Campbell Scientific CS650, CS655 User Manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
CS650 and CS655 Water
Content Reflectometers
Revision: 2/14
Ca

Warranty

“PRODUCTS MANUFACTURED BY CAMPBELL SCIENTIFIC, INC. are warranted by Campbell Scientific, Inc. (“Campbell”) to be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and service for twelve (12) months from date of shipment unless otherwise specified in the corresponding Campbell pricelist or product manual. Products not manufactured, but that are re-sold by Campbell, are warranted only to the limits extended by the original manufacturer. Batteries, fine-wire thermocouples, desiccant, and other consumables have no warranty. Campbell’s obligation under this warranty is limited to repairing or replacing (at Campbell’s option) defective products, which shall be the sole and exclusive remedy under this warranty. The customer shall assume all costs of removing, reinstalling, and shipping defective products to Campbell. Campbell will return such products by surface carrier prepaid within the continental United States of America. To all other locations, Campbell will return such products best way CIP (Port of Entry) INCOTERM® 2010, prepaid. This warranty shall not apply to any products which have been subjected to modification, misuse, neglect, improper service, accidents of nature, or shipping damage. This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied. The warranty for installation services performed by Campbell such as programming to customer specifications, electrical connections to products manufactured by Campbell, and product specific training, is part of Campbell’s product warranty. CAMPBELL EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS AND EXCLUDES ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Campbell is not liable for any special, indirect, incidental, and/or consequential damages.”

Assistance

Products may not be returned without prior authorization. The following contact information is for US and international customers residing in countries served by Campbell Scientific, Inc. directly. Affiliate companies handle repairs for customers within their territories. Please visit
www.campbellsci.com to determine which Campbell Scientific company serves
your country.
To obtain a Returned Materials Authorization (RMA), contact CAMPBELL SCIENTIFIC, INC., phone (435) 227-9000. After an application engineer determines the nature of the problem, an RMA number will be issued. Please write this number clearly on the outside of the shipping container. Campbell Scientific’s shipping address is:
CAMPBELL SCIENTIFIC, INC. RMA#_____ 815 West 1800 North Logan, Utah 84321-1784
For all returns, the customer must fill out a “Statement of Product Cleanliness and Decontamination” form and comply with the requirements specified in it. The form is available from our web site at www.campbellsci.com/repair. A completed form must be either emailed to repair@campbellsci.com or faxed to (435) 227-9106. Campbell Scientific is unable to process any returns until we receive this form. If the form is not received within three days of product receipt or is incomplete, the product will be returned to the customer at the customer’s expense. Campbell Scientific reserves the right to refuse service on products that were exposed to contaminants that may cause health or safety concerns for our employees.

Table of Contents

PDF viewers: These page numbers refer to the printed version of this document. Use the PDF reader bookmarks tab for links to specific sections.
1. Introduction ................................................................. 1
2. Cautionary Statements ............................................... 1
3. Initial Inspection ......................................................... 1
4. Overview ...................................................................... 1
5. Specifications ............................................................. 3
5.1 Dimensions/Weight .............................................................................. 3
5.2 Electrical Specifications ....................................................................... 4
5.2.1 Current .......................................................................................... 4
5.3 Operational Specifications ................................................................... 5
6. Installation ................................................................... 7
6.1 Orientation and Placement ................................................................... 7
6.2 Proper Insertion .................................................................................... 7
6.3 Wiring .................................................................................................. 8
6.3.1 SDI-12 Wiring .............................................................................. 8
6.3.2 RS-232 Wiring .............................................................................. 9
6.4 A200 and Device Configuration Utility ............................................... 9
6.4.1 Using the A200 ............................................................................. 9
6.4.1.1 Driver Installation .............................................................. 9
6.4.1.2 Cabling ............................................................................. 10
6.4.1.3 Powering the Sensor ......................................................... 10
6.4.1.4 Determining which COM Port the A200 has been
Assigned ....................................................................... 10
6.4.2 Device Configuration Utility (DevConfig) ................................. 11
6.4.2.1 Settings Editor Tab ........................................................... 13
6.4.2.2 Send OS Tab .................................................................... 15
6.4.2.3 Terminal Tab .................................................................... 16
6.5 SDI-12 Measurements ........................................................................ 17
6.5.1 Use of Multiplexers ..................................................................... 18
6.6 Program Examples ............................................................................. 19
6.6.1 CR1000 With a Single CS650 Probe .......................................... 19
6.6.2 CR1000 With 2 CS650 Probes on Same Control Port ................ 20
6.6.3 CR1000 With 12 CS650 Probes on Multiplexer ......................... 20
6.6.4 CR10X With a Single CS650 Probe ........................................... 21
6.6.5 CR10X With 2 CS650 Probes on Same Control Port ................. 22
6.6.6 CR200X With 3 CS650 Probes ................................................... 24
7. The Water Content Reflectometer Method for
Measuring Volumetric Water Content .................. 25
7.1 Description of Measurement Method ................................................. 25
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Table of Contents
7.2 The Topp Equation ............................................................................ 25
7.3 Electrical Conductivity ...................................................................... 25
7.3.1 Soil Electrical Conductivity ....................................................... 25
7.3.2 Temperature Correction of Soil Electrical Conductivity ............ 26
7.4 Error Sources in Water Content Reflectometer Measurement .......... 27
7.4.1 Probe-to-Probe Variability Error ................................................ 27
7.4.2 Insertion Error ............................................................................ 27
7.5 Temperature Dependence and Correction ......................................... 27
7.5.1 Accurate Soil Temperature Measurement .................................. 28
8. Water Content Reflectometer User-Calibration ...... 28
8.1 Need for Soil Specific Calibration Equation ..................................... 28
8.2 The User-Derived Calibration Equation ............................................ 28
8.3 Collecting Laboratory Data for Calibration ....................................... 29
8.4 Collecting Field Data for Calibration ................................................ 31
8.5 Calculations ....................................................................................... 33
9. Maintenance .............................................................. 33
10. Troubleshooting ........................................................ 34
11. References ................................................................. 35
Appendices
Discussion of Soil Water Content ......................... A-1
A.
B. SDI-12 Sensor Support ........................................... B-1
B.1 SDI-12 Command Basics ................................................................ B-1
B.2 Changing the SDI-12 Address Using Terminal Emulator and a
Datalogger .................................................................................... B-3
B.2.1 SDI-12 Transparent Mode ........................................................ B-3
B.2.2 CR200(X) Series Datalogger Example .................................... B-4
B.2.3 CR1000 Datalogger Example ................................................... B-5
B.2.4 CR10X Datalogger Example .................................................... B-6
B.2.5 CR10X-PB Table-Based Datalogger Example ......................... B-7
Figures
4-1. CS650 Water Content Reflectometer .................................................. 2
5-1. CS650 and CS655 average current drain ............................................. 5
6-1. CS650G Insertion Guide Tool ............................................................. 8
6-2. A200 Sensor-to-PC Interface ............................................................. 11
B-1. SDI-12 transparent mode on CR200(X)-series datalogger using
control port C1/SDI12 and changing SDI-12 address from 0
to 1 ............................................................................................... B-4
B-2. SDI-12 transparent mode on CR1000 datalogger using control
port 1 and changing SD1-12 address from 3 to 1 ......................... B-5
B-3. SDI-12 transparent mode on CR10X datalogger using control
port 1 and changing SDI-12 address from 0 to 1 ......................... B-7
B-4. SDI-12 transparent mode on CR10X-PB table-based datalogger
using control port 1 and changing SDI-12 address from 0 to 1 ... B-8
ii
Tables
Table of Contents
6-1. CS650 Wiring Code for SDI-12 ........................................................... 8
6-2. CS650 Wiring Code for RS-232 and A200 .......................................... 9
6-3. CS650 Terminal Commands .............................................................. 17
6-4. CS650 SDI-12 Commands ................................................................. 18
6-5. Wiring For Program Example 1 ......................................................... 19
6-6. Wiring For Program Example 2 ......................................................... 20
6-7. Wiring For Program Example 3 ......................................................... 21
6-8. Wiring For Program Example 4 ......................................................... 22
6-9. Wiring For Program Example 5 ......................................................... 23
6-10. Wiring For Program Example 6 ......................................................... 24
B-1. CS650 SDI-12 Command and Response Set .................................... B-1
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Table of Contents
iv
NOTE
CS650 and CS655 Water Content Reflectometers

1. Introduction

The CS650 and CS655 are multiparameter smart sensors that use innovative techniques to monitor soil volumetric water content, bulk electrical conductivity, and temperature. They output an SDI-12 signal that many of our dataloggers can measure.
The CS650 has 30 cm length rods, whereas the CS655 has 12 cm length rods.
This manual uses CS650 to reference model numbers CS650 and CS655. Unless specifically stated otherwise, information in the manual applies equally to both models.
Before installing the sensor, please study
Section 2, Cautionary Statements
Section 3, Initial Inspection

2. Cautionary Statements

Although the CS650 is rugged, it should be handled as precision scientific
instrument.
External RF sources can affect the probe’s operation. Therefore, the probe
should be located away from significant sources of RF such as ac power lines and motors.

