ZX-50 SRT Seed Research Technology Portable Grain Analyzer with AutoBIAS™
User’s Manual Version 4.0
This manual provides you the information needed to operate the ZX-50 SRT Portable Grain Analyzer.
ZELTEX, INC. 130 Western Maryland Parkway Hagerstown, Maryland 21740 USA
Phone: 301-791-7080 Fax: 301-733-9398 E-mail: [email protected] © Zeltex, Inc. 2007
Table of Contents Table of Contents...... 2 WARNING...... 3 Introduction...... 4 Appearance and Part Names...... 4 Keypad Description...... 5 Other Parts and Accessories...... 5 Power...... 5 Printer Paper Installation for Optional Printer...... 6 Choosing the Correct Sample Cup...... 6 AutoBIAS™ – Automatic Bias initialization and Standardization...... 7 Using the ZX-50 SRT...... 9 Turning on the ZX-50 SRT for the First Time...... 9 Measuring a Sample...... 9 CM / As-Is...... 10 Changing Products...... 11 Adjusting the Calibration...... 11 Adjusting the Time and Date...... 12 Reset Automatic ID Number...... 13 Adjusting Number of Read Cycles...... 13 Connecting to a Computer...... 13 Storing Samples and Results...... 14 Enabling/Disabling the Optional Printer...... 14 Paper Feed...... 15 Warning and Error Messages...... 16 General Specifications...... 18 Glossary...... 19 Appendix 1: Analyzed Sample Form...... 20 Appendix 2: Daily AutoBIAS™ Adjustment Record...... 21
Page 2 Appendix 3: Combination Lock for Carrying Case...... 22
WARNING
THE ZX-50 SRT PORTABLE GRAIN ANALYZERS ARE NOT EXPLOSION-PROOF: REASONABLE CARE MUST BE USED IN HANDLING THESE INSTRUMENTS.
THE ZX-50 SRT IS SUPPLIED WITH A SPECIAL STATIC-FREE CLEANING BRUSH THAT IS TO BE USED WITH ALL SAMPLE CUPS. FAILURE TO USE THIS BRUSH BETWEEN SAMPLES MAY CAUSE BAD READINGS.
Page 3 Introduction
Appearance and Part Names
Small Sample Cup 16mm Cup 24mm Cup Variable Path-Length (optional) Cup (optional)
Page 4 Keypad Description Key Name Description
MEASURE This key is used to make measurements.
ENTER This key is used after a selection has been made on the menu.
SELECT This key is used before entering any adjustable programming ESC within the instrument. It can also be used to cancel a current entry in the instrument.
PRODUCT This key is used to make a product selection.
CM* This key toggles the displayed result between a Constant AS-IS Moisture basis or on an AS-IS basis.
▲ ▼ These arrow keys cycle through menu selections.
Other Parts and Accessories The ZX-50 SRT is shipped with the following parts and accessories. Contact Zeltex if you would like to purchase additional accessories.
ZX-50 SRT Static Brush Small Sample Cup AutoBIAS Perma-Sample 16mm Sample Cup Calibration Software CD 24mm Sample Cup (optional) Quick Start Manual Variable Path-Length Cup (optional) User’s Manual A/C Adapter Calibration Manual RS232 Cable Calibration Numbering Setup 6 Batteries Manual Carrying Case
Optional: Printer Printer Paper
Power The ZX-50 SRT can be powered by batteries or an A/C Adapter.
Page 5 1) Battery Installation: Insert six 1.5V “AA” size alkaline batteries into the battery compartment located on the lower back of the main body. Be sure that the batteries are oriented as indicated in the battery compartment.
Note: When you are running the ZX-50 SRT on batteries, please make sure that the instrument is shut off when not in use. The batteries will last much longer if the instrument is turned off when sitting idle.
2) A/C Adapter: Connect the A/C adapter cable to the A/C adapter jack located on the right hand side of the instrument (the jack closest to the top of the instrument).
Printer Paper Installation for Optional Printer 1) Remove the clear plastic cover from the printer.
2) Cut the end of the roll of paper at an angle to form a point in the center.
