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Datamars Limited
25 Carbine Road
Mt Wellington
Auckland 1060
New Zealand
Postal address:
P O Box 51078
Pakuranga
Auckland 2140
New Zealand
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).
Computer requirements: Windows XP or later.
© 2018-2019 Datamars Limited
All product names and brand names in this document are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective
holders.
No part of this publication may be photocopied, reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by
any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior written permission of
Datamars Limited. Product specifications may change without prior notice.
For more information on other quality Datamars brands and products, visit www.datamars.com
Datamars Limited, 2019. All rights reserved.
832993 Issue 2 05/2019
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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
Maintenance...................................................................................................23
Fault finding ...................................................................................................25
Warranty and servicing ...................................................................................28
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Congratulations on the purchase of your Tru-Test EC-10 Plate Meter. This plate
Be careful around electric fences. Parts of the plate meter will
conduct electricity!
Water blasting or submerging the unit will void the warranty.
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
– kg DM/ha).
Your plate meter will become an invaluable tool in your farming operation for dayto-day feeding decisions and long term feed budgeting.
Read and understand all the instructions before using the plate meter. A copy of this
user guide can be downloaded from www.livestock.tru-test.com
Your plate meter is designed only for measuring pastures. Use it for no other purpose
(e.g. it is not a walking stick). We have manufactured the plate meter using quality
materials and manufacturing techniques, however, if faults do occur, have them
corrected before you use the plate meter.
Store the plate correctly. Be careful that the wind does not blow the plate away - it
could be dangerous. It is not to be thrown.
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The plate meter is supplied in three parts:
1 With one hand, hold the yellow shaft
vertically with the counter towards the
ground. The grooved rod will slide
down through the shaft.
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.
The black handle can be adjusted to suit the height of the user.
To assemble the plate meter:
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2 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).
3 Turn the plate meter the correct way
up (plate down) and place it on the
ground. The grooved rod will protrude
out of the shaft. With one hand hold
the grooved rod and with the other
hand, screw on the black plastic
handle. Be careful not to displace the
small rubber O-ring on the top of the
rod.
4 Use the buttons on the handle to adjust the handle so that it is a
comfortable height.
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The plate meter is switched on and off using the black switch at the back of the unit.
Disp/Enter
Height/Reset
Count/Menu
Up/down arrows
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:
(The words in BOLD type are the primary functions). Activate by pressing the button
briefly. Activate the secondary functions (in normal type) by holding the button down
until the function operates.
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Press Display to show the current paddock number selected (1-100).
Press Enter to show the current paddock number selected (1-100).
Up/Down arrows used to scroll back and forth in some options.
When the Count button is pressed the number of readings is displayed.
A “C” will show on the left side and count on the right. Hold the button
down to view menu of further options.
Height displays the average height of readings in clicks (0.5 cm).
Pressing Reset will save the average height to memory and reset all
data ready for the next paddock.
Disp
Enter
Count
Menu
Height
Reset
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To ensure that the plate meter accurately measures the compressed height of
1 Hold the plate meter at the bottom of travel and ensure that the plate
meter is switched off.
2 Locate the zero adjustment screw (beside the On/Off switch).
3 Remove the protective rubber bung by levering it out gently using a flat-
bladed screwdriver.
4 Hold down the “Count” button while switching the unit on. The display
will change to “CAL” briefly and display a colon (:) followed by a number.
The colon (:) signifies that it is in fine calibration mode.
As an example, you might see “:5” when you switch on.
5 Using the flat bladed screw
driver, turn the yellow plastic
or steel shaft within the cog,
anticlockwise, until the
display reads “0”.
The cog and steel
shaft must remain
stationary.
Do not turn the
shaft beyond this
point or you may
damage the plate
meter and void the
warranty.
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.
If, for any reason, the plate meter is out of calibration, it will need to be recalibrated.
To calibrate the plate meter:
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6 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. The plate meter has now been calibrated.
7 Switch off when you have finished, and then back on again without
pressing any buttons.
8 Test the zero calibration by raising and lowering the plate all the way to the
bottom several times. A beep should sound and the kg DM/ha displayed as
the plate falls. If it does not, repeat the steps above and retest.
9 When you have finished calibrating the plate meter, replace the rubber
bung over the zero adjustment screw.
If the calibration fails to hold, then the potentiometer, which the cog drives, is
probably faulty and will need replacing. This can occur with excessive wear often
compounded by dust and dirt entering the dry bearing of the potentiometer.
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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” part second (default 140).
The kg DM/ha calculation will be displayed based on that formula and any other
readings stored in the memory.