3. Initial Inspection

Upon receipt of the CS650, inspect the packaging and contents for
damage. File damage claims with the shipping company.
The model number and cable length are printed on a label at the
connection end of the cable. Check this information against the shipping documents to ensure the expected product and cable length are received.

4. Overview

The CS650 measures volumetric water content, electrical conductivity, dielectric permittivity, and temperature of soils or other porous media. These values are reported through SDI-12 communication.
1
CS650 and CS655 Water Content Reflectometers
FIGURE 4-1. CS650 Water Content Reflectometer
Volumetric water content information is derived from the probe’s sensitivity to the dielectric permittivity of the medium surrounding the probe stainless-steel rods. The CS650 is configured as a water content reflectometer, with the two parallel rods forming an open-ended transmission line. A differential oscillator circuit is connected to the rods, with an oscillator state change triggered by the return of a reflected signal from one of the rods. The two-way travel time of the electromagnetic waves that are induced by the oscillator on the rod varies with changing dielectric permittivity. Water is the main contributor to the bulk dielectric permittivity of the soil or porous media, so the travel time of the reflected wave increases with increasing water content and decreases with decreasing water content, hence the name water content reflectometer.
2
Electrical conductivity is determined by exciting the rods with a known non­polarizing waveform and measuring the signal attenuation.
Temperature is measured with a thermistor in contact with one of the rods.
It is well known that transmission line oscillators used for water content measurements suffer from unwanted increases in oscillation period as increasing electrical conductivity causes transmission line signal attenuation. The CS650 handles this problem by making an electrical conductivity measurement and then correcting the oscillator period accordingly. On-board processing within the sensor head calculates electrical conductivity from the signal attenuation measurement and combines the result with the oscillation period measurement to calculate the dielectric permittivity of the media and finally applies the Topp equation (Topp et al. 1980) to estimate volumetric water content.
Probe electronics are encapsulated in the rugged epoxy probe head.
A five conductor cable including the drain or shield wire is used to provide power and ground as well as serial communication with the CS650. The CS650 is intended to communicate with SDI-12 recorders, including Campbell Scientific dataloggers. The orange Rx wire can be used to communicate by
means of RS-232 Tx/Rx. The A200 USB-to-Serial Module allows RS-232 serial communication between a computer and the CS650 by means of Campbell Scientific’s Device Configuration Utility software, DevConfig.
The CS650's cable can terminate in:
Campbell Scientific also offers the CS650-LC, CS655-LC, and CWS655. The CS650-LC and CS655-LC include a connector for attaching the sensor to an ET107 weather station. The CWS655 is a wireless version of our CS655; refer to theWireless Sensor Manual for more information.

5. Specifications

Features:
CS650 and CS655 Water Content Reflectometers
Pigtails that connect directly to a Campbell Scientific datalogger
(option –PT).
Connector that attaches to a prewired enclosure (option –PW). Refer
to www.campbellsci.com/prewired-enclosures for more information.
Larger sample volume reduces error
Measurement corrected for effects of soil texture and electrical
conductivity
Estimates soil-water content for a wide range of mineral soils
Versatile sensor—measures dielectric permittivity, bulk electrical
conductivity (EC), and soil temperature
Compatibility
Dataloggers: CR200(X) series CR800 series CR1000 CR3000 CR5000 CR510 CR10(X) CR23X

5.1 Dimensions/Weight

Rods:
CS650 CS655
300 mm long
3.2 mm diameter 32 mm spacing
120 mm long
3.2 mm diameter 32 mm spacing
Probe Head:
Probe Weight:
Cable Weight:
L 85 mm W 63 mm D 18 mm
280 g 240 g
-1
35 g m
35 g m-1
L 85 mm W 63 mm D 18 mm
3
CS650 and CS655 Water Content Reflectometers
Sensor Output:
SDI-12
Warmup Time:
3 s
Measurement Time:
3 ms to measure
Power Supply
Maximum Cable Length:
610 m (2000 ft) combined length for 1 – 10
Electromagnetic
Active (3 ms):
45 mA typical @ 12 Vdc
Quiescent:
135 µA @ 12 Vdc
Average Current Drain:
I = 0.09n + [3.5 + 0.024(n-1)]n/s

5.2 Electrical Specifications

Serial RS-232
600 ms to complete SDI-12 command

5.2.1 Current

Requirements:
Compatibility:
6 Vdc to 18 Vdc Must be able to supply 45 mA @ 12 Vdc
sensors connected to the same datalogger control port
Œ compliant (EMC compliant performance criteria available upon request)
Meets EN61326 requirements for protection against electrostatic discharge and surge
External RF sources can affect CS650 measurements. CS650 circuitry should be located away from radio transmitter aerials and cables, or measurements ignored during RF transmissions.
(80 mA @ 6 Vdc, 35 mA @ 18 Vdc)
4
I = average current in milliamps n = number of CS650’s s = number of seconds between measurements
FIGURE 5-1)
(see
CS650 and CS655 Water Content Reflectometers
FIGURE 5-1. CS650 and CS655 average current drain
FIGURE 5-1 shows average current drain for different measurement rates and quantities of CS650 probes. If the time between measurements is five minutes or longer, average current drain may be approximated at 0.15 milliamps per sensor.

5.3 Operational Specifications

CS650 CS655
Relative Dielectric Permittivity
Range:
Accuracy†:
1 to 40:
40 to 80:
Precision‡:
1 to 81 1 to 81
±(2% of reading +
0.6) for solution EC
3 dS/m
±1.4 for solution EC 3 dS/m
<0.02 <0.02
±(3% of reading +
0.8) for solution EC
8 dS/m
±2 for solution EC ≤2.8 dS/m
5
CS650 and CS655 Water Content Reflectometers
CS650 CS655
Volumetric Water Content using Topp
3/m3
Equation (m
)
Range:
Accuracy†:
Precision‡:
Electrical Conductivity
Range Solution EC:
Range Bulk EC:
Accuracy†:
Precision‡:
Temperature
Soil Measurement Range:
5% to 50% 5% to 50%
±3% VWC typical in mineral soils where solution EC 3 dS/m
±3% VWC typical in mineral soils where solution EC 10 dS/m
<0.05% <0.05%
0 to 3 dS/m
0 to 8 dS/m
0 to 3 dS/m 0 to 8 dS/m
±(5% of reading +
0.05 dS/m)
±(5% of reading +
0.05 dS/m)
0.5% of BEC 0.5% of BEC
-10 to + 70°C
-10 to + 70°C
Operational Range:
Accuracy†:
Precision‡:
Sensing Volume*:
0 to + 70°C
±0.5°C for probe body buried in soil
±0.02°C ±0.02°C
7800 cm
3
3600 cm3
0 to + 70°C
±0.5°C for probe body buried in soil
*Sensing Volume approximately 7.5 cm radius around each probe rod and 4.5 cm beyond the end of the rods
†Accuracy specifications are based on laboratory measurements in a series of solutions with dielectric permittivities ranging from 1 to 81 and solution electrical conductivities ranging from 0 to 3 dS/m.
‡Precision describes the repeatability of a measurement. It is determined for the CS650 by taking repeated measurements in the same material. The precision of the CS650 is better than 0.05 % volumetric water content and 0.01 dS/m electrical conductivity.
6

6. Installation

6.1 Orientation and Placement

CS650 and CS655 Water Content Reflectometers
The CS650 measures the bulk dielectric permittivity, average volumetric water content, and bulk EC along the length of the rods, which is 30 cm for the CS650 and 12 cm for the CS655. The probe rods may be inserted vertically into the soil surface or buried at any orientation to the surface. The probe may be installed horizontal to the surface to detect the passing of wetting fronts or other vertical water fluxes.
The sensitive volume depends on the surrounding media. In soil, the sensitive volume extends approximately 7.5 cm (3 in) from the rods along their length and 4.5 cm (1.8 in) beyond the end of the rods. Consequently, if the probe is buried horizontally closer than 7.5 cm from the soil surface, it will include air above the surface in its measurements and underestimate soil water content.
The thermistor used to measure temperature is in contact with one of the stainless steel rods at the base of the epoxy probe body. Because of the low thermal conductivity of stainless steel, the thermistor does not measure the average temperature along the rod, but instead provides a point measurement of the temperature within the epoxy. For a valid soil temperature reading, the probe body must be in thermal equilibrium with the soil. If the probe is installed vertically with the epoxy probe body above the surface, then the probe body must be shielded from solar radiation and in direct contact with the soil or media of interest.

6.2 Proper Insertion

The method used for probe installation can affect the accuracy of the measurement. The probe rods should be kept as close to parallel as possible when installed to maintain the design wave guide geometry. The probe is more sensitive to permittivity close to the rods so probes inserted in a manner which generates air voids around the rods will have reduced measurement accuracy. In most soils, the soil structure will recover from the disturbance during probe insertion.
In some applications, installation can be improved by using the CS650G insertion guide tool. The CS650G is inserted into the soil and then removed. This makes proper installation of the water content reflectometer easier in dense or rocky soils.
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CS650 and CS655 Water Content Reflectometers
TABLE 6-1. CS650 Wiring Code for SDI-12
FIGURE 6-1. CS650G Insertion Guide Tool

6.3 Wiring

CS650 connections to a datalogger are shown below. Dataloggers are divided into those which are programmed with the CRBasic programming language and those that are programmed with Edlog. CRBasic dataloggers include the CR1000, CR3000, CR5000, CR800-series, and CR200X-series. Compatible Edlog dataloggers include the CR10X, CR23X, and CR510.

