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AquaCheck ACPROBE-R
Instruction Manual
Feb 2015
www.aquacheck.co.za
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AquaCheck (Pty) Ltd
All rights reserved
Neither whole nor any part of the information contained in this publication
may be reproduced, transcribed or translated in a ny form, writ ten or elect ronic
for any purpose whatsoever without prior written consent of AquaCheck (Pty)
Ltd.
This publication is intended only to assist the read er in the use of t he product .
AquaCheck (Pty) Ltd shall not be liable for any loss or damage arising from
the use of any information contained in this publication, or any error or
omission in such information, or any incorrect use of the product.
Version 1.1 FEB 2015.
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STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCY
ELECTRO-MAGNETIC COMPLIANCE
The ACPROBE-R wireless probe has been tested and found to comply with the
limits for this Class digital device, pursuant to the requirements of the CE rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instruction manual, may cause interference to other radio communications.
EMC APPROVALS
The ACPROBE-R, Analogue and MobiCheck versions of the AquaCheck probe have
been tested and found to comply with the following EMC guidelines:
IMMUNITY TESTING: IEC 61000-6-1 and IEC 61000-6-2
Electrical Fast Transients (EFT) - IEC 61000-4-4
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) - IEC 61000-4-2
Surges - IEC 61000-4-5
Radiated Susceptibility - IEC 801 –3
Voltage Dips and Interruptions - IEC 61000-4-11
Conducted Susceptibility - IEC 61000-4-6
EMISSIONS AND HARMONICS: CISPR 11/14/15/22 IEC 61000-3-3 and IEC 61000-3-2
Radiated Emissions
Conducted Emissions
Flicker
Harmonics
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NOTICE:
Changes or modifications made to this equipment not expressly approved by
AquaCheck (Pty) Ltd. could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
Use only AquaCheck (Pty) Ltd approved acces sories.
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions: 1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and 2) This device
must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired
operation
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the
user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenn a.
• Increase the separation between the eq uipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/T V t ec hnician for help
This device complies with Industry Canada licence-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation
is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause
undesired operation of the device.
Under Industry Canada regulations, this radio transmitter may only operate using an
antenna of a type and maximum (or lesser) gain approved for the transmitter by Industry
Canada. To reduce potential radio interference to other users, the antenna type and its
gain should be so chosen that the equivalent isotropically radiated power (e.i.r.p.) is not
more than that necessary for successful communication.
This radio transmitter (identify the device by certification number, or model number if
Category II) has been approved by Industry Canada to operate with the antenna types
listed below with the maximum permissible gain and required antenna impedance for
each antenna type indicated. Antenna types not included in this list, having a gain
greater than the maximum gain indicated for that type, are strictly prohibited for use with
this device.
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Antenna
Gain (dBi)
Whip
5.25
Wideband Omni
2.0
Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d'Industrie Canada applicables aux appareils
radio exempts de licence. L'exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes : (1)
l'appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage, et (2) l'appareil doit accepter tout brouillage
radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage est susceptible d'en compromettre le
fonctionnement.
Conformément à la réglementation d'Industrie Canada, le présent émetteur radio peut
fonctionner avec une antenne d'un type et d'un gain maximal (ou inférieur) approuvé
pour l'émetteur par Industrie Canada. Dans le but de réduire les risques de brouillage
radioélectrique à l'intention des autres utilisateurs, il faut choisir le type d'antenne et son
gain de sorte que la puissance isotrope rayonnée équivalente (p.i.r.e.) ne dépasse pas
l'intensité nécessaire à l'établissement d'une communication satisfaisante.
Le présent émetteur radio (identifier le dispositif par son numéro de certification ou son
numéro de modèle s'il fait partie du matériel de catégorie I) a été approuvé par Industrie
Canada pour fonctionner avec les types d'antenne énumérés ci-dessous et ayant un
gain admissible maximal et l'impédance requise pour chaque type d'antenne. Les types
d'antenne non inclus dans cette liste, ou dont le gain est supérieur au gain maximal
indiqué, sont strictement interdits pour l'exploitation de l'émetteur.
List of antennas
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“...then anyone who leaves behind him a written
manual, and likewise anyone who receives it, in the
belief that such writing will be clear and certain,
must be exceedingly simple-minded...”
Plato
(423-347 BC).
