tuberlog electronic potato detects sources of damage

TuberLog

Immediately identifies sources of damage and bruising

Instant damage detection
Bluetooth enabled
Impact and Temperature
USB Connectivity
Android App
impactrack, Impact Sensing, data logger, impactrack, impact sensor, temperature logger
Mimics a real potato
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The TuberLog Electronic Potato identifies damage and bruise causes in all types of potato handling machinery. 

The operator watches the TuberLog passing through a machine and its Bluetooth technology links to an Android app to help immediately indicate sources of impact. 

TuberLog enables immediate improvements to quality problems in potato production. 

TuberLog assists with the prevention of economic losses caused by bruising. 

How does TuberLog work?

  • TuberLog is an acceleration measurement logger embedded in a synthetic shape that mimics the size, shape, density and movement characteristics of a ‘ware’ potato.
  • TuberLog records impacts while moving with real potatoes during harvesting and processing and locates damage and bruise-causing parts of machinery.
  • TuberLog transmits impacts instantly by Bluetooth, visually on an Android tablet or smartphone and audibly in the device’s headphones, so the operator can immediately locate the impact source.
  • TuberLog records and stores impact and temperature values. The data is transferred by Bluetooth or USB to a PC or laptop where it can be analysed using the software supplied.
  • TuberLog is powered by a rechargeable battery which is charged by connecting to the USB interface of a computer or with the charging kit supplied.
tuberlog electronic potato links to an android tablet to show points of impact
tuberlog electronic potato links to an android tablet

Android App

The TuberLog connects to an Android tablet via Bluetooth. The app gives users the ability to see in real time the shocks received by the TuberLog. Operators can accurately identify the location and severity of the shock and quickly decide whether remedial work is needed.

Operators can select their own reporting thresholds, so small shocks show up as a green alert, intermediate ones as orange and severe ones as red. Each alert is accompanied by a different audible alarm.

The recorded data can be viewed in real time and can be viewed in different forms such as tables or graphs. 

Suited to testing all potato handling situations

tuberlog electronic potato mimics the size and density of a real potato
In the ground
tuberlog electronic potato can withstand the harsh environment of a harvester
Harvester
tuberlog electronic potato inside a grading unit
Grader
tuberlog electronic potato inside a potato washer
Washer
tuberlog electronic potato on grading rollers
Conveyor
tuberlog electronic potato on the packing line
Packing Line
tuberlog electronic potato used in conjunction with a hotbox to identify bruising

Interpretation of Results

Potato bruising level is related to impact, but variety, temperature and growing conditions all affect how much bruising occurs at a given impact.

TuberLog doesn’t measure bruise levels in real potatoes, but the user can interpret the impact information and change machine settings to reduce impact levels and minimise bruising.

Readings can be compared to Potato Hot Box bruise test results of potatoes taken from the same machine section. This provides the experience to interpret TuberLog results very quickly.

PC software allows detailed analysis of impact records

tuberlog comes with PC software to display the recorded data
Table of individual impacts
tuberlog comes with PC software to display the recorded data
Real-time graph of impacts
tuberlog comes with PC software to display the recorded data
Distribution of impact levels

Why use TuberLog as part of quality control procedures?

TuberLog assists with the prevention of economic losses caused by bruising

TuberLog enables immediate improvements to quality problems in potato production

TuberLog can provide peace of mind that quality standards are being maintained

TuberLog should be used regularly so that bruising problems caused by poor machine maintenance or incorrect settings can be detected quickly. Machine settings are often changed, but the effects on bruising may not be realised. A quick check with TuberLog can make sure.

Who can benefit from using TuberLog?

tuberlog electronic potato used by potato growers to help fine tune harvesting equipment

Potato growers, producers and processors

  • Reducing damage and bruising in potato handling machinery
  • Increasing the return on the investment in the potato crop
  • Retaining key customers through consistent supply of high quality potatoes
tuberlog electronic potato used by packing machines to help reduce damage

Manufacturers of harvesting and post-harvesting machinery

  • Assisting users to set-up their machines to avoid high impact levels
  • Improving machinery design by identifying high impact levels
  • Demonstrating the quality levels of potatoes passing through the machines

Agronomists and Crop Consultants

  • Advising on ideal machine settings for bruise-free production
  • Carrying out objective comparisons of production facilities
  • Providing evidence for adherence to quality control procedures 
tuberlog electronic potato

Research and development technicians

  • Determining thresholds for the risk of damage to potatoes due to impact force
  • Investigating materials and handling techniques that would reduce the risk of damage to potatoes

2 Versions available 

TuberLog PTR400

Potato shape datalogger, App, PC software

TuberLog PTR500

Potato shape datalogger, App, PC software, Android tablet

Full Details and Specifications
Sampling rateWeightDimensionsPowerBluetooth
operating range
Case
dimensions
Weight full
1000 Hz165g93 x 67 x 53mmRechargeable battery
Life: 10hrs to 1 month
Depending on use
20m Line of sight30 x 35.5 x 9cm1.6Kg

PTR 400 (Product Code: POT/PTR400) 

Data logger embedded in a synthetic shape designed to mimic the size, shape and density of a ‘ware’ potato, with replaceable sealing caps 

QR Code link to download: 

– TuberLog App suited to Android tablet or smartphone (not iOS) 

– PC software for unlimited data download function 

– Instruction manual in English, French, Spanish and German 

Bluetooth USB adapter; USB connection and charging cable; strong carry case

PTR 500 (Product Code: POT/PTR500) 

As PTR 400 above, with Android Tablet, pre-loaded with TuberLog App 

Operating method: 3-axis shock sensor with sampling rate of 1000 Hz, selectable measurement period and pre-set peak value threshold. Data readout is wireless via Bluetooth interface or USB connection to a PC (using software supplied) or Android tablet or smartphone (using App supplied or downloadable from the Google Play Store). 

Tablet specifications may vary according to available model and manufacturer

Keep on top of your bruising now!

More information:

Damage and bruise testing in other produce with ImpacTrack and BeetLog

ImpacTrack

Any size, any shape.. See how ImpacTrack can help reduce bruising in almost any produce!

BeetLog

The BeetLog takes its design cues from the TuberLog, but re-engineered to mimic the size, shape and density of a sugar beet. 

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