TRI-GRAIN MOISTURE TESTER OVVNER'S MANUAL

Transcription

1 OPERATION mnm _I', DICKJ;TYiiohri DICKEY-john TM TRI-GRAIN MOISTURE TESTER OVVNER'S MANUAL Step 1. Remove the Sample Cup from the Test Cell. Rotate Sample Cup (either direction) until tabs clear slots and lift straight out of Test Cell. Step 2. Visually inspect the Test Cell and make certain it is clean and empty. Step 3. Step 4. Press ~. For best results place tester on a steady, level surface. rtl CORN-' ~ I []..",!BaaJ~::I~ SlOWlY '_POUR ~ SOYBEANS ON Display will show all segments for approximately one half second and then automatically enter its ready mode. Step 5. The Dj Tri-Grain Moisture Tester will directly read out the moisture content of Corn, Soybeans or Wheat. For other grains a Chart Mode is available for determining moisture. Select grain type using the [t] or [] switches. NOTE: The grain selected is identified (shown below) by the display segment adjacent to the grain type on the left of the display. The Chart Mode is identified by a "C" in the display (shown below). rtl CORN'_ IpOUR CORN' IpUUR CORN' IpOUR ~ I ISLOWLY I,"SLOWlY I ISLOWLY SOYBEANS SOYBEANS- _ SOYBEANS III I START I START I START L!J WH"', COR;,POURI" WH"'~OYBE:;OURING w"''''-:vhe;,pouri" Step 6. Step 7. Fill sample cup with grain to be tested. Pour the grain at a slow, steady rate over the test cell cone. Note the right side of the display, when the upper segment turns on slow down the rate of pouring. Continue pouring slowly until a number begins to flash on the display. Step 8. When the displayed number stops blinking (less than 15 seconds), the Final Temperature Corrected Moisture Reading will be displayed. NOTE: As shipped, the TRI-GRAIN WHEAT calibration is adjusted for HARD RED WINTER WH EAT. For other classes of wheat, adjust the TRI-GRAIN to match your local elevator following the procedure explained under "MOISTURE CALIBRATION ADJUSTMENT". If it is not convenient to compare your tester directly with your local elevator, reasonable performance may be obtained by making the following adjustments to your tester's WHEAT calibration. Hard Red Winter Soft Red Winter Hard Red Spring Durum Eastern White Western White B. Chart Mode ADJUSTMENT o Step 9. Fill sample cup with grain to be tested. NOTE: Refer to the grain chart of the grain to be tested. If directed to use an accessory weight (50 or 100 gram), place the weight on the test cell. AFTER PERFORMING STEPS 1 THRU 5, PERFORM STEPS 6 THRU 9 FOR DIRECT READING GRAINS AND STEPS 9 THRU 14 FOR GRAINS REQUIRING THE CHART MODE. Step 10. Pour the grain at a slow steady rate over the test cell cone. Note the right side of the display. When the upper segment turns on slow down the rate of pou ring. Continue pouring slowly until a number begins to flash on the display.

