FAQ

We use an online catalogue for our seed analyzing equipment, for our seed analyzers, seed counters and grain counters.

Here a direct link to the catalogue

Click here to come directtly to the product page

In principle, all types of seeds, even leaves, roots etc. can be measured. And this in two dimensions. The seeds must not lie on top of each other during the measurement.

Choosing the right seed analysis device depends on the type of seeds you intend to test:

1. For Large Seeds (Corn, Peas, Beans, Soy, Squash, Sun Flower):
   The MARViN XLine is ideal for testing large seeds. It offers precision and efficiency for seeds such as corn, peas, beans, and soy, providing accurate results for all your agricultural needs.

2. For Very Small Seeds (Tobacco, Begonia, Antirrhinum, Eruca):
   If you primarily need to analyze very small seeds, we recommend the MARViN BasicLinePLUS. This model is specifically designed to handle delicate, tiny seeds like tobacco, begonia, and more.

3. For a Versatile Solution Covering Most Seed Types:
   The MARViN ProLine II is a versatile option that offers a great balance, capable of handling almost all seed types. It is a perfect choice for those who need flexibility in seed testing.

For a detailed comparison, please refer to our device overview chart:

Our technical support team is available via telephone and email to provide immediate assistance with any issues related to your Seed Analyzer, Seed Counter or Grain Counter. Contact details are available on our website under the “Contact” section.

Remote Assistance
For more complex issues, our support team can provide remote assistance through screen-sharing Software (TeamViewer, Teams, Zoom). This allows our technicians to troubleshoot and resolve problems directly on your system. See also our section remote support .

On-Site Service
If required, we offer on-site technical support. A technician can visit your location to perform maintenance, repair, or calibration services for your equipment.

Regular Software Updates
We provide regular software updates for all our Seed Analyzers, Seed Counters and Grain Counters. These updates include performance improvements, bug fixes, and new features. Our technical team is available to guide you through the update process if needed.

Training and Tutorials
Our support includes access to online training sessions and tutorials to help you maximize the efficiency and accuracy of your Seed Analyzer, Seed Counter or Grain Counter.

Warranty and Service Contracts
All devices come with a standard warranty. Extended service contracts are available for purchase.

The MARViN software for Seed Analyzers, Seed Counters, and Grain Counters is an open and flexible platform that allows full customization by the customer. All features can be tailored to specific requirements, making it ideal for advanced Seed Analysis and Phenotyping.

We provide a pre-configured default setting that includes the most essential parameters for seed detection and analysis:

• Number of good seeds
• 1000 seed weight (grams)
• Average seed size (mm²)
• Proportion of undersized seeds in the sample (%)
• Editable fields for sample ID and variety

Customers also have the option to order a service package to further customize their MARViN Seed Analyzer system. Additional configurable parameters include:

• Length and width in millimeters
• Area in mm² and pixels
• Circularity and length/width ratio
• Detection of seeds that are too small or broken
• Statistical parameters (average, deviation, standard deviation, etc.)
• Customizable parameters, such as impurity levels
• Brightness distribution for each seed in up to 5 categories (e.g., very flat or transparent seeds)

All data can be calculated and analyzed using the built-in formula editor, offering a comprehensive solution for rapid and accurate Seed Analysis with the MARViN Rapid Seed Counter.

The MARViN software for seed analysis is designed to offer maximum flexibility and customization for all types of seed testing. Whether you use a Seed Analyzer, Seed Counter, or Grain Counter, the software provides a versatile platform that can be fully configured to meet your specific requirements.

Our pre-configured default settings cover essential seed analysis parameters, ensuring rapid and accurate results:

• 1000 Seed Weight (grams): Precisely measures the weight of 1000 seeds, providing a key indicator of seed quality and consistency.
• Average Seed Size (mm²): Calculates the average surface area of the seeds, offering insights into growth potential and uniformity.
• Proportion of Undersized Seeds in the Sample (%): Determines the percentage of seeds that are smaller than the desired size, helping to identify potential issues with seed quality or sorting.

To further enhance your analysis capabilities, the MARViN software allows for extensive customization. Customers can choose from a wide range of additional parameters, such as:

• Seed length, width, and area measurements in mm² and pixels
• Circularity and length-to-width ratio for detailed shape analysis
• Detection of undersized or broken seeds for quality control
• Statistical analysis tools (average, deviation, standard deviation, etc.)
• Custom parameters, including impurity levels and brightness distribution of each seed in up to five categories

All data can be analyzed and calculated using the software’s advanced formula editor, enabling a thorough and comprehensive approach to seed analysis.

With MARViN, you get an optimized seed testing experience tailored to your needs, ensuring accurate measurements and reliable results every time.

YES – You can set a size value (in mm²) below which the seed is output as NO-SEED (in the object protocol) and as “B-Stocking” in the main protocol.

With the innovative Group Mode feature, you can efficiently divide a large seed sample into multiple smaller subsamples for detailed analysis.

Each subsample is measured sequentially, and the combined data is used to accurately determine the 1000 seed weight.

This method ensures precise and consistent results, even when working with large quantities of seeds.

Fractionation is a powerful tool in seed analysis, allowing the grouping of values into predefined ranges to enhance the precision of phenotyping in seed breeding. Our software offers a preconfigured, graphical fractionation feature that supports key parameters like area, length, and width.

