FAQ's: typical questions & answers

1. Q: How can I determine the most appropriate sorter model for our hatchery? Can we try one without buying?
A: For egg volumes of 1 million or fewer, the JB model is usually the best choice. If eggs are taken over an extended period (such as 3-4 months) purchasing may be more economical that renting. For a short egg season with limited numbers, it is usually more economical to rent.

For egg volumes of 3 to 10 million, the JX or JM4 models would be appropriate.

For egg volumes over 10 million, the JM8 would work best.

Usually with volumes of 5 million or more, purchasing is more economical.

2. Q: Is a JM sorter appropriate for a hatchery currently using a JH or JX model?
A: If the eggs to be sorted in any batch are uniform in size, at least 1/4" in diameter and free from clumps and foreign material then a JM sorter is a very good choice. If the eggs to be sorted do not meet the above criteria, a sorter with a mechanical separation such as the JH or JX is preferable.

3. Q: Can a rental sorter be sent immediately in case of emergency?
A: Jensorter requires a signed Rental Agreement and invoice payment prior to shipping a rental. The Rental Agreement and invoice can usually be faxed the same day the order is received.

4. Q: What is the best way to count fish eggs?
A: Jensorter manufactures fish egg counters for JH, JM4 and JM8 sorters and free-standing counters. The free-standing BC model counter is the easiest to use as it does not require calibration to a sorter. The counters built into the sorters save the additional step of counting with a separate unit but require co-ordination with the sorter.

5. Q: How do I care for a JB, JH or JX model sorter?
A: a) Always rinse sorter to remove egg residue at the end of each sorting day
b) Turn on the sorter, disconnect the water supply, set air control to highest setting and let run for 5 minutes while wiping the sorter with a dry towel
c) Clean Injector, photocell and light bulb with a Q-tip cotton swab soaked in alcohol. Dry with the other end of the Q-tip. Do this carefully so as not to dislodge the photocell or light bulb.
d) Store sorter in a dry, warm place.

6. Q: The blower unit does not come on and the GFIC circuit is tripped. It was working well at quitting time yesterday. The sorter was hosed down and left in the hatchery to dry overnight.
A: The air control for the blower motor is damp. Remove the air control knob. Using a hair dryer on warm (not hot) dry the air control shaft. Also, force the warm air into the air intake. It may be necessary to take the sorter to a dry area and use a circuit that is not GFIC protected to start the blower working. Always use a GFIC circuit when sorting.

7. Q: The Injector has stopped working and the original has been replaced with the spare. Can the original Injector be reconditioned?
A: Yes. Dry the original Injector and put it in the box that housed the spare. Pack the unit in a cardboard box with newspaper or other packing material and send it to Jensorter. The repaired unit will be returned the day after it arrives. The average repair cost is $60.00 plus parts and shipping. Additional Injectors are available for $230.00 plus shipping.

8. Q: The Injector is working OK but not as well as it did. Is there anything I can do to improve its performance?
A: Clean the photocell and light bulb every day the sorter is used. To clean see Question 4.

9. Q: Eggs are sticking in the disc and not ejecting properly.
A: The disc holes may be too small; try a different disc size. The average egg should be 80% of the size of the holes. The largest eggs should then fit easily into the disc holes.

10. Q: How often should the BC or FC counters be calibrated? The red lights on the CP unit are not lighting after each count.
A: We recommend that the counters be calibrated every hour during use. The red lights on the CP unit indicate the circuitry is centered and is calibrated in its most sensitive area rather than a count for each egg. Because this area is small and the background water changes, the lights go off and on while the counter continues to function properly. The red lights do not determine a count.

Products | Disc Specs' | About Jensorter, LLC | Warranty | FAQ's | Links of Interest | Home

Copyright © Jensorter, LLC 2003. All Rights Reserved.