on the center of the
dorsal fin, just above the sideline.
Center the sensor electrode on the center of the
dorsal fin just above the sideline.
No.13 Spanish mackerel
No.14 Butterfish
Align the back of the sensor electrode to the tip of
the second fin just above the sideline.
Center the sensor electrode on the tip of the dorsal
fin just above the sideline.
No.15 Sea bass
No.16 Sailfin sandfish Attachment
Align the back of the sensor electrode to the back
end of the 1st fin just above the sideline.
Center the sensor electrode on the tip of the dorsal
fin just above the sideline.
No.17 Grouper
No.18 Bonito 2
12

Center the sensor electrode on the tip of the dorsal
fin just above the sideline.
Center the sensor electrode between the first and
second fins just above the sideline.
No.19 Sea eel Use attachment
No.20 Horse mackerel 2
Straightening the fish, align the tip of the sensor
electrode to the anal position just above the lateral
line.
Center the sensor electrode between the first and
second fins just above the sideline.
13

2-4. Day of the catch and day after catch measurements
This device measures fish fat percentage based on the condition of its cells. These
cells change from the day of the catch as the fish erodes. In order to measure the
fish fat accurately, this device uses 2 measuring modes. One mode is to measure on
the day of catch (within 24 hours) and the other mode is to measure in 72 hours after
catch (day after the catch). The “day of the catch” refers to the day when the fish is
caught and has died.
It also depends on the fish species. As for Saury, Bonito, Sea bream, Sailfin sandfish, Sea ell and Horse
mackerel, use day of the catch mode since there is no mode for measuring the next day. For measuring
correctly in both modes, fish should be kept in an ice storage.
● Taking measurements in the fish processing lines.
If you’re taking measurements in fish processing or in the warehouse, the fish may still be alive. If you take
measurements immediately after when the fish died, you may get a lower fat percentage. We recommend that
you first store the fish in ice and wait at least one hour before making measurements. Also, if several days have
passed since the death, please take the measurement using the “next day after catching” mode.
In Fish AnalyzerTM PRO, the “status of the fish” or fish freshness is displayed in 5 levels next to the fat
percentage. When several days have passed since its death, if the device shows "A '" or "A", choose the “day of
catching” mode. If it shows "B" or "C", choose the “next day of catching” mode.
● The “next day of catching” means measurement at the distribution site.
When using the Fish AnalyzerTM to measure fish freshness, take the measurements as soon you receive the fish.
The Fish AnalyzerTM PRO displays the “status of fish” (fish freshness) along with the fish fat percentage in 5
levels. If the fish freshness level results in "D" grade, this refers to being difficult to obtain an accurate fat
percentage and should not be used.
14

Chapter 3 How to measure
3-1. How to hold and place the device on the fish for accurate measurement
Although this device is a non-destructive device that does not destroy the fish, it must touch and make contact
with the fish to take a measurement. Do not press firmly on the fish as it may distort the fish content that leads to
inaccurate measurement results. Follow the guidelines below for accurate measurement.
1 Proper device handling
2 Fish placement
Press the ON button
and choose a fish
species with the fish
species key.
Place your thumb on
the measurement
button and the
remaining fingers
grip the body.
If touching the fish is ok, support the
fish with your fingertips and place the
device.
If you can’t touch the fish, use your
arm as a stand for stability.
3 Sensor electrode contact
4 Confirm on screen display and by the sensor
electrodes position
Lightly place the four sensor
electrodes on to the fish.
Make sure that they are
firmly in contact and then
press the measurement key.
Apply the sensor electrode
on a 45 degree like it’s
shown on the image to raise
the body a little.
Make sure the “*”
mark is displayed and
keep your eye on the
sensor electrode
position/location.
Keep it steady and do
not move it while
taking
measurements.
15

3-2. Taking Measurements
As an example, let’s measure Yellowtail fish
Operation
Screen
1
Press key to turn on.
2
Press key to select “Yellowtail”.
Choose ”Yellowtail ”. (day of the catch, within 24 hours)
3
Go back to the home screen and place the sensor electrode onto the fish and
press key to measure.
During measurement, the “＊” symbol moves to indicate the device is measuring.
Operation
Screen
④
When the measurement is finished, the fish fat percentage is displayed. When
the average value display function is enabled, the average value is displayed at
the bottom center of the screen (displayed to one decimal place).
Fish Analyzer TM PRO, it displays the “status of the fish” or the fish freshness in 5
levels/grades.
4
Long press on the key to turn off the device when finished.
3-3. See results from past measurements
● How to find past measurement results
Operation
Screen
1
Press key from the home screen.
2
Each of the past measurement results are displayed when the key is
pressed.
Note: Up to 50 past measurement results are stored.
The number of measurements is displayed up to 9999 times on the lower right of
the screen and returns to 0 after 9999 times.
3
Press key to return to the home screen.
16

