IRD FEATURES

The IRD is designed and built to accurately collect impact data while withstanding the rigors of field, packinghouse and factory use. The advanced engineering and scientific concepts behind the IRD are far superior to anything in the marketplace.

• Rugged, durable construction for evaluation of harvesting, handling, transporting, processing and packaging practices and machinery.
• Waterproof and submersible. Suitable for use in washers, flumes and waxers.
• Real-time detection of impacts
• Records impacts from any angle using a 3-dimensional accelerometer sensor
• Self-contained microprocessor for data collection and calculations
• Flexible design to match commodity without losing accuracy
• Simple downloading and interpretation of data with user-friendly software included
• User-defined sensitivity and other data collection parameters
• Up to 500 G impact force capacity
• Wealth of research data using IRD for various fruits and vegetables.

SOFTWARE AND DATA MANAGEMENT                                          

The IRD is controlled by the user using the included PCIRD© software on any Windows®-compatible desktop or laptop computer.  PCIRD software is compatible with Windows 3.1, 95/98, 2000/NT and Me. Using the PCIRD software, the user defines the impact sensitivity and other data collection parameters, begins and stops impact recording, and uploads and interprets impact data.

Once recording begins, the IRD constantly monitors all accelerations and impacts that it experiences. When an impact exceeds the user-defined sensitivity, impact data is recorded, calculated and stored in on-board memory. When data collection is stopped, data is automatically uploaded to the PCIRD software. The user may then add text labels to impact data as appropriate to enhance interpretation. Following text label editing, a graphical report is automatically generated and shown on the computer screen. Impact severity is interpreted using the interactive Maximum G vs. Velocity (m/s) graph.  Data files may be viewed individually or several may be combined for comparison purposes.

PCIRD© SOFTWARE FEATURES

• Compatible with Windows 3.1, 95/98, 2000/NT and ME.
• Simple, intuitive and easy to use interface.
• Built-in bruise damage boundaries for several types of produce.
• Users may add independent or proprietary damage boundaries.
• Uses standard 9-pin serial communications.
• A standard desktop or laptop computer may be used. No dedicated computer equipment is needed.
• Automated data upload and file save functions.
• Built-in reporting and graphical interpretation tools.
• Integrated, context-specific help sections are easily accessed.

Impact data may be exported for analysis or manipulation with other spreadsheet programs.