Texture Analyzer
Video Tutorial
Slides Tutorial
Copy of Texture analyzer protocol vs 4.pptxLocation
Kilgore Hall Lab G
Settings/Setup
Use 2 mm probe
Data Format
Login
User: postharvest
Calibration
Open Exponent Connect program on attached desktop computer and login.
Calibrate Force
Clear Instrument. If not prompted on startup, choose this icon:
Using the 2000g weight that should be next to the machine, or in a drawer underneath it, calibrate weight following onscreen instructions. Verify that machine reads weight as 2.0 kg
Calibrate Arm Height
Place tray underneath arm, so it will connect with the surface.
Choose this icon:
Check settings match, then let it run till it touches the tray and withdraws back.
Arm Height Settings
Return Distance (mm): 10
Return Speed (mm/Sec): 10
Contact Force (g): 20
Protocol
Turn on the Texture Analyzer with the switch on the back, and the attached Desktop computer with provided login information.
Open Exponent Connect program on desktop, and login.
Navigate to File-> Projects -> Open Projects -> blueberry_laura_giongo_2.5mm-sec (located "C: ->1texture -> Blueberry ->Projects" ) and open. Close previously opened file.
Run prompted calibrations as described above.
For the first sample of each carton: Along the top of the program, choose T.A. dropdown, then "Run a Test" (F2 button). After changing parameters to follow the below conventions, click "Apply". Make sure a sample is in position on the tray, with the smooth sides of the berry facing up, then click "Run". The test will immediately start.
follow this format for File ID:
File Number -change to 1
Make sure other parameters match the example screenshot to the right.
Proceed through the 3 macro errors, but watch out for any errors about overwriting a file of the same name!
For repetitions 2-10, Press Ctrl+Q or navigate to the "Quick Test Run" option in the T.A. dropdown for each individual berry from the same batch.
Save punctured samples in an appropriately labeled 50 ml conical tube and immediately put on ice for later testing.
Repeat steps 5 -7 for each new set of 10 samples from a single carton, making sure to change the File ID to match the Variety/Harvest Date/Harvest Method/ Test Date and reset File Number to 1.
When done with all the samples, use navigation along the top to go to "Process Data" -> "Quick Calculation". Check that the popup parameter match the screenshot to the right, then hit "ok". This will generate a "Results" tab at the bottom. Copy this page into a google sheet to save as a backup. Please label is as follows:
Quick Calc Parameters
When done, make sure you have saved and made a Google sheet backup of the data, before closing the program.
Clean the probe and tray with ethanol on a Kimwipe.
Shut down the computer and turn off the texture analyzer, with shut off toggle on the back of the machine.
Tips
Use a google sheet and copy+paste data results frequently, as a backup.
If running samples that only need TA, and have already had FirmTech, Weight etc. measured at another research station, just randomly pick 10 sample berries directly from each carton. Don't bother to set them up on plastic sample trays. They are much easier to transport in the cartons.
Ask if testing is on individual berries, or if the program director would like to test the full sampling at once. There is a tool in the drawer below the machine to find the multi-probe.
Where to find other equipment:
Conical tubes and holders can be found in lab ______ in the cabinets above the computers.
Styrafoam bins are available at the front of the room on a shelf above the deep freezer.
Ice is available in room _____