GSI PNEG-1851 User Manual
Vision N2 Controller
Models:
PORTABLE DRYERS
User Guide
PNEG-1851
Version 1.0
Date: 11-06-12
PNEG-1851
All information, illustrations, photos, and specifications in this manual are based on the latest
information available at the time of publication. The right is reserved to make changes at any
time without notice.
2 PNEG-1851 Vision N2
Table of Contents
Contents
About This Guide......................................................................................................................... v
Chapter 1 Safety Precautions ....................................................................................................................7
Safety Guidelines for Portable Dryers............................................................................................7
Cautionary Symbols ....................................................................................................................9
Safety Decals for Portable Dryers ...............................................................................................10
Chapter 2 The Portable Dryer...................................................................................................................13
Overview of the Portable Dryer ................................................................................................... 13
Dryer Configurations..................................................................................................................15
The Control Panel .....................................................................................................................16
Overview of the User Interface.................................................................................................... 19
A Look at Parameter Fields ........................................................................................................23
Entering Parameter Values with the Keypad ................................................................................24
Chapter 3 Getting Started ........................................................................................................................ 27
Powering On the Dryer...............................................................................................................27
Configuring User Preferences.....................................................................................................28
Configuring Your Dryer’s Hardware ............................................................................................. 29
Setting the Dryer’s Timers and Delays......................................................................................... 30
Drying Grain in the Initial Run .....................................................................................................32
Unloading Grain in the Initial Run ................................................................................................33
Chapter 4 Basic Operations ..................................................................................................................... 35
Setting the Plenum Temperature Range ......................................................................................35
Resetting the Dry Grain Counters ...............................................................................................36
Shutting Off the Dryer at the End of the Day.................................................................................36
Shutting Off the Dryer at the End of the Drying Season .................................................................37
Monitoring Grain and Dryer Data in Real Time ............................................................................. 38
Downloading Dryer Data to a USB Flash Drive.............................................................................38
Chapter 5 The Drying Modes....................................................................................................................41
Continuous Flow Mode .............................................................................................................. 41
Continuous Flow Based on Grain Temperature ............................................................................42
Continuous Flow Based on Grain Moisture .................................................................................. 45
Staged Batch Mode ...................................................................................................................46
Staged Batch Based on Drying Time ...........................................................................................47
Staged Batch Based on Grain Temperature.................................................................................49
Staged Batch Based on Drying Time and Grain Temperature ........................................................51
Selecting a Drying Mode ............................................................................................................ 52
Chapter 6 The Wet Grain.......................................................................................................................... 53
The Loading Process ................................................................................................................. 53
Ensuring Dryer Shutdowns When Supply Is Out of Grain .............................................................. 54
Minimizing Load Auger Startups .................................................................................................55
Validating Incoming Moisture and Temperature Readings ............................................................. 56
Chapter 7 The Continuous Flow Drying Process......................................................................................57
Drying Grain in Continuous Flow.................................................................................................57
Setting the 1-Speed Temperature Scheme in Continuous Flow......................................................58
Setting the 2-Speed Temperature Scheme in Continuous Flow......................................................59
Setting the 5-Speed Temperature Scheme in Continuous Flow......................................................60
Setting the 5-Speed Moisture Scheme in Continuous Flow............................................................ 61
Chapter 8 The Staged Batch Drying Process ...........................................................................................63
Drying Grain in Staged Batch .....................................................................................................63
Setting the Time Scheme in Staged Batch ................................................................................... 64
Setting the Temperature Scheme in Staged Batch ........................................................................65
Setting the Time and Temperature Scheme in Staged Batch .........................................................66
Setting the Dual-Setpoint Time Scheme in Staged Batch ..............................................................67
PNEG-1851 Vision N2 3
Table of Contents
Setting the Dual-Setpoint Temperature Scheme in Staged Batch ................................................... 68
Chapter 9 The Dry Grain .......................................................................................................................... 71
Validating Outgoing Moisture And Temperature Readings ............................................................. 71
Cleaning the Dry Sensor ............................................................................................................ 72
Setting the Value Range for the Unload Speed.............................................................................73
Adjusting Unload Speeds in Real Time........................................................................................ 73
Ensuring Accurate Unload Speed Rates......................................................................................74
Appendix A Grain Drying Operations..........................................................................................................77
Drying Grain: A Quick Startup Procedure..................................................................................... 77
Initial Settings for Full-Heat and Dry and Cool .............................................................................. 78
The Burner Modes.....................................................................................................................79
Grain Drying: Full-Heat or Dry and Cool.......................................................................................80
A Glance at Cooling Processes ............................................................................................82
Appendix B Grain Drying Graphs................................................................................................................85
Temperature and Moisture Schemes in Continuous Flow ..............................................................86
Temperature Control Schemes in Staged Batch ........................................................................... 87
Time Control Schemes in Staged Batch.......................................................................................92
Appendix C Messages ................................................................................................................................ 97
The Status Messages ................................................................................................................97
Appendix D List of Parameters ................................................................................................................... 99
Vision N2 Parameters for Portable Dryers.................................................................................... 99
Glossary................................................................................................................................ 107
Index ..................................................................................................................................... 111
GSI Group, LLC Limited Warranty.......................................................................................... 115
4 PNEG-1851 Vision N2
About This Guide
This guide contains information on operating portable dryers that are equipped with the Vision N2 Network
Dryer Control. It is intended for operators and service technicians, and can be used by both novice and
experienced users of GSI’s portable dryers.