6.3.1 SDI-12 Wiring

TABLE 6-1 shows the SDI-12 wiring code for the CS650 water content reflectometer. SDI-12 data is transmitted to a CRBasic datalogger odd numbered control port or to any control port of an Edlog datalogger that is capable of SDI-12 communication. See Section 6.6, Program Examples, for SDI-12 programming examples.
Color Function Datalogger Connection
Green SDI-12 Data SDI-12 Input or Control Port
Red SDI-12 Power 12 Vdc
Black SDI-12 Reference G
Clear Shield G
Orange Not Used G
8
SDI-12 communication has the advantage that up to ten probes may be given
TABLE 6-2. CS650 Wiring Code
NOTE
different addresses and share a single control port. Another advantage is that the datalogger programming is much simpler for SDI-12 communication than RS-232.
The orange Rx wire is only used for RS-232 Tx/Rx communication, and should be grounded when using SDI-12.

6.3.2 RS-232 Wiring

TABLE 6-2 shows the wiring code for communicating with a CS650 using RS-232 serial protocol. Device Configuration Utility software uses RS-232 to communicate with a CS650 through the A200 USB-to-Serial Module. See Section 6.4, A200 and Device Configuration Utility, for details.
RS-232 communication is not recommended for use with Campbell Scientific dataloggers because it requires two control ports per CS650 and the programming is more complicated than for SDI-12 communication.
For RS-232 serial communication with devices other than Campbell Scientific dataloggers, use the wiring information in TABLE 6-2. Factory default communication settings are 9600 baud, no parity, 1 stop bit, 8 data bits, and no error checking.
CS650 and CS655 Water Content Reflectometers
See TABLE 6-3 for a list of serial commands for the CS650.
for RS-232 and A200
Color Function A200 Terminal
Orange RxD Rx
Green TxD Tx
Red Power +12 Vdc
Black Reference G
Clear Shield G

6.4 A200 and Device Configuration Utility

The A200 Sensor-to-PC Interface allows communication between a CS650 and a PC, allowing sensor settings to be changed through Device Configuration Utility (DevConfig) software.

6.4.1 Using the A200

6.4.1.1 Driver Installation
If the A200 has not been previously plugged into your PC and your PC operating system is not Windows 7, the A200 driver needs to be loaded onto your PC.
9
CS650 and CS655 Water Content Reflectometers
NOTE
Drivers should be loaded before plugging the A200 into the PC.
The A200 drivers can be downloaded, at no charge, from:
www.campbellsci.com/downloads.
6.4.1.2 Cabling
One end of the A200 has a terminal block while the other end has a type B female USB port. The terminal block provides 12V, G, TX, and RX terminals for connecting the sensor (see FIGURE 6-2 and TABLE 6-2).
A data cable, part number 17648, ships with the A200. This cable has a USB type-A male connector that attaches to a PC’s USB port, and a type B male connector that attaches to the A200’s USB port.
6.4.1.3 Powering the Sensor
The A200 provides power to the sensor when it is connected to a PC’s USB port. An internal DC/DC converter boosts the 5 Vdc supply from the USB connection to a 12 Vdc output that is required to power the sensor.
6.4.1.4 Determining which COM Port the A200 has been Assigned
When the A200 driver is loaded, the A200 is assigned a COM port number. This COM port number is needed when using the Device Configuration Utility. Often, the assigned COM port will be the next port number that is free. However, if other devices have been installed in the past (some of which may no longer be plugged in), the A200 may be assigned a higher COM port number.
To check which COM port has been assigned to the A200, you can monitor the appearance of a new COM port in the list of COM ports offered in your software package (e.g., LoggerNet) before and after the installation, or look in the Windows Device Manager list under the ports section (access via the control panel).
10
CS650 and CS655 Water Content Reflectometers
FIGURE 6-2. A200 Sensor-to-PC Interface

6.4.2 Device Configuration Utility (DevConfig)

DevConfig may be downloaded from the Campbell Scientific website,
www.campbellsci.com/downloads.
Connect the CS650 to the A200 as shown in TABLE 6-2. Connect the PC to the A200 USB port with the supplied USB cable.
Launch DevConfig and select “CS650 Series” from the Device Type menu on the left. Select 9600 from the Baud Rate drop-down menu.
11
CS650 and CS655 Water Content Reflectometers
Select the appropriate PC Serial Port from the list of available COM ports shown when the browse button on the lower left is selected (see Section
6.4.1.4, Determining which COM Port the A200 has been Assigned).
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Select Ok and then Connect to begin communication with the CS650.
6.4.2.1 Settings Editor Tab
The Settings Editor tab shows settings stored in the CS650 firmware. Settings that may be modified include User Name, SDI-12 Address, and RS-232 Baud Rate. Attempts to change any of the other settings will result in a “Commit failed. Unrecognized error condition” error message. DevConfig polls the CS650 every two seconds while connected and the results are displayed in the Real-Time Measurements field. This is useful for verifying probe performance.
CS650 and CS655 Water Content Reflectometers
After any changes to CS650 settings, select Apply to write the changes to the CS650 firmware. A configuration summary is then shown. The summary may be printed or saved electronically for future reference.
13
CS650 and CS655 Water Content Reflectometers
14
Real-Time Measurements
Measurement Field Name Meaning
VWC Volumetric Water Content
EC (dS/m) Bulk Electrical Conductivity
TS (°C) Soil Temperature
Ka Bulk Dielectric Permittivity PA (µS)
VR Voltage Ratio
Period Average
6.4.2.2 Send OS Tab
CS650 and CS655 Water Content Reflectometers
The Send OS tab is used to update the firmware in the CS650. The firmware is available at www.campbellsci.com/downloads. The file to send will have a filename extension of .a43, such as CS65X.Std.00.36.a43. Sending a new operating system will not affect any of the user-modified settings or probe specific multiplier and offset settings.
To download a new operating system, follow the Operating System Download Procedure listed on the Send OS tab.
15
CS650 and CS655 Water Content Reflectometers
6.4.2.3 Terminal Tab
The Terminal tab may be used to send serial commands directly to the CS650. See TABLE 6-3 for a list of serial interface commands. To send a command from the Terminal tab, left click in the field to get a flashing black cursor, then press <Enter> several times until the CS650> prompt is shown. At the prompt, type in the command then <Enter>.
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CS650 and CS655 Water Content Reflectometers
TABLE 6-3. CS650 Terminal Commands
Command
Values Returned
Units
0
1) Volumetric Water Content, θ
3) Temperature
m3/m3
1
1) Permittivity, ε
3) Temperature
2
1) Period, τ
3) Temperature
µSec
°C
3
1) Volumetric Water Content, θ
6) Voltage Ratio, α
m3/m3
5
1) Copyright information
5) SDI-12 Address
H or h
Help Menu
2) Electrical Conductivity, σ
dS/m °C
2) Electrical Conductivity, σ
dS/m °C
2) Voltage Ratio, α
2) Electrical Conductivity, σ
3) Temperature
4) Permittivity, ε
5) Period, τ
dS/m °C
µSec
2) OS version and Date
3) Product Serial Number
4) Product User Name

6.5 SDI-12 Measurements

The CS650 responds to SDI-12 commands M!, M1!, M2!, M3!, ?!, and I!. TABLE 6-4 shows the values returned for each of these commands. The ?! and I! commands are not used with Edlog dataloggers.
See Section 6.3.1, SDI-12 Wiring, for SDI-12 wiring details.
See Appendix B for additional detail concerning SDI-12 sensors, including changing the SDI-12 address in SDI-12 transparent mode.
17
CS650 and CS655 Water Content Reflectometers
TABLE 6-4. CS650 SDI-12 Commands
SDI-12 command
address)
Values Returned
Units
aM!
1) Volumetric Water Content, θ
3) Temperature
m3/m3
aM1!
1) Permittivity, ε
3) Temperature
aM2!
1) Period, τ
3) Temperature
µSec
°C
aM3!
1) Volumetric Water Content, θ
6) Voltage Ratio, α
m3/m3
aM4! .. aM9!
No Values Returned
?!
Returns the SDI-12 Address
aI!
CampbellSci, OS version, Product Serial Number
CAUTION
(“a” is the sensor
Up to 10 CS650’s may be connected to the same datalogger control port as long as each one has a unique SDI-12 address. The CS650 ships with a default SDI-12 address of 0 unless otherwise specified at the time of ordering. The SDI-12 address may be changed through DevConfig software (see Section 6.4, A200 and Device Configuration Utility) or with a terminal emulator in SDI-12 transparent mode (see Appendix B).
2) Electrical Conductivity, σ
2) Electrical Conductivity, σ
2) Voltage Ratio, α
2) Electrical Conductivity, σ
3) Temperature
4) Permittivity, ε
5) Period, τ
dS/m °C
dS/m °C
dS/m °C
µSec

