Is the instrument accurate?

Is the instrument as accurate as my local silo?

What if I can’t organise my own reference samples?

Monitoring the accuracy of the calibrations

Calibration updates

Will the unit measure weather damaged grain?

Which grains can I measure?

How clean does the grain need to be?

Does the grain have to be milled first?

How long does a measurement take?

What do I have to do when I first receive the unit?

How easy is the instrument to use?

What is the size of the instrument – is it easy to move around or take out on the farm?

Servicing the instrument

What support can I receive?

Is the instrument “certified” OR “trade approved” – what is the difference?

Is the instrument accurate?

The National Measurement Institute (NMI) standard for protein measurement is +/- 0.4%.  In the worst case this can lead to a difference of 0.8% between two ‘certified’ instruments.  In general, results between any two protein measurement instruments will be within 0.5%.  It is important to remember that sampling plays a critical role in the results that are achieved on any NIR Protein instrument.  Samples should be clean and the grain of a good quality (i.e. Not weather damaged or discoloured due to mould / weather).  Samples should be well-mixed and representative of the load of grain they are from (i.e. If wanting to represent a truck load of grain with one measurement, the truck should be sampled in several places and the grain well-mixed, then divided before being measured).

It is also important to remember that the NIR analyser makes a measurement by shining light through the grain sample and detecting the light at the other side of the sample.  For this reason it is important to ensure that the measurement chamber does not accumulate chaff and grain, but is clean at the start of a reading – particularly the windows on either side of the chamber. A dirty chamber can introduce error to the readings.

It is important to regularly check the accuracy of the instrument by running reference samples in your machine. 

Is the instrument as accurate as my local silo?

When you first receive your instrument, it may not read as accurately as you would like in comparison to your local silo.  There are many factors that can influence the accuracy of a reading and thus it is not possible to determine whose instrument is the most accurate.  At the end of the day, it is important that your instrument is reading as close as possible to the silo’s instrument within the acceptable tolerance.  To do this, you must;

1)      Take 3 of your own grain samples (i.e. 3 x wheat samples and 3 x barley samples – ensuring the grain is clean and sound) to your local silo for measurement (approx 500ml per sample presented in sealed airtight containers).    Overall, the samples should include a range of protein and moisture values – i.e. a sample of high protein, a sample of low protein, etc (OR a range of moisture and oil percentages for canola).

2)      Write the values from the silo on each container.

3)      Enter the samples into your instrument in duplicate.

4)      Write down the results and compare them to the silo values.

5)      If you are not happy with the results – contact us immediately so we can adjust your instrument – we can do this over the phone quickly with minimal disruption.

NB:  It is important you contact our technical staff prior to undertaking this process to ensure we address your individual circumstances.  We will however discuss this at the beginning of your enquiry.

What if I can’t organise my own reference samples?

For a fee, we can organise the delivery of “Certified Reference Materials” (samples) from an accredited laboratory.

Monitoring the accuracy of the calibrations

We recommend that from time to time, you run your reference samples in the instrument to check the unit is maintaining its accuracy.  Should the results change outside an acceptable tolerance – we can make an adjustment for you (this can be done quickly over the phone).

Calibration updates

In terms of regular maintenance, we will update product calibrations for you at your annual service. 

Will the unit measure weather damaged grain?

No.  The reasons for this are the large variations in degrees of weather damage, colour effects and the physical-chemical changes that the grain undergoes when weather-damaged.  Weather damaged wheat no longer resembles ‘wheat’ to the instrument.

Which grains can I measure?

Wheat – protein, moisture

Barley – protein, moisture

Canola – moisture, oil

Sorghum – protein, moisture

Oats – protein, moisture

Triticale – protein, moisture

Rice – protein, moisture, amylase

How clean does the grain need to be?

Each product calibration is determined using clean, sound grain.  Variation in the colour of the grain, the inclusion of foreign seeds and chaff etc – may affect the accuracy of a measurement.   

Does the grain have to be milled first?

No.  A key feature of the CropScan 1000B is that it measures whole grains only.

How long does a measurement take?

Approximately 60 seconds.

What do I have to do when I first receive the unit?

1)      Ensure all parts are received and in good order.  Note that we will have already undertaken quality tests/checks etc.

2)      Organise your own reference samples and measure these at your local silo – refer to “Is the instrument as accurate as my local silo?” for more detail.  This is important to ensure your instrument is correctly calibrated against the current season’s grain from your region.

How easy is the instrument to use?

A focus of the design for the CropScan 1000B is the “ease of use” as well as the few steps required when performing a measurement.  Quite simply, the basic steps are;

1)      Plug it in

2)      Press start

3)      Choose your grain

4)      Pour in your grain sample using the supplied sample cup (approx 400-500ml)

5)      Place the sample cup into the sample cup holder

6)      Results displayed in 60 seconds

What is the size of the instrument – is it easy to move around or take out on the farm?

The weight and dimensions of the CropScan 1000B is -: 18kg, 480mm (h) x 380mm (w) x 350mm (d).

The unit is designed essentially for use in weighbridges/storage sites/laboratories etc.  For the farmer, placing the instrument on a sturdy bench in the shed is okay.  The instrument is also portable so it can be used in the paddock on the back of a ute OR in the cab of a header using the 12V plug.

Servicing the instrument

We recommend your unit is serviced once per year prior to harvest.  A service cost is approximately $300+GST.  We can perform the service for you at our Toowoomba office.

What support can I receive?

• Servicing (repairs and calibration) – we are located in Toowoomba – Queensland and have our own servicing department.  We can visit you on-site (fee may be applicable)
• Phone support – 7 days a week.
• Sales support – 7 days a week.
• Training and education
• Installation.

Is the instrument “certified” OR “trade approved” – what is the difference?

The CropScan 1000B is trade approved.  This means the instrument’s design and function have passed rigorous testing for both the mechanics/optics and repeatability of results.  Also, a trade approved instrument means it has the ability to meet the NMI (National Measurement Institute) standard for protein measurement (as referenced by Grain Trade Australia’s “Grain Receival Standards”).

The instrument will not be certified unless you request this service.  The certification of an instrument must be performed by an approved certifier for a fee (approximately $300 for a 12 month period for one product (wheat or barley) additional fees for both products).  We can assist you in certifying your instrument.

In essence, the CropScan 1000B is a “trade approved” NIR instrument.  However, if you need a certified measurement of grain, then your instrument will require “certification” (i.e. if you need to demonstrate to your buyer that your results are taken from a certified instrument/or you simply wish to follow the standards, then you must certify your instrument). 

The certification of the CropScan 1000B is applicable for the measurement of protein in wheat and barley only.  The NMI refers to wheat and barley only in the standards for measuring protein using a trade approved instrument.