Tutorials

What Range of Seed Size and Type may be Handled?

The counting unit will accurately detect seeds ranging from very tiny flower seeds (Petunia) up to and including corn, soybean, and large Virginia Peanuts. Seeds having various appendages (Dahlia and tree seeds, for example) can be handled if they will readily separate one from another Because accurate counting requires feeding the seeds into the seeding head one at a time, the type, size, and adjustment of the feeder bowl is very important.

What Accuracy of Counting may be Obtained?

With seeds free of large foreign material (1/4 the seseed size or smaller) errors not exceeding 0.1% may be easily obtained. Larger crop seeds (corn, soybean, cotton, wheat, rice) can have errors of 0.01% maximum with proper feed rate and other adjustments.

What Counting Rate may be Obtained?

Counting rate is determined by the ability of the feed system to feed the seed into the counting head in a controlled manner. Feed rate varies with the type of seed, its size and shape, and the feeder bowl being used as well as the feeder bowl singulation adjustment. Rates of 400 to 1500 seeds per minute are typical with various seeds. Corn and soybean may feed and count at a rate of 600 to 750 seeds per minute typically.

What is the Anticipated Life of the Unit?

Large numbers of the units have been in service for more than 20 years and are continuing to provide good performance with no attention other that an occasional cleaning of the optical system. Design of all portions of the unit has been optimized for extremely long life at high performance.

What Adjustments are Required for Different Seed Sizes?

The width of the track of the feeder bowl may be adjusted using a knob on the side of the bowl. This width must be adjusted while feeding the sample so that seed assume a single line as they go into the counting head. In addition, detection sensitivity is adjusted using a set-up control so that the signal obtained as the seed feeds through the detector is large enough to cause a level indicator to turn on briefly as the seed passes through the unit. A signal length adjustment is also made with another control knob so that small foreign material signals will not generate a count even though the signal turns on the level detection indicator. Suggested operating conditions are included in the instruction manual.

How does one change from one seed sample to another?

The feeder and bowl mount on a pivoting stand allowing the unit to be turned upside down to empty the remaining sample into a grain pan. It can then be pivoted back into operate position for the next sample. Total changeover time----10seconds. Nothing must be removed, nothing to reposition.

What do I do if the System is not Performing Properly?

Call for technical support giving details of any problems with the system and have available the system model and serial number. Frequently a few minutes discussion will provide information to obtain proper operation.

If the Unit must be returned to the factory for service what is the typical cost and repair time?

Unless the unit has been extensively damaged by a power system malfunction or has received extensive mechanical damage, repair cost will be in the range of $350-$700 not including return shipping charges. Time for repair is typically 3-4 days after receipt of the unit and is often 1-2 days. In “hardship” cases a rush repair can be made (moderate additional cost) and the unit returned shipped the day following its receipt. This rapid repair service is called FTA Service (Fast Turnaround Service) and should be requested prior to returning the unit for service.