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CONTENTS
LIST OF FIGURES .................................................................................................................9
1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................10
2 ACPROBE-R Wireless System Components ..............................................................11
3 Probe construction .........................................................................................................13
4 General Statistics ...........................................................................................................14
5 Sensor Configuration .....................................................................................................14
6 Probe Settings .................................................................................................................14
7 Hand-held wireless logger .............................................................................................15
7.1 Introduction ..............................................................................................................15
7.2 Menu Functions .......................................................................................................17
7.3 THE STEPS OF COMMISSIONING .....................................................................20
8 COMMISSIONING STEPS IN DETAIL ....................................................................20
8.1 Charge the logger’s battery. .....................................................................................20
8.2 Record the unique ID of each Basic II probe PRO II. .............................................21
8.3 Program the ID’s into the Logger ............................................................................21
8.4 Program the current Time and Date into the Logger ...............................................22
8.5 Perform a Profile Log on all Programmed Profiles .................................................23
9 ADDITIONAL FEATURES .........................................................................................24
9.1 Single Log ................................................................................................................24
9.2 9.2 Clear All Logs ....................................................................................................24
9.2 9.2 Clear All Logs ....................................................................................................25
9.3 9.3 View Stats ..........................................................................................................25
9.3 9.3 View Stats ..........................................................................................................26
10 Trouble shooting ............................................................................................................27
11 Taking a reading ............................................................................................................28
11.1 Adding a probe as a profile ......................................................................................28
11.2 Download readings ..................................................................................................28
11.2.1 Profile Log .......................................................................................................28
11.2.2 Single Log ........................................................................................................29
12 Add-on’s ..........................................................................................................................29
13 Maintenance ...................................................................................................................29
14 INSTALLATION OF THE PROBE ............................................................................30
14.1 Installation in sandy soils .........................................................................................30
14.2 Using the “Slurry Technique” ..................................................................................32
15 REFILL LIMITS ...........................................................................................................35
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16 Getting Started ...............................................................................................................37
16.1 STEP 1 – Setup logger .............................................................................................37
16.2 STEP 2 - Activate probe (s) .....................................................................................37
16.3 STEP 3 – Installing the Software .............................................................................37
16.4 STEP 4 – Setting up blocks .....................................................................................39
16.5 STEP 5 – Connecting the logger to the CropGraph software ..................................39
16.6 STEP 6 – Setting up groups on the logger ...............................................................39
16.7 STEP 7 – Taking the first reading ............................................................................39
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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Hand-held wireless logger ................................................................................... 11
Figure 3: AquaCheck probe ................................................................................................ 12
Figure 4: Probe Construction ............................................................................................. 13
Figure 5: RF Utility Software............................................................................................... 15
Figure 6: Drilling a hole with the hand-held auger .......................................................... 30
Figure 7: Collecting sand from the augured hole ............................................................ 31
Figure 8: A good fitting access tube .................................................................................. 31
Figure 9: Wetting the profile ............................................................................................... 32
Figure 10: Pouring slurry from the augured hole back into the hole ............................ 33
Figure 11: Increasing the viscosity of the slurry .............................................................. 33
Figure 12: An installed MobiCheck access tube ............................................................. 34
Figure 13: A typical hand-auger bit ............................................................................... 34
Figure 14: A typical hand-auger T-handle bar ................................................................. 34
Figure 15: A typical separate level graph showing a depletion cycle .......................... 35
Figure 16: A typical summed graph showing a depletion cycle .................................... 36
Figure 17: ProductKey Menu .............................................................................................. 38
Figure 18: Software registration form ................................................................................ 38
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1 Introduction
Capacitance based soil moisture probes have been used for irrigation scheduling
purposes for the past 15 years around the world.
Global market trends have however necessitated a revised point of departure for
affordable and practical irrigation scheduling technology and instruments.
AquaCheck (Pty) Ltd, has recognized the shift in global trends. The AquaCheck
probe was therefore specifically developed to address these needs. Its design and
construction is not only flexible enough to interface with the most advanced irrigation
system, but also has the ability to function as a very basic tool for entry level
irrigators.
Five versions of the AquaCheck II probe are available:
o A BASIC II wireless continuous logging version using a wireless hand-held
logger for data transfer to a PC;
o An ANALOGUE version compatible to third party analogue loggers.
o A SDI-12 version compatible to third party SDI-12 loggers.
o A MODBUS version compatible to third party MODBUS loggers.
o An AquaGREEN probe (SDI-12 or MODBUS) for greenhouse and turf
applications.
