Complete Guide to Updating the Perten AM5200-A Moisture Meter
- Jul 14
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 22
Preparing to Update Your Device
Like any measuring device, your moisture meter needs to be kept up to date.
Here is a simple procedure for updating your AM5200-A using the official file available on the Perten/PerkinElmer website.
Perten website to download the update file:
WARNING! This procedure applies only to the Perten AM5200-A. It does not apply to the AM 5200-Farm moisture meter.
Preparing Test Samples
It is strongly recommended that you ensure your moisture meter remains functional and free of errors after an update. To do this, we recommend having three samples of each product you use, at different moisture content levels.
For example :
Corn: 13%, 14%, 15%
Soybeans: 10%, 12%, 13%
Wheat: 12%, 13%, 14%
etc…
Download the official Perten/PerkinElmer update file
From a computer, go to the official Perten/PerkinElmer page for Canada:
Every July 1, you will find the latest update required by the Canadian Grain Commission on this page.
Download the calibration file without changing the file name.
Prepare the empty USB drive
Use an empty USB drive to avoid file conflict issues.
Create a folder named “perten”
Copy the update file to the USB drive.
Unzip the perten.zip file
Move the “import” folder into the “perten” folder
Delete the perten.zip file
For your AM5200-A to automatically recognize the import file, the folder structure must be exactly as follows: USB/perten/import/…
Create a system backup point in case of a restore
WARNING! Before performing the update, you must create a restore point.
This backup will allow you to revert to a previous state if a problem occurs during the update, such as a power outage or a file conflict.
To create this backup, you must first log in as an administrator:
Menu → General Settings → Login → Access Rights
Enter the administrator code: 142857 → Enter
Close the window
Now, create a restore point
Menu → General Settings → Maintenance → System Recovery → Set a Restore Point
Procedure for Importing the Update
Insert the USB flash drive into one of the USB ports on the back of the AM5200-A
On the touchscreen, navigate to the Import/Export menu and then import the update:
Menu → Import/Export → Import
Once the import begins, do not remove the USB drive or turn off the device. Allow the update to complete.
When the device indicates that the import is complete, you can turn off the device and remove the USB drive.
Post-Installation Checks and Troubleshooting
Check system information and keep a record
Restart the AM5200-A, then go to the device’s system information. In the System Info section, you will see the software versions, calibration version, serial number, and other useful information.
If you keep a log of your measurement equipment, we recommend that you note the following:
the device name and model;
the serial number;
the update date;
the calibration version;
the name of the person who performed the update.
WARNING: What to Do in Case of a File Conflict (Infinity Icon ∞)
Have you noticed an infinity symbol (∞) appearing on the screen? This indicator is not insignificant. It signals that the device has detected an inconsistency among its internal files:
old files that were not overwritten properly;
duplicate calibration files;
incompatibility between the software version and the loaded product database
 | When this icon appears, the device may continue to start up, but it no longer knows which calibration file to use. In other words, you can no longer be certain that the moisture meter is using the correct calibration charts and providing official measurements. |
Why do these conflicts occur?
In most cases, the problem stems from how the folders and files are organized on your USB drive. When this problem occurs, you can roll back the update using the system restore point you created earlier. If you’re unable to do so, don’t panic—contact us and we’ll help you resolve the issue.
Verify the update using your test samples
Once the update is complete, run your test samples—or calibrated samples—through the device. Then compare the results.
The purpose of this step is to confirm that the device is functioning normally and that the results are consistent. The result may vary by up to 0.1% due to the update, which is completely normal. However, the variation should not exceed 0.5%. If it does, please report this discrepancy to us (support@agrilog.ca).
Perten also reminds users that the responsibility for validating the results lies with the operator, particularly through the use of control samples and periodic checks.
Recommendations for Harvest Season
Always perform your update before the peak harvest season. This will allow you to resolve any potential issues, such as file conflicts.
Keep a USB drive dedicated solely to the AM5200-A. A clearly labeled USB drive stored in the same place reduces the risk of errors.
Keep a written record of each update. A simple paper log will suffice (date, version, device, operator, comments). Maintaining a record of your measurement instruments could save you a lot of headaches in the event of a dispute.
After the update, always perform a few checks using known samples. A half-point (0.5%) difference in humidity can affect drying, ventilation, storage, and operating costs. It’s best to verify everything right away.
Finally, if the device displays an unusual message, if the update fails to install, or if the version number doesn’t seem to change, don’t keep trying. Contact us!
Conclusion
Updating a Perten AM5200-A isn’t very complicated, but it must be done properly. Remember that a well-maintained, up-to-date, and properly calibrated moisture meter is a reliable decision-making tool for effectively managing grain drying, storage, and moisture content during delivery.
In agriculture, as we know, it’s often the small details, done at the right time, that make all the difference.
Usefull links:
Comment échantillonner et calibrer votre séchoir à grain (In French with subtitles - to activate)