3) Feed the paper into the slit inside the Paper Roll Compartment. Use the Paper Feed option to advance the paper (see Paper Feed).
Choosing the Correct Sample Cup The Small Sample Cups that are shipped with the ZX-50 SRT have already been set for the calibrations that you have ordered. The ZX-50 SRT is also shipped with one 16mm sample cup. Other sample cups can be purchased from Zeltex at any time.
Do not place objects on the sample cup. It should not be placed in direct heat or cleaned with harsh chemicals or abrasives. Avoid scratching the windows.
If you are using a cup other than the Small Sample Cup, use the chart below to determine which cup is correct for the sample that you are measuring.
PRODUCT CUP Wheat Standard Black molded cup (16mm) Corn, Soybean Black molded cup w/windows on outside (25mm) Barley, Milo, Sorghum Cup with sliding windows set to 13mm (see next chart) Flax, Mustard, Cup with sliding windows set to 10mm (see next chart) Soymeal Canola, Rapeseed Cup with sliding windows set to 8mm (see next chart)
Page 6 Use the following chart to match the correct windows with the correct width for the variable path-length cup (the cup with sliding windows).
Window # A0420-1 A0420-2 A0420-3 A0420-4 A0420-5 A0420-1 15 14 13 12 8 A0420-2 14 13 12 11 7 A0420-3 13 12 10 9 6 A0420-4 12 11 9 8 5 A0420-5 8 7 6 5 --- Shaded boxes indicate preferred window combinations.
It is best to contact Zeltex if you are unsure of the type of window to use.
AutoBIAS™ – Automatic Bias initialization and Standardization When you turn the instrument on each day, it will require you to run an AutoBIAS sample in each non-perishable product you use*. The AutoBIAS feature uses the latest NIR technology to prevent the ZX-50 SRT from drifting out of calibration.
The instrument will prompt, “BIAS ADJUST [product].” Press ENTER. The instrument will read the empty chamber, then prompt, “Insert Sample.” Insert the Perma-Sample of that product provided by Zeltex, then press MEASURE. The screen will prompt, “Remove & Turn.” DO NOT TURN THE CUP: the perma-sample can only be inserted one way. Just press MEASURE. Remove and replace the sample when prompted; press MEASURE. Remove the sample when prompted and press MEASURE. The instrument will read the empty chamber again.
The instrument will decide how many times it needs to read the sample. At this point, it may prompt, “READ AGAIN.” If it does so, do not insert the sample. Press MEASURE. After it reads the empty chamber again, it will tell you to “Insert Sample.” Repeat the process. It may ask you to read the sample several times. Do not be alarmed. Simply follow the directions until the screen gives the constituent name and a value. This value is the amount of the bias adjustment for that constituent; write it on the attached Daily AutoBIAS Adjustment Record found in Appendix 2. Press ENTER. The instrument will automatically adjust the bias by the amount shown. The second constituent bias amount will appear. Record it and press ENTER again. Continue until all the constituents have been adjusted.
You are now ready to begin reading samples in the adjusted product!
You can elect to run an AutoBIAS at any time, in addition to the daily AutoBIAS prompt. Make sure you are in the product whose bias you want to adjust. Press SELECT ESC. Use the arrow keys (▲▼) to scroll through the menu until “Auto Bias” appears on the screen. Press ENTER.
Page 7 * If you are unable to run the AutoBIAS sample for some reason, you can escape the daily AutoBIAS prompt by pressing the arrow keys in the following order: up, down, up (▲▼▲). Do not make a habit of ignoring the AutoBIAS prompt. If you have lost the AutoBIAS sample, contact Zeltex for a replacement.
Page 8 Using the ZX-50 SRT
A NOTE ON THE TEXT
Throughout this manual, keystrokes are represented in bold type; references to messages on the computer screen or the ZX-50 SRT display screen are in “quotes.”