Capacitance sensors measure the dielectric constant of the soil by applying a
voltage between two electric plates (sensor rings). The frequency measured by the
rings varies with the dielectric constant, and this is used to calculate the soil
moisture content of the soil. The sensors are typically positioned at various depths
on a column 32mm in diameter. The current AquaCheck probe range offers six
standard length options varying from 200mm to 1200m m. The 400mm typically has
4 sensors and the 1200mm offers 6 sensor depths (see page 10 – configuration).
The column with attached sensors is posit ioned in the probe shaft and is sea led with
a water resistant resin. After assembly, the sensors are individually calibrated or
normalized to set the default air and water counts for each sensor. The probe also
takes a soil temperature reading at each depth. Each sensor has a built-in
temperature variation compensation factor. Readings from each sensor are
therefore corrected for possible inherent electronic temperature v ar iations.
The probe can be set to take readings at variable time intervals but typically a
reading every 30 minutes (on all 6 sensors) would allow f or up to 42 days on-board
storage capacity.
This manual covers the BASIC II wireless version.
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1 ACPROBE-R Wireless System Components
Figure 1: Hand-held wireless logger
The ACPROBE-R wireless system consists of the following components:
A. A continuous logging soil moisture probe
B. Hand-held wireless logger unit & CropGraph software
C. Accessories:
a. Charger & Download cable
b. Manual & Installation CD
c. RF Utility Module
d. Installation Kit
The AquaCheck Basic II wireless probe is also offered in a sub-surface
configuration for turf and pasture applications. For this applicat ion the probe head
and shaft are separate units joined by a 0.5m cable. The shaft is equipped with a
hardened top cap, which if viewed from the top, looks like a standard popup
sprinkler head once installed.
The probe head is embedded in a separate sleeve with a screw-on lid allowing
access to the probe head. The lid can be opened and probe head removed to
replace the battery pack. (For more detail on the subs urface version please visit
our website at www.aquacheck.co.za and browse the products section)
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Figure 2: AquaCheck probe ACPROBE-R
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2 Probe construction
PROBE COVER
PROBE HEAD
CONNECTOR
BOTTOM
PROBE SHAFT
LONG/SHORT
ASSEMBLY
STOPPER
Figure 2: Probe Construction
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3 General Statistics
Dimensions: 400, 600, 800, 1000, 1200mm lengths with a shaft
diameter of 32mm
Weight: ±1 Kg (800mm & 6 sensors)
Protection: IP68+
Power supply: Internal 3.6V Lithium Battery (Approx 3 Years)
or External 4V to 8V at 12mA active and 0.8mA standby.
Output: Digital interface (0-3V) MODBUS compat ib le
Analog interface (0-2,5V) (12 Bit)
6 x S-Moist. Sensors and 6 x S-Temp. sensors.
Memory: 42 days continuous, logging every half hour.
Temp. Range: 0 to 50 0C working, and -15 to 80 0C capable.
4 Sensor Configuration
The AquaCheck continuous logging probe is available in 6 standard depths or
lengths:
o 200mm length with 2 sensors at 100 and 200mm;
o 400mm length with 4 sensors at 100, 200, 300 & 400mm;
o 600mm length with 5 sensors at 100, 200, 300, 400 & 600mm;
o 800mm length with 6 sensors at 100, 200, 300, 400, 600 & 800mm;
o 1000mm length with 6 sensors at 100, 200, 400, 600, 800 & 1000mm
o 1200mm length with 6 sensors at 200, 400, 600, 800, 1000 & 1200mm;
o 400mm or 600mm version for pastures/turf;
o Soil temperature on each depth.
5 Probe Settings
Various settings on the AquaCheck ACPROBE-R probe can be changed such as ID
number, date/time, logging interval, etc. A special utility tool is available from your
distributor which will enable you to change these settings. For more information
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about the RF Utility Toolkit, please contact your local distributor or contact
AquaCheck at www.aquacheck.co.za
Figure 3: RF Utility Software
6 Hand-held wireless logger
6.1 Introduction
The AquaCheck Basic II data logger is a component of the AquaCheck soil m oisture
management system. A typical soil moisture system c onsists of soil moisture probes
and a Data logger. The probe data (soil moisture and t emperature) are relayed to
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RF Hand logger via a propriety RF telemetry system. The logged data is then
RF radios & Probes Logger PC Application
downloaded to a PC which processes the data for trending display via a PC
application (CropGraph/Plant-Plus).
