Frequently Asked Questions
Using the Wool Scanner
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Once the required number of images are captured for the test, the micron results will appear on the screen within a few seconds. The data will remain displayed until you accept the results.
To access the data after testing, simply connect the computer module to your modem using the ethernet cable provided. Then once the data is uploaded, you can view all your session results via your Woven Optics login.
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Yes, the Woven Optics Wool Scanner is designed to be used on or off the animal, in a race or shed. If used on the animal, a second person is recommended to help keep the animal still while you expose the mid- or pin-bone area to sample the fleece.
Alternatively, a small, roughly 1cm thick sample can be cut from the area to test after scanning the animal’s eID tag. This will also allow you more time to prepare the sample for testing.
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When the Woven Optics Wool Scanner is set to the recommended 3 ‘clean’ images, each test takes approximately 1 minute (30 seconds - 2 minutes) to complete. The speed of this process will vary depending on the sample preparation time and experience of the user.
The time can be further reduced by including less images per test, provided the user understands that this may vary the accuracy of the results.
A single image can be used but the result will not be as accurate, and heavily dependant on the quality of the single image used. Hence, using at least 2 images is advised.
We plan to implement a faster system for sample preparation in the future, but for now, this is still in development.
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Woven Optics are working with MLA to validate the WO Wool Scanner to enable stud producers to submit their micron results to Sheep Genetics. More information will be posted on our website as it becomes available.
Contracting & sharing a Wool Scanner
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Yes! You can purchase a Woven Optics Wool Scanner in partnership with others. However, if you wish to keep your data private from other users, you will require a separate subscription per user.
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While the number of instruments available will initially be limited, independent contractors and brokers may also be able to provide access to a Wool Scanner.
Speak to your local Heiniger team member to find out what is available in your area.
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Yes, the instrument can be used to test for clients. Users who want to perform more than 10,000 tests may purchase additional tests through their Woven Optics account.
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Yes it can. We recommend using calibrated samples to capture images of varying mean fibre diameters that will allow visualisation of the fibres on screen as well as providing the data from the test as confirmation of fibre diameter.
