Instant Moisture Meter for Grains, Seeds, Coffee and other small products
PM-650
Operating Manual
Thank you for purchasing this product.
Please read the operating manual carefully and use this product properly.
CONTENTS
1. Features ................................................................................................ 4
2. Specifications........................................................................................ 5
3. Part Names............................................................................................ 6
4. Display/Keyboard.................................................................................. 7
5. Preparation and Configuration............................................................. 8
5-1. Battery Installation......................................................................... 8
5-2. Product number viewing............................................................... 8
5-3. Product number selection............................................................. 9
5-4. Sample extraction.......................................................................... 11
5-5. Measurement................................................................................. 12
6. Other functions...................................................................................... 16
6-1. Displaying the average moisture value......................................... 16
6-2. Auto power off................................................................................ 17
6-3. Battery level icon........................................................................... 18
7. Options ................................................................................................ 19
7-1. 200g standard weight..................................................................... 19
7-2. Printer (VZ-390).............................................................................. 22
8. Error Display.......................................................................................... 23
9. Instructions for proper use................................................................... 25
1. Features
This instrument can measure the moisture content of many kinds
of grain, seeds, and other products. Using a fixed sample volume
allows the weight, temperature, and capacitance (dielectric) of the
sample to be measured. After processing this information with
the use of the embedded microprocessor, the “Moisture Value” is
displayed. Refer to the “Product List” for measurable grain versions.
Because the calibration curves of products on the “Product List”
have been already stored, the measurement of a sample on the list
can be instantly performed by simply pressing the product number.
[Note]
The entered product versions may be different even among the same
PM-650 models. The display may be different between examples in the
Operating Manual and the real ones on the actual tester, but the usage
is the same.
4
2. Specifications
Measuring principle : Capacitance(Dielectric) (50MHz)
Applications : Grain, seeds, small objects
Measurement range : 1 - 40% (sample dependent)
Sample volume : 240 mL
Operating temperature range : 0 - 40 °C
Precision : <Moisture> Standard error of 0.5% or less versus drying method (all samples with
moisture content of less than 20%)
Correction function : <Mass> By integrated weighing scale
<Temperature> By thermistor
Other functions : Average, auto power off, volume weight unit of g/L (sample weight/sample volume)
Display : Digital (LCD)
Power supply : Batteries (1.5 V Alkaline "AA" size, x4)
Power consumption : 240 mW
Dimensions and weight : 125 (W) x 205 (D) x 215 (H) mm, 1.3 kg
Accessories : Funnel, Manual hopper, Brush, Batteries (1.5 V Alkaline "AA" size, x4), Product list,
Operating manual
Options : Printer (VZ-390), 200g standard weight
5
3. Part Names
<Front> <Accessories>
Measuring section
(sample inlet)
Inner cylinder
Display
Keyboard
Funnel Manual hopper
(Sample cup)
Battery cover
<Rear panel> Brush Batteries
(1.5V “R6” or “AA” size, x4)
RS-232C Connector Product list Operating manual
6
4. Display / Keyboard
Product name Unit of volume weight
Product number Battery level icon
Sample in/out icon
Number of Moisture value,
measuring Value weight
SELECT key POWER key
Selection of products Power On/Off
AVG. key
Average value
Volume weight key MEA. key
Displays a volume Measurement
weight
Numeric keypad
Used for number entry
7
5. Preparation and Configuration
• This instrument is equipped with an integrated weighing scale. For optimal results, this instrument should
be placed on a horizontal surface and used in locations where the wind is not strong and the instrument isn’t
subject to vibration.
• Do not hit the instrument during operation and do not leave the instrument upside down.
• Although this instrument performs automatic temperature correction, for optimal measurement, leave this
instrument at ambient temperature for 2 hours or more before use.
• The temperature sensor embedded in the main unit measures the ambient temperature around the measuring
unit and automatically performs temperature correction. If the temperature difference between the main unit
and a sample is ±10 °C or more, a measurement error may be generated and, therefore, the displayed measured
value blinks (warning indication) (see “8. Error Display” on page 23 and 24).
5-1. Battery Installation
The unit is powered by four 1.5 V batteries (A A,
alkaline). Remove the bottom battery cover, place the
batteries into the compartment, ensuring to correctly
orient the positive (+) and negative (–) terminals. Then
replace the battery cover.