The hand-held wireless logger can log up to 120 probes. The lo gger offers a menu
option which allows the user to view, edit and manage certain functions. The menu
options are:
o Date & Time (default)
o Profile Log – normal function to collect data from the probe
o Single log – log all data from a specific probe
o Download interval – only applicable for the base station loggers
o Clear all logs – clear data from the logger
o View Stats – view how many logs are on the logger
o Set time & date – change current date & time
o Continuous logging –. only applicable for the base station loggers
o Profile setup – populate the 120 possible profiles with probe ID’s.
o PRO II Firmware update – the hand logger can be used to remotely upgrade
firmware on the PRO II RTU’s
o Exit
New firmware offering additional features on the log gers are released from time to
time or as needed. There is a software utility available to upgrade your logger.
Please visit the AquaCheck website to verify the latest logger firmware version for
your logger at www.aquacheck.co.za and browse to the downloads section to search
for the applicable files.
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AquaCheck Basic II data logger.
1
2 3
5
6
7
4
8 9
0
ENT
ON/OFF
MENU
DATA LOGGER
LCD Display
Keypad
The AquaCheck Basic II data logger as shown above is fitted with the
following:
a. Omni-directional internal antenna
b. 2 x 16 character Back light LCD Dot matrix display
c. 5 pin sock et for charger and downloading data to a P.C.
d. Numeric keypad
e. Rechargeable internal battery
f. Internal Radio to communicate with PRO II’s and Basic II soil moisture
probes.
g. Databank with a capacity for 15000 logs.
h. A mains charger, Car charger and download cable is supplied with the
logger.
6.2 Menu Functions
The AquaCheck Basic II data logger functions are accessed via the 12-pushbutton
keypad and the information is displayed on the LCD display. See below:
The Scroll()/menu and ENT/ON/OFF pushbuttons have dual fu nctions. The ENT
pushbutton turns the logger ON and OFF, whilst during Setup, it functions as an
ENTER key. Once the logger is first turned ON, only the f unction written below the
key is operational. All the other keys are inactive.
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Once the logger is turned on(press the ON/OFF key) then the display turns on,
Aqua
SW4920
Data
16:45
Firmware Version
Type
Bootl.dr
displaying the following information in quick succession:
Boot Loader
v1.00
Check
Ver 1.04
Logger
4 Oct 08
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Once the time and date is displayed, press the Menu key to gain access to the
Set Time 16:35
Set Time & Date
ENT 1 7
0
0
Set Time 7:00
Date: 04/12/08
ENT
Set Time & Date
Press Menu
Profile Log
16:45 4 Nov ‘08
Single Log
Clear All logs
View Stats
Set Time & Date
Cont. Logging
Profile Setup
PRO II Firmware
Exit
logger functions. The functions can be scrolled and the menu is circular as
displayed below:
Each item on the screen flashes. Pressing the
/Scroll key at this time selects the next menu
item.
Press ENT to execute the menu function.
Example: To set the time and date, follow the
steps below:
a. Turn on the Logger. and wait for the time and
date to be displayed
b. Press the MENU/ key.
c. Then press the MENU/ key until the ‘Set
Time & Date’ screen is displayed:
The shaded area indicates flashing.
To change the time to 17:00, now press
The display will now show:
Using the numeric keypad, edit the date in the
same manner as shown in the time setting
example. Once completed, press the ENT key.
The display will now show:
Press the MENU/ key until ‘Exit’ is displayed,
then press Enter. Pressing Enter again will turn
off the logger.
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16:45 4 Nov ‘08
6.3 THE STEPS OF COMMISSIONING
1. Charge the logger’s battery.
2. Once the probes and PRO II’s are installed, record the unique ID of each one.
3. Program each ID’s into a profile on the logger.
4. Set the current Time and Date on the Logger
5. Perform a profile log on all of the probes/PRO II’s. This will synchronies the
time and date with each device and download the unread data.
