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Tru-Test EC-10 User Manual
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Tru-Test EC-10 User Manual

Plate meter
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Summary of Contents for Tru-Test EC-10

  • Page 2 Datamars recommends the use of Jenquip Pasture Management Software. This software is required in order to download data from the plate meter. It takes the information from your farm walk and produces ready-to-use reports. Jenquip Pasture Management Software is supplied with your plate meter on a USB stick. For all support, phone 0800 AGDATA (0800 243282).

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Introduction ......................1 Assembly instructions ..................2 Operating the plate meter ................4 Zero calibration ....................6 Start up/self test ....................8 Entering the factory default formula ..............8 Other formulas ....................9 Entering your own formula ................10 Using your plate meter ...................11 Taking paddock readings (the pasture walk) ..........12 How to take paddock readings (step-by-step instructions)......14 Software ......................16 Using the Jenquip Pasture Management Software ........17...
  • Page 5 Congratulations on the purchase of your Tru-Test EC-10 Plate Meter. This plate meter is a high precision engineered device for measuring the average height of pasture relative to density of the pasture. This is directly relative to the quantity of dry matter present (kilograms of dry matter –...
  • Page 6 The plate meter is supplied in three parts: The heavy duty plastic plate sits on top of the pasture to establish average height and density. The area of the circle and weight of the plate have been carefully calibrated. The grooved rod allows pasture to be measured in 0.5 cm intervals (clicks). The yellow shaft includes the electronic meter.
  • Page 7 With your other hand, screw on the plate, making sure that the smooth side of the plate is uppermost (ribbed side closest to the meter). Turn the plate meter the correct way up (plate down) and place it on the ground.
  • Page 8 The plate meter is switched on and off using the black switch at the back of the unit. Off is in the ‘down’ position. When the unit is off, there are no numbers displayed on the LCD screen. The functions of the plate meter are defined by the four buttons on the front of the unit: Disp/Enter Height/Reset...
  • Page 9 Press Display to show the current paddock number selected (1-100). Disp Press Enter to show the current paddock number selected (1-100). Enter Up/Down arrows used to scroll back and forth in some options. When the Count button is pressed the number of readings is displayed. Count A “C”...
  • Page 10 To ensure that the plate meter accurately measures the compressed height of pasture, the plate meter must be calibrated. This requires setting a base level of zero so measurements can be benchmarked against this. If the plate meter does not return to zero after each reading, it will not record the measurement - hence the plate meter will not beep.

  • Page 11: Zero Calibration

    Once the counter reads zero, move the plate meter up the full length of the shaft. The colon will disappear once it passes 9 and enters “clicks” mode. At the full height the display should read approximately “50” which is 50 half centimetres.

  • Page 12: Entering Your Own Formula

    Switch the unit on. It will beep and show “EC10” in the display panel. If the battery needs recharging it will beep 3 times and “lo” will display on the panel. The current formula in use will be displayed next with the “+” part of the equation first (default 500) and then the “x”...
  • Page 13 To better reflect the growth stages of pastures these formulas were derived: Winter & early spring - before stem growth x125 + 640 Late spring & early summer - during stem growth x130 + 990 Mid summer x165 + 1480 Early autumn - before autumn rain x159 + 1180 Late autumn - after rain x 157 + 970 Dairy NZ also developed these month based formulas:...
  • Page 14 Months Plate meter equations (Northern hemisphere) (Dairy pastures) Winter (October/March) Plate meter reading x 140 + 500 (factory default) April Plate meter reading x 115 + 850 Plate meter reading x 120 + 1000 June Plate meter reading x 140 + 1200 July Plate meter reading x 140 + 1200 August...
  • Page 15 The “add” number is 4 digits long and can range from 0-9999. This must be entered first. Starting with the first digit, press the “Up” arrow to change this digit to a value from 0-9. Press the “Enter” button when this is correct. Repeat the process until all four digits have been entered.
  • Page 16 Practice the technique of an uninterrupted slow walking pace, taking care not to “roll” the plate meter. This is where the plate is not square to the ground and it will provide a false HIGH reading. Lowering the plate meter consistently rather than rolling it, will provide a more accurate reading.

  • Page 17: Software

    paddocks in “walk order” which will need to be defined in the Jenquip Pasture Management Software program. Switch the unit on via the on/off switch at the back of the plate meter. If starting the first paddock, ensure that the plate meter does not contain any old data.
  • Page 18 on the other side of the obstacle switch the unit back on and continue taking readings. Undo Feature: If you make a mistake while taking readings, simply turn the unit off and hold down the reset button as you turn it back on.
  • Page 19 Press the arrow button twice until P CL (paddock clear) shows on the display. Press “Enter” and all data will be deleted. Disp Enter Press & hold the “Enter” button. Disp E _ _ 1 will show on the display. Enter Press the arrow button to scroll upwards.
  • Page 20 Results from feed budgeting will assist in making important management decisions such as: Stocking rates  Quantity of feed supplements to feed  When to apply nitrogen fertiliser  Predicting future shortages or surpluses of pasture  Planning silage and hay making ...
  • Page 22 After you have downloaded the data from the plate meter, you can use the software to generate reports OR export the data as a CSV file. You need to import a farm walk before you can generate a report. See Downloading data from the plate meter on page 17.
  • Page 23 If you are generating a “Grazing Order by Paddock Cover” report, you can modify the figures for maximum and minimum grazing levels in order to adjust your feed wedge. For more detailed information about the various report types and using a feed wedge, click on Help & Information in the top, right-hand corner of the screen.
  • Page 24 For information about the various report types, click Help & Information in the top, right-hand corner of the screen.
  • Page 25 You need to import a farm walk before you can export data as a CSV (comma Downloading data from the plate meter separated values) file. See on page 17.
  • Page 26 The resulting CSV file can be opened by MS Excel or another third party software application.

  • Page 27: Maintenance

    Your plate meter has been developed over a number of years to be simple, effective, yet reliable. However, a little maintenance will ensure many years of trouble-free use from this plate meter. After assembling the plate onto the meter, move the plate up and down a few times to ensure that no binding occurs.
  • Page 28 Remove the battery and gently remove the battery snap connections (lever off with a screwdriver). Fitting the new battery is the reverse of the removal procedure. If your battery is near the end of its life, it is a good idea to carry a spare with you.
  • Page 29 Check Resolution The plate meter is not turned on Turn on The battery is flat Replace the battery If you have just changed a battery you Service: Send the plate meter to your service agent. may have damaged the battery snap clip to top of the battery.
  • Page 30 Check Resolution Replace - Request a spare cog from The cog has wound off. your service agent. Potentiometer damaged. The Send the plate meter to your service agent for repair. Potentiometer is the shaft part that drives the cog. NB: Under no circumstances should you apply CRC or a light oil to the potentiometer.
  • Page 31 Check Resolution The counter is like a calculator - it Check the equation being used is does not give false readings under correct and the calibration has been normal circumstances. correctly set. (Zeroed). Cover Equations Check what equation you are using. In New Zealand there are a number of standard equations published by various organisations.

  • Page 32: Warranty And Servicing

    Cover (kg DM/ha) = 140 x height +500 For warranty and servicing information, see www.livestock.tru-test.com/en-nz/product-warranty For repair and servicing within New Zealand, ship to the address below. (Unscrew the plate before packaging the plate meter). For all support, phone...