6.5.1 Use of Multiplexers

18
SDI-12 communication is established using the CRBasic instruction SDI12Recorder for CRBasic dataloggers or the Edlog program instruction P105 SDI-12 Recorder. See Appendix B for more detail on SDI-12 communication.
Multiplexers such as Campbell Scientific’s AM16/32B may be used to connect up to 32 CS650 probes to a single control port. When using multiplexers, the simplest configuration is for all probes to have the same SDI-12 address.
When multiplexing CS650 probes, the switched 12V channel should be used so that power to the sensor may be turned off under program control before the multiplexer switches to the next channel.
Failure to turn off the switched 12 volt channel before clocking the multiplexer will result in damage to the multiplexer relays.
CS650 and CS655 Water Content Reflectometers
TABLE 6-5. Wiring For Program Example 1
The proper sequence in the datalogger program for measuring CS650 probes on a multiplexer is:
1. Set RES control port high to enable multiplexer
2. Pulse CLK control port to advance to next multiplexer channel
3. Set switched 12 volt channel high to supply power to CS650
4. Send SDI-12 command(s) to CS650
5. Set switched 12 volt channel low to remove power from CS650
6. Repeat steps 2 – 5 for each CS650 connected to the multiplexer
7. Set RES control port low to disable multiplexer
Program examples in Section 6.6, Program Examples, show the commands used in CRBasic and Edlog for this sequence.

6.6 Program Examples

6.6.1 CR1000 With a Single CS650 Probe

This CRBasic example program measures one CS650 probe on a CR1000 every 15 minutes, storing hourly averages of volumetric water content, electrical conductivity, and soil temperature and samples of permittivity, period average and voltage ratio. The CS650 has a SDI-12 address of 0. Wiring for the example is shown in TABLE 6-5.
CR1000 CS650
12V Red
C1 Green
G Black, Orange, Clear
Code Example 1. CRBASIC Code: CR1000 Program to Measure a Single CS650 Probe
Public CS650(6) 'Assign aliases to the public array Alias CS650(1)=VWC: Alias CS650(2)=EC: Alias CS650(3)=TSoil Alias CS650(4)=Perm: Alias CS650(5)=PerAvg: Alias CS650(6)=VoltR Units VWC = m^3/m^3: Units EC = dS/m: Units TSoil = deg C DataTable (DatoutCS650,1,-1) DataInterval (0,60,Min,2) Average (3,CS650(1),FP2,False) Sample(3,CS650(4),IEEE4) EndTable BeginProg Scan (15,Min,0,0) SDI12Recorder (CS650(1),1,0,"M3!",1.0,0) CallTable DatoutCS650 'Call Data Table NextScan EndProg
19
CS650 and CS655 Water Content Reflectometers
TABLE 6-6. Wiring For Program Example 2

6.6.2 CR1000 With 2 CS650 Probes on Same Control Port

This CRBasic example program measures two CS650 probes on a CR1000 every 15 minutes, storing hourly averages of volumetric water content, electrical conductivity, and soil temperature and samples of permittivity, period average and voltage ratio. The first CS650 has a SDI-12 address of 0 and the second an address of 1. Wiring for the example is shown in TABLE 6-6. Assignment of aliases and units is not shown in this example but may be used following Program Example 1 above.
CR1000 CS650’s (wiring same for both)
12V Red
C1 Green
G Black, Orange, Clear
Code Example 2. CRBASIC Code: CR1000 Program to Measure 2 CS650 Probes on the Same Control Port
Public CS650(6) Public CS650_2(6) DataTable (DatoutCS650,1,-1) DataInterval (0,60,Min,2) Average (3,CS650(1),FP2,False) Sample(3,CS650(4),IEEE4) Average (3,CS650_2(1),FP2,False) Sample(3,CS650_2(4),IEEE4) EndTable BeginProg Scan (15,Min,0,0) SDI12Recorder (CS650(1),1,0,"M3!",1.0,0) SDI12Recorder (CS650_2(1),1,1,"M3!",1.0,0) CallTable DatoutCS650 'Call Data Table NextScan EndProg

6.6.3 CR1000 With 12 CS650 Probes on Multiplexer

This CRBasic example program measures 12 CS650 probes on a AM16/32B multiplexer every 15 minutes, storing hourly averages of volumetric water content, electrical conductivity, soil temperature, permittivity, period average, and voltage ratio. All probes are addressed with SDI-12 address of 0. In this example the probes are powered through the switched 12V channel and require 3 seconds warm-up time per probe. Total time to measure all 12 probes is more than 36 seconds. Alternately, all of the red wires for the probes could be connected to a bus separate from the multiplexer with the bus connected to 12V for continuous power. This would decrease measurement time. Wiring for the example is shown in TABLE 6-7. Assignment of aliases and units is not shown in this example but may be used following Program Example 1 above.
20
CS650 and CS655 Water Content Reflectometers
TABLE 6-7. Wiring For Program Example 3
CR1000 AM16/32B (2x32 mode) CS650
12V 12V
G GND
C2 RES
C3 CLK
SW12 COM ODD H
C1 COM ODD L
G COM Ground
High Channels 1H – 12H Red
Low Channels 1L – 12L Green
Ground Channels to Left of Low
Channels
Black, Orange, Clear
Code Example 3. CRBASIC Code: CR1000 Program to Measure 12 CS650 Probes on a AM16/32 Multiplexer
Dim LCount Public CS650(12,6)
DataTable (DatoutCS650,1,-1) DataInterval (0,60,Min,2) Average (72,CS650(),IEEE4,False) EndTable
BeginProg Scan (15,Min,0,0) PortSet(2,1) 'Turn AM16/32 Multiplexer On Delay(0,150,mSec) LCount=1 SubScan(0,uSec,12) PulsePort(3,10000) 'Switch to next AM16/32 channel SW12 (1 ) 'Apply power to CS650 Delay (0,3,Sec) 'Wait three seconds for probe to warm up SDI12Recorder (CS650(LCount,1),1,0,"M!",1.0,0) LCount=LCount+1 SW12 (0) 'Remove power from CS650 NextSubScan PortSet(2,0) 'Turn AM16/32 Multiplexer Off Delay(0,150,mSec) CallTable DatoutCS650 'Call Data Table NextScan EndProg

6.6.4 CR10X With a Single CS650 Probe

This Edlog example program measures one CS650 probe on a CR10X every 15 minutes, storing hourly averages of volumetric water content, electrical conductivity, soil temperature, permittivity, period average, and voltage ratio. The CS650 has a SDI-12 address of 0. Wiring for the example is shown in TABLE 6-8.
21
CS650 and CS655 Water Content Reflectometers
TABLE 6-8. Wiring For Program Example 4
CR10X CS650
12V Red
C1 Green
G Black, Orange, Clear
Code Example 4. Edlog Code: CR10X Program to Measure a Single CS650 Probe
;{CR10X} ;Inloc labels ;1 VWC ;2 EC ;3 Tsoil_C ;4 Ka ;5 PerAvg ;6 VR *Table 1 Program 01: 900 Execution Interval (seconds)
1: SDI-12 Recorder (P105) 1: 0 SDI-12 Address 2: 3 Start Measurement (aM3!) 3: 1 Port 4: 1 Loc [ VWC ] 5: 1.0 Multiplier 6: 0.0 Offset
;Save data hourly 2: If time is (P92) 1: 0 Minutes (Seconds --) into a 2: 60 Interval (same units as above) 3: 10 Set Output Flag High (Flag 0)
3: Set Active Storage Area (P80) 1: 1 Final Storage Area 1 2: 60 Array ID
4: Real Time (P77) 1: 1220 Year,Day,Hour/Minute (midnight = 2400)
5: Average (P71) 1: 6 Reps 2: 1 Loc [ VWC ]

6.6.5 CR10X With 2 CS650 Probes on Same Control Port

22
This Edlog example program measures one CS650 probe on a CR10X every 15 minutes, storing hourly averages of volumetric water content, electrical conductivity, soil temperature, permittivity, period average, and voltage ratio. The first CS650 has a SDI-12 address of 0 and the second has address of 1. Wiring for the example is shown in TABLE 6-9.
CS650 and CS655 Water Content Reflectometers
TABLE 6-9. Wiring For Program Example 5
CR10X CS650’s (wiring same for both)
12V Red
C1 Green
G Black, Orange, Clear
Code Example 5. Edlog Code: CR10X Program to Measure a Two CS650 Probes on Same Control Port
;{CR10X} ;Inloc labels ;1 VWC ;7 VWC_2 ;2 EC ;8 EC_2 ;3 Tsoil ;9 Tsoil_2 ;4 Ka ;10 Ka_2 ;5 PerAvg ;11 PerAvg_2 ;6 VR ;12 VR_2 *Table 1 Program 01: 900 Execution Interval (seconds)
1: SDI-12 Recorder (P105) 1: 0 SDI-12 Address 2: 3 Start Measurement (aM3!) 3: 1 Port 4: 1 Loc [ VWC ] 5: 1.0 Multiplier 6: 0.0 Offset
2: SDI-12 Recorder (P105) 1: 1 SDI-12 Address 2: 3 Start Measurement (aM3!) 3: 1 Port 4: 7 Loc [ VWC_2 ] 5: 1.0 Multiplier 6: 0.0 Offset
;Save data hourly 3: If time is (P92) 1: 0 Minutes (Seconds --) into a 2: 60 Interval (same units as above) 3: 10 Set Output Flag High (Flag 0)
4: Set Active Storage Area (P80) 1: 1 Final Storage Area 1 2: 60 Array ID
5: Real Time (P77) 1: 1220 Year,Day,Hour/Minute (midnight = 2400)
6: Average (P71) 1: 12 Reps 2: 1 Loc [ VWC ]
23
CS650 and CS655 Water Content Reflectometers
TABLE 6-10. Wiring For Program Example 6

