PQ500 Single Kernel Grain & Rice Moisture Tester

Description

The First-Generation Single-Kernel Moisture Meter

The PQ500 introduced Kett’s single-kernel measurement principle to the desktop moisture meter category. Rather than reporting a sample average, the PQ500 tested kernels one at a time, computed the average and standard deviation across the sample, and displayed the moisture distribution as a 21-segment LED histogram. For rice mills, grain processors, and harvest operations, this was the first practical way to see how moisture was distributed across a lot rather than just what the average reading was.

What the PQ500 Did

• Per-kernel resistance measurement: Each kernel was fed through internal rollers, crushed, and measured by DC resistance, with results combined across 10 to 1,000 kernels per sample.
• Histogram display: A 21-segment LED bar showed frequency distribution from 8% to 28% moisture, with color coding to highlight where the bulk of the sample sat.
• Wheat, barley, rice, paddy: Four factory calibrations covered the core grain and rice applications, with measurement ranges from 9% to 40% depending on the commodity.
• Documentation via thermal printer: The optional printer captured date, time, grain type, kernel count, average, standard deviation, histogram, and individual kernel moisture values for each measurement.

Why the PQ520 Replaced the PQ500

The PQ520 keeps the single-kernel measurement principle the PQ500 introduced and improves on it across the specifications that matter to current buyers. Throughput is up to roughly 150 kernels per minute from the PQ500’s 100. The display is a fluorescent digital panel that shows grain type, average moisture, kernel count, time, and the full moisture distribution histogram on one screen rather than a 4-digit LED with a separate LED bar. Power is universal AC 100–240V rather than fixed 120V or 220V variants. Communications include USB for direct PC data capture in addition to RS-232C for the optional thermal printer. Calibration coverage expands significantly on the PQ-5205 configuration, with the full rice variety set (long and short grain milled, brown, paddy, jasmine, parboiled, sticky) plus wheat and barley.

Looking for the current production model? The PQ520 Single Kernel Grain & Rice Moisture Meter is the current single-kernel desktop moisture meter from Kett, with expanded calibrations, faster throughput, universal voltage, and USB data output.

Service and Support for Existing PQ500 Units

The PQ500 is no longer manufactured. Service availability, parts, and calibration support are limited but may be available depending on the specific issue and parts inventory. Contact Kett to discuss service options, recalibration, or upgrade paths to the PQ520.