Does the Cropscan 2000G come set up
with all calibrations and accessories I will need?
The price of the Cropscan 2000G includes:
the Cropscan 2000G, a sample cup, a sealed cup, brush, a rechargeable battery pack
and charger, all instructions and an aluminium carry case to carry all
of these with ease. The calibrations are set up on the Cropscan 2000G here in our
lab before it goes out to you. The calibrations on the instrument are
dependent on your personal requirements.
Do I have to keep getting
the Cropscan 2000G re-calibrated?
No. Once the Cropscan 2000G is calibrated
with a product it will not require recalibration, for a number of years.
We do advise that you send the instrument in for a yearly service, which
includes an update of the calibration/s. Each season we obtain new samples
that are put into our calibration set, so when your instrument comes in,
any samples that are not in your calibration will be added. This will
increase the robustness of your calibration, and increase the accuracy
of prediction.
Is there training available?
Yes. We do provide in-house training
for those who wish to learn about the instrument’s operation before
purchasing. Sometimes location can be a problem. However, the instructions
provided with the instrument are very easy to follow, just make sure you
read all the instructions before playing with the instrument. We can also
assist you by phone, email and have a “PowerPoint” training
presentation available.
Will it line up to the Grain
Boards?
Over the last two harvests we
have been working with some of the Grain Boards when setting up our instruments.
We now obtain samples analysed by their instrument, and run them through
the Cropscan 2000G as a comparison. The results we have acquired from the Grain
Boards are lining up very well with the result we are obtaining on the
Cropscan 2000G.We also have available data from farmers which shows how well the ZX 50 correlates.
Solutions to Common Problems
for the Cropscan 2000G and Cropscan 2000B Analysers
Erratic readings are normally
caused by one of the following:
Inconsistent sample packing -
Grain samples must be packed to a consistent density for repeatable and
reliable results. The following shows you what we do in the lab during
set-up of instruments, to achieve repeatable and reliable results:
|
Product
|
Number
of taps required of filled cup
|
|
Wheat
|
4-5
|
|
Barley
|
8-10
firm taps
|
|
Sorghum
|
5-6
|
|
Canola
(4mm gap cup)
|
10-12
gentle taps
|
|
Canola
(8mm gap cup)
|
none
|
Sample Cup is not fully seated
- Optical alignment is essential for accurate and consistent data. Always
check the sample holder to be sure it is placed firmly in the measurement
chamber before closing the light shield.
Light leaks - light leaks will
cause measurement errors if the light shield is not fully closed. Tap
the light shield with your finger to be sure the shield is closed.
Static Electricity - Static electricity
is not usually a problem when operating temperatures are high and the
relative humidity is above 40%. During the winter months when air temperature
and relative humidity are low, poor measurement results are possible unless
the static electricity is discharged from the sample holder. An anti-electrostatic
brush is provided to discharge the sample holder.
Electrical Noise - High current
loads on the power line cause electrical noise. Motors, generators and
control equipment used in the plant, sheds and grain depot can affect
the operation of a Zeltex analyser. The battery pack supplied with the
unit should always be used. This also offers protection against power
surges, blackouts etc . Do not use the battery pack while connected to
the charger..
Insufficient Readings - If the
sample is course, not homogenous or irregular, such as products like barley
and sorghum, then it is necessary to increase the number of measurements,
or measurement time, and compute the average value of the measurements
to provide consistent data. In the Cropscan 2000G analysers we now suggest that
8 readings be taken when reading sorghum or barley, and not the usual
4 readings as for wheat. The number of averaged sample readings is adjustable
on the Zeltex analysers.