Turning on the ZX-50 SRT for the First Time It is recommended that you measure ten samples of the product that the instrument has been pre-calibrated for. (These samples must be pre-analyzed by your lab.) Write the analysis in the Analyzed Sample Form provided in Appendix 1 and then use the Statistical Analysis portion of the provided Calibration Software to determine if an adjustment is necessary. If you are unable to use the Calibration Software or are simply uncomfortable with determining when an adjustment is necessary, feel free fax the Analyzed Sample to Zeltex or email the predicted values to Zeltex for assistance:
FAX: 1-301-733-9398
PHONE in the USA: 1-800-732-1950 outside the USA: 1- 301-791-7080
EMAIL: [email protected]
Zeltex will give you any necessary adjustments.
Measuring a Sample 1) Turn the ZX-50 SRT on. Once the test sequence is complete, “Measure Standard” will be displayed.
2) Select the product according to the sample type to be measured. (See Changing Products)
3) Fill the sample cup with sample and tap the cup twice on a hard.
4) Make sure there is nothing in the sample chamber and close the lid over the sample chamber.
5) Press MEASURE. The display will show “Reading . . .,” then “Insert Sample.” This indicates that the instrument has been standardized. The instrument must be standardized prior to making any measurement.
6) Lift the lid from the sample chamber and place the cup containing the sample in the chamber.
Page 9 7) Replace the lid over the sample in the chamber. This shield must always be used when measuring a sample or a standard; otherwise, the results will be incorrect.
8) Press MEASURE. The display will show “Reading . . .,” then “Remove & Turn.” If using the Small Sample cup, simply remove and replace the cup, otherwise remove the sample cup, rotate the cup 180 degrees and replace it in the instrument. Close the lid.
9) Press MEASURE. The display will show “Reading . . .,” then “Remove & Reload.” Remove the sample cup, pour out the sample, and refill the cup with the same sample.
10) Replace the sample cup in the sample chamber and close the lid.
11) Press MEASURE. The display will show “Reading . . .,” then “Remove & Turn.” If using the Small Sample cup, simply remove and replace the cup, otherwise remove the sample cup, rotate the cup 180 degrees, and replace it in the. Close the lid.
12) Press MEASURE. The display will show “Reading . . .,” then “Remove & Press M.” Remove the sample.
13) Close the lid over the empty chamber and press MEASURE.
14) The results will be displayed. Use the down arrow key to list the results of each constituent.
15) To measure another sample of the same product, press SELECT ESC to clear the results. The instrument will return to “Measure Standard.” Repeat steps 3-14.
At any prompt where you have to either enter a sample or remove a sample and press MEASURE, the instrument will allow you only 50 seconds to do so. If after the elapse of 50 seconds you have not completed the task required, the ZX-50 SRT will flash “Time Out!” and automatically return to “Measure Standard.” This feature is designed to prevent readings from becoming “stale.”
Note: The ZX-50 SRT has a number of warnings for possible bad readings. See Warning and Error Messages in this manual for details.
CM / As-Is When displaying measurement results, the instrument displays the Constant Moisture (CM) calculation first by default. Pressing the CM/AS-IS Button will toggle back and forth between CM and AS-IS.
If you should wish to display the AS-IS results first, simply press the CM/AS-IS button while the display says "Measure Standard". When pressed, the display will say "AS-IS DEFAULT". Any readings taken afterwards will show the AS-IS results first. To view
Page 10 the CM results first again, press the CM/AS-IS button again while the display says "Measure Standard" and the display will say "CM DEFAULT".
Changing Products 1) Press PRODUCT.
2) Press the arrow keys (▲▼) to cycle through the products. The different products will be listed. (The ZX-50 SRT is able to store ten products, numbered as 0-9.)
3) Press ENTER when the product to be tested is on the display. Only one product can be selected at a time.
Adjusting the Calibration The ZX-50 SRT has been carefully calibrated at the factory or at your location; however, sometimes it is necessary to adjust the calibration for a slope and/or bias.