The unit has one default plate equation (built into the chip and cannot be replaced
or edited) and one custom (user editable) equation. This equation is typically used
in New Zealand between April and September.
2001 research provided new formula options more relevant to regions, pasture types
and management techniques, i.e. irrigated pasture. This research also provided
equations which more accurately reflect the physiological state of pasture - e.g.
vegetative versus reproductive state.
Examples: Cover (kg DM/ha) = 158 x height
Cover (kg DM/ha) = 158 x height + 1000
Cover (kg DM/ha) = 158 x height + 200
The plate meter also provides an option for selecting your own equation or those
recommended by consultants, such as Dairy NZ or Beef + Lamb NZ. Your plate meter
will be set up for the Dairy NZ recommended equation for the autumn/winter
months. See
Dairy NZ formulas
on page 9.
While the plate meter is switched on, hold down the “Menu” button. The display
shows ‘F_ _ d’ Press “Enter”. The display will then show (500) and then (140). The
default formula has now been loaded and saved to memory.
To enter your own formula, see
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Entering your own formula
on page 10.
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To better reflect the growth stages of pastures these formulas were derived:
Months
(Southern hemisphere)
Plate meter equations
(Dairy pastures)
Winter (April/September)
Plate meter reading x 140 + 500 (factory
default)
October
Plate meter reading x 115 + 850
November
Plate meter reading x 120 + 1000
December
Plate meter reading x 140 + 1200
January
Plate meter reading x 140 + 1200
February
Plate meter reading x 185 + 1200
March
Plate meter reading x 170 + 1100
1 Winter & early spring - before stem growth x125 + 640
2 Late spring & early summer - during stem growth x130 + 990
3 Mid summer x165 + 1480
4 Early autumn - before autumn rain x159 + 1180
5 Late autumn - after rain x 157 + 970
Dairy NZ also developed these month based formulas:
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Months
(Northern hemisphere)
Plate meter equations
(Dairy pastures)
Winter (October/March)
Plate meter reading x 140 + 500 (factory default)
April
Plate meter reading x 115 + 850
May
Plate meter reading x 120 + 1000
June
Plate meter reading x 140 + 1200
July
Plate meter reading x 140 + 1200
August
Plate meter reading x 185 + 1200
September
Plate meter reading x 170 + 1100
Some equations may change without notice and are influenced by
seasonal differences. If you are unsure of the current equation contact
Dairy NZ or your local consultant.
To enter your own cover equation or one that may have been recommended by a
third party, such as your consultant or Dairy NZ or Beef + Lamb NZ, please do the
following:
1 While the plate meter is switched on, hold down the “MENU” button. The
display looks like this: “F--d”. Press the UP arrow once to change the “d”
(default to “c” (custom). Press “Enter” and the display will show the first
figure of the current “add” equation and may look like this: “0_ _ _”. This is
the first of two numbers you will enter. The first number is the equation
“add” number and the second the “multiply” number. e.g. in the equation
above, the number (115) is the “multiply” number and (850) is the “add”
number.
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2 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. The display then
changes to the “multiply” number, which has only 3 figures.
3 The “multiply” number can range from 0-199. The first digit will appear as 0
or 1. Press the “Up” arrow button to change this digit to the desired value
from 0 - 9. Press the “Enter” button when it is correct.
would be entered as 0850. The next digit displayed will be whatever figure is
part of the old formula. Use the “Up” arrow to change it, or just press
“Enter” if it is correct. Repeat this process until all 4 digits have been entered.
The display then changes to the “multiply” number, which has only 3 figures.
4 The “multiply” number can range from 0-199. The first digit will appear as 0
or 1. Press the “Up” arrow button to change this digit to the desired value of
0 or 1. Press the “Enter” button when it is correct and the next digit will
appear. The last two digits can have values from 0-9. Repeat this process until
all digits are entered and press the “Enter” button for the display to return to
its normal state. Your new formula is now active and saved to memory.
As manufacturers we can only give broad guidelines with regard to the formula to
use. For advice on creating custom formulas optimised for your particular farm and
circumstances, contact 0800 AGDATA (0800 243282).
Note:
850 for example
Place the plate meter squarely on the ground. The plate will “rise” as it rests on the
grass, giving a reading of grass height (½ cm increments) on the bottom counter.
At each measurement, click the top (sample) counter to record the total number of
samples taken.
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Practice the technique of an uninterrupted slow walking pace, taking care not to
Lowering the plate meter consistently rather than rolling it, will
provide a more accurate reading.
