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GrainSense Handheld analyzer FAQ

GrainSense has grown a partner/distributor network across Europe, North America, Latin America and Australia since 2018. There are over 1000 GrainSense Analyzers in use in over 40 countries around the world. GrainSense Distribution Network can be found at: https://grainsense.com/pages/contact

The GrainSense Analyzer box contains:

• GrainSense Analyzer with 6 AA batteries installed
• GrainSense spoons
• GrainSense cap
• GrainSense carrying bag
• GrainSense cleaning cloth
• GrainSense Quick guide (English)

Alkaline (AA) batteries labeled with "for industrial use". Please note that regular, AA batteries cannot fulfill the requirements for taking the measurement properly.

The cornerstones to get reliable measurements with the GrainSense Analyzer are a representative sample, a correct use of the Analyzer and an updated Analyzer (by connecting the Analyzer to the app with internet connection). We always recommend taking 3 to 5 subsamples per sample and averaging them in the Grainsense App. The GrainSense Analyzer performances are species-specific and can be found in the GrainSense Calibration Notes available for all GrainSense Users in the Grainsense Dashboard, section “Release Notes”. In most cases, one can expect to get, in most cases, a protein content within 0,5% of nationally accredited laboratory Analyzer for protein and moisture on cereals. The GrainSense Analyzer can also be adjusted to varying local references using the IBA tool.

At the moment, GrainSense developed 8 calibrations for grains. All calibrations with A2 version of the Analyzer support whole kernels: common wheat, barley, oats, rye, rapeseed, sunflower, soybean and maize.

Two calibrations on ground kernels (raw maize and raw soybean) for A1 version of the Analyzer.

Calibrations are released on a country-basis. Please check with your local distributor which calibrations are available for you.

The basic measurement principle is identical to that used in laboratory equipemts, namely near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). The main difference behind the GrainSense Analyzer is its patented sphere design. The sphere design reduces the amount of light that escapes, thereby allowing the Analyzer to be battery operated and handheld.

The GrainSense Analyzer can only be used for the supported species and for the ranges described in the calibration notes. If you wish to measure anything else, please contact us directly at support@grainsense.com

The sample size should be 60 - 80 kernels, which is a statistically representative sample size. We recommend using the GrainSense spoons set to get the right sample size, the spoon should be filled not heap: 5ml for cereals and sunflower, 2.5ml for rapeseed and 2x2.5ml for maize/soybean. If the sample is too large, there is a risk of kernels covering each other and distorting the results. If you have a large batch, we recommend taking 3-5 subsamples from different places. The GrainSense App will then help you calculate the average values.

The GrainSense Analyzer should be used according to the defined operational conditions (GrainSense Technical Sheet): +5 to +45 C and 20 to 90 % RH (non condensing).

When you send your results from your GrainSense Analyzer to the GrainSense App, your data will be securely stored in our database. Only you will be able to access your personal data via the GrainSense App and GrainSense Dashboard.

After saving a measurement to your GrainSense App, you can share your results via WhatsApp, Email, Facebook, and many other networks.

Yes, you can measure without your phone.

You need a phone and a GrainSense User Account to upload your settings into your GrainSense Analyzer, including your selected species. Please note though that without a phone/GrainSense User Account you will not be able to store your results anywhere nor will you get access to our calibrations and updates.

The GrainSense Analyzer comes with a one-year technical guarantee. The GrainSense calibrations are kept up-to-date on a yearly basis, which will automatically be available for download on the GrainSense App.

GrainSense calibrations are updated year to year with samples from different countries and different harvest years in order to maintain their robustness. Users should use the GrainSense IBA tool to adjust their GrainSense Analyzer to varying local references. In countries where we are not officially distributing GrainSense yet, the results may vary.