7 COMMISSIONING STEPS IN DETAIL
7.1 Charge the logger’s battery.
Plug the charger into a 220V mains outlet and plug the charger’s cable into the 5
way connector. After a few seconds, the display will read:
Charging..
An on-board timer is activated to time the charge cycle. Once charging is
completed, the display will read: ‘Charge Complete’
Unplug the charger from the logger and then from the mains. After a few seconds,
the logger will turn itself off.
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ENT
Profile: 000
Profile Setup
Profile: 001
0
0
Key in Profile no.
ENT
Profile: 1
1 3 2
6
Key in Device ID
Profile: 1
ENT
Profile Setup
Repeat for other ID’s
1
7.2 Record the unique ID of each Basic II probe PRO II.
1. Although the ID’s/serial numbers are all 5 digits long, the 1st digit is always set
to ‘5’.
2. When programming the Logger, always programme the ID’s of the RF
STUBS/PRO’s omitting the first digit(5). For Example: With the serial Number
or ID being SN:51204, when programming the ID into the Logger, program
the ID as 1204 omitting the ‘5’.
7.3 Program the ID’s into the Logger
1. All of the recorded ID’s of the BASIC II probes and PRO II’s installed and
recorded in the previous section, should be programmed into a profile, t hat
upon downloading, the logger will automatically download all the latest data
from the ID in the profile. This is called a Profile Log.
2. The Logger has a capacity for up 120 profiles.
Should one need to download all of the stored logs stored on a the BASIC II probes
or PRO II, then download all the data by means of a single log. The Logger has a
battery backed real time clock. During each download, the time is automatically
synchronised with the BASIC II probes and PRO II’s.
Once the logger
is turned on,
Press the
Menu/ key.
Press the
Menu/ key until
the ‘Group Setup’
menu is
displayed. Follow
ID1: 0000
ID1: 1326
the steps in the
diagram on the
left to program in
the device ID’s.
Repeat until all of
the groups are
programmed into
the logger
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Press Menu
Profile Log
16:45 4 Nov 08
Single Log
Clear All logs
View Stats
Set Time & Date
Cont. Logging
Profile Setup
PRO II Firmware
Exit
Set Time: 16:35
Set Time & Date
ENT 1 7 0 0
Set Time: 7:00
Date: 01/01/07
ENT
Key in using
To change Date
0 3 1 2 0
8
Date: 03/12/08
Key in using
ENT
7.4 Program the current Time and Date into the Logger
Turn on the Logger and then press the Menu/ key.
Press the Menu/ key until the ‘Set Time & Date’ menu
is displayed
Example: To change the time from 16:35 to 17:00
numeric keypad
from 01/01/08
to
03/12/08
numeric keypad
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Press Menu
Profile Log
16:45 4 Nov 08
Single Log
Clear All logs
View Stats
Set Time & Date
Cont. Logging
Profile Setup
PRO II Firmware
Exit
Key in using numeric
Remaining logs to
2
Display shows
‘Scanning profile 002’
before reporting a ‘No
Signal Strength
Profile Log
ENT
Profile: 000
0
0
Profile: 002
Scanning 39
ENT
ID 5163(50%)
Load
Download Completed
Press Enter to continue
7.5 Perform a Profile Log on all Programmed Profiles
Profile logging allows one to collect the data from
BASIC II probes and PRO II’s in close proximity of
the point of logging and only the unread data is
retrieved. To do a Profile log, follow the
instructions below:
keypad
and a count-down
timer displaying the
remaining scan time
Profile 002
Loading 143
Probe’ message’
download
Complete
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Press Menu
Profile Log
16:45 4 Nov O7
Single Log
Clear All logs
View Stats
Set Time & Date
Cont. Logging
Profile Setup
PRO II Firmware
Exit
When downloading all of the stored logs
the logger starts with the 1
log and coun
up
Single Log
ENT
Log ID: 0000
5
1
Key in using numeric
Log ID: 5165
Scanning 40
ENT
ID ---- (50%)
Load
Download Completed
Press Enter to continue
6
Scanning Log ID 5165
5
Signal Strength
8 ADDIT I ONAL FEATURES
8.1 Single Log
One can access all of the stored logs on a probe by
means of a single log.
Please note that due to the amount of data involved; it
can take a couple of minutes to download the data.
