Decagon Devices GS1 Operator's Manual

Operator’s Manual

Decagon Devices, Inc.

Version: August 5, 2014 — 08:49:46

GS1

Decagon Devices, Inc.

2365 NE Hopkins Court

Pullman WA 99163

Phone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Website: www.decagon.com

Email: [e-mail] or [e-mail]

Trademarks

“ECH2O” is a registered trademark of Decagon Devices, Inc.

c

2001-2014 Decagon Devices, Inc.

All Rights Reserved

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GS1 CONTENTS

Contents

1 Introduction 1

1.1 Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

1.2 Seller’s Liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

2 About GS1 3

2.1 Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

2.2 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

3 Theory 5

3.1 Volumetric Water Content . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

3.2 Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

3.3 Orientation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

3.4 Removing the Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

4 Connecting Sensors 7

4.1 Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

5 Collecting Data 10

5.1 Sample Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

6 Calibration 13

6.1 Sensor Calibration Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

7 Maintenance and Troubleshooting 16

8 Declaration of Conformity 18

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GS1 1 INTRODUCTION

1 Introduction

Thank you for choosing Decagon’s GS1 Volumetric Water Content
sensor. This manual can help you understand the sensor features and
ensure successful sensor operation. We hope you find the contents of
this manual useful in understanding your instrument and maximiz­ing its benefit to you.

There are several ways to contact Decagon if you ever need assis­tance with your product, have any questions, or feedback. Decagon
has Customer Service Representatives available to speak with you
Monday through Friday, between 8am and 5pm Pacific time.

Note: If you purchased your sensor through a distributor, please con­tact them for assistance.

Email:
[e-mail] or [e-mail]

Phone:
509-332-5600

Fax:
509-332-5158

If contacting us by email or fax, please include as part of your mes­sage your instrument serial number, your name, address, phone, fax
number, and a description of your problem or question.

Please read these instructions before operating your sensor to en­sure that it performs to its full potential.

1.1 Warranty

The sensor has a 30-day satisfaction guarantee and a one-year war­ranty on parts and labor. Your warranty automatically validates
upon receipt of the instrument.

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1 INTRODUCTION GS1

1.2 Seller’s Liability

Seller warrants new equipment of its own manufacture against de­fective workmanship and materials for a period of one year from the
date of receipt of equipment.

Note: We do not consider the results of ordinary wear and tear,
neglect, misuse, accident as defects.

The Seller’s liability for defective parts shall in no event exceed the
furnishing of replacement parts “freight on board” the factory where
originally manufactured. Material and equipment covered hereby
which is not manufactured by Seller shall be covered only by the
warranty of its manufacturer. Seller shall not be liable to Buyer for
loss, damage or injuries to persons (including death), or to property
or things of whatsoever kind (including, but not without limitation,
loss of anticipated profits), occasioned by or arising out of the instal­lation, operation, use, misuse, nonuse, repair, or replacement of said
material and equipment, or out of the use of any method or process
for which the same may be employed. The use of this equipment con­stitutes Buyer’s acceptance of the terms set forth in this warranty.
There are no understandings, representations, or warranties of any
kind, express, implied, statutory or otherwise (including, but with­out limitation, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness
for a particular purpose), not expressly set forth herein.

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GS1 2 ABOUT GS1

2 About GS1

The GS1 determines volumetric water content (VWC) by measuring
the dieletric constant of the medium using capacitance and frequency
domain technology. The 70 MHz frequency minimizes salinity and
textural effects, making the GS1 accurate in almost any soil or soil­less medium. It arrives with generic calibrations for mineral soils and
soilless media included in this Operator’s Manual.

The two-prong design and high measurement frequency allows the
GS1 to measure VWC from 0 to 100% (VWC of saturated soils is
generally 40 to 60% depending on the soil type) and allows accurate
measurement of all soils and soilless medias with a wide range of
salinities.

2.1 Background

In 2012, Decagon released our first stainless steel needle sensor, the
GS3. The GS3 measures volumetric water content, temperature,
and electrical conductivity. The sensor has a side-entry cable, which
made it extremely easy to install in a trench application.

At the time, the GS3 was Decagon’s highest priced water content
sensor. However, its rugged design made it one of our most popular
sensors. Our goal in developing the GS1 is to provide customers with
a low-cost sensor that has the durability of the GS3.

2.2 Specifications

Measurement Time: 10 ms (milliseconds)

Accuracy: ±0.03 m3/m3in typical soils, up to 8 dS/m saturation

extract EC.
With soil-specific calibration: ±0.01 to 0.02 m3/m3in any ma­terial.

Resolution: 0.001 m3/m3VWC in mineral soils

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2 ABOUT GS1 GS1

Power Requirements: 3.0 VDC to 15 VDC (absolute maximum) @

15 mA

Output: 1,000 to 2,500 mV

Operating Environment: -40 to 50◦C

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Range of Measurement: 0 to 100% VWC

Sensor dimensions: 8.9 cm x 1.8 cm x 0.7 cm

Connector Types: 3.5 mm (stereo) plug or stripped & tinned lead

wires (Pigtail)

Cable Length: 5 m standard; custom cable length available upon

request

Data logger Compatibility (not exclusive):

• Decagon: Em50, Em50R, Em50G, Em5b, and ProCheck

• Campbell Scientific: CR10X, CR850, 1000, 3000, etc.

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Sensors can be used at higher temperatures under certain conditions. Please

contact Decagon for assistance.

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