5-2. Product number viewing
(1) Press the key.
(A buzzer sounds for 2 seconds, and all contents are
displayed)
(2) The number of the product that was measured during
the last test is displayed. In the case of the drawing
(right) the product number is “41 WHEA”.
8
5-3. Product number selection
Select a product number to be measured from the
"Product List".
[Note] The method of how to enter product numbers are
different between "1 to 99" and "100 to 200 (A0 to K0)".
・ Selection of product number "1 to 99" → procedure below
・ Selection of product number "100 to 200 (A0 to K0)"
→proceed to page 10
(1) Press the key, and the product number that was
measured last time blinks (in this case, 41).
(2) For example, to now measure "42 CORN".
(3) Enter "42".
First, press the key for the ten's place.
After "1" on the unit's place blinks, press the key.
(4) Now, “42 CORN” is selected.
[Note] T h e p r o d u c t n u m b e r i s m e m o r i z e d w h i l e
t he inst rument is of f, and t herefore, t he
last selected number is displayed when the
instrument is turned on the next time.
9
• Select a product number "100 to 200 (A0 to K0) to
be measured from the "Product List".
(1) Press the key, and the product number that was
measured last time blinks (in this case, 41).
(2) Fo r exa mple, to now me a su re "112 ( B2) MUSK
(muskmelon)".
(3) Entering "B2".
(B2 represents the product number of 112. Refer to
the method below for how to enter a product number.)
Ever y time the key is pressed, the display
changes as "A → B → C → D → E → F". Press the
key twice to adjust the ten's place to "B". After
"1" on the unit's place blinks, press the key.
(4) Now, "112 (B2) MUSK (muskmelon)" is selected.
[Note] T h e p r o d u c t n u m b e r i s m e m o r i z e d w h i l e
t he inst rument is of f, and t herefore, t he
last selected number is displayed when the
instrument is turned on the next time.
10
5-4. Sample extraction
(1) Mount the funnel on the manual hopper, and load
a sample into the funnel to one-third of the funnel
depth.
(2) Remove the funnel to eliminate surplus sample and to
level off the sample.
[Note] Never extract a sample directly with the manual
hopper.
11
5-5. Measurement
[Note] When a volume weight is measured, "Be sure to
follow the procedure in section 7-1. page 19 to
21 (to check the accuracy of the weighing scale)
before going further".
During blinking, do not move the instrument.
(1) Make sure that there is no residual sample in the
measuring section, and press the key.
[Note] First, the decimal point blinks.
During the blinking, a zero adjustment (tare)
of the weighing scale is performed. Therefore,
never move the instrument. If the instrument
vibrates even slightly, a zero adjustment cannot
be performed, and the decimal point blinking
may not stop.
(2) After the sample in icon starts to blink, load the
sample from the manual hopper into the center of the
measuring unit as shown in the drawing on the right.
Load the sample at a constant speed for the entire
sample to be loaded within 5 to 6 seconds.
[Note] Especially for volume weight measurement, be
sure to load the whole volume of the sample in
the manual hopper into the measuring unit.
The sample should be level within the measuring section.
[Note] If t he sample is not level in t he measuring
s e c t i o n , t h e m o i s t u r e c o n t e n t m ay n ot b e
correctly measured.
12
(3) After the decimal point blinks for approx. 5 seconds,
the measuring count and moisture content are
displayed.
Display example : 41 WHEA 1TIMES 13.5%
(Product number : 41 WHEAT,
1st measurement, moisture content 13.5%)
The measuring count is displayed from 1 to 9.
The 10th measuring count is displayed as 1. <Display example>
When the key is pressed after the moisture
content is displayed, the volume weight is displayed
with its unit. Once the key is pressed, the unit
cannot return to the moisture content display.
Display example : 41 WHEA 1TIMES 786g/L
(Product number : 41 WHEAT,
1st measurement, volume weight 786 g/L)
13
[Note 1] For samples wit h high mois tu r e content , t he mois tu r e (example of below measurement range)
content difference among individual grains is large. While
t h e mo i s t u r e c o n t e n t c a n b e d i s p l aye d , m e a s u r e m e n t
precision is not as good as lower moisture content samples.
