Delta-T Devices HH2 User Guide

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User Manual for the

Moisture Meter

type HH2

Version 4.0

Delta-T Devices Ltd

Notices

All rights reserved. Under the copyright laws, this manual may not be copied, in whole or in part, without the written consent of Delta-T Devices Ltd. Under the law, copying includes translation into another language.

CE conformity

The Moisture Meter has been assessed for compatibility under the European Union EMC Directive 89/336/EEC and conforms to the appropriate standards. When used in conjunction with a Delta-T soil moisture sensor (such as the Theta or Profile Probes), then the EMC guidelines stipulated in the respective manuals for these sensors should be followed to ensure the combined system remains compliant.

See EMC certificate copy on page 85

Design changes

Delta-T Devices Ltd reserves the right to change the designs and specifications of its products at any time without prior notice.

User Manual Version: 4.0

This manual describes the use of the HH2 with versions 2.3 of both the HH2 firmware and of the PC software HH2 Read.

New Features:

Readings can be averaged

SM200 soil moisture sensors are also supported.

6 Oct 2005

__________________________________________________________

Delta-T Devices Ltd. Tel: +44 1638 742922

128, Low Road Fax: +44 1638 743155

Burwell e-mail:

CAMBRIDGE CB5 0EJ WWW: http://www.delta-t.co.uk

sales@delta-t.co.uk

___________________________________________________________

Contents

Quick Start! 4

Introduction to the Moisture Meter 5

Navigating Options and Readings 9

SM200 and ThetaProbes 17

Profile Probes 27

WET Sensor 39

Equitensiometers 51

Memory use 58

PC Software - HH2Read 60

Dataset Import Wizard 68

CSV Data File Layout 70

About Soil Parameters a0 & a1 74

Linearisation Tables Format 76

Changing the Battery 78

Care and Maintenance 81

Technical Reference 82

Warranty and Service 96

Accessories 98

Water Deficit Explained 103

Field Water Capacity Values 106

Glossary 112

Index 115

Quick Start!

1. Unpack - see page 6.

2. Connect the battery or press Esc to wake the Moisture Meter if it is asleep.

3. Connect the sensor. The HH2 will assume it is an ML2 ThetaProbe in mineral soil unless you tell it otherwise. Ignore that for now!

4. Put the sensor in soil and press Read to read and display a result.

5. Press Store to save it.

6. Repeat 4 & 5.

To explore menu options see page 9

To retrieve readings to your PC (This will take a little longer):

• Install and Run HH2Read (see page 60)

• Press Retrieve, enter a file name and press OK

About this Manual

Introduction, Unpacking, Parts page 5

Navigating Options and Readings page 9

Turn to the separate chapters for

SM200 & ThetaProbes page 17 Profile Probes page 27 WET Sensors page 39 Equitensiometers page 51

The rest of the manual has sections on Memory management page 58 HH2Read page 60 Dataset Import Wizard page 68 Data File Layout page 70 About soil parameters a0 & a1 page 74 Linearisation Tables page 76 Changing the Battery page 78 Maintenance page 81

There is a Technical Reference with Specifications page 82 Troubleshooting page 86 Accessories page 98

Water Deficit Explained page 103 Field Water Capacity page 106

Glossary & Index page 112

4 z Quick Start! Moisture Meter User Manual 4.0

Note the various warnings about changing batteries

Introduction to the Moisture Meter

Description

The Moisture Meter reads and stores measurements taken with the following Delta-T soil moisture sensors:

ThetaProbe, types ML2, ML2x & ML1 SM200 soil moisture sensors Profile Probe, types PR2 and PR1 Equitensiometer, type EQ2 WET sensors

The meter can display and store, where appropriate, the following values for the measured readings:

• raw data as milliVolt reading (mV)

• soil wetness

• soil water deficit (mm)

• pore and bulk conductivity

• bulk permittivity

• temperature

Equitensiometers can only be read in mV.

Readings include the time and date for later collection from a PC.

Readings may be averaged. Note: averages cannot be stored for later collection from a PC.

The meter is easy to carry and operate with one hand.

Connectors

Equitensiometers, ThetaProbes, SM200s and Profile Probes supplied for use with the HH2 come fitted with a 25-pin connector that plugs in directly.

PR2 Profile Probes have their own separate HH2 connector cable

Adapters are available for Equitensiometers or probes fitted with 4-pin DIN plugs or 5pin Tajimi plugs.

Sensors sold with bare wires for connection to loggers need to be fitted with a 25-pin D connector. Either solder it directly, using the type DSK1 adapter kit, or via a junction box type JNC2 connected to a DSK1 via extra cable.

Moisture Meter Parts

LCD with 2 rows of 16 characters used to display menus and readings

Keypad

Read take readings Store save reading Set select menu or select option Esc wake meter or reject option & go back ▲▼ scroll # # average

Splash proof case

25-pin D Connector for sensor connection or PC connection

Battery compartment - takes one PP3 battery

Introduction to the Moisture Meter z 7

How the Moisture Meter takes readings

Analogue sensors (SM200, ML1, ML2, ML2x, EQ2, PR2, PR1)

The Moisture Meter applies power to the sensor and measures the output signal voltage returned.

It displays this directly, in mV, and/or converts into other units, depending on the type of sensor and information available. (Equitensiometer results can only be displayed in mV.)

The meter converts the mV reading into soil moisture units using a linearisation table and soil-specific parameters.

Linearisation tables are pre-installed for sensors, and for Organic and Mineral soil parameters.

For greatest accuracy you can enter your own soil type parameters - but these have to be determined experimentally. This is outside the scope of this manual.

For mm Deficit you need to supply Field Capacity and Root Depth for each soil type and crop.

The date and time is saved with each reading. Before saving readings you may enter a unique Plot, Sample or Device identity (ID) label.

Digital Sensor (WET)

The Moisture Meter applies power to the sensor, receives readings as serial data, processes these (as described in the WET sensor Application Note available from Delta-T), and calculates bulk and pore conductivity, bulk permittivity and temperature as required. Using installed soil calibrations the HH2 calculates water content. Given the root depth and field capacity it can also calculate mm Deficit.

Sleep and Waking the Meter

To conserve the battery, the meter will “go to sleep” when it is not used for 1 minute. The display will go blank and the meter will power down to reduce its power consumption.

To make the HH2 sleep, press Esc once to return to the banner "Delta-T Devices Moisture Meter" then press Esc one more time to make it sleep.

The meter will “wake up” when Esc is pressed or when RS232 messages are received from the PC or when the battery is reconnected.

Averaging

Press # to shows the previous average – and press # twice to update it with the current reading. Averages are not stored – sorry. Write it down if you need it.

For details see Averaging on page 14.

8 z Introduction to the Moisture Meter Moisture Meter User Manual 4.0

Navigating Options and Readings

Press Esc to wake the HH2 and examine the Navigation Map overleaf. There are two main routes - round the Read Cycle, and down (and up) the Options Menus. Individual options or values are set at the bottom level of each menu path. See also the Options Summary at the back of each sensor chapter.

Not all options are available with all devices. A table of permitted options, ranges and default values are shown in each sensor chapter.

To display the main Options menu press the Set key when the readings are visible on the display, or when the start-up screen is visible.

Options:

vData

Press Set to select an option - this may be another, lower menu. Press Esc to reject an option and backtrack up to the previous menu. When the t and u symbols are displayed, press the up t and down u keys to scroll through the options in any given menu.

To save Readings - press Store. To save Options - press Set.

Press Read and Store to take and save readings.

Options Menu

The v symbol indicates that other options are available.

Data: Add label for Plot ID, Sample, Device ID, Root Depth, Sensor Depth or delete

all data.

Device: Select the sensor e.g. PR1 for a Profile Probe.

Soil Type: Choose one for each sensor if you want results in engineering units. The

default is Mineral.

Soil Set-Up: Define parameters associated with each soil type.

Units: Select which engineering units are used - e.g. %vol

Display: Select readings to be taken and displayed - e.g. mV

Date and Time: The clock can be set via the keypad or from the PC

Status: Displays: % memory used, % battery life remaining & number of readings in

memory. Also version numbers of firmware and any installed tables.

Remote: Select this when connecting to a PC.

Navigating Options and Readings z 9

or m3.m-3.

and %Vol.

10 z Navigating Options and Readings Moisture Meter User Manual 4.0

Using the Options Menu

Select your Device option first - the other options depend on which device has been selected.

Note: before you can select a WET sensor device you must install the WET sensor calibration file using HH2Read ( see Install WET Sensor Calibration on page 41).

You may specify any Plot ID (A - Z), Device ID (0 - 255) and Sample ID (1 - 2000) for any reading. These are just labels.

You may choose which engineering units to display result.

For soil moisture you must select a soil type unless you only want mV readings. (Equitensiometers readings are only available in mV.) The default soil type is Mineral.

Advanced users, able to calibrate their own soils, may install their own soil specific calibration coefficients called a0 & a1 under Soil Set-Up. (b0 & b1 for WET sensors).

Other users should use the Mineral and Organic soils already defined in the Moisture Meter.

WET users have a choice of standard soil types and, if purchased pre-installed in the HH2, custom calibrations for specific commercial artificial soils such as stone wool.

If you want mm deficit you MUST define the Field Capacity and Root Depth for each soil type. We provide a table in the back of this manual for mineral soils. Organic soils are so variable you have to determine the field capacity experimentally, before it makes any sense to take mm Deficit readings.

The default for Field Capacity is pre-set to the 38% corresponding to a silty clay loam. The default Root Depth, set to zero, forces the calculated default value for mm Deficit to be zero. See Calculating Field Capacity on page 108.

Some crop consultants recommend 700 mm as the default Root Depth.

For ease of graphing data it is good to always measure your sensors in the same order each visit.

Some experts recommending having three sensors, or access tubes, at each location, and taking three readings from each, to average out random sampling errors later on your PC.

Navigating Options and Readings z 11

Example: Change the Plot Label

The Plot Label is an optional label in the Data sub menu and can take any value from A to Z.

Press Esc to wake the meter. Press Set to display the main Options menu. Scroll down to Data and Press Set. Scroll down to Plot ID and Press Set.

Plot Label: vC

In this example, "C" is offered because it was saved with the previous reading. Press up t or down u to change the value.

Press Set to select the new value. To reject an option or value press the Esc.

In practice you will most probably visit the Data sub menu each time you change your location - to change one or more labels - in order to better identify each reading later.

Setting the Clock

You can set the clock from the PC or from the keypad of the Moisture Meter.

To set the time in the HH2 to that of your PC use the Settings, Clock command in the HH2Read application, (see page 64). Alternatively you can set the clock from the keypad.

Note: The date - month - year order will be set to reflect that on your PC the first time you use the Settings, Clock option in the HH2Read.

To set the clock from the keypad

Press Set at the start-up screen to display the Options menu. Scroll down to Date and Time using the up t and down u keys and press Set.

Date and Time: vSet Date

Press Set to display the Date menu:

Date: v01/01/2000

12 z Navigating Options and Readings Moisture Meter User Manual 4.0

Note that the date - month - year order will be set to reflect that on your PC the first time you use the Settings, Clock option in the Data Collection software HH2Read on your PC.

Use the up t and down u keys to change the first field and press Set to accept it.

v indicator jumps to the next field.

The

Repeat for the second and third fields in the Date display.

This will return you to the Date and Time menu. Scroll down to the Set Time option with the u key and repeat the above instructions

to set the hours, minutes and seconds fields, shown below:

Time: v22/56/42

Options are device specific

Options are only displayed if relevant to the device selected.