How This Guide Works
The Vision N2 User Guide contains procedures, examples, references, and conceptual information. It also
includes a comprehensive table of contents and index, thus allowing you, the user, to navigate the document with greater ease and efficiency. This guide also contains a glossary of commonly used terms in the
grain drying environment.
Furthermore, an intuitive web version of this guide can be easily accessed via your Vision N2 controller.
Simply click on the Help icon located at the bottom left corner of your screen to access the web version.
The web version can also be accessed off-site via GSI’s remote web application. In addition, your user
interface contains information icons that are located next to parameter fields. Simply click on a parameter’s
information icon for a timely and concise description of that parameter.
Typographical Conventions
Typographical conventions are visual indicators for specific elements of text. These conventions are used
throughout this guide to indicate specific dryer functions and parameters, notes and warnings, or simply for
textual effect.
The following typographical conventions are used throughout this guide:
• Menus that are displayed in the following manner indicate the click sequence that is required to
access the desired menu or parameter:
System→Preferences→Language
• Text that is displayed in bold typeface indicates a button or switch on the dryer’s control panel, or
denotes a parameter in the Vision N2 user interface.
From the submenu pane, click Time and Date.
On the control panel, turn the Power switch to On.
• Text that is Italicized denotes a hyperlink.
For information on how to use the keypad, see Entering Parameter
Values with the Keypad, page 24.
In the PDF and web versions, hyperlinks are blue. Italics are also used to emphasize the italicized
word.
v
Vision N2 Controller
Notes and Notices
The following notes and notices are used throughout this guide:
NOTE: Used to denote supplemental information that is directly related to the text that immediately pre-
cedes or follows it.
Tip
Used to provide advice on a particular subject.
Used to describe a real-life scenario that applies to the information that
precedes it. Examples can be displayed in contextual information to help
explain a concept, after an instructional step in a procedure, or following a
task (Task Example).
IMPORTANT: Used to alert you about a situation with potentially unfavorable consequences.
Used to call attention to a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, might
CAUTION
result in minor, moderate, or serious injury.
DANGER
Used to alert you about an extremely hazardous or potentially lethal situation.
vi
1 Safety Precautions
Topics Covered in this Chapter
▪ Safety Guidelines for Portable Dryers
▪ Cautionary Symbols
▪ Safety Decals for Portable Dryers
Safety Guidelines for Portable Dryers
Safety guidelines are general-to-specific rules that promote safe practices in the grain drying environment
and which must be respected at all times. Save these safety guidelines for future reference.
Make sure to read these safety guidelines carefully prior to installing, operating, or
CAUTION
Operation
• Read and fully understand this user guide before attempting to operate the grain dryer.
servicing your grain dryer.
• Never operate the grain dryer with its safety guards removed.
• Never operate the grain dryer by bypassing any safety device.
• Never exceed the maximum recommended drying temperature.
• Do not operate the grain dryer in an area where combustible material might be drawn into the fan.
• The operating and safety recommendations in this guide pertain to common cereal grains, as indicated. When drying other types of grain or products, contact the GSI Group, LLC for additional
recommendations.
Servicing
• The power supply must be disconnected when servicing electrical components. Always use extreme
caution when measuring voltage or performing procedures that require the dryer to be turned on.
• Before attempting to remove and reinstall a fan’s propeller, make sure to read the recommended procedure. If you are unsure about performing this procedure or cannot locate it, contact the GSI Group,
LLC before proceeding.
Pre-Season Mode
• When using a controller with Vision N2 software, the pre-season mode allows the fans and heaters to
operate under normal conditions, without the dryer being completely full of grain. In normal mode, the
dryer generates a Loss of Airflow shutdown if you operate the fans without having the dryer full of
grain.
• Following an extended period of inactivity—typically, at the beginning of the drying season, use preseason mode to fully test the dryer.
PNEG-1851 Vision N2
7
Chapter 1: Safety Precautions
• To enable pre-season mode, click System→Control (Advanced)→Board Mode and then select
Pre-season Mode.
• Place the dryer in normal mode once inspections have been completed and you are ready to dry
grain.
IMPORTANT: If you power off the dryer while in pre-season mode, normal mode is automatically
enabled the next time you power on the dryer. Make sure to reselect pre-season
mode if further tests are required.
Cleanliness
• Keep the grain dryer clean at all times.
• Do not allow fine material to accumulate in the plenum chamber.
• An unclean plenum increases resistance to airflow, increases drying time, reduces drying efficiency,
and creates a fire hazard.
• Always keep the area around the fan’s air inlet clear of any obstacles and combustible material.
