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