For instance, if under device you select Equitensiometer, then you will not be given a choice of Soil Type or Soil Set-Up, or Units.

The default settings in the Moisture Meter are for an ML2 ThetaProbe.

The next section is organised by sensing device. Each has its own menu navigation tree and a table indicating the default settings, available menu options and permitted ranges for settings.

Upload Data to PC

From the main Options menu select Remote and press Set.

The rest of the work is done from your PC keyboard. If not yet installed, install HH2Read on your PC, as described on page 60. Connect the PC to your Moisture Meter as explained on page 61. Run HH2Read and select its Retrieve command as described on page 65. The end result is that your data is saved to file in a comma separated (.CSV) format as shown on page 70.

See also Dataset Import Wizard on page 68.

Note: you can’t store or upload averages to the PC

Navigating Options and Readings z 13

Averaging

Averaging can provide a quick summary of your plot, greenhouse or treatment.

It is useful for immediate feedback in the field, particularly if you don’t want to save data to your PC and analyse it later.

The HH2 provides a single, cumulative average of selected readings.

The average cannot be uploaded to your PC.

Individual readings can be stored and averaged later in a spreadsheet on your PC.

Summary

1. First take a reading: press Read.

2. You will be asked if you want to store the reading. Averaging can be done with or without storing the reading. Press either Store or Esc

3. Press the hash # key once to display the previous cumulative average. (Initially “No Average” is displayed).

4. Press # again to update the cumulative average with the current reading (or Esc to back out).

5. Write down the final cumulative average if you wish to retain it.

6. To erase the current cumulative average press Esc until you return to the main “Delta-T Devices” menu.

How to average readings

1. First take a reading: press Read.

PR2 Store?

0.123 100mm

Display Readings screen 1

2. Press either Store or Esc (Averaging can be done with or without storing the reading)

PR2

0.123 100mm

Display Readings screen 2

14 z Navigating Options and Readings Moisture Meter User Manual 4.0

3. Press the hash # key once to display the current cumulative average.

PR2 Avg #?

0.369 100mm

Display Current average screen.

#? indicates that the latest reading is not yet included.

If no average is currently stored then “”No average” is displayed on the bottom line.

4. Press # again to update the average with the new reading(s).

PR2 Avg

0.246 100mm

Display Updated Average

Alternatively press [Esc] to return to the previous display reading screen without updating the average.

Once in the Display Updated Average screen, press Esc to return to the Display

Reading screen that you came from. Press # to come back to the Display Updated Average screen.

Once the average has been updated, press Read while in the Display Updated

Average screen to take a new reading.

(If nothing happens press Esc. The question Store? may appear, reminding you to decide whether to store the reading. Answer the question by pressing Store or Esc, then press Read and it should work. See items 6 & 7 below)

What you need to know about averaging

1. Averages are not stored and cannot be uploaded with readings to your PC. Write them down if you want a permanent record.

2. To erase the current cumulative average press Esc until you return to the main “Delta-T Devices” menu.

3. After each reading, to store the reading use Store. To ignore it press Esc. (Neither choice affects the average)

4. To add a displayed reading to the cumulative average press the # key twice. Press # once to see Avg# ? and the Press # again, the question mark disappears and the average is updated.

5. Averaging works whether or not you store individual readings. The process of selecting readings for inclusion in the cumulative average is completely independent of the process of storing readings for later upload to your PC

6. You may view the average either before or after deciding to store or erase a reading.

previous cumulative average displayed.

Navigating Options and Readings z 15

7. You will always be asked if you want to store each reading. This applies even if you just want the average. Note: You cannot take a new reading until you have decided whether or not to store the current one.

8. Your running average will not update if your last reading was outside limits, e.g. an air reading. (It will work OK if you only display readings in mV ).

Note: Profile Probes: Be aware that if any of the 4 or 6 sensors in your profile probe are outside limits, such as an air reading, none of the 4 or 6 sensor readings will be added to the cumulative average.

9. Individual averages are provided for each sensor position in Profile Probes. They are not an average of all the sensors.

Examples

1. To read, store and average several readings press:

Read, Store,#,#.... Read, Store,#,#.... Read, Store,#,#....

2. To repeatedly read and average but not store readings, press:

Read, Esc,#,#.... Read, Esc,#,#.... Read, Esc,#,#....

Note the cumulative averaging works even if you did not store the reading.

16 z Navigating Options and Readings Moisture Meter User Manual 4.0

Contents:

About SM200 and ThetaProbes Navigation Map Quick Start Options ThetaProbes Options Summary Reading the ThetaProbe

SM200 and ThetaProbes

About SM200 and ThetaProbes

SM200 and ThetaProbes e.g. ML2x measure volumetric soil moisture content, θ

responding to changes in the apparent dielectric constant of moist soil. These changes are converted into a dc voltage in mV, which is then converted to soil moisture content in the HH2 using a linearisation table and soil type parameters.

Volumetric soil moisture content is the ratio between the volume of water present and the total volume of the sample. This is a dimensionless parameter, expressed either as a percentage (%vol), or a ratio (m

If you tell the HH2 the Root-Depth and Field Capacity for a given soil it can also display water deficit in mm (see "Water Deficit Explained" on page 103).

3.m-3

SM200 and ThetaProbes z 17

Esc

WAKE

SLEEP

Delta-T Devices Moisture Meter

Set

Esc

Options

Data

Device

Soil Type

Soil Set-Up

Display

Date and Time

Status

Remote

Read

SM200

47.5%vol

Store Esc

SM200

47.5%vol

Set

Read

Set

Esc

#,#

the item

Select

Wake or Sleep

to the previous

Escape

higher menu

Previous, current

Average

Scroll o change value

Device Soil Type Soil Set-Up Connecting Status Date and Time Display

ML1

SM200

ML2

EQ1 Soil 2 Soil 2 mV

EQ2 Soil 3 Soil 3

PR1 Soil 4 Soil 4 Mem 100% Batt 97% mm deficit + %vol

PR2 Soil 5 Soil 5 Readings #250 m3.m-3 + mV

PR-Special %vol + mV

WET

Organic O rganic to PC Resources Set Date m3.m-3

Mineral Mineral Vers ions Set Time %vol

Soil 1 Soil 1 mm deficit

Resources

Version

Soil Set-Up

a0 ML1 T able

a1 ML2 T able

Field Capacity PR1 T able

Firmware

WET Calib'n

SM200 & ThetaProbe Navigation Map

mm deficit + m3.m-3

mm deficit + mV

6/10/05

18 z SM200 and ThetaProbes Moisture Meter User Manual 4.0

Quick Start

On first configuring the HH2 for use with a ThetaProbe: Select Options, Device, SM200, ML2 or ML1. Select a soil type or the generic mineral soil calibration will be used. Connect the device and press Read and Store to take and save a reading.

See also: SM200 and ThetaProbe Options Summary on page 24 Display Units Options on page 22 Reading the ThetaProbe on page 25.

Options

Device

Selects the device to be used for the next reading

Press Set at the start-up or readings screen to display the Options menu. Scroll down to Device using the up t and down u keys and press Set.

Options: v Device

Scroll down to SM200, ML1 or ML2 using the up and down keys and press Set to select one.

Device: v ML2

Press Esc to return to the start-up screen and press Read.

Your chosen device should now appear, and re-appear when the Moisture Meter re-awakes after sleeping.

(Use ML2 for ThetaProbe type ML2x also).

SM200 and ThetaProbes z 19

Data

Select Options, Data to see this menu.

Plot ID

You can label each reading with a Plot ID.

Options - A to Z. Default: A.

Select Options, Data, Plot ID. Scroll through the options, and press Set to select one. Press Esc to return to the main menu.

Sample

A sample number is automatically assigned to each reading. It automatically increments by one each time you store a reading. Options: 1 to 2000. Default: 1.

Select Options, Data, Sample. Select a number and press Set. Press Esc to return to the main menu.

Device ID

You may label readings with a Device ID.

Options: 0 to 255. Default: 0

Select Options, Data, Device ID. Select a number and press Set. Press Esc to return to the main menu.

Root Depth

This is needed if you want soil moisture deficit (mmDef under Options, Display).

Options 0 .. 9950 mm. Default: 0

Select Options, Data Root Depth. Select a number and press Set. Press Esc to return to the main menu.

WARNING: Do not use the default settings to take mm Deficit readings. The default Root Depth, set to zero, forces the calculated value for mm Deficit to be zero!

Sensor Depth

Readings can be labelled with the soil depth.

Options: 0 .. 9950 mm. Default: 0

Select Options, Data Sensor Depth. Select a number and press Set. Press Esc to return to the main menu.

20 z SM200 and ThetaProbes Moisture Meter User Manual 4.0

Soil Type

Selects the soil type used in calculating readings.

Options: Mineral, Organic, Soil 1, Soil 2,...Soil 5 Default: Mineral.

Two factory set soil types are installed in the HH2, Mineral and Organic. You may also define your own via the Soil Set-Up option on the main menu. Up to five custom soil types can be stored in the HH2.

Select Options, Soil Type to display the options. Scroll down through the soil type options and press Set to select one.

Press Esc to return to the main menu.

Soil Set-Up

Soil Set-Up is used to define empirical soil parameters a0 & a1, which are used to convert the measured bulk permittivity into moisture content readings.

Soil Set-Up is also used to define field capacity, needed if you want moisture deficit readings.

Beginners can skip this section by choosing the Mineral or Organic under Options, Soil Type and by

For optimum accuracy you should obtain soil specific calibration coefficients for your soil as described in your sensor user manual. Then enter these coefficients, called a0 and a1, via the Soil Set-Up menu.

See also: About Soil Parameters a0 & a1 on page 74

You may skip this step by choosing the Mineral or Organic option in the Soil Types sub menu. You lose some accuracy but it is easier. Their soil coefficients are permanently installed in the HH2.

The fixed values used for the defined Mineral and Organic soils are :

Set a0 & a1

These options are available for user-defined soils only

Options : a0 Range: -49.9 to +50.0 Default: 1.0 a1 Range: 0.1 to 50.0 Default: 7.0

Select Options, Soil Set-Up, and select one of Soil 1 through 5.

Select a0. Choose an a0 value by scrolling through the range and press Set .

Select a1 and repeat the last step.

not choosing mm Deficit under Options, Display.

a0 a1

Mineral soils 1.6 8.4

Organic soils 1.3 7.7

SM200 and ThetaProbes z 21

Field Capacity

Sets the Field Capacity, used for mm Deficit calculations.

Options: 0 to 1 Default: 0.38 Units: m

3.m-3

If you want mm Deficit you must define the Field Capacity (and Root Depth in the Options, Data menu). We provide a table for Mineral soils on page 106. Organic soils are so variable you have to determine field capacity experimentally, before it makes any sense to take mm Deficit readings - see "Calculating Field Capacity" on page 108.

Press Set to select Options, Soil Set-Up menu. Scroll through the Soil names, choose one, pressing Set:. Select Capacity. Scroll to select the actual field capacity. Press Set to select it.

Note : A negative "mm Deficit" result indicates you set the Field Capacity too low.

Display Units Options

Selects the units in which new readings are to be displayed and stored.

Option Description

m3.m-3 Volumetric moisture content in cubic metres of

water per cubic metre of soil

%Vol Volumetric water content as a percentage

mm Deficit Soil moisture deficit in mm.

mV Sensor output in milliVolts.

mm Deficit

3.m-3

+ m

mm Deficit + %vol

-3

m3.m + mV

%Vol + mV

mm Deficit + mV

Soil moisture deficit in mm Volumetric water content in m

Volumetric water content in m Sensor output in milliVolts

Percentage water content Sensor output in milliVolts.