Augers/Auxiliary Conveyors
Always use extreme caution when working around augers and auxiliary conveyors
CAUTION
because they can start automatically.
• Always keep auger drive belts adequately tensioned to prevent slippage.
• Make sure that the technical specifications and capacities of the auxiliary conveyors are matched to
those of the dryer augers.
Burners/Gas Lines
• Regularly check for leaks at all gas line connections. If any leaks are detected, do not operate the
grain dryer. Shut off the main power and repair the leaks before operating. Gas lines must be
replaced regularly as required by the local gas regulations for your area.
• Routinely check for potential gas plumbing leaks. Check the liquid propane vaporizer for contact with
the burner vanes.
• Never use an open flame to locate gas leaks. Pour a solution of soap and water over the gas pipe
joints and connections, and check for the appearance of small bubbles.
• Set the pressure regulator to avoid applying excessive gas pressure to the burner during ignition or
when the burner is on.
• Do not use flammable or combustible materials in the dryer’s vicinity because explosive vapors can
be drawn into the fan and ignite.
• Always use extreme caution when working around high-speed fans and gas burners because they
can start automatically.
8 PNEG-1851 Vision N2
Chapter 1: Safety Precautions
Cautionary Symbols
Cautionary symbols are present in the various decals of your equipment and alert you to the possible or
imminent risk of danger.
Make sure to familiarize yourself with the cautionary symbols prior to installing,
DANGER
Table 1-1 Overview of the different cautionary symbols
operating, or servicing your equipment. Failure to do so might lead to serious injury
or death.
Symbol Description
This symbol indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
will result in serious injury or death.
This symbol indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
might result in serious injury or death.
This symbol indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
might result in minor or moderate injury.
This symbol indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
might result in property damage.
PNEG-1851 Vision N2 9
Chapter 1: Safety Precautions
Safety Decals for Portable Dryers
The safety decals on your grain dryer are safety indicators which must be carefully read and understood
by all personnel involved in the installation, operation, service, and maintenance of the grain dryer.
Table 1-2 Description of the grain dryer’s decals
Decal Decal No. Location
This decal appears:
• On the lid of the fan/heater control box
DC-1948
• On the front of the fan/heater control box
• Inside the dryer’s upper control box
This decal appears:
• On the bottom auger belt guard
DC-1944
DC-1945
• On the front bearing plate (visible when the bottom
auger belt guard is removed)
• At the rear of the dryer (for dryers equipped with the
front discharge option)
• On the top auger belt guard
• On the inside belt guard body (visible when the top
auger belt guard is removed)
This decal appears:
• On the bottom auger belt guard
• On the front bearing plate (visible when the bottom
auger belt guard is removed)
• At the rear of the dryer (for dryers equipped with the
front discharge option)
This decal appears:
• On the inside of the rear plenum access door
DC-1946
10 PNEG-1851 Vision N2
• On the outside of the rear plenum access door
Table 1-2 Description of the grain dryer’s decals (cont'd.)
Decal Decal No. Location
Chapter 1: Safety Precautions
This decal appears:
• Twice on the front end panel, below the fan/heater
• Twice on the rear end panel, below the rear access
door
DC-1947
DC-1943
DC-1949
• On the auger discharge box
• On the inside of the auger discharge box’s flapper lid
(next to the discharge mercury switch)
• Inside the rear access door, on the rear plenum closure door (inside the plenum)
This decal appears:
• Inside the fan/heater control box
• On the door of the dryer’s upper control box
This decal appears on the fan/heater access door
This decal appears on the fan/heater access door
DC-1959
This decal appears on each of the metering roll access
doors
DC-1950
PNEG-1851 Vision N2 11
Chapter 1: Safety Precautions
Table 1-2 Description of the grain dryer’s decals (cont'd.)
Decal Decal No. Location
This decal appears on the hitch tongue
DC-1956
This decal appears on the hitch tongue
DC-1954
Replacing Decals
All decals located on your grain dryer must remain legible and clearly visible at all times. To replace a damaged or missing decal, contact us to receive a free replacement.
GSI Decals
1004 E. Illinois St.
Assumption, IL. 62510
Tel: 1–217–226–4421
12 PNEG-1851 Vision N2
2 The Portable Dryer
Topics Covered in this Chapter
▪ Overview of the Portable Dryer
▪ Dryer Configurations
▪ The Control Panel
▪ Overview of the User Interface
▪ Entering Parameter Values with the Keypad
Overview of the Portable Dryer
Portable dryers are modular grain dryers that can operate in batch and continuous flow, and where wet
grain is dried in a drying column that is separate from the wet grain and dried grain storage bins.
GSI portable dryers are available in multiple module configurations. For details on the different dryer configurations, see Dryer Configurations, page 15.
NOTE: Images of the dryer, control panel, and user interface menus that are included in this guide are for
illustrative purposes only and might not entirely resemble the actual product.
Figure 2-1 A 1-module, 1-fan portable dryer and its main components
NOTE: For definitions of the most commonly used grain drying terms, refer to this guide’s glossary.
