How does AGI BinManager work?

BinManager collects information from sensors inside the grain and from environmental sensors around the bin. The system evaluates in-grain temperature and moisture along with outside-air and plenum conditions.

On a fully equipped automation system, that information can be used to determine when connected fans and heaters should operate according to the configured operating strategy.

Does BinManager measure grain temperature and moisture?

Yes. Supported BinManager sensor cables provide temperature and moisture information from multiple sensing locations throughout the grain mass. That gives the system more than one reading from one location in the bin.

What equipment is part of a BinManager system?

A full BinManager system uses sensor cables, a weather station, an Air Properties Sensor, communications hardware and control equipment. The exact installation depends on the bin and the equipment being monitored or controlled.

What does the weather station do?

The weather station measures outside temperature and relative humidity. BinManager uses outside-air information along with conditions inside the grain and plenum when evaluating conditioning opportunities.

What does the Air Properties Sensor do?

The Air Properties Sensor, often called the APS, measures plenum temperature and relative humidity and also measures air pressure. That gives the system information about the air entering the bin and helps it evaluate fan operation.

How far apart are the sensors on BinManager cables?

Sensor spacing depends on the cable and configuration. BinManager cables use multiple sensing points through the grain mass so conditions can be measured at different depths. A&S recommends confirming the actual cable configuration rather than assuming one universal spacing for every bin.

Can BinManager tell me what is happening at different depths in the grain?

Yes. Multiple sensing locations along the sensor cables provide information from different levels of the grain mass. Comparing sensors and trends can help show when one portion of the bin is behaving differently from surrounding grain.

Does BinManager measure inventory?

BinManager includes inventory monitoring. AGI explains that inventory is estimated based on which sensors are covered by grain, sensor spacing and the programmed bin capacity.

Is BinManager inventory an exact scale measurement?

No. Inventory is an estimate based on sensor coverage and the programmed bin information. Grain topography, how grain sits around the sensors and cable configuration can affect the estimated bushels. Use it as monitoring information rather than treating it as a certified scale measurement.

What is a BinManager hotspot alert?

A hotspot alert means BinManager has identified an in-grain temperature condition that meets its hotspot criteria. AGI describes hotspot detection using both high-temperature thresholds and consistent localized temperature increases.

An alert deserves attention, but one unusual sensor value should still be reviewed in context with surrounding sensors, trend history and actual grain conditions.

Does one high sensor reading always mean the grain is spoiling?

No. One reading provides information, not the entire diagnosis. Compare nearby sensors, previous readings and other system information. Sensors, cables and connections can also experience faults, so a reading that does not make sense should be investigated.

Does BinManager automatically turn grain-bin fans on and off?

A fully equipped BinManager system can automatically operate compatible connected fans according to the configured operating strategy and system conditions.

Monitoring alone does not provide physical fan control. Automatic operation requires the necessary BinManager control hardware and electrical connections.

Can BinManager control a grain-bin heater?

A properly equipped BinManager installation can control compatible connected heaters as part of its conditioning strategy. Heater capability depends on the installed equipment, controls and electrical configuration.

What is Auto Dry & Cool?

Auto Dry & Cool is an automated BinManager operating mode. AGI describes it as the standard mode for working toward a desired moisture target and then cooling the grain toward a desired temperature target.

Operating targets should match the commodity, bin, airflow, season and storage objective. Contact A&S when you are unsure which mode or targets make sense for the actual bin.

What is Monitor Only mode?

Monitor Only collects and reports grain and environmental information without automatically operating fans or heaters. AGI notes that hotspot alerts can still occur in Monitor Only, but the system will not automatically run a fan to address them.

Can I manually run my fan with BinManager?

BinManager installations include ways for appropriately configured fans to be operated outside automatic conditioning. Changing operating modes or manually overriding equipment can change how the automated system responds, so follow the applicable operating guidance for the installation.

Can I check BinManager from my phone or computer?

Yes. AGI SureTrack FARM provides remote access to supported BinManager information through connected devices. Depending on the system configuration, you can review grain readings, system information and alerts remotely.

Does BinManager send text or email alerts?

Yes. SureTrack supports text and email notifications for selected system alerts. Alert preferences can be configured by user in the SureTrack account.

What does a No Communication alert mean?

A No Communication alert means the BinManager is not currently communicating normally with the SureTrack server. AGI notes that this can be associated with cellular communication or electrical/power conditions at the bin.

A communication alert does not automatically mean the grain condition itself has changed.

Does BinManager stop working if cellular service goes down?

AGI's user documentation says the BinManager control programs run locally at the bin. A communication interruption can stop fresh remote data from appearing in SureTrack, but the local control logic does not require a continuous cellular connection simply to exist and operate.

Can BinManager be added to an existing grain bin?

Many existing bins can be evaluated for BinManager or grain-monitoring equipment. The bin structure, sensing needs, aeration system, existing fans and heaters, electrical controls and desired level of automation need to be reviewed before determining the right retrofit.

Do I need a brand-new grain bin for BinManager?

No. BinManager can be considered for existing storage as well as new-bin projects. Compatibility and installation requirements should be reviewed for the actual bin and existing equipment.

What is the difference between BinManager and BinMonitor?

Both provide remote temperature, moisture and inventory monitoring through SureTrack. The major difference is automation: AGI lists automated conditioning for BinManager, while BinMonitor is a remote-monitoring system without automatic conditioning.

What is BinCheck?

AGI BinCheck is the most basic monitoring option in the current AGI lineup. It provides in-bin temperature and moisture monitoring with local Bluetooth connectivity rather than the full remote SureTrack experience used by BinManager and BinMonitor.

How do I know which AGI monitoring system fits my operation?

Start with three questions: Do you need remote access? Do you need inventory monitoring? Do you want the system to automatically control conditioning equipment? Those answers quickly narrow the choice between BinCheck, BinMonitor and BinManager.

Does BinManager require electrical work?

A full system with permanent power and automated fan or heater control can require high-voltage power and control wiring. Electrical work should be completed according to the equipment requirements and applicable installation guidance.

What should I do if one BinManager sensor looks wrong?

Compare the reading with nearby sensors and its recent trend before assuming either the grain or the sensor is definitely the problem. A&S can help review the available system information when a reading does not make sense.

What should I do when BinManager sends an alert?

Start by identifying the alert type and the bin involved. A hotspot, loss of communication, pressure issue and equipment fault do not mean the same thing. Review available SureTrack information and contact A&S when you need help understanding what the alert is telling you.

Who can help me with a BinManager question?

A&S supports BinManager and grain-management questions through its BinManager team. If you are looking at an alert, planning a retrofit, comparing systems or simply trying to understand what the platform is showing, send A&S the question and the details about the bin.