Soil moisture deficit in mm Sensor output in milliVolts.

3.m-3

Warning: Use of the HH2 default value for Field Capacity may not give meaningful results because it may not represent a common soil type.

Select the Options, Display menu. Scroll through the following options and press Set to select one.

22 z SM200 and ThetaProbes Moisture Meter User Manual 4.0

Date and Time

See Setting the Clock on page 12.

Status

The Options Status menu displays the Resources and Version sub-menus:

Resources

Mem: shows % of HH2 memory available for further readings. Batt: shows remaining battery life. Readings# : shows number of readings in HH2 memory.

Version

This shows the version number of the HH2 firmware, i.e. the embedded control program, and also of any installed sensor and soil tables.

Remote

Select Options, Remote to connect to the PC.

See also : Connect PC to HH2 on page 61.

SM200 and ThetaProbes z 23

SM200 and ThetaProbe Options Summary

Menu Actions, Notes, (factory default values in bold)

Data Plot Id Sets Plot Label, A..Z Sample Sets Sample Number, 1..2000 Device Id Sets Device ID, 0..255 Root Depth Rooting Depth, 0..9950mm Sensor Depth Sets Sensor Depth, 0..9999mm Erase No (cancels the action), Yes (erases all readings stored

Device Selects the device for subsequent readings. Options

Soil Type Menu: selects the soil type for ML1 and ML2 readings.

Soil Set-Up Sets the properties of the various soil types.

Organic Sets Field Capacity for Organic soil, 0...38..100 %vol

Mineral Sets Field Capacity for Mineral soil, 0...38..100 %vol

Soil 1..5 a0 Sets a0 for Soil 1..n, -49.4.. 1.0..50.0 a1 Sets a1 for Soil 1..n, 0.1..7.0..50.0 Capacity Sets Field Capacity for Soil 1..n, 0...0.38..1 m3.m

Display Selects the values and units to be displayed and stored

Date and Time Displays and sets the date and time

Set Date Date screen

Set Time Time screen

Status Displays status information

Resources Resources screen

Versions Versions screen

Remote Connecting to PC screen

in memory)

are: SM200, ML1, ML2, EQ1, EQ2, PR1, PR1-Special; also EC2 or WET if EC2 or WET calibration is installed

Options are: Organic, Mineral, Soil 1..5

-3

for SM200, ML1 and ML2 readings. Options are:

3.m-3

, %vol, mmDef, mV, mmDef + m3.m-3, mm def +

3.m-3

%vol, m

+ mV, %vol + mV, mm def + mV

24 z SM200 and ThetaProbes Moisture Meter User Manual 4.0

Reading the sensor

Before Taking Readings

1. Set the Device to SM200, ML1 or ML2.

2. Select the Plot ID, Device ID, Root Depth and Sensor Depth (all optional).

3. Set the Field Capacity (Soil Set-Up menu) if you want soil moisture deficit.

4. Set the Sample number (optional, it auto increments).

5. Set the Display.

6. Set the Date and Time if you have not done so for a few weeks.

7. Connect the HH2 to the sensor.

To take Readings

1. Press Read

If successful the meter displays the reading, e.g.-

ML2 Store?

32.2%vol

2. Scroll to view the other readings.

3. Press Store to save the readings, or press Esc.

4. Press Read for the next reading.

SM200 and ThetaProbes z 25

Memory Full?

The Store option becomes unavailable when memory is full (or corrupted).

In this case upload the readings to your PC using HH2Read, Retrieve then using Options, Data, Erase (via the keypad), delete the readings in the HH2.

Upload Data to PC

From the main Options menu select Remote and press Set.

The rest of the work is done from your PC keyboard. If not yet installed, install HH2Read on your PC, as described on page 60. Connect the PC to your Moisture Meter as explained on page 61. Run HH2Read and select its Retrieve command as described on page 65. The end result is your data is saved to file in a comma separated (.CSV) format as shown on page 70.

Then What?

Having got your readings safely stored on your PC, what do you do with the results?

The .CSV files can be opened in Microsoft Excel for analysis and graphing.

A Dataset Import Wizard is provided with HH2 Read to help you Import saved data files into Excel in a much more controlled and organised way. See page 68.

Further manipulation of the data into irrigation management graphs or reports is beyond the scope of this manual.

Some users send their data to a commercial irrigation management firm for interpretation, or they use a commercial irrigation database management package such as Probe for Windows (see http://www.rsne.com.au/prwin/pr1.htm). Contact Delta-T for the latest information on compatible irrigation management and graphing solutions.

26 z SM200 and ThetaProbes Moisture Meter User Manual 4.0

Profile Probes

Contents:

About Profile Probes Menu Navigation Map Quick Start Options Reading the Profile Probe

About Profile Probes

Profile Probe types measure the volumetric soil moisture content at 4 or 6 locations in the soil profile simultaneously.

Soil moisture deficit can be displayed on the HH2 if the Field Capacity and Root Depth are known.

Up to 1800 sets of readings can be stored from a Profile Probe. The actual number depends on which options you choose.

Each sensor in the Profile Probe can be in a different soil horizon.

Profile Probes z 27

WAKE

Esc

SLEEP

Data

Device

Soil Type

Soil Set-Up

Display

Date and Time

Status

Remote

Data Device Soil Type Soil Set -Up Connecting Status Date and T ime Display

Plot ID ML1 All Sensors Organic to PC Resources Set Date m3.m-3

Sample SM200 Sensor 1 Mineral Versions Set Time %vol

Device ID ML2 Sensor 2 Soil 1 mm deficit

Root Depth EQ1 Sensor 3 Soil 2 mV

Sensor Depth EQ 2 Sensor 4 Soil 3

Erase

PR1

PR2

PR-Special

WET

Sensor 5 Soil 4 Mem 100% Batt 97% mm deficit + %vol

Sensor 6 Soil 5 Readings #250 m3.m-3 + mV

Soil Type Soil Set-Up

Organic a0 ML1 Table

Mineral a1 ML2 Table

Soil 1 Field Capacity PR1 Table

Soil 2 PR2 Table

Soil 3 WET Calib'n

Soil 4 Custom 1 Soil

Soil 5 Custom 2 Soil

Options

Delta-T Devices Moisture Meter

Esc

Set

Firmware

Custom 3 Soil

Custom 4 Soil

Custom 5 Soil

PR2 Store?

Read

47.5%vol 100mm

PR2

47.5%vol 100mm

Resources

Version

Store

Set

PR2 Navigation Map

Esc

Read

mm deficit + m3.m-3

%vol + mV

mm deficit + mV

Set

Esc

#,#

- 6/10/05

the item

Select

Wake or Sleep

to the previous

Escape

higher menu

Previous, current

Average

Scroll

value

change

28 z Profile Probes Moisture Meter User Manual 4.0

Quick Start

On first configuring the HH2 for use with a Profile Probe:- select Options, Device, PR2, PR1 or PR-Special.

Select a soil type or the generic mineral soil calibration will be used. Connect the device and press Read and Store to take and save a reading.

See also : Profile Probe Options Summary - page 35 Display Units Options - page 33 Reading the Profile Probe - page 36.

Options

Device

Press Set at the start-up or readings screen to display the Options menu. Scroll down to Device using the up t and down u keys and press Set.

Options: v Device

Scroll down to PR2, PR1 or PR-Special and press Set -

Device: v PR2

Press Esc to return to the start-up screen

This sensor should now appear on the start-up screen, and re-appear at start-up if you turn the power off.

Profile Probes z 29

Data

Select Options, Data to see this menu.

Plot ID

You can label each reading with a Plot ID.

Options - A to Z. Default: A.

Select Options, Data, Plot ID. Scroll through the options, and press Set to select one. Press Esc to return to the main menu.

Sample

A sample number is automatically assigned to each reading. It automatically increments by one each time you store a reading. Options: 1 to 2000. Default: 1.

Select Options, Data, Sample. Select a number and press Set. Press Esc to return to the main menu.

Device ID

You may label readings with a Device ID.

Options: 0 to 255. Default: 0

Select Options, Data, Device ID. Select a number and press Set. Press Esc to return to the main menu.

Root Depth

This is needed if you want soil moisture deficit (mmDef under Options, Display).

Options: 0 .. 9950 mm. Default: O

Select Options, Data Root Depth. Select a number and press Set. Press Esc to return to the main menu.

WARNING: Do not use the default settings to take mm Deficit readings. The default Root Depth, set to zero, forces the calculated value for mm Deficit to be zero!

Some irrigation consultants recommend 700 mm as a suitable standard value for Root Depth.

30 z Profile Probes Moisture Meter User Manual 4.0

Soil Type (first menu)

Displays a choice of sensors for associating with a soil type in the next sub-menu.

Options : All Sensors, Sensor 1, Sensor 2,........Sensor 6 Default: All Sensors

Each sensor in a Profile Probe can have a different soil type associated with it. You may choose to set all sensors to the same soil, or individually set each one.

Select Options, Soil Type and select a particular sensor or All Sensors, to open the second level Soil Type menu.

Note: Sensor 1 denotes the first sensor nearest the surface, usually at 100 mm. Sensor 4 is at 400 mm. In a PR2/6 the lowest sensor is Sensor 6 at 1000 mm.

Soil Type (sub-menu)

Displays a choice of soil types to associate with the previously selected sensor(s).

Options: Organic, Mineral, Soil 1, Soil 2......Soil 5. Default: Mineral

Two soil types are always available, Mineral and Organic. You may also define five more via Soil Set-Up on the Options menu.

Having selected a sensor or all sensors under Options, Soil Type, now select a soil.

Example: To set all sensors to Organic

Select Options, Soil Type, All Sensors, Organic

This will set all sensors in the Profile Probe to use the default Organic soil parameters a0 and a1.

Soil Set-Up (first menu)

Displays a choice of soil types for defining soil parameters.

Options: Organic, Mineral, Soil 1, Soil 2......Soil 5. Default: Mineral

Soil Set-Up is used to define empirical soil parameters a0 & a1 used to convert the measured bulk permittivity into moisture content readings.

Soil Set-Up is also used to define field water capacity, needed if you want moisture deficit readings.

Beginners can skip this section by choosing the Mineral or Organic under Options , Soil Type and by not asking for mm Deficit in the Options, Display menu.

See also: About Soil Parameters a0 & a1 on page 74

Profile Probes z 31

Soil Set-Up (sub-menu)

Displays available soil parameters that may be defined.

a0 & a1

These options are available for user-defined soils only, not Mineral or Organic

Options: a0 Range: -49.9 to +50.0 Default: 1.0 a1 Range: 0.1 to 50.0 Default: 7.0

Previously you should have selected a custom soil name from the Options, Soil Set- Up menu.

Select a0. Choose an a0 value by scrolling through the range and press Set . Select a1 and repeat the last step.

Field Capacity

Sets the Field Capacity, used for mm Deficit calculations.

Options: 0 to 1 Default: 0.38 Units: m

If you want mm Deficit you must define the Field Capacity (and Root Depth in the Options, Data menu).

See the table for Mineral soils on page 106.

Organic soils are so variable you have to determine field capacity experimentally, before it makes any sense to take mm Deficit readings. See "Calculating Field Capacity" on page 108.

Select Options, Soil Set-Up and choose a soil. Select Capacity. Scroll to select the actual field capacity. Press Set to select it.