PNEG-1851 Vision N2 13
Chapter 2: The Portable Dryer
Table 2-1 The main components of the portable dryer
Item Name Description
a
Dryer wet bin
b Load auger The auger that distributes grain inside the dryer wet bin
c
Main control box The electrical cabinet that serves as the dryer’s power distribution panel
d Fan and heater A one-piece unit that blows hot air inside the plenum when the fan and heater are
e
Main electrical disconnect switch/
handle
f Emergency stop (e-
stop) button
g
Control panel The panel that contains the graphical user interface and all dryer control switches
h Unload auger
The compartment that maintains an adequate level of wet grain to ensure proper
air seal; contains the load auger, wet sensor, and load auger fill switch
on, and blows cool air when the heater is off and the fan is on
A safety switch that is used to turn off and lock out the main power to the dryer
A safety device used to turn off the dryer’s control power and immediately stop all
of its functions (the main power, which is controlled by the main electrical disconnect, does not turn off when you press the Emergency Stop button)
and buttons
The auger that moves the dry grain out from the unload chamber
i Metering roll
j
Load auger fill
switch
k
Grain column The column upon which the grain travels down; each grain column is 2 ft (61 cm)
l Dryer length
m
Grain sampler A manually rotatable grain outlet from which a sample of dry grain can be collected
n
Grain discharge
box
o
Dry sensor
p
Plenum access
door
q
Wet sensor
A rotating device that controls the rate at which grain moves from the grain columns to the unload auger
The limit switch that is activated once the dryer wet bin is full
wide
The combined length of all grain columns (see Configuring Your Dryer’s Hardware,
page 29 to enter this setting)
(see Validating Outgoing Moisture And Temperature Readings, page 71)
The dry grain outlet that contains the grain discharge limit switch
The sensor that measures the dry grain’s moisture; requires regular and frequent
calibrations (see Validating Outgoing Moisture And Temperature Readings, page
71)
Allows you to access the plenum chamber
The sensor that measures the wet grain’s moisture and temperature; requires regular and frequent calibrations (see Validating Incoming Moisture and Temperature
Readings, page 56)
14 PNEG-1851 Vision N2
Chapter 2: The Portable Dryer
Make sure to turn off the main electrical disconnect switch prior to servicing your
dryer. Only the main electrical disconnect switch turns off power to the dryer and all
DANGER
electrical cabinets. Failure to do so might lead to serious injury or death.
Pressing the Emergency Stop button stops dryer functions but does not turn off the
power that is present at the various electrical cabinets. Turn off the main electrical
DANGER
disconnect switch to shut off power to the dryer and all electrical cabinets. Failure to
do so might lead to serious injury or death.
Dryer Configurations
As a result of their modular design, portable dryers are available in several fan and heater configurations,
thus making them practical in their functionality and customizable to your grain drying needs.
The following table outlines the different dryer configurations for portable dryers. Make sure to identify your
specific configuration before completing the hardware setup (see Configuring Your Dryer’s Hardware,
page 29 for details).
IMPORTANT: Make sure to enter the number of modules that corresponds to your actual dryer configura-
tion. If you enter a value that is greater or less than the actual number, the dryer will not
start because the system will search for missing or undeclared fans or heaters.
Table 2-2 The available configurations for portable dryers
Dryer configuration
Description Dryer con-
figuration
1-module, 1-fan portable
dryer
This single-module configuration includes one fan,
one heater, and one
plenum chamber
1-module, 3-fan portable dryer
This single-module configuration includes three fans, three heaters, and
three plenum chambers
Description
1-module, 2-fan portable
dryer
This single-module configuration includes two fans, two
heaters, and two plenum
chambers
PNEG-1851 Vision N2 15
Chapter 2: The Portable Dryer
Table 2-2 The available configurations for portable dryers (cont'd.)
Dryer configuration
Description Dryer con-
figuration
2-module, 3-fan portable
dryer
This dual-module configuration includes three fans,
three heaters, and three
plenum chambers
3-module, 4-fan portable
dryer
This three-module configuration includes four fans,
four heaters, and four
plenum chambers
Description
2-module, 4-fan portable
dryer
This dual-module configuration includes four fans, four
heaters, and four plenum
chambers
3-module, 6-fan portable
dryer
This three-module configuration includes six fans, six
heaters, and six plenum
chambers
NOTE: Images of the dryer, control panel, and user interface menus that are included in this guide are for
illustrative purposes only and might not entirely resemble the actual product.
The Control Panel
Along with the touchscreen user interface, the control panel contains all buttons and switches that allow
you to set up and operate your dryer.
The following figure illustrates the Vision N2 control panel.
NOTE: Images of the dryer, control panel, and user interface menus that are included in this guide are for
illustrative purposes only and might not entirely resemble the actual product.
16 PNEG-1851 Vision N2
Figure 2-2 The Vision N2 control panel
Chapter 2: The Portable Dryer
NOTE: The number of fan and heater switches on your control panel depends on the number of fans and
heaters that your dryer is equipped with.