6.6.6 CR200X With 3 CS650 Probes

This CRBasic example program measures 3 CS650 probe on a CR200X every 15 minutes, storing hourly averages of volumetric water content, electrical conductivity, soil temperature, permittivity, period average, and voltage ratio. The CS650’s have SDI-12 addresses of 0, 1, and 2. Sensors are powered with the SWBatt channel which requires a 3 second warm-up time. Alternately, the red wires may be connected to Battery + for continuous power which would reduce measurement time. Wiring for the example is shown in TABLE 6-10. Assignment of aliases and units is not shown in this example but may be used following Program Example 1 above.
CR200X CS650’s (Wiring same for all)
SW Battery Red
C1/SDI-12 Green
G channels Black, Orange, Clear
Code Example 6. CRBasic Code: CR200X Program to Measure 3 CS650 Probes
Public CS650(18)
DataTable (CS650,1,-1) DataInterval (0,60,Min) Average (18,CS650(),False) EndTable
BeginProg Scan (15,Min)
SWBatt (1 ) 'Apply power to CS650's Delay (3,sec) 'Warm-up time of 3 seconds
'CS650 #1 SDI12Recorder (CS650(1),"0M3!",1,0)
'CS650 #2 SDI12Recorder (CS650(4),"1M3!",1,0)
'CS650 #3 SDI12Recorder (CS650(7),"2M3!",1,0)
SWBatt (0 ) 'Remove power from CS650's CallTable CS650 'Call Data Table NextScan EndProg
24
CS650 and CS655 Water Content Reflectometers

7. The Water Content Reflectometer Method for Measuring Volumetric Water Content

7.1 Description of Measurement Method

For the water content measurement, a differential emitter-coupled logic (ECL) oscillator on the circuit board is connected to the two parallel stainless steel rods. The differentially driven rods form an open-ended transmission line in which the wave propagation velocity is dependent upon the dielectric permittivity of the media surrounding the rods. An ECL oscillator state change is triggered by the return of a reflected signal from the end of one of the rods. The fundamental principle for CS650 water content measurement is that the velocity of electromagnetic wave propagation along the probe rods is dependent on the dielectric permittivity of the material surrounding the rods. As water content increases, the propagation velocity decreases because of increasing dielectric permittivity. Therefore, the two-way travel time of the rod signal is dependent upon water content, hence the name water content reflectometer. Digital circuitry scales the high-speed oscillator output to an appropriate frequency for measurement by an onboard microprocessor. Increases in oscillation period resulting from signal attenuation are corrected using an electrical conductivity measurement. A calibration equation converts period and electrical conductivity to bulk dielectric permittivity. The Topp equation is used to convert from permittivity to volumetric water content.

7.2 The Topp Equation

The relationship between dielectric permittivity and volumetric water content in mineral soils has been described by Topp et al. (1980) in an empirical fashion using a 3
the bulk dielectric permittivity of the soil, the equation presented by
and K
a
Topp et al. is
It has been shown in numerous research efforts that this equation works well in most mineral soils, so a soil specific calibration of the CS650 probe is usually not necessary. If a soil specific calibration is desired, the user can generate an equation relating K Content Reflectomer User-Calibration.
rd
degree polynomial. With θv the volumetric water content
= -5.3*10-2 + 2.92*10-2Ka – 5.5*10-4K
θ
v
to θv following the methods described in Section 8, Water
a

7.3 Electrical Conductivity

7.3.1 Soil Electrical Conductivity

The quality of soil water measurements which apply electromagnetic fields to wave guides is affected by soil electrical conductivity. The propagation of electromagnetic fields in the configuration of the CS650 is predominantly affected by changing dielectric permittivity due to changing water content, but it is also affected by electrical conductivity. Free ions in soil solution provide electrical conduction paths which result in attenuation of the signal applied to the waveguides. This attenuation both reduces the amplitude of the high­frequency signal on the probe rods and reduces the bandwidth. The attenuation reduces oscillation frequency at a given water content because it takes a longer time to reach the oscillator trip threshold.
2
+ 4.3*10-6K
a
3
a
25
CS650 and CS655 Water Content Reflectometers
σ
σ θ
σ
bulk solution
=
+
v solid
Τ
It is important to distinguish between soil bulk electrical conductivity and soil solution electrical conductivity. Soil solution electrical conductivity refers to the conductivity of the solution phase of soil. Soil solution electrical conductivity, σ
solution
methods to separate the solution from the solid and then measuring the electrical conductivity of the extracted solution.
The relationship between solution and bulk electrical conductivity can be described by (Rhoades et al., 1976)
can be determined in the laboratory using extraction
with σ
bulk
solution; σ
being the electrical conductivity of the bulk soil; σ
, the solid constituents; θv, the volumetric water content; andΤ, a
solid
solution
, the soil
soil-specific transmission coefficient intended to account for the tortuosity of the flow path as water content changes. See Rhoades et al., 1989 for a form of this equation which accounts for mobile and immobile water. This publication also discusses soil properties related to CS650 operation such as clay content and compaction. The above equation is presented here to show the relationship between soil solution electrical conductivity and soil bulk electrical conductivity.
Most expressions of soil electrical conductivity are given in terms of solution conductivity or electrical conductivity from extract since it is constant for a soil. Bulk electrical conductivity increases with water content so comparison of the electrical conductivity of different soils must be at the same water content.
The calibration equation in the CS650 firmware corrects the oscillation frequency for the effects of σ
10 dS m
0.8 dS m
-1
for the CS655. This is equivalent to σ
-1
and 2.7 dS m-1 respectively. If σ
up to 3 dS m-1 for the CS650 and up to
solution
values of approximately
bulk
exceeds these limits, the
bulk
CS650 probe will return 99999 for dielectric permittivity and volumetric water content. The measured period average and voltage ratio values will continue to be reported even if the bulk EC is outside the operational range of the probe.
26

7.3.2 Temperature Correction of Soil Electrical Conductivity

The EC value reported by the CS650 is bulk electrical conductivity. This value is temperature dependent, changing by 2% per degree Celsius. To compensate for the effect of temperature, EC readings may be converted to a standard temperature, such as 25 °C using the following equation:
= ECT / (1 + 0.02*(T
EC
25
where EC temperature T
is the σ
25
soil
value at 25 °C and ECT is the σ
bulk
(°C).
soil
-25)
value at soil
bulk
CS650 and CS655 Water Content Reflectometers

7.4 Error Sources in Water Content Reflectometer Measurement

7.4.1 Probe-to-Probe Variability Error

All manufactured CS650s/CS655s are checked in standard media to develop a probe specific span and offset value for electrical conductivity and dielectric permittivity measurements. These probe specific values are written to the probe’s firmware and minimize probe-to-probe variability.

7.4.2 Insertion Error

The method used for probe insertion can affect the accuracy of the measurement. The probe rods should be kept as close to parallel as possible when inserted to maintain the design wave guide geometry. The sensitivity of this measurement is greater in the regions closest to the rod surface than at distances away from the surface. Probes inserted in a manner that generates air voids around the rods will indicate lower water content than actual. In some applications, installation can be improved by using insertion guides or a pilot tool. Campbell Scientific offers the CS650G insertion tool.

7.5 Temperature Dependence and Correction

The two temperature dependent sources of error in CS650 water content measurements are the effect of temperature on the operation of the probe electronics and the effect of temperature on the dielectric permittivity of the soil.
The effect of temperature on probe electronics is minimal with period average readings varying by less than 0.5% of the 20 °C reading over the range of 10° to 30°C and less than 2% of the 20°C reading over the range of -10° to 70°C.
The larger error is caused by the change in dielectric permittivity of soil with temperature. This is mostly due to the high temperature dependence of the permittivity of water, which varies from a value of 88 at 0°C to 64 at 70°C. Since water is the major contributor to bulk dielectric permittivity of soil, temperature related changes to the permittivity of water will lead to overestimation of volumetric water content at temperatures below 20°C and underestimation of volumetric water content at temperatures above 20°C.
The Topp equation does not account for soil temperature. The effect of temperature on the soil permittivity is related to soil specific properties such as porosity and the permittivity of the soil solid phase with temperature. Consequently, a general equation that corrects volumetric water content for temperature for all soils is not available.
A temperature correction equation that works well in quartz sand is given by:
= θ - 0.0044*Tθ3 + 0.0014*Tθ2 + 0.0029*Tθ – 0.0002*T + 2.4*θ3 –
θ
Corr
where θ temperature in °C, and θ is the volumetric water content value at soil temperature T.
is the temperature corrected volumetric water content, T is soil
Corr
2
+ 0.32*θ – 0.046
1.6*θ
27
CS650 and CS655 Water Content Reflectometers

7.5.1 Accurate Soil Temperature Measurement

The thermistor used for measuring soil temperature is located in the probe head and is in contact with one of the stainless steel rods. In order to make an accurate soil temperature measurement, the probe head should be buried in the soil so that it is insulated from diurnal temperature fluctuations.