This functionality is especially valuable in wheat and barley breeding, where precise measurements are essential. The fractionation results can be outputted and saved as either a percentage or an absolute value, providing flexibility and clarity in data interpretation.

Maximize seed analysis potential with the MARViN formula editor

The MARViN formula editor is one of our most powerful tools, designed to expand the possibilities of your seed analysis and enhance seed quality testing. With this tool, you can develop customized formulas assigned to up to 10 calculated fields, enabling highly tailored and precise data analysis.

Customers can create new parameters like seed uniformity, impurity, etc., allowing for customized data manipulation. It offers deeper insights into results that support crop improvement. 

For precise seed analysis with our rapid seed analyzers, seed counter, or grain counter, all measurement data from the main log is automatically saved.

The following data formats are available to store your results:

• .mpr: Proprietary program file format
• .xls: Excel format; the file is saved simultaneously
• .csv: Comma-separated values; the file is saved simultaneously
• .txt: Plain text format; the file is saved simultaneously

Additionally, data can be transferred to an ODBC or MS-Access database for further analysis. Individual object data can also be manually saved, providing even more flexibility in managing and analyzing your results.

Yes, measurement images can be saved as an optional setting in the Rapid Seed Analyzer, Seed Counter, or Grain Counter software, supporting advanced seed breeding and crop science research.

These images are stored in the proprietary .mpr file format and capture b/w outlines of seed shapes, providing valuable data for seed quality testing.

Please note that saving images may significantly increase the file size.

Yes, our seed analysis software can identify foreign seeds or objects by evaluating multiple criteria, such as length, width, area, circularity, and brightness, to ensure seed purity and maintain high seed testing quality.

Using our powerful MARViN formula editor, these criteria are combined with AND/OR logic for precise detection. If a seed grain exceeds predefined limits, it is classified as a “foreign seed.” This flexible approach ensures only the most valuable seeds are selected, supporting effective seed quality testing.

A plausibility check ensures that measurement results are accurate and reliable, even when handled by unskilled seasonal workers as operators.

By setting tolerances, such as for Thousand Kernel Weight (TKW), the software alerts the user if values are exceeded or fall short, enhancing seed testing quality.

This process, powered by our Formula Editor, allows handling of very many samples in a short time, ensuring consistent and trustworthy results.

Yes, with the flexibility of the MARViN software, you can customize the workflow for your measurements in the Seed Counter, Seed Analyzer, or Grain Counter. You are free to choose the order of the individual steps—such as weighing first, entering the barcode, and then performing the optical measurement—allowing for an efficient and tailored measurement process.

Basically, any scale can be connected and integrated that has a serial port and that communicates with the computer. The standard settings of the most common scale manufacturers are already integrated.
Mettler Toledo®, Sartorius®, Precisa®, Ohaus®, Kern®, Radwag
Attention: The scales must be set for communication operation! See the corresponding operating instructions.

Yes – several scales can be connected and addressed by the software.

Yes – the scanned code is inserted into the main protocol.

Yes – prerequisite:
– Operating system Windows 10 and higher
– USB 2.0 port or better (for camera)
– Additional USB ports for scales, scanner etc.

Alternatively, we offer a preconfigured computer.

No – our software works exclusively on the WINDOWS ® platform

The MARViN ProLine is very robust with regard to contamination. We recommend cleaning the seed tray and making a new background image before starting the measurements.

Typically, the key is stored in an installation directory on the MARViN computer. Otherwise you can ask us for the key.

Further questions: support@marvitech.de

We are constantly developing our devices and also the software. Even devices that have been in use for years can be brought back up to the latest state of the art.

Our modular and scalable Service Contracts are designed to maximize availability, reliability, and lifetime of your investment.

We have a small contingent of rental equipment. So you can bridge peak periods or test the device over a longer period. We will bring you the device, put it into operation and give you a briefing.

The rental service is only available in Germany.

Please take a look at our reference page

Here are instructions for saving and reinstalling the MARViN program. Administrator right are required.

In the directory C:\ProgramData\ the function directory of the MARViN is stored.
For MARViN5 software: GTA Sensorik GmbH\marvin50
For MARViN6 software: MARViTECH GmbH\marvin6
1. save the directory “marvin50” or “marvin6
This is a very important step. This function directory contains all camera and profile relevant information.
2. you can now set up a new system
3. create a new folder “Installation MARViN” under C:\
4. copy the folder “marvin50” or “marvin6” from step 1 into this folder
Download the current software and save it in the installation directory.
6. unpack the software.
7. start the installation file *.msi
8. start the MARVIN program with administration rights.
You will be asked here for an activation key.
9. select the “Default” profile (This creates folder structures in the ProgramData directory)
10. close the program again.
11. Change to the folder C:\ProgramData\GTA Sensorik GmbH and delete the directory marvin50
12. copy the marvin50 folder from the “Installation MARViN” folder to the C:\ProgramData\GTA Sensorik GmbH directory
13. restart the MARVIN program with administrator rights. You will be prompted again to enter the activation key
14. after that you can use the program with the previous profiles.

If you have any questions, please contact support@marvitech.de.

See… Are there problems updating from Windows 7 to Windows 10?