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Need help?Do you have a question about the Agrosta 100USB and is the answer not in the manual?
Install software, connect device, and ensure computer recognition for proper operation.
Launch the software, select the correct COM port for device communication and verify with a test measure.
Position the sensor correctly and record the free work position for calibration purposes.
Measure fruit firmness by pressing the sensor until the abutment, then read the displayed value.
Enter a batch name and complementary fruit information before starting a new measurement session.
Click 'START' to begin recording measurements for the specified batch and fruit.
Select the number of measurements to perform on each fruit to determine the average value.
Perform the actual firmness measurements on the fruits as guided by the software interface.
Click 'END' to finish the batch, which displays a graph of the recorded measurements.
Access recorded data in Excel compatible (.csv) format from the specified save folder.
Locate generated graphs and statistical reports in the designated Agrosta folder.
Use the 'ACCESS TO BATCHES' button to view, open data, open graphs, or delete past measurement batches.
Open .csv files with Excel or view graphs using associated software by clicking respective buttons.
Verify calibration by pressing the sensor tip firmly on a hard surface, aiming for >96% reading.
Pull the abutment, remove the tip, and clean parts with hot water, soap, and a wet tissue.
The AGROSTA®100 USB is a digital firmness instrument designed to measure the hardness of various agricultural and food products without causing damage. This durometer is a precision instrument, entirely designed and assembled in France, with its electronic card manufactured through a highly robotized process. It is important to note that the device is not waterproof and should be handled with care to avoid falls and shocks. The AGROSTA®100 USB comes with a 2-year warranty from the date of shipment.
The primary function of the AGROSTA®100 USB is to provide a non-destructive method for measuring the firmness of fruits, vegetables, and other farm-products, agro-industrial products, and foodstuffs. This allows for quality control and assessment of ripeness or texture without compromising the integrity of the product. The device operates by sensing the resistance of the product when the sensor tip is pressed against it, translating this resistance into a digital firmness value.
The instrument is accompanied by dedicated software that facilitates its operation, data recording, and analysis. The software allows users to install the necessary drivers, connect the device, and initiate measurements. A crucial step in the setup process involves placing the sensor in a "work position" with the tip free and then pressing a button to record the sensor's free state, which helps establish the origin position for accurate measurements.
The AGROSTA®100 USB offers different sensor types, each optimized for specific product categories. For instance, the A100-10 sensor is suitable for peaches, apricots, grapes, and kiwis, providing readings that can be correlated to kilograms per square centimeter with a penetrometer. The A100-25 sensor is designed for tomatoes, cherries, plums, melon flesh, grapes, blueberries (though destructive for blueberries), and peppers. For strawberries, the A100-50 sensor is recommended. This versatility ensures that a wide range of products can be accurately assessed for firmness.
The AGROSTA®100 USB offers both measurement without recording and measurement with batch recording, catering to different user needs.
For quick, individual measurements, users can simply take fruits one after another, press the sensor tip against the product until it reaches a plastic abutment, and then remove the sensor. The measurement is immediately displayed on the software interface. This mode is ideal for on-the-spot checks or when detailed data logging is not required. The software displays the instant percentage of firmness, along with average, deviation, and H index values, providing a comprehensive overview of the measurement.
For more structured data collection and analysis, the device supports batch recording. To begin a new batch, users enter a batch name (avoiding special characters) and any complementary information about the fruit. After clicking "START," the software allows users to specify the number of measurements to be made on each fruit, with only the average being added to the list. This feature is particularly useful for research, quality control, or commercial applications where consistent data logging is essential.
Once measurements are completed for a batch, users click "END," which makes the button disappear and displays a graph of the collected data. All recorded data is available in an Excel-compatible .csv format, stored in the C:\AGROSTASAVE folder. Graphs and statistics are also accessible in the C:\AGROSTA folder. This allows for easy export and further analysis using standard spreadsheet software. Users can initiate a new batch by simply entering a new batch name.
The software provides a feature to consult previous batches. By pressing the "ACCESS TO BATCHES" button, users can view graphs and statistics from past measurements. This window also allows for the deletion of old batches, helping to manage data efficiently. Users can open the corresponding .csv file by clicking "Open data file," which will launch Excel if it's set as the default software for .csv files. Clicking "Open graph" will launch the computer's drawing software to display the graph as a picture.
The AGROSTA®100 USB includes a self-calibration check feature to ensure the device's accuracy. To perform this check, users start the instrument according to the standard procedure, ensuring the sensor is in the correct position. Then, they press the tip very strongly on a hard and flat surface, such as a table. A reading of more than 96% (ideally 100%) indicates that the calibration is valid. If the reading is lower, users are advised to contact Agrosta for recalibration. The calibration remains valid as long as a 100% reading is obtained on a hard surface.
The primary maintenance feature described in the manual relates to cleaning the sensor. To clean the device, users carefully pull on the abutment and remove the tip. The red part of the sensor should be cleaned with hot water and soap, while the inside (yellow plastic part) can be cleaned with a wet tissue. Regular cleaning helps maintain the accuracy and longevity of the instrument. It is crucial to handle the device with care, avoiding falls and shocks, as it is a precision instrument and not waterproof.
General| Category | Fruit Firmness Tester |
|---|---|
| Data Output | USB |
| Measuring Range | 0-100 N |
| Resolution | 0.1 N |
| Accuracy | +/- 0.5% F.S. |
| Penetrometer Tip Diameter | 8 mm |
| Power | Rechargeable battery |