Be consistent. Plan the same walk every time although it can be
done in reverse. This allows each walk to be compared with another.
“roll” the plate meter. This is where the plate is not square to the ground and it will
provide a false HIGH reading.
The more regularly you take readings the better. Astute farmers will take readings
weekly, sometimes more often during critical times of the year and less frequently
during times of static conditions.
The more samples taken per paddock the less margin of error. We recommend 20
to 40 samples per paddock but if you have bad conditions ie. pugged paddocks,
then more samples should be taken.
Most paddocks will have areas of good growth and areas of poor growth. If recently
grazed, the pasture may be clumpy. Ensure that your walk includes representative
samples of both areas. Avoid tracks, stock camp sites and other uncharacteristic
areas.
Take samples every 3 paces or so, rather than choosing by eye the spot to sample.
This removes operator preference for long or short patches.
The plate meter can save recorded average height readings to a specific paddock
number which can be selected on the plate meter. Via the mini USB cable these
readings can then be downloaded from the plate meter and aligned with your
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paddocks in “walk order” which will need to be defined in the Jenquip Pasture
The paddock number needs to match up with the paddock walk
order number you have already defined in P-Plus.
Management Software program.
1 Switch the unit on via the on/off switch at the back of the plate meter.
2 If starting the first paddock, ensure that the plate meter does not contain any
old data. Press and hold the “Reset” button until display changes to 0. (There
will be two short beeps.) Press and hold the “Menu” button. Press the arrow
button twice until “P CL” appears (paddock clear). Press “Enter”. All recorded
paddock data will be set to 0.
3 Press and hold the “Enter” button. You will see “E_ _ 1.” Scroll the numbers
upwards using the arrow button. If you want to scroll back, hold the “Count”
button while briefly pressing the “Arrow” button. The screen will go blank.
The arrow (on its own) will scroll the numbers backwards. Press “Enter” at
the paddock number you want to record. The paddock number will now be
set. Check any time by pressing “Disp”.
4 Walk across the paddock taking readings every few paces. Every time a
reading is stored a beep will sound. The kg/DM/ha is immediately recalculated
and displayed.
Depending on the variance existing in the cover, the number of samples
(readings) taken should range between 20 and 40 per paddock.
There will be 3 short beeps after completion of 29 readings, and one long
beep at 30 readings. This is recommended as the minimum number of
readings to be taken. Readings should be taken on a regular basis - say every
five paces - to even out any variations. Avoid stock camp areas, tracks or
uncharacteristic areas. The greater the variability of your paddocks, the higher
number of readings you should take.
5 Switch the unit off whilst negotiating obstacles - fences or creeks so that no
readings are taken if the plate moves. (All data recorded so far is saved.) Once
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on the other side of the obstacle switch the unit back on and continue taking
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. The word “UNDO” will display in the LCD window and
the previous DM/kg reading will be displayed. The count will also
be one less. Carry on taking readings from this point.
Press & hold “Reset” button to clear any old data.
Press & hold the “Menu” button.
Height
Reset
Count
Menu
readings.
6 Once the paddock walk is completed hold the “Reset” button. Average height
of the paddocks will display first, which is then saved to memory under that
paddock number. A small triangle icon will appear in the top left hand corner
indicating that paddock now contains data. The plate meter will also be reset
to zero ready for the next paddock.
7 Repeat steps 3 to 6 until all the paddocks are complete.
8 Saved paddock data and paddock numbers can be viewed at any time by
pressing the arrow key. The display will first show the paddock number and
the average height that was recorded. Pressing the arrow key again will show
the next paddock with data in it. Once the last recorded paddock is displayed,
the plate meter will beep and return to the normal display.
You can escape the paddock display function at any time by pressing “Disp”.
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Press the arrow button twice until P CL (paddock clear) shows on
the display.
Press “Enter” and all data will be deleted.
Press & hold the “Enter” button.
E _ _ 1 will show on the display.
Press the arrow button to scroll upwards.
+
To scroll backwards hold the “Count” button and
briefly press the arrow button.
To select the paddock press “Enter”.
Start taking sample readings.
To save the data hold the “Reset” button. An arrow will show up
on the top left corner indicating that the paddock has data stored
in it.
Disp
Enter
Disp
Enter
Count
Menu
Disp
Enter
Height
Reset
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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
Drying off times
Stock sale decisions
Highlighting poor performing pastures or paddocks
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.
Use the Jenquip Pasture Management software to further process the plate meter
readings and do your feed wedge:
Total Dry Matter = Kg Dry Matter per Hectare x Paddock Area
Growth Rate of Pasture
= Final kg DM/ha - Initial kg DM/ha (kg DM/ha/day)
Number of days between samples
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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.