8. Water Content Reflectometer User-Calibration

8.1 Need for Soil Specific Calibration Equation

While the Topp equation has been determined to work well in a wide range of mineral soils, there are soils for which a user-derived calibration will optimize accuracy of the volumetric water content measurement. The Topp equation underestimates the water content of some organic, volcanic, and fine textured soils. Additionally, porous media with porosity greater than 0.5 or bulk density greater than 1.55 g cm
In these cases, the user may develop a calibration equation to convert CS650 permittivity to volumetric water content over the range of water contents the probe is expected to measure.
-3
may require a media-specific calibration equation.

8.2 The User-Derived Calibration Equation

The relationship between soil permittivity and volumetric water content may be described by a quadratic equation or a 3 applications, a linear equation similar to Ledieu et al (1986) gives required accuracy.
Quadratic form:
) = C0 + C1*Ka + C2*K
θ
v(Ka
with θ
the volumetric water content, Ka the bulk dielectric permittivity of the
v
soil, and C
rd
degree polynomial form:
3
with θ soil, and C
, the calibration coefficient.
n
θ
) = C0 + C1*Ka + C2*K
v(Ka
the volumetric water content, Ka the bulk dielectric permittivity of the
v
, the calibration coefficient.
n
Linear form:
θ
v(Ka
rd
order polynomial. In many
) = C0 + C1*K
a
2
+ C3*K
a
0.5
a
2
3
a
28
with θ
the volumetric water content, Ka the bulk dielectric permittivity of the
v
soil, and C
, the calibration coefficient.
n
Two data points from careful measurements can be enough to derive a linear calibration. A minimum of three data points are needed for a quadratic calibration. With three evenly spaced water contents covering the expected range, the middle water content data point will indicate whether a linear or polynomial calibration equation is needed.
CS650 and CS655 Water Content Reflectometers
A minimum of four data points are required for derivation of a 3rd degree polynomial. Data points should be spaced as evenly as practical over the expected range of water content and include the wettest and driest expected values.

8.3 Collecting Laboratory Data for Calibration

Water content reflectometer data needed for CS650 calibration are the CS650 permittivity reading and an independently determined volumetric water content. From this data, the probe response to changing water content can be described by a linear or polynomial function as described in Section 8.2, The User-Derived Calibration Equation.
Required equipment:
1. CS650 connected to datalogger programmed to measure permittivity
2. Cylindrical sampling devices to determine sample volume for bulk
density, e.g. copper tubing of diameter 1” and length about 2”
3. Containers and scale to measure soil sample mass
4. Oven to dry samples (microwave oven can also be used)
The calibration coefficients are derived from a curve fit of known water content and probe permittivity output. The number of data sets needed to derive a calibration depends on the form of the calibration equation. At least three data sets should be generated to determine whether the linear form is valid. If a polynomial is to be used, four data sets will determine whether the
rd
function is a quadratic or 3
order polynomial. Accuracy requirements may require additional data sets. Consider the expected range of soil water content and include data sets from the highest and lowest expected water contents.
The measurement sensitive volume around the probe rods must be completely occupied by the calibration soil. Only soil should be in the region within 10 cm (4 inches) of the rod surface. The probe rods can be buried in a tray of soil that is dry or nearly dry. The soil will be homogeneous around the probe rods if it is poured around the rods while dry. Also, a 20 cm diameter PVC pipe with length about 35 cm can be closed at one end and used as the container.
It is important that the bulk density of the soil used for calibration be similar to the bulk density of the undisturbed soil. Using dry soil without compaction will
-3
give a typical bulk density, 1.1 - 1.4 g cm bulk density is greater than 1.55 g cm
. This is especially important when
-3
. Compaction of the calibration soil to
similar bulk density at the field site is necessary for an accurate calibration.
The typically used method for packing a container of soil to uniform bulk density is to roughly separate the soil into three or more equal portions and add one portion to the container with compaction. Evenly place the first loose soil layer in the bottom of the container. Compact by tamping the surface to a level in the container that is correct for the target bulk density. Repeat for the remaining layers. Prior to placing successive layers, scarify (loosen) the top of the existing compacted layer.
29
CS650 and CS655 Water Content Reflectometers
The container to hold the soil during calibration should be non-metal and large enough that the rods of the probe are no closer than about 10 cm from any container surface.
Pack the container as uniformly as possible in bulk density with relatively dry soil (volumetric water content <10%).
Probe rods can be buried in a tray or inserted into a column. When using a column, insert the rods carefully through surface until rods are completely surrounded by soil. Movement of rods from side-to-side during insertion can form air voids around rod surface and lead to measurement error.
Collect the probe permittivity output. Repeat previous step and this step 3 or 4 times.
Determine volumetric water content by subsampling soil column after removing probe or using mass of column. If subsampling is used, remove soil from column and remix with samples used for water content measurement. Repack column.
Water can then be added to the top of the container. It must be allowed to equilibrate. Cover the container during equilibration to prevent evaporation. The time required for equilibration depends on the amount of water added and the hydraulic properties of the soil. Equilibration can be verified by frequently observing the CS650 permittivity output. When permittivity is constant, equilibration is achieved. Collect a set of calibration data values and repeat the water addition procedure again if needed.
With soil at equilibrium, record the CS650 permittivity.
Take subsamples of the soil using containers of known volume. This is necessary for measurement of bulk density. Copper tubing of diameter 1” and length about 2” works well. The tubes can be pressed into the soil surface.
It is good to take replicate samples. Three carefully handled samples will provide good results.
The sample tubes should be pushed evenly into the soil. Remove the tube and sample and gently trim the ends of excess soil. Remove excess soil from outside of tube.
Remove all the soil from tube to a tray or container of known mass that can be put in oven or microwave. Weigh and record the wet soil mass.
Water is removed from the sample by heating with oven or microwave. Oven drying requires 24 hours at 105°C. Microwave drying typically takes 20 minutes depending on microwave power and sample water content. ASTM Method D4643-93 requires heating in microwave for 3 minutes, cooling in desiccator then weighing and repeating this process until measured mass is constant.
30
CS650 and CS655 Water Content Reflectometers
θ
g
wet dry
dry
m m
m
=
ρ
bulk
dry
cylinder
m
volume
=
θ θ ρ
v g
bulk
= *
Gravimetric water content is calculated after the container mass is accounted for.
For the bulk density
the dry mass of the sample is divided by the sample tube volume.
The volumetric water content is the product of the gravimetric water content and the bulk density
The average water content for the replicates and the recorded CS650 permittivity are one datum pair to be used for the calibration curve fit.

8.4 Collecting Field Data for Calibration

Required equipment
1. CS650 connected to datalogger programmed to measure probe permittivity
2. Cylindrical sampling devices to determine sample volume for bulk density,
e.g. copper tubing of diameter 1” and length about 2”
3. Containers and scale to measure soil sample mass
4. Oven to dry samples (microwave oven can also be used)
Data needed for CS650 calibration are the CS650 permittivity output and an independently determined volumetric water content. From this data, the probe response to changing water content can be described by a function as described in Section 8.2, The User-Derived Calibration Equation.
The calibration coefficients are derived from a curve fit of known water content and probe permittivity output. The number of data sets needed to derive a calibration depends on the form of the calibration equation. At least three data sets should be generated to determine whether the linear form is valid. If a polynomial is to be used, four data sets will determine whether the function is a quadratic or 3 require additional data sets. Consider the expected range of soil water content and include data sets from the highest and lowest expected water contents.
rd
order polynomial. Accuracy requirements may
Collecting measurements of CS650 permittivity and core samples from the location where the probe is to be used will provide the best on-site soil-specific calibration. However, intentionally changing water content in soil profiles can be difficult.
31
CS650 and CS655 Water Content Reflectometers
θ
g
wet dry
dry
m m
m
=
ρ
bulk
dry
cylinder
m
volume
=
A vertical face of soil can be formed with a shovel. If the CS650 is to be used within about 0.5 meters of the surface, the probe can be inserted into the face and water added to the surface with percolation. After adding water, monitor the CS650 permittivity to determine if the soil around the rods is at equilibrium.
With soil at equilibrium, record the CS650 permittivity.
Soil hydraulic properties are spatially variable. Obtaining measurements that are representative of the soil on a large scale requires multiple readings and sampling. The average of several core samples should be used to calculate volumetric water content. Likewise, the CS650 should be inserted at least 3 times into the soil recording the permittivitys following each insertion and using the average.
Remove the CS650 and take core samples of the soil where the probe rods were inserted. This is necessary for measurement of bulk density. Copper tubing of diameter ≥ 1 inch and length about 2 inch works well. The tubes can be pressed into the soil surface.
It is good to take replicate samples at locations around the soil surface. Three carefully handled samples will provide good results.
The sample tubes should be pushed evenly into the soil surface. Remove the tube and sample and gently trim the ends of excess soil. Remove excess soil from outside of tube.
Remove all the soil from tube to a tray or container of known mass that can be put in oven or microwave. Weigh and record the wet soil mass. If samples must be stored prior to weighing, seal the container with tape or inside a plastic bag to prevent water loss and store away from direct sunlight.
Water is removed from the sample by heating with oven or microwave. Oven drying requires 24 hours at 105°C. Microwave drying typically takes 20 minutes depending on microwave power and sample water content. ASTM Method D4643-93 requires heating in microwave for 3 minutes, cooling in desiccator then weighing and repeating this process until mass is constant.
Gravimetric water content is calculated after the container mass is accounted for.
For the bulk density,
32
the dry mass of the sample is divided by the sample tube volume.
The volumetric water content is the product of the gravimetric water content
θ θ ρ
v g bulk
= *
volume
d
h=
 
