Regular maintenance achieves best results
Best results with the Protimeter Grainmaster i-S moisture meter are achieved by cleaning and servicing the instrument regularly and by using it in stable, constant conditions without large temperature fluctuations. It is also important to follow the practical advice on grain sampling and measurement given in sources such as the AHDB’s free booklet ‘Grain moisture – guidelines for measurement’
The Protimeter Grainmaster is regarded as one of the best grain moisture meters on the market for consistent accuracy. But like any measurement instrument, it needs to be kept in top condition in order for it to function properly. Below are our top 5 tips to ensure a smooth running moisture meter.
Whilst it is possible for a meter to give incorrect results due to calibration drift and error, more often problems result from non representative sampling, incorrect operation or poor maintenance.
The top 5 things to check on the Grainmaster Moisture Meter to ensure optimum performance:
If you notice that the grinding process has become difficult or the sample has not been ground properly, simply changing the blade and feeder ring will improve the meter’s performance. A worn blade and feeder ring can also be the cause of inconsistent moisture readings. A new blade and feeder ring is supplied with every new instrument.
Use the brush provided and thoroughly brush down the meter after each use, particularly focusing on the measurement cell and the grinder compressor unit.
A quick splash occasionally of 3 in 1 oil on the threaded shaft of the grinder compressor helps smooth out the grinding process.
The moisture meter works best with a 10ml sample. A grain sample too small or too big can give inaccurate readings. Use the 10ml spoon provided to ensure the sample size is tested.
Sounds simple, but if the meter is going to be sat for a long time, take the battery out. This will increase the life of the battery and also reduces the risk of it leaking. You’ll be surprised how many moisture meters we get in for repair because they won’t switch on and just needed a new battery. A spare battery is supplied with every new instrument.
The grinder compressor
To help keep the Protimeter Grainmaster i-S in tip-top working condition, it is supplied with a spare grinder-blade set and a free first year service voucher.
The all in one grinder/compressor unit gives a consistent grind, uniform sample compression and ensures grain moisture is recorded accurately throughout each sample. To get the best performance from the unit, it is important to follow a regular maintenance schedule as shown in the video on the right.
Service workshop
Avoid deductions and the cost of overdrying by cleaning and servicing your moisture meter regularly. We service all makes of moisture meter to conform with quality assurance schemes, or you can do a simple calibration check at one of our moisture meter clinics. Click here to find out more
Marconi Moisture Meters
Although still in use on many farms, Marconi moisture meters have not been manufactured for many years now, and some spare parts are unobtainable.
Up to a point, we can service and calibrate them. We also make up and supply the two specific battery packs that these meters require.
Sinar Moisture Meters
If you are returning a Sinar 6060 to us for a service, please do not send the plastic hopper as this is not required.
Send us your moisture meter for a service
To send your moisture meter to us for a service/calibration, simply download our service request form and send the complete moisture meter to us with the service request form inside. You can use our handy address label too. Use suitable packaging to avoid damage to the moisture meter during shipping.
Avoid delays and send us your moisture meter early, we recommend sending it in April. June to August can get very busy with increased lead times on moisture meter servicing.
We carry out anything from a standard service and calibration to complete machine re-builds. We provide a quote before performing major repair tasks and we don’t usually recommend work on instruments that are beyond economic repair. A typical service procedure includes:
We service most makes of moisture meter, including obsolete and older models of existing brands. If we cannot do anything to improve the performance of your meter we do not make a service charge just for looking at it.
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