2 finun,mn~'llfj CORPORATION ;J Step 11. In less than 15 seconds the display will alternately show a data number and temperature (the data number has a decimal point). Step 12. Refer to the Grain Chart and locate the Data Number (displayed) in "C" column of the Chart, find the uncorrected moisture content of the sample in the "M" column. Note the letter in the KEY column. Step 13. Refer to the Temperature Chart. Find the displayed temperature in the "T" column. Find the moisture correction in the column noted in Step 12 by the letter in the KEY column. Step 14. Apply the correction to the uncorrected moisture content found in Step 12. CONDITIONS AFFECTING ACCURACY 1. Condensation (Surface Moisture) There should never be condensation or moisture of any form on the surface of the grain or on the test cell wall. These conditions may exist if the tester is brought from a cold environment to a warm one, or if cold grain is put in a warm tester. Moisture on the grain surface or on the test cell wall will cause the moisture readings to be high. 2. Irregularities In Grain Shape Grains that are irregularly shaped do not always pack the same way in the test cell, resulting in a different amount of air space between seeds. This can lead to minor variations in successive readings of the same grain sample. To enhance the accuracy of the moisture predictions, three successive readings can be taken on the same sample and averaged. 3. Temperature The tester is usable over a temperature range of 32 0 F (O C) to F (43 0 C). MOISTURE CALIBRATION ADJUSTMENT (Matching Your Local Elevator) The DICKEY-john Tri-Grain Moisture Tester is calibrated -to standard oven procedures, however, slightly different readings are sometimes obtained on the same sample using two different moisture testers. Compare your tester readings with the commercial tester readings being used by your local grain elevator. Compare several sample readings. Note any difference. If you find that your tester readings are consistently higher 01" lower than the elevator readings, a calibration adjustment (correction) can be applied to your tester readings as follows: 1. Measure a grain sample as described under operation. 2. When the moisture reading is displayed (not flashing), simultaneously depress the [!] and CD switches, the display will show" " to indicate that the Tester has entered the Calibration Adjustment Mode (release switches). Press the [!] switch to increase the reading or press the CD switch to decrease the reading. NOTE: The [!] or CD switches will add or subtract a 0.1 (tenth) of a percent from the reading for each switch closure. EXAMPLE: If you found that your tester consistently reads.5 percent lower than the commercial tester, then you would enter the Calibration Adjustment Mode and add.5 percent to the displayed reading using the ill switch. Maximum correction is ± 9.9 percent for each grain calibration. To exit the Calibration Adjustment Mode, press ~ switch. Display will show error code "1 ", Empty the Cell. IMPORTANT: When a calibration correction is applied, all following measurements of that grain will have the correction included. The amount of correction applied to a particular grain calibration can be displayed as follows: 1. Press ~ and select the desired grain. Allow unit to shut off (approximately 1 minute) or press and release cell - unit will shut off in 5 seconds. 2. While pressing and holding the CD switch, momentarily press ~. The display will show the amount of correction applied to the selected grain calibration. This display will remain for approximately 5 seconds.

3 fi'n Inn.n-kslll CORPORATION ;I Step 11. In less than 15 seconds the display will alternately show a data number and temperature (the data number has a decimal point). Step 12. Refer to the Grain Chart and locate the Data Number (displayed) in "C" column of the Chart, find the uncorrected moisture content of the sample in the "M" column. Note the letter in the KEY column. Step 13. Refer to the Temperature Chart. Find the displayed temperature in the "T" column. Find the moisture correction in the column noted in Step 12 by the letter in the KEY column. Step 14. Apply the correction to the uncorrected moisture content found in Step 12. CONDITIONS AFFECTING ACCURACY 1. Condensation (Surface Moisture) There should never be condensation or moisture of any form on the surface of the grain or on the test cell wall. These conditions may exist if the tester is brought from a cold environment to a warm one, or if cold grain is put in a warm tester. Moisture on the grain surface or on the test cell wall will cause the moisture readings to be high. 2. Irregularities In Grain Shape Grains that are irregularly shaped do not always pack the same way in the test cell, resulting in a different amount of air space between seeds. This can lead to minor variations in successive readings of the same grain sample. To enhance the accuracy of the moisture predictions, three successive readings can be taken on the same sample and averaged. 3. Temperature The tester is usable over a temperature range of 32 0 F (O C) to F (43 0 C). MOISTURE CALIBRATION ADJUSTMENT (Matching Your Local Elevator) The DICKEY-john Tri-Grain Moisture Tester is calibrated to standard oven procedures, however, slightly different readings are sometimes obtained on the same sample using two different moisture testers. Compare your tester readings with the commercial tester readings being used by your local grain elevator. Compare several sample readings. Note any difference. If you find that your tester readings are consistently higher or lower than the elevator readings, a calibration adjustment (correction) can be applied to your tester readings as follows: 1. Measure a grain sample as described under operation. 2. When the moisture reading is displayed (not flashing), simultaneously depress the [!] and IT] switches, the display will show" II to indicate that the Tester has entered the Calibration Adjustment Mode (release switches). Press the [!] switch to increase the reading or press the CD switch to decrease the reading. NOTE: The [!] or IT] switches will add or subtract a 0.1 (tenth) of a percent from the reading for each switch closure. EXAMPLE: If you found that your tester consistently reads.5 percent lower than the commercial tester, then you would enter the Calibration Adjustment Mode and add.5 percent to the displayed reading using the [!] switch. Maximum correction is ± 9.9 percent for each grain calibration. To exit the Calibration Adjustment Mode, press ~ switch. Display will show error code "1 ", Empty the Cell. IMPORTANT: When a calibration correction is applied, all following measurements of that grain will have the correction included. The amount of correction applied to a particular grain calibration can be displayed as follows: 1. Press ~ and select the desired grain. Allow unit to shut off (approximately 1 minute) or press and release cell - unit will shut off in 5 seconds. 2. While pressing and holding the IT] switch, momentarily press ~. The display will show the amount of correction applied to the selected grain calibration. This display will remain for approximately 5 seconds.

