TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. INTRODUCTIONS Page 3
II. UNPACKING - INSTALLATION Page 5
Power Fuse Location Page 6
III. DESCRIPTION OF KEYBOARD Page 7
IV. NORMAL USE Grain selection Page 8
Grain Directory Page 9
Grain Preselection Page 9
Measuring cycle Page 9
Comments Page 10
Test Weight Adjustment Page 11
V. SPECIAL FUNCTIONS
Calibration Page 12
Set-Up Page 14
Controls Page 19
Adjustments Page 22
VI. MODEM CONNECTION:
Configurations Page 22
Applications Page 22
VII. MEASUREMENT SECURITIES Page 24
VIII. CONDITIONS OF USE Page 25
APPENDICES: Centronics connector Page 27
RS 232 connector Page 28
General view of the GMA Page 29
Keyboard of the GMA Page 30
WARRANTY: Page 31
INDEX Page 32
GMA
I. INTRODUCTION:
The GMA is a fully automatic moisture meter, designed to be used with any type of grain, cereal, oilseed or proteinaceous seed.
It has been designed according to NIST Handbook 44, NTEP and OIML 59 (class 1) international rules.
The electric measurement (capacitive) is correlated with the moisture content of the analyzed product. When the user introduces a minimum quantity of grain (about 1 quart) into the feed hopper, this sample is shared between two separate measurement cells. The apparatus then determines an electric value and computes the correlated moisture content of the grain sample.
A temperature sensor, set in one of the two cells, is in contact with the grain and automatically corrects the moisture results. A moisture result is validated only if the difference between the grain temperature and the ambient temperature measured by the GMA is less than 68o F.
In approximately 15 seconds, the GMA determines:
n the moisture content and the temperature of the grain,
n the estimation of the grain test weight (lbs per bushel or kgs per hectoliter).
· The GMA includes a memory for up to 128 calibrations.
· A dedicated calibration curve, named LINEAR, allows creation of user's calibrations.
· A Centronics parallel interface permits connection to a printer.
· An RS 232 serial interface allows connection to another printer, a computer or modem…
· Optionally, the GMA can also be equipped with an internal modem board.
GMA
· The network connection offers possibilities for:
n downloading of calibrations from a central site.
n remote servicing.
· General specifications
n moisture range : 6 to 45 % (determined individually by the specific calibration in use)
n storage temperature: -4 to +140o F
n operating temperature: 41 to 113o F
n grain temperature: 32 to 113o F
· Supply Power: 92 to 264 Volts 47 to 63 Hz
· Actual Dimensions:
L: 17 in. - W: 11 in. - H: 18 inc.
· Net Weight: 33 lbs.
GMA
II. UNPACKING - INSTALLATION:
II.1) UNPACKING:
The apparatus is delivered in special packaging. Please keep this for future use (transfer of the moisture meter from one site to another one, periodic service, etc.).
This packing contains the GMA, the power cord, and this instruction manual.
In its delivery packing, the GMA is supported in a cardboard sleeve with polystyrene foam for preventing shock damage.
To lift the GMA out of the packing, lift up the internal cardboard wrapper by its handles.
Set it on a flat surface.
Open the vertical sides of the cardboard and free the GMA from the polystyrene foam.
Lift the GMA from the bottom of the tester.
II.2) INSTALLATION
Put the GMA on a horizontal and stable surface (the apparatus can tolerate a 3o maximum angle horizontally). Avoid placing the GMA behind a glass window, particularly if this window is exposed to sunshine for several hours a day. The tester can be easily moved (no locking is necessary). In case of transportation, it is recommended to place it on its feet.
II.2.1) ELECTRICAL CONNECTION:
The GMA is an electronic instrument, which requires a grounding connection. Verify the grounding plug before connecting the power cord delivered with the apparatus.
The main power supply plug and the ON/OFF switch are at the rear of the instrument.
The GMA will internally adjust to the correct operating voltage or cycle if the supply is within range of 92 to 264 volts and 47 to 63Hz. This switching is totally automatic within the GMA.