Follow the steps below to retrieve the data:
8.2
keypad
LogID: 5165
counting down in
seconds 40
Loading 23
Complete
st
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9.2 Clear All Logs
Clear All Logs
ENT
Confirm? [No ]
Confirm? [Yes]
ENT
Press Menu
Profile Log
16:45 4 Nov O7
Single Log
Clear All logs
View Stats
Set Time & Date
Cont. Logging
Profile Setup
PRO II Firmware
Exit
Once all of the data is downloaded to a PC, the databank of the logger should be
cleared. To clear the databank follow the instructions below:
8.3
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9.3 View Stats
View Stats
ENT
Total: 1095
ENT
Press Menu
Profile Log
16:45 4 Nov 08
Single Log
Clear all logs
View Stats
Set Time & Date
Cont. Logging
Profile Setup
PRO II Firmware
Exit
In order to keep track of the logging of data, one
can view the quantity of stored logs in the logger’s
memory. This is a useful feature if one wants to
know specifically how many logs were
downloaded from a profile or ID. View the quantity
of logs as follows:
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Symptom
Possible Cause
Solution
Display Dim
Battery depleted
Charge battery
After a group log, the
1. Logger out of range
1. Move closer to the
2. Verify the device ID
During a Profile log,
1. Logger out of range
1. Move closer to the
Logger Displays
trying a profile log
Device ID is not
Record device ID and program
9 Trouble shooting
logger displays ‘No
Probes’
Logger finds probe
and starts download,
afterwards, displaying
‘No Reply’
‘Profile Empty’ when
2. Probe ID incorrect
or reception is poor.
2. Battery on device is
marginal or flat
programmed into group
device. Keep the logger
upright with the antenna
pointing upwards to the
sky when doing a log.
device. Keep the logger
upright with the antenna
pointing upwards to the
sky when doing a log.
2. Check battery voltage
on device. Voltage
should be more that 3.3
volts
the ID into the profile.
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10 Taking a reading
Please note: All probes are shipped with the battery pack disconnected. To
activate the probe, the probe head needs to be removed by turning it through 450
first and then by pulling it upwards. Make sure the battery boar d is properly seated
and then connect the battery pack. The date/time needs to be s et before a reading
can be taken. In the absence of the RF Utility Toolkit, the date/time can also be set
with logger using the profile log option. In this case the logger memory has to
cleared immediately after the download to prevent obs olete data to be imported int o
the database. Browse the logger menu to the CLEA R ALL LOGS menu option and
press the enter button.
To take a normal reading from a probe, the probe first needs to be added to the
profile list of logger.
10.1 Adding a probe as a pr ofile
How to:
Go to Profile Setup by scrolling down the menu by pressing the menu
button option on the keypad of the logger several times until you reach
Profile Setup,
Press Enter
Insert profile #, i.e. 001 by using the numbers on the keypad;
Press Enter
Add probe ID to this profile, i.e. 5177 by using the numbers on the keypad.
Press Enter. Profile 001 has now been populated with probe ID 5177.
Exit
10.2 Download readings
10.2.1 Profile Log
To download the most recent readings (from the previous download) of a specific
probe:
How to:
Switch the logger on by pressing and holding the Enter button for a ½
second.
Press menu and scroll to Profile Log
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Select 001, press enter – the logger will automatically start scanning for all
the probe listed in profile 001. (The probe wakes up every 15 seconds to
“listen” if any logger or device is polling it.)
On the logger screen (LCD) the signal strength is displayed as well as the
remaining seconds. Once the logger makes a connection t o the probe, t he
signal strength and remaining number of logs are displ ayed an d the lo gger
starts downloading the logs.
Upon completion the logger LCD will display “Download Completed”.
10.2.2 Single Log
To download all the readings from a specific probe:
How to:
Browse to Single Log option by scrolling through the menu button.
Select probe ID by entering the applicable probe ID i.e. 5177
Press enter.
Logger will start scanning for this probe.
Once the logger has made a successful connection, it will start retrieving
all the available data on that specific probe.
All the available data from this probe will be downloaded.
11 Add-on’s
The AquaCheck probe offers plug & play options for a rain gauge and or a
dendrometer (PlantSense
probe head needs to be replaced with the appropriate components. Please contact
your local AquaCheck distributor or visit our website at www.aquacheck.co.za for
more detail.
