Dickey-john MINI-GAC2500 Handheld Grain Moisture and Specific Weight Analyzer
| Brand | Dickey-john |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Model | MINI-GAC2500 |
| Power Supply | 9 VDC battery |
| Measurement Principle | 149 MHz RF dielectric constant (UGMA-compliant) |
| Sample Volume | 0.47 L |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0–50 °C |
| Analysis Time | ≤10 s |
| Display | LCD (106 × 56 pixels) |
| Connectivity | USB port, Bluetooth |
| Dimensions | 30 × 12 × 21 cm |
| Net Weight | 1.1 kg |
| Key Parameters | Moisture content (% w.b.), Specific weight (kg/hL or lb/bu), Grain temperature (°C) |
Overview
The Dickey-john MINI-GAC2500 Handheld Grain Moisture and Specific Weight Analyzer is an engineered field instrument designed for rapid, non-destructive assessment of moisture content, specific weight (also known as test weight or bulk density), and temperature in intact grain and oilseed samples. It operates on the principle of high-frequency radiofrequency (RF) dielectric measurement at 149 MHz—aligned with the U.S. Grain Standards Act (UGMA) methodology—enabling deep electromagnetic penetration into heterogeneous granular matrices. Unlike lower-frequency capacitance-based meters, the 149 MHz frequency minimizes signal attenuation across diverse kernel sizes, densities, and surface conditions, resulting in high reproducibility across wheat, corn, soybeans, canola, rice, barley, oats, coffee beans, tobacco seeds, and vegetable seeds. Its portable architecture supports real-time decision-making at grain elevators, farm gates, procurement centers, and quality control checkpoints without reliance on lab infrastructure.
Key Features
- UGMA-compliant 149 MHz RF dielectric sensing technology ensures regulatory alignment with USDA grain grading protocols and international trade standards.
- Integrated temperature-compensated electronics eliminate manual correction for ambient or sample thermal drift, maintaining accuracy across 0–50 °C operational range.
- No pre-weighing required: built-in electronic load cell enables direct volumetric sampling (0.47 L) and automatic mass normalization for specific weight calculation.
- Single-button operation with intuitive menu-driven interface on a high-contrast monochrome LCD (106 × 56 pixels) optimized for outdoor visibility and glove-compatible use.
- On-device analysis completes within ≤10 seconds—delivering moisture (% wet basis), specific weight (kg/hL or lb/bu), and grain temperature simultaneously.
- Dual connectivity options: USB port for firmware updates and calibration parameter loading; Bluetooth 4.0 for wireless transfer of results to iOS/Android devices and secure email export.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The MINI-GAC2500 is validated for use with all major cereal grains (e.g., maize, wheat, rice, barley), oilseeds (soybean, canola, sunflower), legumes (peas, lentils), specialty crops (coffee, cocoa, tobacco), and horticultural seeds. It meets functional equivalence requirements under ASTM D4445 (Standard Test Method for Determining Moisture Content of Grain by Microwave Oven Drying), ISO 712:2022 (Cereals and cereal products — Determination of moisture content), and USDA FGIS directives for official grain inspection. While not a GLP-certified laboratory instrument, its traceable calibration routines support audit-ready documentation when paired with Dickey-john’s certified reference standards and NIST-traceable verification kits.
Software & Data Management
Data capture and reporting are managed via Dickey-john’s proprietary GAC Connect software suite (Windows-compatible), which supports batch export to CSV, Excel, and PDF formats. Bluetooth-enabled synchronization logs timestamps, GPS coordinates (when paired with smartphone), operator ID, and instrument serial number—facilitating chain-of-custody tracking per internal QA/QC procedures. Calibration files—including crop-specific dielectric coefficients—are loaded via USB and stored in non-volatile memory. The device maintains full audit trail functionality for calibration history, firmware version, and last validation date—critical for facilities operating under HACCP, FSMA, or ISO 22000 frameworks.
Applications
- On-the-spot moisture verification during harvest and field delivery to prevent shrinkage disputes and optimize drying schedules.
- Pre-storage quality screening to identify mold risk thresholds (e.g., >14% moisture in corn, >12.5% in wheat) prior to binning.
- Contractual compliance checks at elevator intake points against buyer-specified moisture and test weight tolerances.
- Research-grade field trials evaluating varietal performance under varying agronomic conditions.
- Export documentation support where moisture and specific weight data must accompany phytosanitary certificates.
- Training and extension services for cooperative grain associations requiring standardized, operator-independent measurement protocols.
FAQ
Does the MINI-GAC2500 require daily calibration?
No—factory calibration remains stable for ≥12 months under normal field use. However, quarterly verification using Dickey-john’s certified grain standards (e.g., GAC-STD-KIT) is recommended for audit readiness.
Can it measure ground or milled grain?
No. The instrument is validated exclusively for whole, unprocessed kernels and seeds. Ground material alters dielectric response and voids measurement validity.
Is Bluetooth pairing compatible with enterprise MDM systems?
Yes—GAC Connect supports standard BLE HID profiles and integrates with Microsoft Intune and VMware Workspace ONE for secure mobile deployment.
What happens if the sample temperature exceeds 50 °C?
The unit will display a warning and suspend analysis until temperature falls within specification; prolonged exposure above 50 °C may affect sensor longevity and is outside warranty coverage.
How is traceability maintained for regulatory submissions?
Each result file embeds embedded metadata (instrument ID, firmware version, UTC timestamp, GPS hash) and supports digital signature via optional PKI module compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 Annex 11 requirements.