GMA
II.2.2) POWER ON:
Turn the ON/OFF switch to the ON position. The GMA runs a test sequence, checking most of its functions (memories, initialization parameters, motor, switches). During this test sequence, which lasts amount 1 minute, the keyboard will not accept any key press information.
During this self checking sequence, the screen displays:
- The name of the apparatus
- The date
- The software release
- Initialization
- Self checking
If the apparatus encounters some problem during this sequence, an error message briefly appears. In this case, turn the GMA off and start it again. If the message persists, contact your after sales/service representative to avoid any damage to the moisture tester.
After this initialization sequence the user can make a test, modify the selected calibration or proceed to other menus which are described in chapter V.
If at any time during the testing process an error or default message appears, follow the on screen instructions in order to proceed to the next step. Failure to follow these instructions will cause the GMA to remain in the test position. If the GMA is moved or transported in the test position, internal damage will occur which will void the warranty of the GMA.
POWER FUSE LOCATION
The GMA-128 has a main power Fuse located in the back of the machine. If your GMA-128 does not power on, it could be that the fuse has blown.
The Fuse is located in the Fuse Holder Block. The Fuse Holder Block is situated above the ON/OFF switch just under the power cord receptacle. You must unplug the power cord from the back of the GMA and pry out the Fuse Holder Block with a small screwdriver.
The fuse is situated in the front of the Fuse Holder Block in the Clip Holder. There is a spare fuse in a cavity in the rear of the Fuse Block Holder.
The fuse that is used in the GMA-128 is a 1.25 Amp 250 Volt, 5mm x 20mm computer fuse. These are available at computer and electronics stores. They are also available at Seedburo.
GMA
III. DESCRIPTION OF THE KEYBOARD:
III.1) The keyboard comprises:
- 10 numeric keys (0 to 9). By using the same 10 keys, and the SH1, SH2, SH3 keys. Alpha characters can be entered.
- * allows for entering comments which will be printed on the ticket after the test. This comment may be entered when screen #1 is displayed.
- ENTER is used for validating or entering data and to continue with the next step.
- TEST initiates a measurement cycle
- [],[¯],[¬],[®] are 4 direction keys with different uses depending on the menu.
- SH1, SH2, SH3 are 3 shift keys for selecting letters and symbols, or for other uses as described within.
III.2) Particular uses of some keys:
- SH1, with [] or [¯]: adjustment of the display contrast.
- SH1 with [®]: pre-selection of the grain calibrations currently used.
- * is the ESCAPE key which allows exiting a menu (except for screen #1).
III.3) Display:
The GMA includes a large LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) panel, with 128 x 256 pixels, allowing easy communication with the user. As previously indicated, the contrast may be adjusted by pressing simultaneously one of the shift keys, and the up or the down arrow keys.
GMA
IV. NORMAL USE:
NOTES:
1) Display contrast adjustment: Use SH1, together with [] or [¯] to adjust the display contrast.
2) The display backlight turns off automatically when the GMA has not been used for 5 minutes. Press any key to turn it on again.
The GMA is ready to analyze grain samples upon initial start up. The menu which appears after the initial wait sequence, displays the name of the calibration which was in use when power was turned off, and is ready to test that grain type or enables the user to change operations by way of the keyboard.
SCREEN #1
IV.1) GRAIN SELECTION
IV.1)-1 By Scrolling
This function allows to display sequentially the number and the name of the calibration on screen #1, by using keys [] and [¯].
Note: Only the "selected" calibrations will scroll on the display. For "selecting" calibrations, press simultaneously keys SH1, and [®]. See section IV.3 about the grain preselection option.
IV.1)-2 By number:
When screen #1 is displayed, the user can choose a calibration by entering its number on the keyboard. The name of the calibration changes simultaneously with the number.
GMA
IV.2) GRAIN DIRECTORY:
Allows you to choose a calibration in the directory by selecting the correspond number.
Press [®] key to access the directory. Then press [] or [¯] to change the page of the directory. Enter the correct number, and validate with ENT.