TM
). To add a rain gauge, the default battery pack and
12 Maintenance
Very little maintenance is required when using the AquaCheck probe. The only
replaceable part is the battery pack. The battery pack should last for up to 18
months under normal conditions. To replace the battery, remove the pr obe head an d
disconnect the old battery pack from the battery board. Make sure the battery board
is properly seated in the 14-pin connector before connecting the new battery.
Remember to set the time and date again after replacing the battery.
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13 INSTALLATION OF THE PROBE
Make sure that the time & date is set on the probe before installing it. It is also
recommended to remove obsolete data from the probe first. This can be done by
using the RF Utility toolkit or by using the logger.
As a general rule it is strongly advisable to test the probe for integrity before
installation. This c an be done by first letting the probe log in open air for two hours
after which it can be lowered into water up to the lower end of the connector
assembly also for two hours. Air readings must be in the order of 2-4% and water
readings in the order 94-98%. The probe can be reset by the hand-held logger or by
using the RF Utility Toolkit.
It is important to note that the fit between the probe (or access tube in the case of
the MobiCheck) and surrounding soil is of critical importance in obtaining accurate
and representative soil moisture readings. Various techniques to obtain a good fit
are used depending on soil type, crop type and application. A custom ized insta llatio n
auger is available on request and can be used for all soil types. It must be noted t hat
in extreme sandy soils a customized “hollow” tube auger usually gives better results.
13.1 Installation in sandy soils
For very sandy soils the best installation result or fit is obtained by first thoroughly
wetting the profile or site. The standard hand-held a uger or a specialized aluminum
hollow auger is used to create a tight fit access hole. If the aluminum auger is used,
it is banged or hammered into the wet sandy profile and extracted several times.
Figure 4: Drilling a hole with the hand-held auger
On each extraction, the auger is emptied into a bucket. When the desired depth is
reached, the probe can be lowered into the hole to test if the appropriate depth has
been achieved.
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Figure 5: Collecting sand from the augured hole
Figure 6: A good fitting access tube
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Figure 7: Wetting the profile
If the profile has been wetted sufficiently, the wall of the hole should remain in
tacked and allow for easy access. With some inst allations and after the probe has
been lowered into the hole, there might be a thin cavity between the probe shaft and
hole wall. In this case a little bit of sand is “washed” i nto the cavities together with
water in order to ensure a tight fit.
13.2 Using the “Slurry Technique”
The use of the slurry technique is recommended for most soil types. In extreme
clayey soils and specifically for installations in centr e pivots, it is however important
to consider the impact of the subsequent “wetting front” when determining the readily
available soil water limits.
The slurry technique for installation in most soils is recommended due to the
sensitivity of capacitance based probes in general for air gaps between the access
tube and soil. When the slurry method is used in the correct way, there is very little
chance for air gaps forming between the access tube and soil.
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Figure 8: Pouring slurry from the augured hole back into the hole
A slightly oversized hole is drilled to the desired depth using the supplied auger. It is
important to keep the auger as straight as possible. Try not to “ream” the access
hole. The maximum space between the access tube and augured hole wall should
not be more than 2 mm.
Figure 9: Increasing the viscosity of the slurry
The excess soil from the hole is poured into a bucket and mixed with the desired
amount of water to make a good slurry mix. After the hole has been drilled to the
desired depth, the slurry mix is poured back into the hole. Sometime it is also
beneficial if the auger is used to “enhance” the viscosity of the slurr y by moving the
auger several times up and down the slurry filled access hole.
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Figure 10: An installed MobiCheck access tube
The probe is inserted into the hole and as the probe is pushed down to the correct
depth, the excess slurry will be forced upward and eventually be pushed out.
Remove the excess slurry from the service as it may influence penetration of
irrigation and rain water directly next to the probe.
Figure 11: A typical hand-auger bit
Figure 12: A typical hand-auger T-handle bar
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14 REFILL LIMITS
It is important to distinguish between the default calibration of the sensors and the
setting of upper and lower readily available water limits for each probe after
installation. (This will be covered in detail in the agronomy principles section).
Once the probe is installed, you need to calibrate the readings obtained from the
probe against relative soil moisture content. In essence, a depletion curve is derived
and by monitoring one or several typical wetting-drying cycles, an upper and lower
“refill” limit is obtained. If the service has been requested, then this function is
usually performed by a contracted agronomist.