3.m-3

Note : A negative "mm Deficit" result indicates that you set the Field Capacity too low.

32 z Profile Probes Moisture Meter User Manual 4.0

Display

This menu lists the units in which new readings may be displayed and stored.

Only one option may be selected per Profile Probe.

Select Options, Display scroll through the options and press Set to select one.

Option Description

m3.m-3 Volumetric moisture content in cubic metres of

water per cubic meter of soil

%Vol Volumetric water content as a percentage

mm Deficit Soil moisture deficit in mm

mV Sensor output in milliVolts

mm Deficit

3.m-3

+ m

mm Deficit + %vol

-3

m3.m + mV

%Vol + mV

mm Deficit + mV

Soil moisture deficit in mm Volumetric water content in m

Volumetric water content in m Sensor output in milliVolts

Percentage water content Sensor output in milliVolts

Soil moisture deficit in mm Sensor output in milliVolts

3.m-3

Warning: Use of the HH2 default value for Field Capacity may not give meaningful results because it may not represent a common soil type. You must also enter a Root Depth or the result will be zero.

Profile Probes z 33

Set the Clock

See Setting the Clock on page 12.

Status

The Options, Status menu displays Resources and Version sub-menus.

Resources

Mem: shows % of HH2 memory available for further readings. Batt: shows remaining battery life. Readings# : shows number of readings in HH2 memory.

Version

This shows the version number of the HH2 firmware, i.e. the embedded control program, and also of any installed sensor and soil tables.

Remote

Select Options, Remote to connect to the PC.

See also : Connect PC to HH2 on page 61.

34 z Profile Probes Moisture Meter User Manual 4.0

Profile Probe Options Summary

Menu Actions, Notes(factory default values in bold)

Data Plot Id Sets Plot Label, A..Z Sample Sets Sample Number, 1..2000 Device Id Sets Device ID, 0..255 Root Depth Sets Rooting Depth, 0..9950mm Erase No (cancels the action), Yes (erases all readings stored in

Device Selects the device for subsequent readings. Options are:

Soil Type Selects the soil types for each of the 4 or 6 sensors in the

All Sensors Selects the same soil type for all sensors in the probe.

Sensors 1..6 Selects a separate soil type for each sensor.

Soil Set-Up Sets the properties of the various soil types.

Organic Sets Field Capacity for Organic soil, 0..38..100%

Mineral Sets Field Capacity for Mineral soil, 0..38..100%

Soil 1..5 a0 Sets a0 for Soil 1..n, -49.9 1.0 50.0 a1 Sets a1 for Soil 1..n, 0.1 7.0 50.0 Capacity Sets Field Capacity for Soil 1..n, 0..0.38..1 m3.m

Display Selects the values and units to be displayed and stored.

Date and Time Displays and sets the date and time

Set Date Date screen

Set Time Time screen

Status Displays status information

Resources Resources screen

Versions Versions screen

Remote Connecting to PC screen

memory)

SM200, ML1, ML2, EQ1, EQ2, PR2, PR1, PR-Special; also WET if WET calibration is installed

Profile Probe.

Options : Organic, Mineral, Soil 1..5

-3

Options are:

3.m-3

, %vol, mmDef, mV, mmDef + m3.m-3,

mm def + %vol, m

3.m-3

+ mV, %vol + mV, mm def + mV

Profile Probes z 35

Reading the Profile Probe

Before Taking Readings

Check the following.

1. Set the Device type to PR2, PR1 or PR-Special. This needs to be done whenever you change the type of device.

2. Set Soil Type for every sensor in the Profile Probe.

3. If you have not selected a Mineral or Organic soil type then define your soil parameters using the Soil Set-Up menu.

4. Set the Root Depth and Field Capacity if you want mm Deficit.

5. Set the Clock if you have not done so for a few weeks.

6. Select the Plot and Device IDs (optional).

7. Set the Sample number (optional, it auto increments).

8. Connect the HH2 to the Profile Probe.

To take Readings

1. Press Read.

If successful the meter displays the reading, for example:

PR2 Store?

34.1%vol v100mm

Volumetric soil moisture 100mm below surface.

The meter displays the reading from the first sensor, nearest the surface, at 100 mm.

2. Press S or T to scroll the

display for other sensor depths and secondary units (if selected in Options, Display). The distance displayed is the sensor depth from the surface.

3. Press Store to save the reading.

Press Esc if you do not want to save the reading.

36 z Profile Probes Moisture Meter User Manual 4.0

Roo ting

Dept h

100

Se n so r

Dept h

Memory Full?

The Store option becomes unavailable when memory is full (or corrupted). In this case upload the readings to your PC using HH2Read Retrieve, then, using Options,

Data, Erase (via the keypad), delete the readings in the HH2.

Upload Data to PC

From the main Options menu select Remote and press Set.

The rest of the work is done from your PC keyboard. If not yet installed, install HH2Read on your PC as described on page 60. Connect the PC to your Moisture Meter as explained on page 61. Run HH2Read and select its Retrieve command as described on page 65. The end result is your data is saved to file in a comma separated (.CSV) format as shown on page 70.

Then What?

Having got your readings safely stored on your PC, what do you do with the results?

The .CSV files can be loaded directly into spreadsheet packages like Microsoft Excel for analysis and graphing.

The Dataset Import Wizard provided with HH2Read enables you to import this .CSV file into Excel in a much more controlled and organised way. See page Dataset Import Wizard on page68

Further manipulation of the data into irrigation management graphs or reports is beyond the scope of this manual.

Profile Probes z 37

38 z Profile Probes Moisture Meter User Manual 4.0

WET Sensor

Contents:

About WET Sensors Menu Navigation Map Options WET Options Summary Reading the WET Sensor

About WET Sensors

The WET sensor's name comes from Water content, Electrical conductivity and Temperature.

WET sensors directly measure soil permittivityε, bulk electrical conductivity (denoted

or ECb) and Temperature. From these, and with the use of specific soil calibration

tables and equations, the HH2 calculates volumetric soil moisture θ, and pore water conductivity σ

The WET sensor is used in precision horticulture and soil science research and is usable in both soils and a variety of artificial growing substrates, such as rock wool. It is unique in its ability to measure pore water conductivity - which is the conductivity directly available to the plant (indicating, for instance, the availability of nutrients in solution).

Quick Start

On first configuring the HH2 for use with a WET Sensor- install the sensor calibration into the HH2 via your PC using HH2Read. Select Options, Device, WET. Connect the device, press Read and Store to take and save a reading.

Install WET Sensor Calibration

A calibration file is provided on diskette with each WET Sensor.

1) Identify your sensor serial number. This can be found on the blue rubber sleeve attached to your WET sensor cable.

Example: If serial number is WET-1/020 then calibration file name is WET01020.cal.

2) Connect the HH2 to your PC using the serial cable.

3) Run the PC program HH2Read. (You need version 1.82 or later.)

4) Select Install, Sensors Calibration, WET Sensor.

5) Insert the diskette containing the calibration file, select it via the Open dialogue and press Return.

In a few minutes the program should report the calibration file successfully installed.

Options

Device

Press Set at the start-up or readings screen to display the Options menu. Scroll down to Device using the up t and down u keys and press Set.

Options: v Device

Scroll down to WET and press Set -

Device: v WET

Press Esc to return to the start-up screen

This sensor should now appear on the start-up screen, and re-appear at start-up if you turn the power off.

WET Sensor z 41

Data Menu

Select Options, Data to see this menu.

Plot ID

You can label each reading with a Plot ID.

Options: - A to Z. Default: A.

Select Options, Data, Plot ID. Scroll through the options, and press Set to select one. Press Esc to return to the main menu.

Sample

A sample number is automatically assigned to each reading. It automatically increments by one each time you store a reading. Options: 1 to 2000. Default : 1.

Select Options, Data, Sample. Select a number and press Set. Press Esc to return to the main menu.

Device ID

You may label readings with a Device ID.

Options: 0 to 255. Default: 0

Select Options, Data, Device ID. Select a number and press Set. Press Esc to return to the main menu.

Root Depth

This is needed if you want soil moisture deficit ( mmDef under Options, Display).

Options: 0 .. 9950 mm. Default : O

Select Options, Data Root Depth. Select a number and press Set. Press Esc to return to the main menu.

Sensor Depth

Readings can be labelled with the soil depth.

Options: 0 .. 9950 mm. Default : O

Select Options, Data Sensor Depth. Select a number and press Set. Press Esc to return to the main menu.

42 z WET Sensor Moisture Meter User Manual 4.0

Soil Type

WET sensors require a soil type to be selected, because the soil moisture calculation uses a soil-specific calibration table.

Tables for the standard soils listed below are pre- installed in the HH2. You can install 5 custom tables using your own soil calibration data if you have any. Support for special horticultural soils may be purchased. To install these you need to return your HH2 to Delta-T. Please contact us first for shipping instructions.

Options: Standard soil calibrations - Mineral, Organic, Clay, Sand.

Custom soil calibration - Custom 1, Custom 2, Custom 3, Custom 4, Custom 5.

WET-ST1 table - Coir, Peat-based, Mineral wool v, Mineral wool h, Glass wool h, Min g/h soil, Pot soils. (See WET User Manual).

WET-GS1 table - Stonewool h & Stonewool v. (See WET User Manual).

Select Options, Soil Type Select a soil and press Set.

Soil Set-Up

b0 and b1

These can only be changed for Custom Soils installed by the user. Refer to your WET User manual for the significance of these settings

Options: b0 1.0...2.0 Default : 1.0 b1 1.0...8.5 Default : 7.0

Select Options, Soil Set-Up, b0 Select a soil and press Set.

Parameter

The soil parameter represents the soil permittivity for which the bulk conductivity is zero. It is non zero because dry soils are polarisable. Refer to your WET User manual for more information.

Options: 1.0...4.0 Default : 4.1

Select Options, Soil Set-Up, Parameter Select a value and press Set.

Field Capacity

A value for the Field Capacity must be set if you want to display soil moisture deficit. See also: "Water Deficit Explained" on page 103. "Field Water Capacity Values" on page 106.

Options: 0...1 Default: 0.38 m

Select Options, Soil Set-Up, Capacity Select a value and press Set.

3.m-3

WET Sensor z 43

Units

Conductivity and water content readings can be displayed in a range of units.

Conductivity

Options: mS.m

-1

, mS.cm-1, µS.cm

-1

Select Options, Units, Conductivity. Scroll to your option and press Set.

Water Content

3.m-3

Options : m

, %vol.

Select Options, Units, Water Content Scroll to your option and press Set.

Display

Use this menu to select the different physical quantities which are to be recorded each time you press read.

Options:

WET meaning or

WET EC

plus bulk electrical conductivity and bulk permittivity. or WET mmDef meaning plus soil moisture deficit.

Water content, pore Electrical conductivity and Temperature

. meaning Water content, pore Electrical conductivity and Temperature

b εb

Water content, pore Electrical conductivity and Temperature

44 z WET Sensor Moisture Meter User Manual 4.0

Compensation

Readings of electrical conductivity can be temperature compensated if required. For some applications it is useful to know the true electrical conductivity at the measurement temperature. In that case uncompensated readings are required, and this is the default for the HH2.

For most applications the electrical conductivity is a means of estimating the ionic content of the pore water, and for these applications it is necessary to compare readings after they have been adjusted to a standard temperature.

Unfortunately this isn’t straightforward because:

• 20°C and 25°C are both used as standards,

• The temperature compensation percentage depends on the particular mixture of

ions present in the pore water. For example:

ion temperature sensitivity of EC*

½ Ca

P2O

2.1

1.9

2.1

1.5

1.9

1.8

1.5

not known

* The values quoted are approximate for 25°C.

