FX-2000 owner’s manual ® .
TABLE OF CONTENTS 2 3 3 3 4 5 5 5 6 8 8 9 9 10 10 10 11 11 12 13 13 13 14 14 15 15 16 16 17 FX-2000 Features Before You Begin Using the Meter In The Portable Mode Check Calibration Change the Set-Point To Operate The Backlight To Reset Meter Testing Baled Hay Testing in the Windrow To Check Stored Readings Factors Affecting Your Reading Range of Moisture Content Hay Temperature Curing Density Use of Preservatives Sample Size Using the Meter For Continuous Monitoring To Install The #1986 Bale Sensor Install
DELMHORST FX-2000 ^ External Connector % Digital Readout ! Read Key $ Set-Point Key Increase @ Calibration Check Key # Set-Point Key Decrease FX-2000 FEATURES h6% to 40% moisture range (starting with serial number 19569) Dual mode - portable or continuous (on-the-go monitoring) hDigital readout- On-screen statistics hBuilt-in calibration check hErgonomic case design hIncludes (1) 9-volt battery hThree year warranty 2
BEFORE YOU BEGIN Key Functions ! Read Key - Reads the percent moisture content value %MC when the meter is in the portable mode. Turns the meter on in the continuous mode. @ Calibration Check Key - When pressed with the read key checks the meter calibration. It also displays the number of readings in memory (up to 100), the average, and the highest stored reading. It also clears the memory. Turns the meter off in the continuous mode.
If you check the calibration and the display does not read “12,” it is likely an indication of a low battery. If this occurs, replace the battery with a new one immediately. Continued use with a low battery may cause the meter to go out of calibration. If you have a fresh battery and the instrument still does not indicate an acceptable calibration, return it to DELMHORST for service. See Service for Your Meter section. A hard Reset is required if after changing the battery, the display is frozen.
TO OPERATE THE BACKLIGHT hPress and release the calibration check key @. Within one second, press and hold the set-point increase key $. hHold the set-point increase key $ until the backlight turns on. The backlight will be activated and remain lit as long as the meter remains on. After the meter turns off, the backlight will also turn off. hThe backlight will remain activated while the meter is off and will light up when any function is activated.
Notes hThe bale prod is electrically insulated, except at the metal points near the tip. The moisture content measured represents the hay in contact with the tip of the prod only. hPartially cured hay may have wide variations in moisture content throughout the bale. Readings should be taken in several different parts of the bale and the highest readings used as a guideline. The arrangement and compaction of hay fibers in a bale may have an effect on meter readings.
Notes hWhenever pressure is being applied on the electrode, be sure that the points of the electrode are touching nothing but the hay. hRepeat the steps above if considerable variations are found in the meter readings. To reduce these variations, chop the hay, mix it thoroughly and take several readings by following the procedures above. This will make the moisture distribution in the sample more uniform.
TO CHECK STORED READINGS This feature allows you to view the total number of all accumulated readings, the average of those readings, and the highest stored reading. hTo view the readings press and release the calibration check button @. First the meter displays the number of accumulated readings for one second, then the average of those readings for two seconds. Then it displays the highest stored reading for two seconds. The total “cycle” time is five seconds.
Range of Moisture Content The FX-2000 is designed to test moisture in hay over a range of 6%-40%. Readings over 30% should be used only as a qualitative indication of high moisture content. Delmhorst moisture meters use the relationship existing between electrical conductivity and moisture content in hay. As moisture content increases, so does the conductivity. Tests on hay at high moisture content, over 25%, are less accurate. This is mostly due to the variability in moisture distribution.
Curing Before proper curing has taken place, wide variations in moisture content should be expected in both recently baled hay and hay in the windrow. These variations will be exposed by meter readings taken on different parts of the windrow or bale. The higher the moisture range, the wider are the variations. The more curing has been allowed to take place, the greater uniformity in moisture distribution can be expected.
Occasional higher readings may occur if, in addition to the effect of the increased conductivity due to the stabilizer, the bales tested also show an increase in temperature and “sweating.” As the stabilizer becomes more thoroughly absorbed and the sweating subsides, the meter readings recede to the initial level and will continue to decrease, assuming that the bale becomes progressively dryer. Sample Size When testing baled hay, it is essential to take readings at several different points in the bale.
To install the #1986 bale sensor: Installation on a conventional small square baler: hLocate a spot on either side of the bale chamber, approximately halfway up the side of the bale, 12" to 24" in from the rear of the chamber. The sensor pad and crop diverter need to be located in the baler chamber as close to the plunger face as possible. The sensor must mount flat.
Installation on an Inline or Center Line small square baler: hFollow instructions for installation as above. Top View of Inline or Centerline Small Square Baler DIVERTER SENSOR PAD Front of Machine AREA OF KNOTTERS PLUNGER POSITION (EXTENDED) CENTER CHANNEL If placing the #1986 in the center channel you may need to cut an opening from the outside to be able to tighten down the nuts and secure the wire or use longer bolts and spacers.
Installation on a New Holland or Case RBX Round Baler: hLocate a spot on either side of the bale chamber. hYour baler may contain a circular crop diverter plate. If it does, a notch must be cut out of the plate so that the sensor can rest against the chamber wall. CROP DIVERTER PLATE (SOME MODELS MAY NOT HAVE) MUST MAKE CUTS CARRIAGE BOLT M O FR W P O -U FL CK PI 0.5 INCH hFollow instructions for installation as above. Make sure that the beveled edge of the sensor pad is facing the front of the baler.
USING THE METER IN THE CONTINUOUS MODE hChange the set-point to the desired value as described on page 3. This must be done prior to turning the meter on. hPlug the external power supply into the side of the meter. This will automatically put the meter in the continuous mode. Once power is supplied, the backlight will turn on and remain on until the external power is removed. hTurn the meter on by pressing the read key !.
We recommend that you spot check the windrow and freshly made bales to give additional information with regard to these differences and to help establish the appropriate range for baling. CARE OF YOUR METER To keep your meter in good working order: hStore your meter in a clean, dry place. The optional protective carrying case is an ideal storage place when the meter is not in use. hChange the 9-Volt battery as needed. Continued use with a low battery may cause the meter to go out of calibration.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL DELMHORST BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY TYPE WHATSOEVER, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOST PROFITS OR DOWNTIME ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED IN ANY RESPECT TO ITS METERS OR ELECTRODES AND NO OTHER WARRANTY, WRITTEN, ORAL OR IMPLIED APPLIES. DELMHORST SHALL IN NO EVENT BE LIABLE FOR ANY BREACH OF WARRANTY OR DEFECT IN THIS PRODUCT THAT EXCEEDS THE AMOUNT OF PURCHASE OF THIS PRODUCT.
For more than 65 years Delmhorst Instrument has been the leading manufacturer of high quality, USmade moisture meters and thermohygrometers. Today we offer a wide range of meters for applications including water damage restoration, construction, flooring, lumber/woodworking, paper, and agriculture. ® . WHEN ACCURACY IS THE POINT TM 51 Indian Lane East Towaco, NJ 07082 (877)-DELMHORST www.delmhorst.com info@delmhorst.com ©2000, Delmhorst Instrument Co. 510INS-0009 REV.