The adjacent graphs are examples of a typical depletion cycle which has been
implemented after first having recorded how the farm er was irrigating as a standard
practice. The first graph shows the separate depth levels or data from sensors
positioned at various depths. The second graph is the combined result of all the
selected sensors for a specific probe.
Figure 13: A typical separate level graph showing a depletion cycle
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Figure 14: A typical summed graph showing a depletion cycle
On the second graph an upper refill limit and lower refill limit can be seen. T hese ar e
the limits within which the grower should under normal circumstances manage his
soil moisture regime.
Once installation of the probe has been completed an d the profile has stab ilized, the
next step is to determine the upper and lower refill limits. Determining the upper and
lower limits is really the key to successful and accurate irrigation scheduling
techniques.
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15 Getting Sta rted
The following steps are recommended for easy setup and seamless first-time
operation.
15.1 STEP 1 – Setup logger
Charge the logger f or at least 24 hours prior to installation.
Set date & time on the logger.
Populate the logger with the appropriate probe ID’s. heading 10.2.1
15.2 STEP 2 - Activate probe (s)
Remove the Probe Cover by squeezing lightly on the opposite sides of the
two locater knobs at the bottom edge of the probe cover.
Turn the Probe Head 450 to dislocate the probe head from the two locator
knobs and remove it from the connector assembly.
Insert the battery board (PCB) into 14-pin connector
Connect the battery pack to the terminal on the battery PCB.
Carefully position the probe head over the battery pack, push towards the
connector assembly so that the probe fits over the connector assembly.
Make sure t he o’ring set is well lubricated (only use approved lubrication as
may “off the shelve” lubricants have a corrosive effect on the o’rings.
Turn probe head (about 450) until it slots into position (with the locator knobs
fitting into the locator holes).
Each probe needs about 2 minutes to initiate the activation sequence.
Use the RF Utility tool to confirm all the settings. (In the absence of a RF
Utility Toolkit, use the profile log option on the logger menu to download all
obsolete logs and to set the date time.
15.3 STEP 3 – Installing the Software
Insert the supplied AquaCheck labeled mini-cd into your cd/dvd drive
Run the SETUP file
The CropGraph program will guide you through several installation steps
Once installation is finished, go to the Info tab, click on ProductKey and
complete the Software registration form.
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Figure 15: ProductKey Menu
Figure 16: Software registration form
If you are using Microsoft Outlook or Outlook express, an email with your
registration form will automatically be created and added to your outbox.
If you are using any other email program, please use the provided Export
(txt) button and save the registration file in your preferred location. Send an
email to [email protected] with the attached file for registration.
Your email will be returned within 48 hours (excluding weekends) with your
product unlock key. This 20-digit key needs to be fi lled into the open space
next to the Product Key section.
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15.4 STEP 4 – Setting up blocks
Go to the CropGraph manual page 11 for instructions
15.5 STEP 5 – Connecting the logger to the CropGraph software
Make sure the logger is fully charged – the LCD on the logger should display
the following flashing message while still connected to main power supply:
“CHARGE COMPLETE”
Go to the CropGraph manual page 9 and follow the instructions
Make sure the logger is connected to the CropGraph Software (PC). If a
successful connection has been made, it should show Connected when the
RF Download console has been activated.
If it does not show Connected the most common reason is that the wrong
com port has been selected. Make sure that the selected com port is indeed
the one associated with the Serial or USB port to which t he cable has been
connected.
Make sure the logger Date/Time has been synchronized with your PC. (Th e
default value is GMT +2)
15.6 STEP 6 – Setting up groups on the logger
Go to page 11 of this manual and follow the recommended steps.
15.7 STEP 7 – Taking the first reading
Line probes up and identify probe serial numbers – make sure the probe
numbers correspond to the probe numbers used when the blocks were
created;
Position probes in such a way that the shaft of each probe is at least 100mm
away from the nearest object.
Make sure that at least 30 minutes have passed since the probes were
initiated.
To start downloading data from the probes go to page 11 of this manual and
follow the recommended steps.
Connect the logger to the PC (and CropGraph) software.
Make sure it says Connected, in the down load co nsole screen after the RF
download menu option has been selected.
Initiate the download process by hitting the Dump data button.
Go to page 9 of the CropGraph menu and follow the recommended steps to
import data to CropGraph.
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