The displayable range of the volume weight is slightly wider
than the measurable range, and therefore, a displayed
(example of above measurement range)
value may be beyond or below the measurable range on the
specifications.
[Note 2] When the moisture content is below the measurement range,
"Lo" is displayed, and when the moisture content is above the
range, "Hi" is displayed.
[Note 3] The key is operable even when the moisture content
is above beyond or below the measurable range, but the
measurement is not counted.
[Note 4] Measu r eme nt s of t a pioc a f lou r, w h eat f lou r,
corncob meal, feed barley meal, dried bean curd,
buckwheat flour, tea, etc.
(items to be measured vary with tester versions)
When the sample is loaded into the measuring unit, some
sample may remain on the electrode at the center of the
measuring unit. In such cases, use the attached brush to put
the sample into the measuring unit within 5 seconds of the
decimal point blinking. If a measurement is performed while
the sample remains on the electrode, an error may occur.
14
[Note 5] Measurement of pine pulp, cashew nuts, etc.
(Items to be measured vary with Instrument versions)
For samples that are likely to be caught by the
electrode such as pine pulp, break the samples into
fine pieces before measurement or eliminate pieces
that are likely to be caught before measuring.
(4) After the sample out icon is displayed, discharge the sample
to prepare for the next measurement.
[Note] The moisture content is displayed even after discharging the
sample, but pressing the key clears the moisture content,
blinks the decimal point, and starts the zero adjustment.
When samples with the same product number are continuously
measured, repeat operations from “5-4. Sample extraction” on
page 11.
When samples with different product numbers are measured, repeat
operations from “5-3. Product number selection” on page 9.
15
6. Other functions
6-1. Displaying the average moisture value
When the measurement count is 2 to 9, the average
value can be calculated (simple arithmetic mean).
Pressing the key displays the average value of
measurements from 1st to the current (up to 9).
In th e exa mp l e at th e r i g ht, “ th e ave r ag e of 2
measurements is 13.5%”.
Pressing the key immediately after pressing the
key displays the average of volume weights.In
the example at right, "the average of 2 measurements
is 786 g/L".
[Note] When the key is pressed once, the next
measurement count starts from 1st.
16
6-2. Auto power off
If no measure me nt or ope ration is pe r forme d
for 3 minutes with the power on, the power is
automatically turned off to avoid battery drain.
Set the auto power off function to "OFF" when the
data logger software (option) is using.
(1) Press the key, and press both of and Beep +
keys simultaneously while a buzzer sounds.
Simultaneous pressing during beep
(2) Each time you press the key, auto power off
function can switch "ON" or "OFF".
17
6-3. Battery level icon
When the battery is low, the battery level icon ( )
appears on the display.
When the icon appears, replace the battery with new
ones reference "5-1. Battery installation" on page 8.
[Note] The moisture content may not be properly
measured when the battery level icon displayed.
18
7. Options
A 200g standard weight (for checking the accuracy of weighing scale) and a printer (VZ-390) are
optionally available. Follow the procedure below for usage.
7-1. 200g standard weight
(for checking the accuracy of weighing scale)
<Items to be prepared>
• Main unit (should be left at ambient temperature for 2
hours or more for thermal stabilization)
• Sample cup
• 200 g standard weight (option)
(Class 3 or higher, diameter of bottom: 30 mm or less) Main unit Manual hopper 200g standard
weight (option)
(1) Before turning on the power, turn the sample cup
upside down and put it into the measuring unit so that
the cup covers the inner cylinder (refer to the drawing
on the right.)
19
(2) Press the key, and press the and keys
simultaneously while a buzzer sounds.
Beep +
Simultaneous pressing during beep
<Accuracy checking mode of weighing scale>
"180" is displayed, and the displayed number starts
counting down ("179", "178", and so on in steps of 1
second).
The accuracy checking mode of the weighing scale is
now activated.
During the count down, warm up is performed for 180
seconds.
[Note] If a product number, product name, or other
i t e m s i n s t e a d o f "180" i s d i s p l a y e d , t h e
accuracy checking mode of the weighing scale
is not activated.
In such a case, press the key to turn off the
power once, and try the operations again from
the step(2)above.
20
(3) After counting down, "0.00g" will be displayed for
a few seconds, and then the decimal point starts
blinking.