The choice of standard temperature and compensation % will depend on what is commonly used for comparison purposes within your application.

Temperature

Options: None, 25 °C, 20 °C Default: None.

Select Options, Compensation, Temperature. Scroll and press Set to select one. Press Esc to return to the main menu.

Percent

Options: -1.0 to 4.0% Default: 2.0%

Select Options, Compensation, Percent. Scroll and press Set to select one.

Press Esc to return to the main menu.

WET Sensor z 45

Date and Time

See Setting the Clock on page 12.

Status

The Options, Status menu displays the Resources and Versions sub-menus.

Resources

Mem: shows % of HH2 memory available for further readings. Batt: shows remaining battery life. Readings# : shows number of readings in HH2 memory.

Version

This shows the version number of the HH2 firmware, i.e. the embedded control program, and also of any installed sensor and soil tables.

Remote

Select Options, Remote to connect to the PC.

WET Options Summary

Menu Actions, Notes, (factory default values in bold)

Data Plot Id Sets Plot Label, A..Z Sample Sets Sample Number, 1..2000 Device Id Sets Device ID, 0..255 Root Depth Sets Rooting Depth, 0..9950mm Sensor Depth Sets Sensor Depth, 0..9999mm Erase No (cancels the action), Yes (erases all stored readings)

Device Selects the device for subsequent readings.

Soil Type Selects the soil type for WET sensor readings.

Soil Set-Up Sets the properties of the various WET soil types.

Custom 1..n,

Organic, Mineral, Custom 1..n

b0 (Custom 1..n only) Sets b0 for Custom 1..n, 1.0..2.0 b1 (Custom 1..n only) Sets b1 for Custom 1..n, 7.0..8.5 Parameter Sets Soil Parameter, 1.0..4.1..9.0 Capacity Sets Field Capacity, 0..0.38..1 m3.m

Units Selects the units for displaying and storing WET readings.

Conductivity Selects the Conductivity units.

Water Content Selects the Wetness units.

Display Selects the values to be displayed and stored for WET

Compensation

Temperature Sets the temperature to which conductivity readings are

Percent Sets the % temperature compensation, -1.0..2.0..4.0%

Date and Time Displays and sets the date and time

Set Date Date screen

Set Time Time screen

Status Displays status information

Resources Resources screen

Versions Versions screen

Remote Connecting to PC screen

Options : SM200, ML1, ML2, EQ1, EQ2, PR2, PR1, PRSpecial; also WET if WET calibration is installed

Options: Organic, Mineral, Clay, Sand, Custom 1..5; also Stonewool v & Stonewool h (WET-ST1 option) also Coir, Peat-based, Min g/h soil & Pot soil (WET-GS1)

-3

Options : mS.m

Options : m

3.m-3

-1

, mS.cm-1, µS.cm

, %vol

-1

readings. Options : WET, WET EC

, WET mmDef

b εb

adjusted. Options : None, 20°C, 25°C

WET Sensor z 47

Reading the WET Sensor

Before Taking Readings

Check the following.

1. Install your WET sensor calibration table in the HH2 using HH2Read.

2. Set the Device type to WET.

3. Select the Plot ID, Device ID, Root Depth and Sensor Depth (all optional).

4. Set the Field Capacity (Soil Set-Up menu) if you want soil moisture deficit.

5. Set the Sample number (optional, it auto increments).

6. Set the Display and Units.

7. Set the type of temperature Compensation you want, if any.

8. Set the Date and Time if you have not done so for a few weeks.

9. Connect the HH2 to the sensor.

To take Readings

1. Press Read on the HH2 keypad.

If successful the meter displays the reading, e.g.

WET Store?

8.9%vol vWet

2. Scroll to view the other readings.

3. Press Store to save the readings, or press Esc.

4. Press Read for the next reading.

Memory Full?

The Store option becomes unavailable when memory is full (or corrupted). In this case upload the readings to your PC using HH2Read, Retrieve, then, using Options,

Data, Erase (via the keypad), delete the readings in the HH2.

48 z WET Sensor Moisture Meter User Manual 4.0

Upload Data to PC

From the main Options menu select Remote and press Set.

Then What?

Having got your readings safely stored on your PC, what do you do with the results?

The .CSV files can be Opened in Microsoft Excel for analysis and graphing.

A Dataset Import Wizard is provided with HH2 Read to help you Import data files into Excel in a much more controlled and organised way. For more on the Dataset Import Wizard see page 68.

Further manipulation of the data into irrigation management graphs or reports is beyond the scope of this manual.

WET Sensor z 49

50 z WET Sensor Moisture Meter User Manual 4.0

Contents:

About Equitensiometers Navigation Map Options EQ2 Options Summary Reading the Equitensiometer

Equitensiometers

About Equitensiometers

Equitensiometer type EQ2 measures the negative pressure (or suction) required to extract water from between the matrix of soil particles. This is an important indication of plant water stress. See also the Glossary.

Equitensiometer readings are normally given in kPa, but the HH2 only displays the output in mV. Once readings are uploaded to your PC you may derive the soil matric potential (in kPa) using the unique linearisation table supplied with each sensor, as described in its User Manual.

When the Moisture Meter wants a reading it applies an excitation voltage for as long as it is needed. The excitation voltage, taken from the meter’s internal battery, stimulates the Equitensiometer into taking a reading and producing an output signal in mV.

Equitensiometers z 51

Esc

WAKE

SLEEP

Delta-T Devices Moisture Meter

Set

ML2 Store?

Read

47.5%Vol

Store Esc

Set

Esc

the item

Select

Wake or Sleep Escape

to the previou

higher menu

ML2

Esc

Options

Data

Device

Date and Time

Status

Remote

Data Device Connecting Status Date and Time

Plot ID ML1 to PC R esources Set Date

Sample SM200 Versions Set Time

Device ID ML2

Sensor Depth

Erase PR1

EQ1

PR2 Mem 100% Batt 97%

PR- Speci al Read ings #25 0

WET

47.5%vol

Set

Resources

Version

Firmware

ML1 Table

ML2 Table

PR1 Table

WET Calib'n

Read

#,#

Equitensiometer Navigation Map

Previous, current

Average

Scroll

value

change

6/10/05

52 z Equitensiometers Moisture Meter User Manual 4.0

Quick Start

Select Options, Device, EQ2. All readings are in mV. Connect the EQ2 Press Read and Store to take and save a reading.

See also: Options Summary on page 55. Reading the Equitensiometer on page 56.

Options

Device

Selects the device to be used for the next reading.

Press Set at the start-up or readings screen to display the main Options menu. Using the up tand down u keys, scroll down to Device and press Set.

Options: v Device

Scroll down to EQ2 using the up and down keys and press Set.

Device v EQ2

Press Esc to return to the start-up screen or last reading.

The selected EQ2 should now appear on the start-up screen, and re-appear at startup when the HH2 awakes after sleeping.

Equitensiometers z 53

Data Menu

Select Options, Data to see this menu.

Plot ID

You can label each reading with a Plot ID.

Options: - A to Z. Default: A.

Select Options, Data, Plot ID. Scroll through the options, and press Set to select one. Press Esc to return to the main menu.

Sample

A sample number is automatically assigned to each reading. It automatically increments by one each time you store a reading.

Options: 1 to 2000. Default: 1.

Select Options, Data, Sample. Select a number and press Set. Press Esc to return to the main menu.

Device ID

You may label readings with a Device ID.

Options: 0 to 255. Default: 0

Select Options, Data, Device ID. Select a number and press Set. Press Esc to return to the main menu.

Sensor Depth

Readings can be labelled with the soil depth.

Options: 0 .. 9950 mm. Default : O Select Options, Data Sensor Depth. Select a number and press Set. Press Esc to return to the main menu.

Date and Time

See Setting the Clock on page 12.

54 z Equitensiometers Moisture Meter User Manual 4.0

Status

The Options, Status menu displays the Resources and Version sub-menus:

Resources

Mem: shows % of HH2 memory available for further readings. Batt: shows remaining battery life. Readings # : shows number of readings in HH2 memory.

Version

This shows the version number of the HH2 firmware, i.e. the embedded control program, and also of any installed sensor and soil tables.

Remote

Select Options, Remote to connect to the PC. See also : Connect PC to HH2 on page 61

Equitensiometer Options Summary

Main Menu Sub Menu Values Default (Factory)

Data Plot ID A..Z last (A)

Sample 1..2000 last (1)

Device ID 0..255 last (0)

Sensor Depth 0..9950 mm last (0)

Erase Yes/No No (not applicable)

Device ML1 - ML2

SM200

ML2 - -

PR1 - Direct - -

PR1 - Access - -

PR1-SP-Direct - -

PR1-SP-Access - -

EQ2

Date and Time Set Date dd/mm/yy * 01/01/2000

Set Time hh:mm:ss 00:00:00

Status - - -

Remote - - -

Notes

* Date order format is automatically set by your PC when you set the time using the

data collection software HH2Read.

The HH2 reverts to the default values if power is lost for more than 30 seconds.

Equitensiometers z 55

Reading the Equitensiometer

Before taking readings

1. Select Options, Device, EQ2

2. Connect it to the HH2.

To take Readings

1. Press Read on the HH2 keypad.

If successful the meter displays the reading, e.g.

EQ2 Store? 315 mV

Reading ready for saving or deleting

2. Press Store to save the readings, or press Esc.

3. Press Read for the next reading

Press Esc if you do not want to save the reading. It will still show on the display but has not been saved.

Can't Store Readings?

The Store option becomes unavailable when memory is full (or corrupted). In this case upload the readings to your PC using HH2Read, then, using Options, Data, Erase (via the keypad), delete the readings in the HH2.

Upload Data to PC

From the main Options menu select Remote and press Set.

Then What?

Having got your readings safely stored on your PC, what do you do with the results?

The .CSV files can be opened by Microsoft Excel for analysis and graphing.

A Dataset Import Wizard is provided with HH2Read to help you import data files into Excel in a much more controlled and organised way. For more on the Dataset Import Wizard see page 68.

Further manipulation of the data into irrigation management graphs or reports is beyond the scope of this manual.

Equitensiometers z 57

Memory use

Stored readings

To see the number of readings taken and memory used, select Options, Status, Resources.

The number of readings you can save depends on what device and what menu options you select and how often you change them.

How Many Readings Can I Take?

The number of readings depends on how much information you change each time you take a reading, on which device you are using, and on how many different reading units you elect to display and save.

For maximum and minimum numbers of readings for various configuration changes and sensors see "Maximum Number of Readings" on page 83.

Optimising Memory

More readings can be saved if you if you only select one, not two, sets of engineering units under Options, Display.

You may change Sample, in the Option, Data for each reading without affecting the total number of readings. (The Sample number automatically increases by one otherwise anyway).

To get the most readings try to group all your options together.

Do not worry too much about memory use, the actual memory overhead of changing a single option is quite small, typically 0.06%.

No additional penalty is incurred if you change your mind before pressing the Store button. Changing a configuration only affects memory when a reading is stored. If you change the configuration for soil 10 times but only store the reading after those 10 changes, only the last change is stored so memory is only used once.

When you change any option Sample, then extra lines are inserted in the data record saved to the PC. Next time you press Store, the row by row sequence of readings eventually sent to your PC is disrupted by the insertion of 9 rows of header information summarising all the options (plus 2 blank rows) . This can be seen in the example output file shown on page 72 in which the units (Display option) were changed after the fourth reading. If you do this too often it could make life more complicated later when you come to interpret the data. It also consumes memory.

other than the Data options -Device ID, Plot ID or

58 z Memory use Moisture Meter User Manual 4.0

How do I erase readings?