 
π*
*
2
2
θ
g
wet dry
dry
m m
m
=
ρ
bulk
dry
cylinder
m
volume
=
θ θ ρ
v g bulk
= *
and the bulk density
The average water content for the replicates and the recorded CS650 period are one datum pair to be used for the calibration curve fit.

8.5 Calculations

The empty cylinders used for core sampling should be clean and both empty mass and volume are measured and recorded. For a cylinder, the volume is
where d is the inside diameter of the cylinder and h is the height of the cylinder.
During soil sampling it is important that the cores be completely filled with soil but not extend beyond the ends of the cylinder.
CS650 and CS655 Water Content Reflectometers
Once soil core samples are obtained, place the soil-filled cylinder in a small tray of known empty mass. This tray will hold the core sample during drying in an oven.
To obtain m
, subtract the cylinder empty mass and the container empty mass
wet
from the mass of the soil filled cylinder in the tray. Remove all the soil from the cylinder and place this soil in the tray. Dry the samples using oven or microwave methods as described above.
To obtain m mass for m
, weigh the tray containing the soil after drying. Subtract tray
dry
. Calculate gravimetric water content, θg, using
dry
.
To obtain soil bulk density, use
Volumetric water content is calculated using
.

9. Maintenance

The CS650 does not require periodic maintenance.
33
CS650 and CS655 Water Content Reflectometers

10. Troubleshooting

Symptom Possible Cause Solution
All CS650 output values read 0
First value reads NAN and all other values read 0* or never change from one measurement to another
(*or all values read NAN if the program examples in this manual are followed)
No SDI12Recorder instruction in datalogger program
Conditional statement that triggers reading is not evaluating as true
CS650 SDI-12 address does not match address specified in datalogger program
CS650 green wire not attached to SDI port specified in datalogger program
CS650 not being powered
SW12V channel not turning on
Add SDI12Recorder instruction (P105 for Edlog dataloggers) to datalogger program
Check logic of conditional statement that triggers readings
Change probe address or modify program so that they match
Connect wire to correct control port or modify program to match wiring
Make sure red wire is connected to 12V or SW12V and black wire to G.
If using SW12 to power sensor, make sure red wire is connected and datalogger program switches SW12 on.
If using SW 12V on a CR10X, ensure that a wire connects a control port to SW12V CTRL and the program sets that control port high.
34
VWC reading is 9999999
EC reading is 9999999
Readings erratic, including NAN’s and 9999999’s
Soil bulk permittivity is outside probe’s operational range
Soil bulk electrical conductivity is outside probe’s operational range
Multiple probes with same SDI-12 address sharing same control port
Modify program to collect permittivity value and try soil specific calibration
If using CS650, try CS655
Give probes unique addresses or put on separate control ports

11. References

CS650 and CS655 Water Content Reflectometers
Ledieu, J., P. De Ridder, P. De Clerck, and S. Dautrebande. 1986. “A method
of measuring soil moisture by time-domain reflectometry,” J. Hydrol. 88:319-328.
Rhoades, J.D., P.A.C. Raats, and R.J. Prather. 1976. Effects of liquid-phase
electrical conductivity, water content and surface conductivity on bulk soil electrical conductivity. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J., 40: 651-653.
Rhoades, J.D., N.A. Manteghi, P.J. Shouse, W.J. Alves. 1989. Soil electrical
conductivity and soil salinity: New formulations and calibrations. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J., 53:433-439.
Topp, G.C., J.L. Davis & A.P. Annan. 1980. “Electromagnetic determination
of soil water content: measurements in coaxial transmission lines,” Water Resources Research, v. 16, No. 3:574-582.
35
CS650 and CS655 Water Content Reflectometers
36
θ
g
water
soil
wet dry
dry
m
m
m m
m
= =
θ
ρ
ρ
θ ρ
ρ
v
water
soil
water
water
soil
soil
g soil
water
volume
volume
m
m
= = =
*
ρ
bulk
dry
sample
m
volume
=
ε
ρ
ρ
= −1
bulk
solid

Appendix A. Discussion of Soil Water Content

The water content reflectometer measures volumetric water content. Soil water content is expressed on a gravimetric and a volumetric basis. To obtain the independently determined volumetric water content, gravimetric water content must first be measured. Gravimetric water content (θg) is the mass of water per mass of dry soil. It is measured by weighing a soil sample (m
the sample to remove the water, then weighing the dried soil (m
wet
dry
), drying
).
Volumetric water content (θ Volume is the ratio of mass to density (ρ
) is the volume of liquid water per volume of soil.
v
) which gives:
b
The density of water is close to 1 and often ignored.
Soil bulk density (ρ
) is used for ρ
bulk
and is the ratio of soil dry mass to
soil
sample volume.
Another useful property, soil porosity (ε), is related to soil bulk density as shown by the following expression.
The term ρ
2.65 g cm
is the density of the soil solid fraction and is approximately
solid
-3
.
A-1
TABLE B-1. CS650 SDI-12 Command and Response Set

Appendix B. SDI-12 Sensor Support

B.1 SDI-12 Command Basics

SDI-12 commands have three components:
Sensor address (a) – a single character, and is the first character of the command. CS650 sensors are usually assigned a default address of zero unless option –VS is selected at the time of ordering. Sensors with the –VS option are addressed with the last digit of the probe’s serial number. This allows for multiple CS650’s to be connected to a single control port without requiring the user to change the SDI-12 addresses from zero.
Command body (e.g., M1) – an upper case letter (the “command”) followed by alphanumeric qualifiers.
Command termination (!) – an exclamation mark.
An active sensor responds to each command. Responses have several standard forms and terminate with <CR><LF> (carriage return – line feed).
SDI-12 commands supported by the CS650 are listed in TABLE B-1. Continuous and concurrent measurements are not supported.
Name Command Response
Acknowledge Active
Send Identification aI! allccccccccmmmmmmvvvxxx...xx<CR>
Change Address aAb! b<CR><LF>
Address Query ?! a<CR><LF>
Start Measurement aM! atttn<CR><LF>
Send Data aD0!
Additional Measurements
a! a<CR><LF>
<LF>
a<values><CR><LF>
aD1!
aM1! aM2! aM3!
a<values><CR><LF>
atttn<CR><LF> atttn<CR><LF> atttn<CR><LF>

Address Query Command (?!)

Command ?! requests the address of the connected sensor. The sensor replies to the query with the address, a.
B-1
Appendix B. SDI-12 Sensor Support

Change Address Command (aAb!)

Sensor address is changed with command aAb!, where a is the current address and b is the new address. For example, to change an address from 0 to 2, the command is 0A2! The sensor responds with the new address b, which in this case is 2.

Send Identification Command (aI!)

Sensor identifiers are requested by issuing command aI!. The reply is defined by the sensor manufacturer, but usually includes the sensor address, SDI-12 version, manufacturer's name, and sensor model information. Serial number or other sensor specific information may also be included.
An example of a response from the aI! command is:
313CampbellCS65X 000Std.00.35=2196405 <CR><LF>
where:
Address = 3
SDI-12 version =1.3
Manufacturer = Campbell
Sensor model = CS65X
OS version = 000Std.00.35
Sensor serial number = 2196405

Start Measurement Commands (aM! )

A measurement is initiated with M! commands. The response to each command has the form atttnn, where
a = sensor address
ttt = time, in seconds, until measurement data are available
nn = the number of values to be returned when one or more subsequent D!
commands are issued.

Start Measurement Command (aMv!)

Qualifier v is a variable between 1 and 3 that requests variant data. Variants include different subsets of the CS650 probe output:
M0! Volumetric Water Content (θ), Bulk Electrical Conductivity
(σ), Temperature (°C)
B-2
M1! Permittivity (ε), Bulk Electrical Conductivity (σ), Temperature (°C)
M2! Period (τ), Voltage Ratio (α), Temperature (°C)
M3! Volumetric Water Content (θ), Bulk Electrical Conductivity
(σ), Temperature (°C), Permittivity (ε), Period (τ), Voltage Ratio (α)
Appendix B. SDI-12 Sensor Support

Aborting a Measurement Command

A measurement command (M!) is aborted when any other valid command is sent to the sensor.