● Clearing/deleting measured result
Operation
Screen
1
Long press down on the key to delete the measured result shown on the
display.
2
Holding down the key “Result clear” is displayed.
Choosing <Yes> with a cursor by moving it with key, then press key.
3
Clearing results is started, and when “clear complete” is displayed, deletion of the
past measurement results is completed. Press key to return to the normal
screen.
Remarks: Please note that clearing results will erase all past measurement results and the number of
measurements.
17

3-4. Determining Fish Freshness (Fish Status)
Fish AnalyzerTM PRO determines fish freshness by measuring the fish cell erosion electronically rather than
using the K-value index that is based on biochemical analysis.
This device uses a multi-frequency measurement method. The cell membrane has high electrical capacity and
insulation at low frequency bands and as electricity flows around/outside the cell without flowing through/inside
the cell, thus the impedance (electrical resistance) is high. Conversely, at the high frequency band, the cell
membrane is electrically shorted and electricity flows through/inside the cell, resulting in low impedance.
As the fish dies, the fish cells change with time. Right after the fish dies, there is high impedance that is in
proportion to the tightness or the firmness of the fish. If the fish is “tight” or firm, it is graded at "A" or "A '" level.
After some time, the fish starts to soften and the impedance starts to decrease but the cell's electrical
characteristics are still maintained. This status is graded at "B" level.
If the fish is measured immediately after its death, the device may display “B” as the condition is similar to the
one before the fish starts to tighten and if blood remains in the body of the fish, it may display "C". When
freshness starts to decrease, the impedance from the lower frequency band drops significantly. This is because
the cell structure changes and the cell electrical characteristics deteriorates. Moreover, the water content of cells
decreases and the intracellular fluid flows out of the cells, which lowers the impedance at the lower frequency
band. The ability to retain water in cells is undoubtedly an important factor in fish freshness. The electrical
feature of the cells changes and the status of poor water content capacity is graded at “C” or “D”. The status of
fish or the fish freshness does have some common ties to the K value. The condition of the fish corresponding to
the K value of 1% to 20% is "A", "A '" or "B", and the K value that is 20% or more is equivalent to "C" or "D".
Note that grade “E” level is displayed when a measurement error occurs or “F” is displayed when the fish has
been previously frozen and thawed.
Remarks: It’s not possible to decide whether the fish can be eaten raw only by the freshness evaluation or the K value. Fish
such as salmon and mackerel, which are not eaten raw, should be cooked before eating even if the status of fish is
determined to be good.
18

Chapter 4 Options and usage
4-1. Fish species selection
You can select the fish species to be measured by using the button, but you can select only the fish
species you want to measure in advance and exclude all the fish species you don’t want to measure from the
display for faster measurement.
As an example, measuring of “Mackerel “
Operation
Screen
1
Press key to turn on. From the home screen, hold down key until
Menu is displayed.
2
Match cursor (→）to “Fish species select” and press key to change
screen.
3
Move the cursor (→）by pressing key to a fish species (in this case,
Mackerel) and press key.
The species with check mark (レ) are only displayed.
4
After confirming the selection, press key to return to Menu screen.
Press key again to return to the home screen then setting is completed.
Confirm that only the selected species are displayed with key.
（List of all fish species）
Impedance mode
Bluefin tuna (back)
Salmon
Bonito 2
Horse mackerel 1
Bluefin tuna (back)
Salmon
Bonito 2
Horse mackerel 1
Bluefin tuna (belly)
Rainbow trout
Sea eel
Mackerel 1
Bluefin tuna (belly)
Rainbow trout
Horse mackerel 2
Mackerel 1
Bluefin tuna (tail)
Spanish mackerel
FishＡ
Mackerel 2
Bluefin tuna (tail)
Spanish mackerel
Fish B
Mackerel 2
Sea bream
Butterfish
Fish C
Sardine
Sea bream
Sea bass
Status of fish
Sardine
Alfonsino
Sea bass
Saury
Alfonsino
Sailfin sandfish
Yellowtail
Bonito 1
Grouper
Yellowtail
Grouper
19