The readings stored in the HH2 should be erased once you have successfully uploaded them to your PC.

The data is erased via the keypad, not from the PC.

Select Options, Data, Erase.

The default setting is No. Scroll up for Yes and press Set.

To inspect the results of your action select Options, Resources, Status. This will display the amount of memory used and the number of sets of readings in memory.

What happens when the meter runs out of memory?

Once memory is full you can take readings but you cannot save them. A message is displayed saying "memory full".

To save further readings you should first upload the stored readings to your PC using the PC program HH2Read, Retrieve.

Then erase the readings in the HH2 - see above.

Memory use z 59

PC Software - HH2Read

Introduction

Use HH2Read to collect data from your HH2 Moisture Meter. Readings are saved to a file on your PC, in a comma separated format. This can be viewed and graphed by loading it into Excel or similar spreadsheet packages.

HH2Read can also do the following:

• Set the time of the HH2 Moisture Meter.

• Display memory and battery status.

• Display the status of the linearisation tables.

• Send linearisation tables to the meter.

Installation

HH2Read runs on Windows 95 to XP .

To install the software on your PC:

1. Insert the distribution disk in your CD drive.

2. If Autorun is enabled on your PC your CD will automatically start to lead you through the installation process.

If Autorun is not enabled start the install program as follows

1. From the Start menu select Settings, Control Panel

2. In Control Panel select Add/Remove Programs

3. In Add/Remove Programs, Properties select the Install/Uninstall tab.

4. Click Install, and follow the on–screen instructions

The software will install onto your PC, placing an entry for this application in your Programs menu.

You can now install an Excel add-in called Dataset Import Wizard, see page 68.

Note: if you have problems installing your software, then make a note of exactly what happened and record all error messages which are reported. See the Technical Support section at the rear of this manual for details of how to obtain help with installation problems.

60 z PC Software - HH2Read Moisture Meter User Manual 4.0

Connect PC to HH2

Attach the 25 to 9 way adapter to the HH2 Moisture Meter.

Plug the RS232 cable into this adapter and into serial port COM1 or COM2 of your PC. (If your PC does not have a COM port with a 9-way D connector, purchase a USBRS232 adapter and install it on your PC).

Select Remote from the HH2 Options menu. The HH2 should display "Connecting to PC"

Run HH2Read on your PC.

The applications main window should appear, as follows

The software has 6 menus at the top of the application window and matching buttons within the window itself.

Select Settings, COM1 or COM2.

Test the Connection

Press the Version button on the HH2Read window.

The following screen should appear:

The HH2 firmware version should be

2.3 or later.

PC Software - HH2Read z 61

Whenever you send a request for information to the HH2 Moisture Meter it is also asked to report its internal clock.

Initially the clock display appears blank.

When the HH2 has finished dealing with the original request, the date and time should appear at lower left on the HH2Read window, looking something like this:

Typical date time display

The particular date time order will reflect your computer's Regional Settings, accessed from your Control Panel via the Start, Settings menu.

Once the HH2 has successfully received and processed a command or message from the PC it will display "Connected to PC"

The HH2 - PC link is now ready.

Trouble Shooting

If you have problems with the PC software communicating with the meter then see PC Communications Problems on page 86.

62 z PC Software - HH2Read Moisture Meter User Manual 4.0

HH2Read Menus

View Menu

This menu duplicates the left-hand row of buttons, giving information about the HH2 Moisture Meter:

• Firmware Version

• Battery Voltage

• Memory Available

• Table Status

Version

Select View, Version to display the current version of the firmware, that is, the software embedded in the microprocessor in the Moisture Meter.

This is normally only needed when an upgrade or technical support is being considered.

Battery

Select View, Battery to display the meter's battery status.

Memory

Select View, Memory to display the number of readings stored and the total available.

Available memory

During any given field session the available memory depends on how many times you change the meter settings.

The size of the memory also depends on whether you are using a Profile Probe - which contains many sensors, or a device such as an ML2, with a single sensor.

See also: Maximum Number of Readings on page 83.

Table Status

Select View, Table Status to show what linearisation tables are loaded and their status.

Note: Equitensiometers do not have a table.

If your table is faulty the HH2 will replace it with the default table.

See Linearisation Tables Format, page 76, for guidance on correcting faulty tables.

PC Software - HH2Read z 63

Settings Menu

This menu allows you to select the COM port (1 or 2) and to set the clock.

COM1 and COM2

Use the Settings, COM1 or COM2 command to identify the serial communications port of your PC. This requires a 9-pin D connector at the back of your PC for your RS232 cable. (If you do not have one, get and install a USB to RS232 converter).

Clock

The Settings, Clock command displays the Set Clock dialog.

The current date and time setting for your computer is displayed in grey, and the Set to System box is checked.

The date and time format may be different, depending on the Regional Settings for your computer.

To accept your computer system clock date and time, click on OK. This resets the Moisture Meter clock to the same date and time.

To choose a different date or time, clear the Set to System check box to disable it.

The date and time selection boxes will now appear bold, in black and white, as follows:

To change the date and time, use your mouse, and/or the left, right, up and down keys and the tab key.

To change the date you can click on the date select symbol :

This displays the calendar:

64 z PC Software - HH2Read Moisture Meter User Manual 4.0

The date selection calendar

Select the desired date using your mouse, and also, or alternatively, use the left, right, up and down keys.

Either click on a date with the mouse or highlight it with the arrow keys and press return.

To change the time, use the mouse or tab and left or right arrow keys to select a particular field, i.e. months, and the up and down keys to change it.

This method can also be used for the date.

Click on OK on the Date Time dialog to send your chosen date and time to the Moisture Meter.

The updated date and time will appear at the bottom of the HH2Read window.

Note on Day, Month, Year Order

The day, month, year order and date format displayed in HH2Read reflects the regional settings for your computer system. To change this, open Regional Settings via the Start Menu, Settings, Control Panel.

Retrieve Menu and Button

This command collects all stored readings from the Moisture Meter and saves them to file on your PC.

Prior to collecting the data the following Save As dialog appears. If you accept the default and press Return it will save to a file called hh2read.CSV in the same directory as your HH2Read program.

It may be better to save your data into a different directory with a more descriptive file name.

When finished, a message appears indicating that the data was collected successfully.

Data is saved to file in a comma separated (.CSV) format. It can be viewed, analysed and graphed by spreadsheet packages such as Microsoft Excel. See also: Dataset Import Wizard - on page 68.

The .CSV dataset file also contains linearisation tables, soil calibration tables and other Moisture Meter settings.

PC Software - HH2Read z 65

Tools Menu

From this menu you can select Debug.

Install Menu

Use this menu to install sensor tables. There are two types:

Profile Probes and ThetaProbes have analogue outputs. Linearisation tables, with filenames ending in ".Lin" are provided for the HH2 to convert the analogue mV output into readings. Tables are permanently installed in the HH2 for use by all SM200, ML1, ML2, PR1 and PR2 probes.

WET sensors have digital outputs. Unique calibrations tables are provided on disk for each individual sensor, with file names ending in ".Cal". Only one digital sensor can be installed at any one time.

On one field trip you can read many SM200, ML1, ML2, PR1 & PR2 probes, but you can only read one WET.

Install, Linearisation Table

Options: SM200,, ML1, ML2, PR1, PR2, PR-Special.

Linearisation tables for all these devices are permanently installed in the HH2 microprocessor. These are not lost in the event of battery failure.

Only install new tables to the HH2 if you wish to replace the default tables by your own custom tables - e.g. for unusual soils.

1. Connect your HH2 to your PC as described on page 61.

2. Select a device e.g. Install, Linearisation Table, PR2 to display a Windows

Open dialog.

3. Select the required table e.g.PR2.Lin.

The table will be parsed for correctness and if acceptable, installed.

Once installed, the Meter will be able to display readings for that device (once selected e.g. using Options, Device, PR2).

Note: Tables must conform strictly to the format, described below under Linearisation Tables.

Copies of the default factory set linearisation tables are supplied as separate files on the HH2Read software disk, as follows

SM200.LIN ML1.LIN ML2.LIN PR1.LIN PR2.LIN PR-SPECIAL.LIN

See also: Linearisation Tables Format on page 74.

Note: The file PR-SPECIAL.LIN is just a copy of the PR1 table. In the HH2 the PRSPECIAL option is provided as a placeholder for you to add your own, custom Profile Probe sensor table. (Some PR1 users found this useful as a work-around for

66 z PC Software - HH2Read Moisture Meter User Manual 4.0

“difficult“ soils i.e. in which the use of custom soil coefficients a0 and a1 was insufficient.)

Install, Sensor Calibration

Installs calibration information for a particular WET sensor.

Options: WET

A unique calibrations table is provided on disk for each individual sensor, with file names ending in ".Cal". Only one digital sensor can be installed at any one time.

1. Connect your HH2 to your PC as described on page 61.

2. Select a device e.g. Install, Linearisation Table, WET to display a Windows Open dialog.

3. Select the required table e.g.WET201023.Cal.

Once the sensor calibration is installed, the HH2 will be able to display readings providing the device is selected from the keypad (e.g. using Options, Device, WET).

Note: WET sensor calibrations cannot be altered by the user.

Note: Soil specific calibration tables for the WET sensor cannot be installed by the user, only by Delta-T.

Help Menu

Selecting Help will show information about the version of this software.

Dataset Import Wizard

This PC program assists importing saved datasets into Microsoft Excel™. It is good for quick graphs, and for managing large amounts of data.

It is not an irrigation management program, but if you are comfortable with Excel you can do quite a lot with it. For instance, you can customise Excel to create weekly graphs of water content vs. depth - some people use this to help find the Refill Point.

To install Dataset Import Wizard into Excel

Set Macro security

Before installing on PCs using XP, 2003 or later, ensure macro security is set to medium or lower – as follows:-

Start Excel and select Tools, Options, select Security Tab, Macro Security, and select medium or low then ok. (Medium displays warning and option to disable macro before it runs).

To install the Wizard into Excel

Select Start menu, Programs, HH2Read, Install Dataset Import Wizard.

Dataset Import Wizard should report that it has installed itself. The Excel File menu should now contain an additional command, Import Dataset(s). It will remain in the File menu, available each time you start Excel.

To Import Data into Excel

Before running the Wizard, retrieve and save a dataset file to your PC - see Upload Data to PC on page 13

Then go to Excel, select File, Import Dataset(s) to display the opening page of the Dataset Import Wizard, select the Import Data from Dataset File(s) option.

(Continued on next page)

68 z Dataset Import Wizard Moisture Meter User Manual 4.0

Note: Dataset Import Wizard will not import data directly from the HH2.

Always use HH2Read, Retrieve first to save the data as a .CSV file on your PC first, and import that.

To manually install Dataset Import Wizard

Try this if the automatic installation process does not work.

Start Excel and select Tools, Add-Ins.

In the Add-Ins dialog, click Browse and select DTImpWiz.xll in your

C:\Program Files\Common Files\Delta-T directory.

Dataset Import Wizard should report that it has installed itself. The Excel File menu should now contain an additional command, Import Dataset(s), which starts the Dataset Import Wizard. It will remain in the File menu, available each time you start Excel.

References

See "Dataset Import Wizard Notes for HH2 Users" installed on your PC with HH2Read as a .PDF file.