Send Data Command (aDv!)

This command requests data from the sensor. It is normally issued automatically by the datalogger after measurement commands aMv! In transparent mode, the user asserts this command to obtain data. If the expected number of data values are not returned in response to a aD0! command, the data logger issues aD1! The limiting constraint is that the total number of characters that can be returned to a aD0! command is 35 characters. If the number of characters exceed the limit, the remainder of the response are obtained with the subsequent aD1! command.
B.2 Changing the SDI-12 Address Using Terminal
Emulator and a Datalogger
Up to ten CS650’s or other SDI-12 sensors can be connected to a single datalogger control port. Each SDI-12 device on the same control port must have a unique SDI-12 address. The CS650 supports addresses of 0-9, a-z, and A-Z.
The factory-set SDI-12 address for the CS650 is 0 when the probe is ordered with the –DS option or the last digit of its serial number when ordered with the –VS option. The CS650 SDI-12 address is changed by issuing the aAb! command where a is the current address and b is the new address. The current address can be found by issuing the ?! command.
The easiest way to change the address on a CS650 sensor is with the Device Configuration Utility and a A200 Sensor to PC Interface as described in Section 6.4, A200 and Device Configuration Utility. However if a A200 is not available, it is possible to change the address by connecting a single CS650 to a SDI-12 compatible control port on a datalogger and utilizing SDI-12 transparent mode to send commands directly to the sensor.

B.2.1 SDI-12 Transparent Mode

System operators can manually interrogate and enter settings in probes using transparent mode. Transparent mode is useful in troubleshooting SDI-12 systems because it allows direct communication with probes. Datalogger security may need to be unlocked before transparent mode can be activated.
Transparent mode is entered while the PC is in telecommunications with the datalogger through a terminal emulator program. It is easily accessed through Campbell Scientific datalogger support software, but is also accessible with terminal emulator programs such as Windows HyperTerminal. Datalogger keyboards and displays cannot be used.
The terminal emulator is accessed by navigating to the Datalogger menu in PC200W, the Tools menu in PC400, or the Datalogger menu in the Connect screen of LoggerNet.
B-3
Appendix B. SDI-12 Sensor Support
The following examples show how to use LoggerNet software to enter transparent mode and change the SDI-12 address of a CS650 sensor. The same steps are used to enter transparent mode with PC200W and PC400 software after accessing the terminal emulator as previously described.

B.2.2 CR200(X) Series Datalogger Example

1. Connect a single CS650 to the datalogger as follows:
2. In the LoggerNet Connect screen navigate to the Datalogger menu and
3. Click on the Open Terminal button.
4. Press the <enter> key until the datalogger responds with the “CR2XX>”
Green to Control Port C1/SDI12
Black, Orange, Clear to G
Red to Battery +
select Terminal Emulator. The “Terminal Emulator” window will open. In the Select Device menu, located in the lower left-hand side of the window, select the CR200Series station.
prompt. At the “CR2XX>” prompt, make sure the All Caps Mode box is checked and enter the command SDI12 <enter>. The response “SDI12>” indicates that the CS650 is ready to accept SDI-12 commands.
5. To query the CS650 for its current SDI-12 address, key in ?! <enter> and
the CS650 will respond with its SDI-12 address. If no characters are typed within 60 seconds, then the mode is exited. In that case, simply enter the command SDI12 again and press <enter>.
FIGURE B-1. SDI-12 transparent mode on CR200(X)-series datalogger
using control port C1/SDI12 and changing SDI-12 address from 0 to 1
6. To change the SDI-12 address, key in aAb!<enter> where a is the
current address from the above step and b is the new address. The CS650 will change its address and the datalogger will respond with the new
B-4
address. To exit SDI-12 transparent mode select the Close Terminal button.

B.2.3 CR1000 Datalogger Example

1. Connect a single CS650 to the datalogger as follows:
Green to Control Port C1
Black, Orange, Clear to G
Red to 12V
2. In the LoggerNet Connect screen navigate to the Datalogger menu and
select Terminal Emulator. The “Terminal Emulator” window will open. In the Select Device menu, located in the lower left-hand side of the window, select the CR1000 station.
3. Click on the Open Terminal button.
4. Press the <enter> key until the datalogger responds with the “CR1000>”
prompt. At the “CR1000>” prompt, make sure the All Caps Mode box is checked and enter the command SDI12 <enter>. At the “Enter Cx Port 1, 3, 5, or 7” prompt, key in the control port number where the CS650 green lead is connected and <enter>. The response “Entering SDI12 Terminal” indicates that the CS650 is ready to accept SDI-12 commands.
Appendix B. SDI-12 Sensor Support
5. To query the CS650 for its current SDI-12 address, key in ?! <enter> and
the CS650 will respond with its SDI-12 address. If no characters are typed within 60 seconds, then the mode is exited. In that case, simply enter the command SDI12 again, press <enter>, and key in the correct control port number when prompted.
FIGURE B-2. SDI-12 transparent mode on CR1000 datalogger using
control port 1 and changing SD1-12 address from 3 to 1
B-5
Appendix B. SDI-12 Sensor Support
6. To change the SDI-12 address, key in aAb!<enter> where a is the

B.2.4 CR10X Datalogger Example

1. Connect a single CS650 to the datalogger as follows:
2. Download a datalogger program that contains the SDI-12 Recorder (P105)
3. In the LoggerNet Connect screen navigate to the Datalogger menu and
current address from the above step and b is the new address. The CS650 will change its address and the datalogger will respond with the new address. To exit SDI-12 transparent mode, press the Esc key or wait for the 60 second timeout, then select the Close Terminal button.
Green to Control Port C1
Black, Orange, Clear to G
Red to 12V
instruction with valid entries for each parameter. Make sure that parameter 3 of the P105 instruction matches the control port number where the green wire is connected.
select Terminal Emulator. The “Terminal Emulator” window will open. In the Select Device menu, located in the lower left-hand side of the window, select the CR10X station.
4. Click on the Open Terminal button.
5. Press the <enter> key until the datalogger responds with the “*” prompt.
6. To activate the SDI-12 Transparent Mode on Control Port p, enter pX
<enter>. For this example key in 1X <enter>. The datalogger will respond with “entering SDI-12”. If any invalid SDI-12 command is issued, the datalogger will exit the SDI-12 Transparent Mode.
7. To query the CS650 for its current SDI-12 address, enter the command ?!.
The CS650 will respond with the current SDI-12 address.
8. To change the SDI-12 address, enter the command aAb!; where a is the
current address from the above step and b is the new address. The CS650 will change its address and the datalogger will exit the SDI-12 Transparent Mode.
9. Activate the SDI-12 Transparent Mode on Control Port 1 again by entering
1X <enter>. Verify the new SDI-12 address by entering the ?! command. The CS650 will respond with the new address.
10. To exit the SDI-12 Transparent Mode, enter *.
B-6
Appendix B. SDI-12 Sensor Support
FIGURE B-3. SDI-12 transparent mode on CR10X datalogger using
control port 1 and changing SDI-12 address from 0 to 1

B.2.5 CR10X-PB Table-Based Datalogger Example

1. Connect a single CS650 to the datalogger as follows:
Green to Control Port C1
Black, Orange, Clear to G
Red to 12V
2. Download a datalogger program that contains the SDI-12 Recorder (P105)
instruction with valid entries for each parameter. Make sure that parameter 3 of the P105 instruction matches the control port number where the green wire is connected.
3. In the LoggerNet Connect screen navigate to the Datalogger menu and
select Terminal Emulator. The “Terminal Emulator” window will open. In the Select Device menu, located in the lower left-hand side of the window, select the CR10XTD or CR10XPB station.
4. Click on the Open Terminal button.
5. Press the <enter> key until the datalogger responds with the “>” prompt.
6. To activate the SDI-12 Transparent Mode on Control Port p, enter *8. The
TD datalogger will respond with a “.” prompt. At the “.” prompt enter #. The TD datalogger will respond with 150000. Finally, enter p (Control Port p) and press the <enter> key. For this example, p = 1. The TD datalogger will respond with “entering SDI-12”. If any invalid SDI-12 command is issued, the datalogger will exit the SDI-12 Transparent Mode.
7. To query the CS650 for its current SDI-12 address, enter the command ?!.
The CS650 will respond with the current SDI-12 address.
B-7
Appendix B. SDI-12 Sensor Support
8. To change the SDI-12 address, enter the command aAb!; where a is the
9. Activate the SDI-12 Transparent Mode on Control Port 1 again by entering
10. To exit the SDI-12 Transparent Mode, type in *0.
current address from the above step and b is the new address. The CS650 will change its address and the datalogger will exit the SDI-12 Transparent Mode.
*8#1 <enter>. Verify the new SDI-12 address by entering the ?! command. The CS650 will respond with the new address.
FIGURE B-4. SDI-12 transparent mode on CR10X-PB table-based
datalogger using control port 1 and changing SDI-12 address from 0 to 1
B-8

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