Table 2-3 The components of the control panel
Item Name Description
a
b Heater switch
c
Touchscreen
Dryer configuration A visual representation of your particular dryer configuration
Allows you to access all of the user interface menus and set all parameters
(see Overview of the User Interface, page 19 for details)
Controls the heaters by way of the following modes:
• Off: the heaters do not run
• On: the heaters run when the fans are running and air pressure is
detected
• Auto: used in staged batch mode and controlled via a timer, temperature, or both, the heaters only run during the drying phase
PNEG-1851 Vision N2 17
Chapter 2: The Portable Dryer
Table 2-3 The components of the control panel (cont'd.)
Item Name Description
d Fan switch
e
Unload auger switch
Controls the fans by way of the following modes:
• Off: the fans do not run
• On: the fans run continuously in both continuous flow and staged
batch modes
• Auto: used in staged batch mode and controlled via a timer, temperature, or both, the fans run during the drying and cooling phases, but
turn off once the unloading phase begins
Controls the metering rolls and unload auger by way of the following modes:
• Off: the metering rolls and unload auger do not run
• On: the metering rolls only turn at one speed (in both continuous flow
and staged batch), and the unload auger operates when the metering
rolls are running; also known as manual mode (see Unloading Grain in
the Initial Run, page 33)
• Auto: in continuous flow, the metering rolls turn at the speed dictated
by the selected moisture control scheme, and the unload auger runs
continuously; in staged batch mode, the metering rolls and unload
auger only run during the unloading phase
Note the following:
Load auger switch
f
• The Unload Auger switch is illuminated whenever the unload auger is
running
• If auxiliary unloading equipment is configured and connected to your
dryer, the Unload Auger switch also controls the operation of this additional equipment.
Controls the load auger by way of the following modes:
• Off: the load auger does not run
• On: the load auger runs when the dryer is low on grain and stops when
the dryer wet bin is full; in this mode, the load delay and out of grain
timer are disabled; also known as manual mode
• Auto: the load auger runs when the dryer is low on grain and stops
when the dryer wet bin is full; in this mode, the load delay and out of
grain timer are enabled (for the load delay, see Minimizing Load Auger
Startups, page 55; for the out of grain timer, see Ensuring Dryer Shut-
downs When Supply Is Out of Grain, page 54)
Note the following:
• The Load Auger switch is illuminated whenever the unload auger is
running
• If auxiliary loading equipment is configured and connected to your
dryer, the Load Auger switch also controls the operation of this additional equipment.
18 PNEG-1851 Vision N2
Chapter 2: The Portable Dryer
Table 2-3 The components of the control panel (cont'd.)
Item Name Description
g
Stop button Stops all dryer functions; not to be confused with Stop Dryer, which is
included in the user interface’s main menu (see Overview of the User Inter-
face, page 19 for details)
h
Start button Starts the grain drying cycle
i Power switch
j Light switch
Turns the dryer’s control power on or off
Turns the dryer’s service light on or off; in auto mode, the light remains lit
while the dryer is in operation and turns off if a shutdown situation occurs
The Power switch controls dryer functions but does not control the power that is
CAUTION
present at the various electrical cabinets. Turn off the main electrical disconnect
switch to shut off power to the dryer and all electrical cabinets.
Overview of the User Interface
The user interface allows you to access all operation and information windows via a touch-sensitive
screen. The interface includes an intuitive menu structure that allows you to easily locate parameter settings and system information.
The Main Menu
The main menu serves as a starting point for all your dryer-related operations. In addition to providing
access to all parameter settings, the main menu is easily customizable and displays essential, real-time
temperature and moisture readings. If you think that a touchscreen calibration is required while you navigate the various menus, simply access the Touchscreen Calibration submenu in the System menu and
follow the onscreen instructions. The Touchscreen Calibration submenu is not accessible when you are
operating the dryer via GSI’s remote web application.
PNEG-1851 Vision N2 19
Chapter 2: The Portable Dryer
Settings
pane
Menu
pane
Status bar
Taskbar
01: 59
Loading
03: 27
Out of Grain
00: 00
Unloading
00: 00
Clea
nout
Tempe ratu re
Dual Sta ges
Stage d Bat ch
00: 00
Cooling
Load
Dry
Cool
Unloa d
Cont ro l
Sys
te m
Dia
gnost ic
Stop DryerHelp
95°F
22.0%
79°F
17.0%
109°F
17.0%
2000 bp h
17.0 r pm
Grain Colum n
210
/ 2 00° F
Burner Ready
1
Continuous F lo w,
Bushel Count
Moi st u re
Ou tp ut :
Dr ye r S t o ppe d 17 .2 %
9
00
a
b
c
d
s
t
e
i
j
k
f
g
h
r
q
p
o
mn
Animation
view pane
l
Figure 2-3 The main menu
NOTE: Due to the numerous configurations and options available, images of the dryer and its user inter-
face that are included in this guide might differ from the actual product.