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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.
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For information about the various report types, click Help &
Information in the top, right-hand corner of the screen.
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You need to import a farm walk before you can export data as a CSV (comma
separated values) file. See
Downloading data from the plate meter
on page 17.
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The resulting CSV file can be opened by MS Excel or another third party software
application.
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Your plate meter has been developed over a number of years to be simple, effective,
This is a precision instrument - look after it.
Water blasting or submerging the unit will void the warranty.
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. If its movement is restricted, the reason must be
identified and resolved before the plate meter is used.
Remove the plate and wash it clean.
Wash/wipe and dry the area around the bottom of the plate meter. Move the plate
meter up or down the shaft so that all dirt and accumulated grass can be washed
away.
Apply some dry lubricant or light oil to the hinge assembly and to the inside of the
hinge lock tube. Store the plate meter in its folded position.
On start up if you get a “Lo” battery warning then the battery will need replacing
over the next farm walk or two. A triangle icon in the top left hand corner also
indicates a low battery. The plate meter is powered by a single 9 V battery. The use
of an alkaline battery is recommended though a standard heavy duty battery will
still work well. An alkaline battery should give 40-50 hours continuous use. A NiCad
rechargeable battery may also be used.
Before you replace the battery, ensure that the plate meter is switched off. Remove
the screw on the front of the plate meter. The battery retainer will slide out towards
you.
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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.
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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
may have damaged the battery snap
clip to top of the battery.
Service: Send the plate meter to your
service agent.
Check
Resolution
This is normally due to a low battery.
The plate meter requires a given level
of power to operate correctly. If the
battery doesn’t have sufficient power
it may continuously beep to warn you.
Remember if you turn the plate meter
off for a few minutes it may recover
slightly but the problem will not go
away.
Change the battery
Battery may be due for replacement.
Requires electronic service.
Most problems are due to the plate meter being out of calibration
(see following points as to why. If in doubt it is worth Zero
Calibrating just to make sure it is correct (see page 6).
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Check
Resolution
The cog has wound off.
Replace - Request a spare cog from
your service agent.
Potentiometer damaged. The
Potentiometer is the shaft part that
drives the cog. NB: Under no
circumstances should you apply CRC
or a light oil to the potentiometer. It is
a dry bearing and any lubricant will
render the potentiometer useless).
Send the plate meter to your service
agent for repair.
Check the metal shaft is coming right
back into the base of the tube. Ensure
that there is no grass or soil build-up
preventing it from doing so. Also
check the washer at the bottom of the
shaft is not catching on the bottom of
the plate.
Clean the plate meter.
This means that the plate meter does not know where the bottom is - therefore
does not record the reading.
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Check
Resolution
The counter is like a calculator - it
does not give false readings under
normal circumstances.
Check the equation being used is
correct and the calibration has been
correctly set. (Zeroed).
Cover Equations
In New Zealand there are a number of
standard equations published by
various organisations. These reflect
regional pasture types. If you wish to
change an equation or select
alternative species you will need to
contact your consultant. Traditionally
the equation of height X 158 plus 200
was used however there has been a
series of equations produced to reflect
changes in pasture types and
physiological state (vegetative,
flowering, seed head) which can alter
DM levels in the paddock.
A more accurate calibration can be
achieved by taking cuttings or your
consultant may be able to advise you
on the most appropriate equation for
your situation. This particularly applies
to pastures under irrigation.
Check what equation you are using.
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Check
Resolution
Metal shaft is bent.
Straighten or request a replacement
part from your service agent.
Grass or soil build-up inside case.
Clean the plate meter.
Flutes on steel shaft have become
filled with grass or soil.
Clean the plate meter.
Check
Resolution
Buttons not clicking or activating.
Service - membrane needs replacing.
Send the plate meter to your service
agent.
Check
Resolution
The plate meter is switched on.
If you wish to select the inbuilt default
formula.
Hold down the ‘Formula’ button until
the display changes to ‘F_ _d’. While
the ‘d’ is displayed, press the ‘Reset’
button. The following equation is
used:
Cover (kg DM/ha) = 140 x height
+500
For warranty and servicing information, see www.livestock.tru-test.com/en-nz/product-warranty
For all support, phone
0800 AGDATA (0800 243282)
For repair and servicing within New Zealand, ship to the address below.
(Unscrew the plate before packaging the plate meter).
8 Weld Street
Feilding
4702, Tel: 06-323 6146
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