1) Bias Adjustment (shifts all readings up or down the same amount)
2) Slope Adjustment (changes the angle of prediction line to agree with the lab)
Before making any adjustments, you must first measure at least 5 samples for which you have laboratory analysis. These samples should also cover the range of the calibration. Once the samples have been measured, use the Statistical Analysis portion of the provided Calibration Software to determine if an adjustment is necessary. Print the Statistical Analysis and note the adjustment that the software recommends. If you are unable to use the Calibration Software or are simply uncomfortable with determining when an adjustment is necessary, feel free to use the Analyzed Sample Form found in Appendix 1 of this manual and contact Zeltex for assistance.
Once you have determined the adjustment to be made, follow these instructions for making an adjustment to the ZX-50 SRT:
1) Turn on the instrument.
2) Make sure you are in the product that requires the bias adjustment. (See Changing Products)
3) When “Measure Standard” is displayed, press SELECT ESC.
4) Use the arrow keys to cycle through the options until “Slope and Bias” is displayed. Press ENTER.
5) The product and constituent appear: (Example: PØ WHT C1 PRO)
Page 11 6) Use the arrow keys to cycle through the constituents. Press ENTER after the constituent for which you want to adjust the slope and/or bias appears.
7) “Slope 1.ØØ will appear. Use the arrow keys to cycle through the numbers. (If you do not wish to make a slope adjustment, leave the slope adjustment set to 1.ØØ). Press ENTER when the correct slope adjustment is displayed. The adjusted slope will now be displayed, press ENTER to confirm.
8) "Bias Ø.Ø" will appear. Use the arrow keys to cycle through the numbers. (If you do not wish to make a bias adjustment, leave the bias adjustment set to Ø.Ø). Press ENTER when the correct bias is displayed. The adjusted bias will now be displayed. Press ENTER to confirm. “COMPLETE” will appear.
If for any reason you must abort, press SELECT ESC to abort the adjustment.
Adjusting the Time and Date Adjusting the Time:
1) Turn on the instrument.
2) At the “Measure Standard” prompt, press SELECT ESC.
3) Use the arrow keys to cycle through the menu until “Set Time” appears.
4) Press ENTER. The up arrow key (▲) cycles through the hours. The down arrow key (▼) cycles through the minutes. The CM* AS-IS key zeroes the seconds.
5) Press ENTER after the time has been adjusted.
Adjusting the Date:
1) Turn instrument on.
2) At the “Measure Standard” prompt, Press SELECT ESC.
3) Use the arrow keys to cycle through the menu until “Set Time” appears.
4) Press ENTER. The up arrow key (▲) cycles through the months. The down arrow key (▼) cycles through the days. The CM* AS-IS key zeroes the years.
5) Press ENTER after the date has been adjusted.
Page 12 Reset Automatic ID Number This selection is used to reset the automatic sampling number to #1.
1) Turn on the instrument.
2) At the “Measure Standard” prompt, Press SELECT ESC.
3) Use the arrow keys to cycle through the menu until “Reset ID #” appears.
4) Press ENTER. “ID # Reset” will be displayed. The next sample run will be labeled sample #1.
Adjusting Number of Read Cycles The ZX-50 SRT is designed to allow you to use between 2 and 9 repetitions to get the maximum accuracy with the minimum time needed for your samples. Each product can be set to read a different number of times. Zeltex recommends using four (4) repetitions.
1) Turn on the instrument.
2) At the “Measure Standard” prompt, press SELECT ESC.
3) Use the arrow keys to cycle through the menu to find “Set Readings.” Press ENTER.
4) The number of readings is displayed. Use the arrow keys to cycle through the numbers. Press ENTER at the number of your choice.
Connecting to a Computer The ZX-50 SRT comes with Calibration Software that allows you to create your own calibrations, make backups of the current calibration, and view the optical data for a sample. To do this you must connect the ZX-50 SRT to the computer using the supplied RS-232 Cable and put the ZX-50 SRT into Data Link mode.
1) Turn off the instrument.
2) Connect the RS-232 cable to the RS-232 Port on the side of the ZX-50 SRT.
3) Connect the RS-232 Cable to a free RS-232 port on the computer.
4) Turn on the instrument.
5) At the “Measure Standard” prompt, press SELECT ESC.