4 ---. DICKJ;.Y-.iohri SERVICE A. Scale Checking and Adjustment Check test cell and make certain and empty. Press and hold both the [!] and ITJ Momentarily press ~.. Release [!] switches. The display will show: rtl, ~ 'PO.' ~ COAN- 1 ~...,. ~,-SlOWLY SOYBEANS-, ON i~~t'i.1", [I] WHEAT, switches. and ITJ 3. Place the 198 gram calibration weight on the cone as shown below. NOTE: The display may toggle between the center row of segments and the bottom row. This is acceptable if the display settles on the center row of segments as shown. 5. If the display does not react as described in Steps 3 and 4 an adjustment is necessary. The scale adjustment is made using a Phillips - head screwdriver thru the hole centered in the bottom of the tester. NOTE: Turning the Scale Adjustment counterclockwise decreases the spring tension on the scale and allows it to trip with less weight, clockwise increases the spring tension requiring more weight. If in Step 3 the bottom row of segments are displayed the adjustment screw needs to be turned clockwise. NOTE: Turn the adjustment screw 1/8 turn, repeat Step 3 until the correct display is obtained. CORN~I SOY8EANS-'.-... I WHEAT -~ '..~r8~l y,-~t~~1ng 4. Add a 3 to 5 gram (nickel or quarter) weight as shown. The display should show: If in Step 4, when the 3 to 5 gram weight is added the bottom row of segments do not appear the adjustment screw needs to be turned counterclockwise. NOTE: Turn the adjustment screw 1/8 turn, repeat Steps 3 and 4 until the correct display is obtained. B. Temperature Calibration Adjustment IMPORTANT: The temperature calibration adjustment is set at the factory and will not normally require adjustment. An adjustment should not be performed until it is proven necessary. To check the moisture tester temperature calibration proceed as follows: Step 1. An accurate thermometer is required. The Moisture Tester and a container of grain should be placed in a room and allowed to reach room temperatu re (approximately 2 hours). NOTE: 1) The grain used should be small, such as

5 f;~;,mn~iii CORPORATION ;J soybeans or wheat to provide more uniformed packing (less air space between grains), 2) The room temperature should be as stable as possible (no drafts, such as heater or air conditioning vents). Using the thermometer measure the temperature of the grain. Record temperature. Step 3. Select Chart Mode on the moisture tester and measure a sample of grain. Read grain sample temperature from display. Record temperature. Step 4. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 several times. If you find that the Moisture Tester temperatu re reading is consistently higher or lower than the thermometer read ing, a temperatu re calibration adjustment can be performed as follows: Measure a grain sample. When the display is alternately showing the Data Number and T emperatu re, simu Itaneously press the [!] and IT] switches, the display will show "- - _" to indicate that the Tester has entered the Temperature Adjustment Mode. Press the [] switch to increase temperature reading or IT] switch to decrease temperature reading. Match Moisture Tester reading to Thermometer reading. To exit the Temperature Adjustment Mode, press ~. C. Replacement of Batteries 2; Install four (4) size uaa u Alkaline batteries with polarity as shown. CAUTION: Use only ALKALINE type batteries. Warranty not valid if other types of batteries are used (Alkaline batteries won't corrode) Remove Pouring Cup/Empty The Cell Unit Requires Service Empty The Cell Ambient Temp. Exceeds Limits Grain Temperature Exceeds Limits Grain Moisture Exceeds Limits Sample Cup- 50 gram accessory weight gram accessory weight gram scale calibration weight - Battery compartment door - Grain Calibration Chart We hope you enjoy your DICKEY-john Grain Moisture Tester. If you have a specific problem or need assistance, please call. Phone: (217) DICKEY-;john WARRANTY DICKEY-john warrants to the original purchaser for use that, if any part of the product proves to be defective in material or workmanship within'one year from date of original installation, and is retumed to DICKEY-john within 30 days after such defect is discovered, DICKEY-john will (at our option) either replace or repair said part. This warranty does not apply to damage resulting from misuse, neglect, accident or improper installation or maintenance. Said part will not be considered defective if it substantially fuifills the performance specifications. THE FOREGOING WARRANTY IS EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR PURPOSE AND OF ANY OTHER TYPE, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. DICKEY john neither assumes nor authorizes anyone to assume for it any other obligation or Iiability in connection with said part and will not be liable for consequential damages. Purchaser accepts these terms and warranty limitations unless the product is returned within fifteen days for full refund of purchase price.