SCREEN # 2
Grain selection by No.
0 - LINEAR
1 - CORN 9706 8-40
2 - SOYBEAN 9706 6-20
3 - HRW WHEAT 9706 8-18
4 - SWR WHEAT 9706 8-22
5 - HRS WHEAT 9706 6-22
*: Approved : Selected
IV.3) GRAIN PRESELECTION
The grain preselection is accessed by pressing the <Sh1> and the < ® > keys at the same time. In this screen you can “SELECT” or “DE-SELECT” the grain types by using the < ENT > key.
Example: If your facility only deals with “CORN” and “HRW WHEAT”, you can “DE-SELECT” all other grain types so that only “CORN” and “HRW WHEAT” will be displayed on the test screen. This is to prevent the accidental selection of the wrong grain type and speed the process of switching from one grain to another.
IV.4) MEASURING CYCLE:
Pour a grain sample of approximately 1 quart (or 1 liter) into the top hopper. Press the TEST key.
SCREEN # 3
GMA
As the cycle starts the measure cells lower on to the weighing sensor. Initial measurements (electronic control value, initial weight, initial temperatures) are made as a benchmark for actual measurements. The cells are then filled with grain the GMA makes it's measurements. The results are displayed 15 seconds after the beginning of the cycle. The cells are then emptied and the cycle is completed in less than 20 seconds. The results appear as follows:
SCREEN # 4
If a printer is connected to the GMA and activated, all the results and comments are printed at the end of the cycle.
0003: Test number. This number automatically increases with each new test cycle.
Zeroing also occurs automatically every night at 12:01 a.m.
IV.4) SPECIAL COMMENTS
Before beginning a measurement cycle, press < * > to enter a one line comment to be printed on the ticket for this particular measurement.
This comment may include the name of the delivery company, a specific code etc.
[®] becomes a space key.
[¬] becomes a backspace key.
ENT is used for validating the comment.
SCREEN # 5
IV.5) TEST WEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
This is the procedure for adjusting the “Approx. Test Weight” on the GMA-128. The Test Weight of the GMA may be changed if the ACTUAL Test Weight of a commodity (Quart Cup Method)
and the Test Weight given by the GMA are consistently off by a given amount.
The way to adjust the Test Weight is to modify the Delta ( d ) Test Weight for each commodity.
1. From the “TEST” screen press <ENTER> to get to the “MAIN MENU”.
2. Press < 1 > for “CALIBRATION”.
3. Press 1,2,3,4 for the password.
4. Press < 2 > for “EDIT COEFFICIENTS”.
5. Press < 1 > for “MODIFICATION”.
6. Select the commodity NUMBER you want to adjust, press <ENTER>.
7. Press 0,0,0,0 for the password, press <ENTER>.
8. Enter in the adjusted dTW. Use the Left Arrow key < ¬ >, to remove the current number
and ( - ) sign if needed. SEE EXAMPLE BELOW.
9. Press < ENTER > twice to exit this screen.
10. Press < 0 > three times to exit back to the “TEST” screen. Test sample, readjust if needed
EXAMPLE:
For CORN the dTW is already set at “1.1”. If we have a situation where the GMA gives a Test Weight of “55” but the ACTUAL is “60” , we would add “5” ( THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE GMA AND THE ACTUAL) to the dTW already entered in for that commodity. So in this case we would want to “BUMP UP” the “1.1” to “6.1”, ( 1.1 + 5 = 6.1 ).
If the situation was reversed, GMA gives a Test Weight of “60” but the ACTUAL is “55” we would add the difference (-5) to the dTW already entered in for that commodity. So in this case we would enter in a “-3.9” for the dTW, (1.1 + -5 = -3.9).
NOTE:
The way to get a negative sign ( - ) on the GMA is to press and hold < Sh2 > and then press the <0> key.
The dTW can also be adjusted to the tenths. The way to get a point sign on the GMA, for example “- 3.5” is to press and hold the < Sh3 > key and then press the < 9 > key.