When the internal weighing scale displays "0.0g" as
the zero point, put the 200g standard weight gently
on the sample cup covered on the inner cylinder.
(4) The weight of the 200g standard weight is displayed.
The display example in the drawing on the right is
200.0g.
When the displayed value falls within the range from
199.0 through 201.0g, the result is normal. If the value
is above or below the range, adjustment is required.
Normal from 199.0 to 201.0
(5) Press the key to terminate.
This chapter, "7-1. 200g standard weight (for checking the accuracy of weighing scale)", is described
for measuring volume weight, but is also useful for inspection operations using moisture content
measurement. This procedure can be used as standard operating protocol before operation.
21
7-2. Printer (VZ-390)
Connecting the printer, V Z-390 (option), to the <Printing example>
connector on the rear panel of the main unit with
the cable supplied with the printer allows users VERSION : PM6501
DATA VER. NO. : 00006
to automatically print the measured results after PRODUCT No.41
measurement. WHEAT
[Note] Refer to the operating manual for the printer for TIMES [%] [g/L]
how to set up the printer. 1 13.6 765
RS-232C interface specifications 2 13.7 763
Transmission format Start-stop (asynchronous)
AVE. 13.7 764
transmission, transmission only
Signal format Baud rate : 9600 bps
Data bit length : 8 bits
Parity : None
Stop bits : 1 bit
Code : ASCII
22
8. Error Display
The following error are displayed when this instrument or usage conditions are not normal. In such cases, please
contact us because repair may be necessary. This is also true should other error messages be displayed.
Error Display Description Remedy
0 01 Problem with the temperature measurement circuit.
002 Problem with the capacitance measurement circuit.
Contact to our distributor.
003 Problem with the weight measurement circuit.
011 The measurement of empty capacitance is too high.
013 Main unit temperature is too high: over 60 °C.
014 Main unit temperature is too low: under -10 °C. Use the tester in the operating temperature
01 5 Main unit board temperature is too high: over 60 °C. of 0 to 40 °C.
01 6 Main unit board temperature is too low: under -10 °C.
Use the tester in conditions that wind is
017 Tare weighing is unstable for more than 20 seconds.
not strong and no vibration is sensed.
01 8 Tare weight is too high.
Contact to our distributor.
019 Tare weight is too low.
Use the tester in conditions that wind is
021 Sample weighing is unstable for more than 20 seconds.
not strong and no vibration is sensed.
022 Sample pouring speed is too fast. Load the sample in 5 to 6 seconds.
024 Sample temperature is too high: over 60 °C. Try measurement after the samples are
thermally homogenized in the measure-
025 Sample temperature is too low: under -10 °C. ment environment.
028 The sample weight is lighter than the threshold. Check the measurement condition.
23
Warning indication (measured value blinking)
• The main unit temperature is above (or below) the
operating temperature range.
• The main unit board temperature is above (or
below) the operating temperature range.
• The sample temperature is above (or below) the
operating temperature range.
• The temperature difference between the sample
and main unit board is 10°C or more.
24
9. Instructions for proper use
(1) This tester is a precision instrument equipped with an integrated weighing scale. To avoid instrument
failure, do not hit the instrument or drop it.
(2) Do not directly touch the metal part of the measuring unit with your hand. Failure to observe this may
generate static electricity which may lead to breakdown.
(3) The protrusion inside the measuring unit is the temperature sensor and, therefore, be careful not to break it.
(4) When the inner portion of the measuring unit becomes dirty, use a soft damp cloth to wipe inside.
Never wash this tester in water.
(5) When this tester is not used for a long period of time, remove the batteries.
(6) If a displayed measured value is not normal or is questionable, stop using this tester immediately and
contact us.
25
Caution
● It is strictly prohibited to transfer part or all of this manual without
permission.
● The contents of this manual are subject to change without notice.
● The appearances, screens, etc. of the product and accessories
displayed on this manual may differ from the actual ones, however,
operations and functions are not affected.
● All efforts have been made to ensure the contents of this manual are
accurate. However, if you notice any part to be unclear, incorrect,
omitted, or the like in this manual, please contact us.
● Be aware that we are not liable for the effects resulting from opera-
tions according to this manual regardless of the items above.
060154-03