20 PNEG-1851 Vision N2
Table 2-4 Description of the main menu’s buttons and displays
Chapter 2: The Portable Dryer
Menu Area Item Name
Dry grain and staged batch
a
counter
Drying mode display
b
Status bar
Settings pane
c Dryer status display Displays the dryer’s current status
Outgoing moisture or grain
d
column temperature display
Incoming grain’s temperature/
e
moisture display
Grain column temperature
f
display
Plenum setpoint shortcut and
g
burner status display
Outgoing grain’s temperature
h
and moisture display
Description
In continuous flow, displays the total grain output; in
staged batch, displays the total batch count
Displays the selected drying mode and its associated output counter
Depending on the selected control scheme, displays
either the outgoing moisture level or the temperature
reading inside the dryer’s grain columns
Shortcut that allows you to quickly calibrate the
moisture value and the grain temperature of the wet
grain; displays the wet grain’s temperature and
moisture readings
Displays the average temperature of the grain
Shortcut that allows you to quickly modify the
plenum setpoint; displays current plenum temperature reading and burner status
Shortcut that allows you to quickly calibrate the
moisture value and the grain temperature of the dry
grain; displays the dry grain’s temperature and moisture readings
Taskbar
Shortcut that allows you to quickly modify the meter-
Metering roll speed display
i
j Diagnostic menu button Allows you to access the Diagnostic menu
System menu button Allows you to access the System menu
k
Dryer view toolbar
l
ing roll speed; displays the actual metering roll
speed
Allows you to select the dryer view that is displayed
in the animation view pane
PNEG-1851 Vision N2 21
Chapter 2: The Portable Dryer
Table 2-4 Description of the main menu’s buttons and displays (cont'd.)
Menu Area Item Name
Stop Dryer button (remote
m
access only)
Dryer documentation button
n
o Control menu button and display
p
Menu pane
Unload menu button and display
q
Cool menu button and display
Dry menu button and display Allows you to access the Drying menu
r
s Load menu button and display
Dryer data buttons (Dryer Data:
Graph View; Dryer Data: Table
t
View)
Description
Allows you to stop the dryer via a remote connection; this button is only available on your dryer’s
remote web application, not the actual dryer
Allows you to consult the dryer’s user
documentation
Allows you to access moisture control settings; displays selected drying mode, control scheme, countdown of drying time (in staged batch only),
temperature setpoints, or a combination thereof
Allows you to access the Unloading menu; displays
a countdown of the unload time (in staged batch
only) and cleanout delay
Allows you to access the Cooling menu; displays a
countdown of the cooling timer (in staged batch
only)
Allows you to access the Loading menu; displays a
countdown of the load delay and out of grain timer
Allows you to monitor dryer data in either graph
format (on the left) or table format (on the right)
Animation
view pane
Displays the dryer view selected from the animation view toolbar; the alarm window opens here
when a shutdown fault occurs
NOTE: Regardless of which menu or submenu you are in, the status bar is always displayed atop the
active window. This allows you to constantly keep track of your dryer’s status.
How the Main Menu Works
As defined by the menu pane, grain drying is performed in the following five steps:
1. Loading the grain (Loading menu)
2. Drying/heating the grain (Drying menu)
3. Cooling the grain (Cooling menu)
4. Unloading the grain (Unloading menu)
5. Adapting dryer functions to modify the grain’s moisture content (Control menu)
NOTE: Cooling the grain inside the dryer is an optional step. Depending on your preference or grain drying
setup, you can choose to cool grain in dedicated cooling bins. See A Glance at Cooling Processes,
page 82 for more information.
To help you navigate the user interface or find the submenu for a particular setting, consider a logical,
sequenced approach to grain drying and its related tasks. Begin by answering the question: Which of the
five steps of grain drying does the topic I’m searching for apply to? For example, to configure anything pertaining to the dryer’s loading operation (out of grain timer, wet sensor calibration, etc.), simply click Load
and then choose the desired parameter from the submenu.
22 PNEG-1851 Vision N2
Chapter 2: The Portable Dryer
The Submenu Window
Via the various submenus, you can access and set all parameters that are required in the daily operation
of your dryer. The figure that follows illustrates a typical submenu.
Figure 2-4 The Out of Grain Timer submenu
How the Submenu Window Works
When working in submenu windows, remember the following:
• You can only access and modify parameter settings through their respective parameter fields.
• The numeric keypad is only displayed when you click the parameter field’s Edit icon, and remains
onscreen until you either save or cancel your entry. For information on how to use the keypad, see
Entering Parameter Values with the Keypad, page 24.
• When the numeric keypad is not active, a view of your dryer’s configuration is displayed.
• You must close the active submenu window to return to the main menu.
A Look at Parameter Fields
Parameter fields fall into two main categories: writable or read-only. The former allows you to enter and
modify values for specific parameters, whereas the latter merely displays a value that cannot be edited.
The figure that follows illustrates the different types of parameter fields that are available in your dryer’s
user interface.
PNEG-1851 Vision N2 23
Chapter 2: The Portable Dryer
Figure 2-5 Samples of the various parameter fields
NOTE: Images of the dryer, control panel, and user interface menus that are included in this guide are for
illustrative purposes only and might not entirely resemble the actual product.