6) Use the arrow keys to cycle through the menu until “Data Link” appears.
Page 13 7) Press ENTER. “DATA LINK” will be displayed in capital letters.
Storing Samples and Results The ZX-50 SRT has the ability to store the OD’s and the calculated results for 25 samples in battery-backed RAM. These are stored in the same memory as the calibration constants. This means that the samples are preserved even when the ZX-50 SRT is turned off. The samples and results that are saved in the ZX-50 SRT's memory can be downloaded to the PC using the Calibration Software.
To save the last sample that was read:
1) Press SELECT ESC.
2) Use the arrow keys to cycle through the menu until “Store Samples” appears. Press ENTER.
3) “Saved #______“ indicates the number (1-25) of the saved sample in the ZX-50 SRT’s memory.
After saving 25 samples, the instrument will wrap around and begin to save again in position 1. This will overwrite the previous sample(s).
To save the results from the last reading:
1) Press SELECT ESC.
2) Use the arrow keys to cycle through the menu until “Store Results” appears. Press ENTER.
3) “Saved #______“ indicates the number (1-25) of the saved results in the ZX-50 SRT’s memory.
After saving 25 results, the instrument will wrap around and begin to save again in position 1. This will overwrite the previous sample(s).
Enabling/Disabling the Optional Printer Enabling the printer:
1) Turn on the instrument.
2) At the “Measure Standard” prompt, press SELECT ESC.
3) Use the arrow keys to cycle through the menu until “Printing” appears. Press ENTER.
Page 14 4) “PRN ENABLED” will be displayed. Press ENTER.
NOTE: Each time the ZX-50 SRT is turned on, the printer must be enabled.
Disabling the printer:
1) Turn on the instrument.
2) At the “Measure Standard” prompt, press SELECT ESC.
3) Use the arrow keys to cycle through the menu until “Printing” appears. Press ENTER.
4) “PRN DISABLED” will be displayed. Press ENTER.
Paper Feed 1) Turn on the instrument.
2) At the “Measure Standard” prompt, press SELECT ESC.
3) Use the arrow keys to cycle through the menu until “Paper Feed” appears.
4) Press ENTER. The paper will advance one line each time ENTER is pressed.
5) Press SELECT ESC to return to “Measure Standard.”
Page 15 Warning and Error Messages The ZX-50 SRT has a number of warnings and error codes built into it. Some of them are overridden automatically on the analyzer. Others require you to start the reading again. If the instrument overrides the warning, it will still print the warning on the printout. When a warning is overridden, analyze the sample a second time to ensure an accurate reading. If you believe that you are getting one of the warning or error messages in error or you have any questions about these messages, please contact Zeltex for technical support.
Warning/Error Message Explanation
1) ERROR: TOO DARK This error occurs if the energy reaching the detector is less than the acceptable level. This is normally caused by the sample being too thick.
2) ERROR: TOO LITE This will be displayed if the detector is in saturation. This normally is caused by not placing the light shield on correctly during the reading or Zero Adjust or by the sample being too thin.
3) AMB. TEMP. HIGH The ZX-50 SRT was set up with a temperature check. If the instrument temperature is too cold or or too hot, these warnings will appear on the printout.
AMB. TEMP. LOW
4) SMP. TEMP. HIGH The ZX-50 SRT was set up with a temperature check. If the instrument temperature is too cold or or too hot, these warnings will appear on the printout.
SMP. TEMP. LOW
5) VALUE TOO HIGH This occurs when the reading for a particular constituent is outside the range of the calibration. or The results of samples read that lie outside of the calibration range are not as reliable. VALUE TOO LOW
6) BAD CURVE This will appear only if A, B, and C have been activated for the calibration. This can happen if you have the wrong product active.
7) HIGH VARIANCE This is displayed if the variance between the two readings is more than normal variance in the sample. This tells you that the repeatability within the sample is not as reasonable as we would
Page 16 expect. This could be caused by light leaks or just variations in the samples.