The GrainSense Analyzer is connected to your phone via bluetooth. Check that the Bluetooth is turned on on your phone and push again the button from the GrainSense App “Connect to Analyzer”. All iPhone/Ipads having iOS version 9 or higher are supported as well as Android 6.0 or later versions. Keep in mind, Android and iOS devices have subtle differences in their electronic components which can affect functionality, such as Bluetooth connectivity. Please contact support@grainsense.com for more information.

Make sure that the GrainSense Analyzer is paired with the phone. After shutting down both the GrainSense Analyzer and the GrainSense App, turn them on. On the app, go to “Analyzer”, click on “Connect to Analyzer” and wait for pairing.

For rapeseed, the amount of seed should correspond to about 2g (2,5ml GrainSenses spoon). After loading the seed of the tray, take the GrainSense Analyzer in your hand and move around so all the seeds slide down the tray without overlapping. About 40% of the tray surface should be covered. Check the detailed instructions and photos in the GrainSense User Manual.

Different branded batteries can behave differently. In some exceptional cases, the batteries can stop working without any indication of battery indicator light. We always recommend by best possible Alkaline batteries (AA) that are optimized for high drainage (labeled with "for industrial use")

Make sure that all batteries are full, installed correctly and that the back of the GrainSense Analyzer is screwed on properly. Simply hold the power button until the screen turns on. Is the problem persists, please contact support@grainsense.com

Please contact your local distributor or support@grainsense.com if you bought your GrainSense Analyzer directly from us.

The GrainSense Analyzer is connected to the GrainSense App and only shows the species that are selected on the app. To change or add other species to the Analyzer, make sure that your Analyzer and the phone are connected. Then on the app, go to “Analyzer” and click on “Select calibrations”, choose the species you want to upload to the GrainSense Analyzer.

First, it is important to always make sure that location services are active on your phone. If you are using a GrainSense Analyzer purchased outside of Russia in the Russian Federation, please contact our support team or our Russian distributor as your device has not been approved for the territory.

GrainSense analyzers should provide the user with reliable results, but local calibrations play a part in how close the
results are to your reference. The GrainSense IBA tool can be used to lessen
the gap between your locally measured and trusted reference values within a range of 3%. If your results are more inconsistent than this, please contact GrainSense support and be sure to include your user account and device serial number.

You will need a reference measurement
performed by a trusted source, and access to the same sample that was used for this reference.
Sizes for reference samples may vary, but 500 grams is
commonly used for this purpose. For a reference of
this size we recommend taking a single measurement from each sub sample. Based on the volume of your
reference sample, take 3-10 sub samples, 4 measurements for 300 grams – 5
for 400. Input these results in to the IBA calculator for your chosen species
and analyzer on your user dashboard, or mobile application.

https://dashboard.grainsense.com/login

Subsamples are separate portions of a
larger sample used for a reference measurement, you are to then take a single measurement from each of these separate portions and use input the results to the IBA
calculator. This is important and required to account for differentiation within a larger sample.

Our distributors often have connections
or even direct access to such lab equipment, and if you need help
with this please feel free to contact support@grainsense.com.

Troubleshooting

Before contacting customer support, please go through the following checklist:


1. Make sure you have working internet connection in the phone


2. Update the latest version of the app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android)


3. Make sure that you have allowed the app to use Bluetooth and location services

a) If there is a problem with Bluetooth, please restart the phone operating system (from settings) as sometimes Bluetooth can become inactive

b) Verify in your phone settings that location services are activated, especially for Android 10


4. Delete application cache and memory

a) This can be done from phone settings -> applications


5. Make sure you have the correct email and password

a) This can be tested using Farmer Dashboard as well - https://dashboard.grainsense.com

b) You can reset password from https://dashboard.grainsense.com/reset_password/


6. Reset device and update latest calibrations

a) Press both arrows while powering on the device

b) Open app

c) Connect to the device

d) Select proper calibrations to upload


7. Do a test measurement with known sample and verify correct values

 

In case you have any technical questions, contact our support team:

support@grainsense.com