In the Examples folder under HH2Read inspect the following:-

PR1 Example Book 1.xls shows what the wizard can do with Profile Probe data. Just accepting the wizard default settings will produce time series graphs.

PR1 Example Book 2.xls shows how you can simplify the data, make it easier to plot, and create a simple graph of water content vs. depth.

Click on Help when running the Dataset Import Wizard.

Note: the online Help was written primarily for DL2e data logger users. It has not been updated to support HH2. The wizard can import data directly from DL2e, data loggers, but will not directly import data from the HH2. (Use HH2Read, Retrieve to save the data as a .CSV file on your PC first, and import that.)

Dataset Import Wizard z 69

CSV Data File Layout

The following shows a sample of the data from an HH2 Moisture Meter, saved as a .CSV file using HH2Read, Retrieve, and opened in Microsoft Excel using the File, Open command. The values here are not representative of expected soil moisture values. This is a demonstration of the format of the data output to a .CSV file.

The first information collected from the meter are calibration table values, followed by the values of all settings in the meter when the first reading was taken.

Subsequent readings appear in each row until the data runs out or one of the meter settings is changed e.g. the Device or Display options are changed.

If the settings are changed, then all the settings information is collected from the meter again and output to the .CSV file before the subsequent reading values appear in each row.

This example file shows all the output for the following devices:

SM200 ThetaProbes types ML1 & ML2 Profile Probes type PR1 & PR2 Equitensiometers type EQ2

The .CSV data files for the following device is similar but does not include the calibration table:

WET Sensor type WET

Note : The layout is modified if you import the .CSV data file in Excel using the Dataset Import Wizard. Some indication of the difference is shown under "Layout of Profile Probe Readings" below.

See also the on-line document "Dataset Import Wizard Notes for HH2 Users" installed on your PC with HH2Read.

See also “Note for Ls2Win users: upgrading Dataset Import Wizard.” on page 91

70 z CSV DatTaT File Layout Moisture Meter User Manual 4.0

Data File : Part 1 - Header

Delta-T Devices. HH2 Data Record

Versions: PC Software: 2.1 HH2 Firmware: 2.3

Table >> ML1 1.0 ML2 1.0 P R1 2.0 PR-SPECIAL PR2 1.1 SM200 1.2

Units >> mV Sq.Rt.E mV Sq.Rt.E mV Sq.R t.E mV Sq.Rt.E mV Sq.Rt.E mV Sq.Rt.E

0 1 0 1 25 1.02 25 1.02 80 1.004 0 1.011

Soil >> Organic Mineral Soil 1 Soil 2 Soil 3 Soil 4 Soil 5

A0 >> 1.3 1.6 1 1 1 1 1

A1 >> 7.7 8.4 7 7 7 7 7

Field Capacity 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38

Ready Read y Ready Read y Ready Ready

68 1.476 90 1.59 50 1.23 50 1.23 126 1.115 30 1.453

101 1.621 220 2.21 75 1.47 75 1.47 280 1.682 60 1.842

137 1.792 360 2.77 100 1.73 100 1.73 480 2.369 90 2.179

201 2.089 480 3.17 125 2 125 2 573 2.755 120 2.473

458 3.154 590 3.58 150 2.28 150 2.28 665 3.211 150 2.729

553 3.556 690 3.99 175 2.55 175 2.55 745 3.67 180 2.956

658 4.014 800 4.52 200 2.82 200 2.82 803 4.06 220 3.218

764 4.489 900 5.05 225 3.08 225 3.08 847 4.415 260 3.446

933 5.416 1000 5.85 250 3.36 250 3.36 882 4.759 310 3.701

1000 5.837 1050 6.8 275 3.64 275 3.64 912 5.117 400 4.102

1100 8.964 1110 8.96 300 3.96 300 3.96 938 5.493 600 4.956

0 0 0 0 325 4.32 325 4.32 961 5.891 820 5.939

0 0 0 0 350 4.76 350 4.76 982 6.321 960 6.571

0 0 0 0 375 5.29 375 5.29 1001 6.775 1040 6.96

0 0 0 0 400 5.94 400 5.94 1019 7.274 1100 7.29

0 0 0 0 425 6.75 425 6.75 1035 7.781 1150 7.61

0 0 0 0 450 7.75 450 7.75 1050 8.32 1200 7.982

0 0 0 0 475 8.96 475 8.96 1065 8.926 1220 8.205

0 0 0 0 500 8.96 500 8.96 1080 9.609 1800 9

Placedholder for PR-Special tabl e

Typical layout obtained after importing the .CSV data file into Microsoft Excel:

Note: Five sets of linearisation tables appear in the header, even if you are only using one sensor. In addition to tables for ML1 and ML2, three tables are supplied for Profile Probes.

PR-Special is a placeholder for installing a possible additional table. It contains a copy of the PR1 table. See also: “

Install, Linearisation Table” on page 66

CSV DatTaT File Layout z 71

Data File : Part 2 - Meter Settings and Readings

Soil >> Organic Mineral Soil 1 Soil 2 Soil 3 Soil 4 Soil 5

A0 >> 2.1 2.1 1.4 1.6 1.5 0 0

A1 >> 7.7 8.4 7 7 7 7 7 Field Capacity 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38

Device >> ML1

Root Depth >> 700

Sensor Depth >> 0

Soil >> Organic

Time Sample Plot Device m3.m-3 Error mV Error

28/03/2001 17:00:44 1 a 0 31.1 311.4 A

28/03/2001 17:01:44 2 b 2 31.1 311.4 A

28/03/2001 17:02:44 3 c 3 31.1 311.4 A

28/03/2001 17:03:44 4 d 4 31.1 311.4 A

Soil >> Organic Mineral Soil 1 Soil 2 Soil 3 Soil 4 Soil 5

A0 >> 2.1 2.1 1.4 1.6 1.5 0 0

A1 >> 7.7 8.4 7 7 7 7 7 Field Capacity 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38

Device >> ML1

Root Depth >> 700

Sensor Depth >> 0

Soil >> Organic

Time Sample Plot Device mV Error

28/03/2001 17:04:44 5 A 1 501

28/03/2001 17:05:44 6 B 2 501

28/03/2001 17:06:44 7 C 3 501

28/03/2001 17:07:44 8 D 4 501

Typical ThetaProbe data file (continued from previous page). After storing 4 readings the user changed the units. A new complete copy of the meter settings is stored, and appears at this point in the file.

72 z CSV DatTaT File Layout Moisture Meter User Manual 4.0

Layout of Profile Probe Readings

Note: these readings are preceded by the Linearisation tables - as in Data File Part 1, above.

Device >> PR2

Root Depth >> 700

Sensor Depth (mm) >> 100 200 300 400 600 1000

Soil >> Organic Organic Organic Organic Organic Organic

Time Sample Plot Device mm Defi

28/03/2001 16:48:44 1 A 0 31.1 311.1 311.1 311.1 311.1 311.1 311.1

28/03/2001 16:49:44 2 B 10 31.1 311.1 311.1 311.1 311.1 311.1 311.1

28/03/2001 16:50:44 3 C 100 31.1 311.1 311.1 311.1 311.1 311.1 311.1

28/03/2001 16:51:44 4 D 255 31.1 311.1 311.1 311.1 311.1 311.1 311.1

Error mV Error mV Error mV Error mV Error mV Error mV Error

Above: typical layout if you open the CSV data file in Microsoft Excel (File, Open command) (These readings are preceded by the Linearisation tables - as in Data File Part 1, above.)

Below: typical layout if you import the .CSV data file using the Dataset Import Wizard (File, Import Datasets command). Note the changes in how the various HH2 Options have been displayed. The Plot ID, in this example- "A" is added to the labels in the first row. The Sample and Device labels still have their own columns. The sensor depth is displayed in the row called "Channel". The header row "Soil " has been dropped See also: "Dataset Import Wizard Notes for HH2 Users"

Label A.Sample A.Device A.VWC A.mV A.VWC A.mV A.VWC A.mV A.VWC A.mV Channel 100 100 200 200 300 300 400 400 Sensor Type PR1 PR1 PR1 PR1 PR1 PR1 PR1 PR1 PR1 PR1 Units m3.m-3 mV m3.m-3 mV m3.m-3 mV m3.m-3 mV

7-Jan-00 19:53:08 1 0 0.507 397 0.973 451 0.494 333 0.004 26 7-Jan-00 19:53:20 2 0 0.507 397 0.973 451 0.493 332 0.004 26 7-Jan-00 19:53:30 3 0 0.505 396 0.971 451 0.493 332 0.003 26

CSV DatTaT File Layout z 73

About Soil Parameters a0 & a1

Theory

Delta-T soil moisture sensors respond to the soil dielectric constant ε, which is strongly dependent on the water content. Several authors:- Whalley , and White, Knight, Zeggelin and Topp, have shown that there is a simple relationship between the complex refractive index (equivalent to the square root of ε ), and the volumetric water content , θ, as follows:

θε

×+= 10 aa

About a0 and a1

These soil specific parameters are unique for each soil type. They are used with a linearisation table, in the HH2, to convert the sensor output, in mV, into soil moisture readings.

Sensor Type

Sensor output

(mV)

mV vε

68 1.476

101 1.621

137 1.792

201 2.089

Linearisation Table

Square root of

permittivity

vε

Soil parameters

Soil Type Mineral 1.6 8.4 Organic 1.3 7.7 Other user * user *

user * : optional user supplied soil calibration

a0 a1

εθ

1/)0( aa−=

Volumetric

water content

74 z About Soil Parameters a0 & a1 Moisture Meter User Manual 4.0

These soil parameters are a convenient and efficient way of describing the calibration curves for different soil types without the overhead of a unique linearisation table for every different soil.

It is also a lot easier experimentally to derive an a0 and a1 for your soil than to measure the complete calibration table.

For optimum accuracy you should obtain these parameters, a0 and a1, experimentally for your soil as described in your sensor user manual. Then enter these via the Soil Set-Up menu in the HH2.

Using Default values of a0 & a1

Alternatively you can choose the Mineral or Organic option in the Soil Types sub menu. You may lose some absolute accuracy (up to ~ 4% volumetric water content) but it is easier. Mineral and Organic soil coefficients are permanently installed in the HH2 as follows:

a0 a1

Mineral soils 1.6 8.4

Organic soils 1.3 7.7

These values are derived from the paper by Roth et al 1992 – see below. The other references below trace the validation of the method.

References

1. Topp, G.C., Davis, J.L. and Annan, A.P. 1980 Electromagnetic determination of soil water. Water Resour. Res. 16(3) 574-582

2. Roth, C.H., Malicki, M.A. and Plagge, R 1992 Empirical evaluation of the relationship between soil dielectric constant and volumetric water content as the basis for calibrating soil moisture measurements. Journal of Soil Sci. 43, 1-13

3. Whalley, W.R. 1993 Considerations on the use of time-domain reflectometry (TDR) for measuring soil moisture content. Journal of Soil Sci. 44, 1-9

4. White, I., Knight, J.H., Zegelin, S.J. and Topp, G. C. 1994 Comments on “Considerations on the use of time-domain reflectometry (TDR) for measuring soil moisture content.” by W R Walley. Journal of Soil Sci. 45, 503-508

About Soil Parameters a0 & a1 z 75

Linearisation Tables Format

.LIN File Format

The HH2 linearisation table for SM200, ML1, ML2, PR1 or PR2 devices may be changed by loading a ".lin" format file from the PC using HH2Read. This facility is provided to enable Delta-T to provide updates to linearisation tables for these devices.