What You Should Know
When entering parameter values, remember the following:
• Except for the parameter shortcuts in the main menu’s system pane, the keypad is only accessible
through the Edit icon.
• The Remaining field always displays a countdown of the timer or delay that is directly above it.
Simply click its Edit icon to interrupt the countdown and enter a new value.
• When you click the Trash icon in counter fields, the displayed count is permanently erased and
cannot be retrieved.
• Not all entries made using the incremental adjustment buttons take immediate effect; some require
you to click Save to store your settings.
• In some instances, the up/down arrow buttons used for incremental adjustments might be replaced
by + and – buttons.
Entering Parameter Values with the Keypad
For parameters whose values are modifiable via the Edit icon, you can enter and save their values using
the numeric keypad.
What You Should Know
The keypad is used to enter numeric values pertaining to speed, timers or delays, and temperature or
moisture content, in a format that is unique to each type. For example, some temperature parameters
require you to enter one digit to the right of the decimal separator and others do not. Always refer to the
parameter range appearing at the top of the keypad for the required format. The following figure shows a
typical numeric keypad.
24 PNEG-1851 Vision N2
Figure 2-6 The numeric keypad for the out of grain timer
Chapter 2: The Portable Dryer
Table 2-5 Description of the keypad
Item Name
a Value display
b
c Default key Enters the parameter’s default value
d
e Cancel key
f
g
Numeric keys (0 to 9)
Save key Allows you to store the newly entered value
Delete key Allows you to clear the displayed value
Parameter range
Description
Shows the parameter’s current value once the keypad is displayed
and the new value once it is entered
Allows you to enter parameter values; entries start from the far right
of the decimal separator and move left
Allows you to exit the keypad without saving the value and return to
the active window
Displays the parameter’s allowable value range; an error message
is displayed when the entered value is out of range
To enter parameter values using the keypad:
1. From the parameter’s submenu window, click the parameter’s Edit icon.
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Chapter 2: The Portable Dryer
The keypad is displayed and the submenu window is no longer active. The parameter’s current value
is shown in the keypad’s value display.
2. Using the numeric keys, enter a new value that is within its allowable range. To enter the parameter’s
default value, click Default.
To enter 10 minutes and 5 seconds for the out of grain timer parameter,
click 1, 0, 0, 5.
The value is displayed in the keypad’s value display. If the entered value is out of range, an error
message is displayed.
3. Click Save to store the value, or click Cancel to exit without saving and return to the active window.
The keypad is no longer onscreen and the newly entered value is displayed in the respective parameter field.
NOTE: If the newly entered value is not displayed in its respective parameter field once you exit the
keypad, the value has not been stored and is not active.
26 PNEG-1851 Vision N2
3 Getting Started
Topics Covered in this Chapter
▪ Powering On the Dryer
▪ Configuring User Preferences
▪ Configuring Your Dryer’s Hardware
▪ Setting the Dryer’s Timers and Delays
▪ Drying Grain in the Initial Run
▪ Unloading Grain in the Initial Run
Powering On the Dryer
After it has been thoroughly inspected, you can turn on your dryer to perform a touchscreen calibration, set
all of the required parameters, and begin drying grain.
Before You Begin
• Make sure that all dryer functions were properly verified and all motors, augers, belts, gear boxes,
electrical boxes, and other components were inspected by authorized maintenance personnel.
• Make sure that the Emergency Stop button on the main control box is in its fully-retracted position
(unlocked).
• If using GSI’s remote web application, make sure that the hardware setup is configured prior to starting the application (System→Hardware Setup). You must complete the hardware setup on-site
before accessing the dryer off-site.
The dryer and all of its components and functions must be in good working order
CAUTION
To power on the dryer:
1. On the control panel, turn off the following:
2. On the dryer’s main control box, place the safety disconnect switch in the On position.
3. On the control panel, turn the Power switch to On.
prior to starting the dryer. Perform thorough inspections at regular intervals,
especially when the dryer has not been in use for extended periods.
• All Fan switches
• All Heater switches
• The Load Auger switch
• The Unload Auger switch
The switch is illuminated, the controller turns on, and the startup window is displayed. During this
time, no onscreen area is active.
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Chapter 3: Getting Started
NOTE: The Configuration Status dialog box is displayed in certain situations, most notably upon
startup and after clearing shutdown messages. It remains active for a few seconds before
closing automatically.
4. Once the software is ready, click the Start Software button.
If the touchscreen is calibrated, the software starts immediately and the main menu is displayed. If
not calibrated, the Touchscreen Calibration window automatically opens. Follow the onscreen instructions to successfully calibrate the touchscreen.
IMPORTANT: If the screen is too slow in reacting or your touches seem to be constantly off target,
you can calibrate the touchscreen by accessing the Touchscreen Calibration submenu in the System menu. The Touchscreen Calibration submenu is not accessible
when you are operating the dryer via GSI’s remote web application.
