Compass Technology Group, a microwave sensing innovation & solutions company based in Georgia, has officially launched its Peanut Moisture Measurement System (PMMS), a device aimed at enhancing the accuracy and speed of moisture measurement in in-shell peanuts. The system was developed following direct consultations with peanut farmers and collection points, ensuring that its design and functionality align with the real challenges faced in the field and at buying points.
The core objective of the Compass Technology Group is to bridge the gap between field level testing and buying point accuracy, reducing discrepancies and streamlining operations in the peanut supply chain.
Technical Specifications & Performance
At the heart of the PMMS lies a 5 GHz microwave measurement module. This module is capable of accurately measuring moisture levels ranging from 6% to 20%, with a precision of 0.5 percentage points. The system can operate in a broad thermal window, with peanut sample temperatures between 32 °F and 122 °F. Under normal conditions, test results are produced in 30 seconds, enabling rapid decisions in situ.
The device measures moisture in-shell so there is no need for initial shelling of peanuts, which simplifies sampling in the field or inside a drying shed environment. The readings obtained via PMMS are intended to closely correspond with those at the buying point, reducing the risk of variation or contestation over moisture content during procurement.
User Interface, Durability & Maintenance
The system has been designed with usability and robustness in mind. It features a minimalistic three button touchscreen interface, which provides intuitive control without overwhelming users with complexity. There is USB connectivity to facilitate firmware updates, data export, or integration with peripheral equipment.
On the mechanical side, the PMMS has a rugged construction built to survive harsh agricultural environments. The device uses a plastic slide gate as the sole moving part, responsible for sample release. By limiting moving mechanical components, the system cuts down on wear, maintenance needs, and mechanical failure risks over time. Additionally, the device supports optimized sample volumes that align with downstream testing methods, ensuring continuity of measurements across processing stages.
Environmental Tolerance & Field Readiness
Recognizing that agricultural settings often involve extremes of temperature and humidity, the PMMS is engineered to withstand non condensing humidity levels up to 90%, while functioning over ambient temperatures spanning 25 °F to 120 °F. This broad tolerance ensures that the device can operate reliably in varied climates and during seasonal fluctuations.
Becky Schultz, Chief Executive Officer of Compass Technology Group, emphasized the user centered development process.
The Peanut MMS is more than just an upgrade, it’s a leap forward for the industry. By listening to the needs of farmers and buyers, we’ve created a system that is rugged, easy to use, and delivers unmatched precision.
Impact, Use Cases & Implications
The Compass Technology Group’s PMMS is intended to reshape how moisture measurement is done across the peanut value chain. By enabling accurate in-field or drying shed assessments that mirror buying point readings, it helps reduce disputes and reworks between growers and buyers. The time savings, 30 seconds per test, translate into lower labor costs, faster decision cycles, and improved throughput during peak harvest or processing periods.
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Growers can use the device to monitor moisture levels before hauling crops, adjusting drying or handling schedules accordingly. Buying points can adopt the same standard for incoming consignments, smoothing negotiations and acceptance criteria. Processors, too, benefit from more consistent quality metrics right at the front end of the supply chain.
The engineering challenge was to create a system that balances advanced technology with everyday usability. The result is a device that’s intuitive, dependable, and provides the critical data farmers need to make faster, smarter decisions about their crops.
According to the Compass Technology Group, in environments where moisture measurement is critical, for example, before storage, transport, or shelling, the PMMS may substitute or complement laboratory grade testing, thereby reducing logistics, delays, and costs associated with sample handling.
With immediate availability, Compass Technology Group positions the Peanut Moisture Measurement System as a field-tested solution tailored to agricultural realities. Through its combination of microwave sensing, simplicity, ruggedness, and alignment with stakeholder input, the company aims to deliver reliable moisture analysis that bolsters efficiency and consistency across peanut production and procurement networks.