8) TIMEOUT At any prompt where you have to either enter a sample or remove a sample and press ENTER, the instrument will allow you only 30 seconds to do so. If, after the elapse of 30 seconds, you have not completed the task required, the ZX-50 SRT will flash “TIMEOUT” and automatically return to “Zero Adjust”. This is a feature designed to not allow the readings to get stale.
9) LOW BATTERIES This is displayed when the batteries need to be replaced.
10) RAM RESET This message is displayed when there is a failure with the internal memory. This will cause all of the calibration constants to be lost. If this happens, you must restore a backup of the calibrations using the Calibration Software (refer to Creating/Restoring a Backup File in the ZX-50 SRT Calibration Software Manual).
If the message occurs more than once, please contact Zeltex for further instructions.
Page 17 General Specifications
1. MEASUREMENT Measuring Principle: Near-Infrared Transmittance based on technology from the United States Department of Agriculture using 14 wavelengths covering the range from 893 nanometers to 1045 nanometers.
2. PRINTER OUTPUT (Optional) Measured Results with time, date, and identification
3. POWER SOURCE Six AA 1.5V alkaline batteries or 9V A/C adapter (included)
4. DIMENSIONS Main Body - 4.7 x 13.5 x 2.2 inches
5. WEIGHT 3 lbs.
Page 18 Glossary
Accuracy – Refers to how closely the readings of the known samples match the samples’ predetermined lab values in a given instrument.
Bias – The average overall shift of the calculated results from the ideal laboratory values. A Bias Adjustment will compensate for this.
Constants (also referred to as K values) – Figures determined during calibration of the instrument which are used in the equation:
Result = K0 + (K1OD1 + K2OD2 + . . . KNODN)
Constituent – One of the properties of the product being measured, such as Protein or Moisture.
Data Link – The mode that the ZX-50 SRT must be in to communicate with the Calibration Software.
ID’s – The identification numbers of the samples.
Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) – The mathematical process to fit the optical data to the lab data.
Optical Data (OD’s) –The data obtained by the instrument from each of its filters which it then applies to the above equation.
Precision – Refers to how closely the same sample repeats its readings in a given instrument
Reduce / Reduction – See Multiple Linear Regression
Regression – See Multiple Linear Regression
Slope and Bias – More than just an average overall shift of the calculated results from the ideal laboratory values. A Slope and Bias adjustment will compensate for this.
Thermistor – The probe in the sample chamber that measures the sample temperature.
Page 19 Appendix 1: Analyzed Sample Form
SEND TO: Zeltex, Inc. USA, FAX NO.: 1-301-733-9398
FROM: Company name, Country ______
CONTACT PERSON: (please print) ______
PHONE: Country code ______Number ______
FAX: ______
Enter in the Analyzed Sample columns, ten (10) samples that have been analyzed by your lab. In the corresponding columns, enter the ZX-50 SRT readings for the same samples. Fax to Zeltex for advice concerning any needed adjustments.
ZX-50 ZX-50 ZX-50 ZX-50 Samp. LAB LAB LAB LAB SRT SRT SRT SRT # CON 1 CON 2 CON 3 CON 4 CON 1 CON 2 CON 3 CON 4
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Page 20 Appendix 2: Daily AutoBIAS™ Adjustment Record
Keep a blank copy of this sheet. PRODUCT # AutoBIAS AMOUNT FOR and NAME DATE CON 1 CON 2 CON 3 CON 4
___/___/___
___/___/___
___/___/___
___/___/___
___/___/___
___/___/___
___/___/___
___/___/___
___/___/___
___/___/___
___/___/___
___/___/___
___/___/___
___/___/___
___/___/___
___/___/___
___/___/___
___/___/___
Page 21 Appendix 3: Combination Lock for Carrying Case
Your combination lock is set at the factory to open at 000. You may leave it at this setting or you can set your own secret combination in the following manner:
1) With the lock open, push button (1) in the direction of the arrow and hold down until the second operation has been performed.
2) Set number wheels (2) to the desired combination. Do not forget the combination you have set!
3) Now release the button (1). Press the button again as a check.
Your case will now open only at your secret combination. If you want to change the combination again, simply repeat these steps.
Page 22