After You Finish
With the controller turned on, proceed as follows:
• If configuring your controller for the first time, see Configuring User Preferences, page 28.
• If performing pre-season tests, click System→Control (Advanced)→Board Mode and select Pre-
season Mode (see Pre-Season Mode, page 7 for details on this mode).
• If drying grain, see Drying Grain in the Initial Run, page 32.
IMPORTANT: If the dryer detects a fault with one or more of its components upon startup, the correspond-
ing shutdown messages are displayed onscreen. Correct them immediately before starting
the dryer.
Configuring User Preferences
Once you power on the dryer, you can set user preferences such as the system’s language and its clock,
so that onscreen content appears as desired and system logs are accurate.
To configure user preferences:
1. From the taskbar, click System→Preferences→Language.
2. Set the following parameter:
Language — The system’s language. Content in all menus and submenus appear in this language.
3. Click Save.
IMPORTANT: To store your settings, make sure to click Save before closing the active window.
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Chapter 3: Getting Started
4. From the submenu pane, click Time and Date.
5. Set the following parameters:
Time — The current time (hour; minute; a.m./p.m.).
Date — The current date (month; day; year).
IMPORTANT: Setting the correct time and date is important because the system’s clock is used by
other processes, such as your dryer’s shutdown history. As a result, incorrect time
and date settings lead to inaccurate system logs. Be sure to check the time and date
at the beginning of each drying season or when restarting the dryer after a long period
of inactivity.
6. Click Save.
7. Click Units of Measure.
8. Set the following parameter:
System Selection — The system of measurement used for all onscreen temperature, speed, and
grain measure values. The available systems of measurement are the American (or United States
customary system) and the International System (SI).
9. Click Save and close the active window.
After You Finish
Once the system settings are set, configure your dryer’s hardware setup so that the controller can properly
validate your dryer’s configuration.
Configuring Your Dryer’s Hardware
The hardware setup is a series of tangible settings that ensure your dryer’s onscreen representation accurately reflects the actual product. You can configure the hardware before the initial loading cycle, thus
avoiding potential startup faults.
Before You Begin
• Make sure that you are on-site. You cannot configure your dryer's hardware when you are operating
your dryer via GSI’s remote web application.
• Make sure that the dryer is stopped.
To configure your dryer’s hardware:
1. From the taskbar, click System→Hardware Setup.
2. Set the following parameters:
Dryer Type — The type of grain dryer that you are using (portable; tower; top).
IMPORTANT: Make sure to enter the dryer type that corresponds to your actual dryer. If you enter a
dryer type that is incorrect, a shutdown message will be displayed onscreen and you
will not be able to start the dryer.
Number of Modules — The number of modules corresponding to your portable dryer’s configuration
(1: single module; 2: two modules; 3: three modules).
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Chapter 3: Getting Started
IMPORTANT: Make sure to enter the number of modules that corresponds to your actual dryer con-
figuration. If you enter a value that is greater or less than the actual number, the dryer
will not start because the system will search for missing or undeclared fans or
heaters.
Number of Fans and Heaters — The total number of fans and heaters that are present on your portable dryer (1, 2, 3, 4, or 6).
NOTE: A portable dryer setup can contain up to three stacked modules, and each module can
include one or two fans and heaters.
Dryer Length — The length of your portable dryer (8, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 26 ft). The dryer length
is the combined length of all grain columns and each column is 2 ft (61 cm) wide.
Loading System — The type of loading systems that is used to load grain. The available loading
systems are the following:
• Dual fill: Loads grain at both ends of the dryer wet bin and two load augers move the grain
towards the center of the dryer
• Center fill: Loads grain at the center of the dryer wet bin and two load augers move the grain
towards the front and back of the dryer
• End fill: Loads grain at one end of the dryer wet bin and one load auger evenly fills the bin
Type of Fuel — The type of fuel used to ignite the burner (diesel; vapor; natural gas; liquid propane).
Metering Roll Diameter — The diameter of your dryer’s metering rolls (4 or 7 in.). Setting the correct
diameter ensures accurate unload speeds and proper functioning in auto mode. The standard metering roll diameter is 7 in.
Metering Roll Drive Type — The drive used to control the speed and rotational force of the metering
rolls’ electric motor (DC Motor; Modbus VFD; Analog VFD).
3. Click Save and close the active window.
IMPORTANT: To store your settings, make sure to click Save before closing the active window.
Setting the Dryer’s Timers and Delays
Your dryer settings include several timers and delays pertaining to all phases of the drying process. You
can set all timers and delays before the initial run and adjust them accordingly throughout the drying
process.
What You Should Know
Certain timers and delays (for example, the unload timer) are exclusive to the staged batch drying mode
and are disabled when running in continuous flow mode. In addition, the drying time parameter is a moisture control setting specific to the time-based control schemes of the staged batch mode; as a result, the
drying time parameter is not included below. See Drying Grain in Staged Batch, page 63 for details on
accessing the staged batch control schemes.
NOTE: The Cool menu is only enabled in staged batch mode. In continuous flow mode, this menu is not
displayed in the menu pane.
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