These tables contain pairs of mV values and values.

These are text files which you can view with any text editor, such as Notepad under Windows.

The file must be formatted as follows:

" " 2 " " " " " "

" " " " " "

Each line must be terminated with the ASCII codes for Carriage Return CR and Line Feed LF.

<Label> The first line of the file contains exactly 10 characters, including white space, describing the table - such as its name and version information - to be stored in the HH2.

<Number of Data Points n> The next line contains the number of values in the linearisation table. This must be a 2 digit integer (zero padded) to indicate the number of data point pairs in the table. It can have the value 02 to 20.

<mV Value n>,<Converted Value n> The remaining lines contain pairs of linearisation table values. There can be between 2 and 20 pairs of data points. A comma separates the two values. If there are less than 20 data point pairs then the remaining rows should be padded with zeros as shown in the example below.

<mV Value n> This represents the mV output signal from the sensor. The mV value is an integer value between 0 and 2000. The values are zero padded to ensure that they are always of the form nnnn e.g. 0013.

<Converted Value n> This represents the square root of the soil permittivity. The converted value must be a number between 0 and 999.999, to three decimal places.

, <Converted Value 1><CR><LF>

, " " 2 " "

, <Converted Value n><CR><LF>

square root of the soil permittivity

76 z Linearisation Tables Format Moisture Meter User Manual 4.0

The values are zero padded to ensure that they are always of the form nnn.nnn e.g.

001.123. See your sensor user manual for information about the mV output signal

and the soil permittivity.

The mV values must always increase from the lowest mV value first in the list, to the highest last in the list.

The converted values must only increase or decrease but not both.

A decimal point " numbers used for the Converted Values.

Example Linearisation Table:

." not a comma "," must be used as the decimal separator in the

ML1 20

mV reading, integer

0000,001.000 0068,001.476 0101,001.621 0137,001.792

Square root of soil permittivity

0201,002.089 0458,003.154 0553,003.556 0658,004.014 0764,004.489 0933,005.416 1000,005.837 1100,008.964 0000,000.000 0000,000.000 0000,000.000 0000,000.000 0000,000.000 0000,000.000 0000,000.000

0000,000.000

The HH2 contains factory set linearisation tables.

You can upgrade or change these tables with .LIN files using HH2Read.

If the meter should lose power, then the memory containing readings and these new tables will be lost and replaced by the factory set tables. In that case you will have to reload any newer tables.

Linearisation Tables Format z 77

Changing the Battery

The HH2 unit works from a single 9 V PP3 type battery.

When the battery reaches 6.6V, (about 25% left) the HH2 displays:

*Please Change Battery

On receiving the above warning, upload your data to your PC next, or replace the battery. Observe the following warnings:

WARNING 1: Disconnect your device (sensor), particularly Profile Probes, immediately on receiving this low battery warning. Failure to heed this warning could result in loss of data.

WARNING 2: Ensure the HH2 is sleeping before changing the battery.

WARNING 3: Once the battery is disconnected you have 30 seconds to replace it before all stored readings are lost.

If you do not like this prospect, be reassured that your readings are safe indefinitely, (provided that you do disconnect your sensor and you do not disconnect your battery).

If you continue to use the HH2 despite the low battery warning it will eventually stop working in order to protect saved readings. At this point it will not upload data to the PC. To recover the data now you must change the battery. Again, you must connect a new battery within 30 seconds of disconnecting the old battery before data is lost.

The meter will, when starting up after a battery change always check the state of its memory and will attempt to recover any readings held. So even if the meter has been without power for more than 30 seconds, the meter may still be able to retain any readings stored.

Readings recorded in memory and any new linearisation tables loaded by you will be lost if the memory has no power for too long. If you did add new linearisation tables (see page 66) then you will have to re-load them.

78 z Changing the Battery Moisture Meter User Manual 4.0

To Replace the Battery

Battery compartment - takes one PP3 battery

When the HH2 reaches its low point, then you will have to replace the battery. To do so, unclip the back panel by pressing downwards on the clip at the rear. You will find the connector as shown above. It can only be fitted one way.

Let the HH2 sleep then remove the current battery and replace it with a new one. You will have at least 30 seconds to replace the removed battery before the memory will be lost.

Place the newly connected battery in the compartment and refit the cover, making sure all the wires are tucked inside the case

Note: in case of problems changing the battery, it is advisable to download any readings stored in the meter before replacing the battery. However, if you are working away from a PC, then you should have enough time to replace the battery without losing any readings.

The HH2 when using a new battery can take approximately:

2000 SM200, ML2 or Equitensiometer readings 1400 PR2 readings before needing to replace the battery.

Note: this number of readings is presented as a guide only. Delta-T only guarantees this number of readings under perfect conditions. The number of readings can be reduced if the unit is kept awake, if the unit is used in temperatures which are not suitable for the battery, or if the battery has poor performance and loses power rapidly.

Changing the Battery z 79

The battery display

The battery voltage is only read when the Moisture Meter wakes up. The value shown on the display, from the Options, Status menu, is that read when the meter last read the battery voltage. The voltage is not read again until the Moisture Meter next wakes from being asleep.

Note: the Moisture Meter takes a few seconds to read the battery voltage while waking up. If you interrogate the meter with the PC software, while it is waking, then the meter will not be able to provide the battery voltage. You may also get an error report if you try to get the battery voltage from the PC. So wait a couple of seconds for it to wake up.

WARNING: when the meter measures the battery voltage, power will be applied to any attached device. Soil moisture devices supplied for use with the HH2 by Delta-T are unaffected by this. No support for non- Delta-T Devices is implied by this statement.

The Battery and Holder

The battery must be 9V PP3 type battery - do not use any other type of battery or any other power supply. The meter may be damaged by a power source not recommended by Delta-T.

Send the HH2 to sleep before changing the battery.

When replacing the battery in the battery compartment, do not pull at the battery leads because they may become disconnected inside the meter and the HH2 will have to be returned for repair.

This battery is only measured when the unit is woken, so to properly check your battery status, allow the HH2 to sleep first, then press ESC to wake it.

80 z Changing the Battery Moisture Meter User Manual 4.0

Care and Maintenance

This chapter explains some rules regarding the care and maintenance of the Moisture Meter to ensure that you can get the best performance from the meter for as long as possible.

The Case

The Moisture Meter is made of rigid plastic which is solid enough for daily use carrying around outside. It is designed to withstand everyday knocks and scrapes.

However, the case is not designed for heavy impact such as falling from a great height or being crushed by large objects.

The HH2 is poorly protected against water ingress. If the meter is partially or wholly immersed in water or is used in heavy rain, then the unit will fill with water. If water gets inside the unit, then there may be non-repairable damage with the loss of all readings recorded.

The case may be cleaned with a damp cloth. Do not use an abrasive material or chemical cleaner. These may deform the finish of the case.

The Keys and LCD Display

The keys and LCD display are designed to withstand occasional knocks and scrapes. The keys are designed for routine use over many years and the display should provide a clear image for the same period.

The LCD has a plastic screen to prevent some damage, but a direct hit from a sharp or heavy object may penetrate and damage the display.

Do not use an abrasive material or chemical cleaner to clean the display because they may damage the plastic protection, making the screen difficult to read.

25-way D-Connector

The 25-way D-connector is a male connector into which a female connector is inserted. The pins in the connector can be damaged if forced together with a damaged or dirty female D-connector.

Use of the HH2

The HH2 has been designed for use only with specified Delta-T sensors. Delta-T do not recommend its use with third party sensors and will not be responsible for any damage caused by the use of the HH2 with non-Delta-T products.

Care and Maintenance z 81

Technical Reference

Specifications

Soil moisture range Zero to saturation, 0 to 1500 mV

Measurement Accuracy

Resolution 1 mV

Memory Up to 5000 readings, see table - Maximum Number of

Battery 9V Alkaline Cell(PP3)

Battery Life 6500 readings for SM200 or ThetaProbe (typical)

Sealing/environment IP52 Protected from deposit of dust and water drops falling

Temperature range

Mechanical Shock Should survive a 1m fall, but there may be damage to the

EMC European Union EMC Directive 89/336/EEC,

Size/Weight 150 x 80 x 40 mm, 450g.

Display Panel 16 x 2 character LCD with 7 button keypad

Connector 1 x male 25 pin D connector for RS232 link to PC and also

HH2Read PC software Data Collection software for Windows PC (95…XP) on 3.5"

± (0.13% of mV reading + 1.0mV)

Readings on page 83

4500 readings for Profile Probe and Equitensiometers (typical)

at an angle of 15 degrees from the vertical on the front face only.

0 - 40 °C.

sealing of the unit which could cause leakage of water and subsequent failure.

See also Notices inside front cover & page 85

for connecting sensors. Complete with push-on protective cap.

disk. Enables data collection, saved to file in Comma Separated Format.

Dataset Import Wizard: Simplifies importing data into Microsoft Excel

82 z Technical Reference Moisture Meter User Manual 4.0

Memory

Maximum Number of Readings

Worst case Best case

PR2/6 166 782

SM200, ML1,ML2, EQ1,EQ2

WET 204 1272

Worst Case: Every possible configuration changes per reading.

Best Case: The soil configurations, and sample configurations remain static for every

reading.

Note: These figures may be out by 1 or 2 readings

227 2186

Technical Reference z 83

25-way D-connector

The Moisture Meter uses a 25-way male connector to connect to either a PC (via an RS232 cable) or to a sensor.

The following diagram indicates which of the pins on the D-connector are used for which function. The HH2 has been designed to avoid sharing pins for the sensor and PC connections to prevent accidental damage to attached equipment.

See earlier sections of this document for a detailed description of the connector accessories, which Delta-T can provide for connecting sensors to the HH2.

25-way D-connector Pin Arrangement

Note: the pins shown here are those seen from viewing the D-connector on the HH2 when holding the meter in your hand.

All other pins are unused. They are not connected within the HH2.

VBAT Power out + 13

XIO 0 unused digital I/O 12

XIO 1 unused digital I/O 11

Unused 10

Unused 9

Unused 8

Ground 7

DSR 6

CTS 5

RTS 4

RxD 3

TxD 2

Ground 1

See also 25-pin D Socket Kit on page 99.

25 AN1 Sensor 1 Voltage in (+'v e)

24 AN2 Sensor 2 Voltage in (+'v e)

23 AN3 Sensor 3 Voltage in (+'v e)

22 Unused

21 AN4 Sensor 4 Voltage in (+'v e)

20 Unused

19 Unused

18 AN5 Sensor 5 Voltage in (+'v e)

17 Unused

16 AN6 Sensor 6 Voltage in (+'v e)

15 Unused

14 A nalogue Ground

84 z Technical Reference Moisture Meter User Manual 4.0

EMC Certificate

Technical Reference z 85

Troubleshooting

Problems

To Cold Boot the HH2

1. Disconnect the battery.

2. Short out the battery connection terminals with a metal object, e.g. a screwdriver blade.

3. Reconnect the battery: snap the connector in place in a single continuous action.

4. While doing so, observe the display and ensure that:

a. the entire display blacks out b. no error messages are displayed c. the title screen 'Delta-T Devices Moisture Meter' is displayed.

PC Communications Problems

Check that the meter is showing:

Connecting

to PC

..to indicate that it is ready to receive PC requests.

Is the RS232 cable correctly fitted between the PC and HH2? Check that the cable connectors fit tightly. There may be problems with the 9-25 D adaptor at the HH2 end. You may have to try swapping with other cables or adaptors.

Are you using the right COM port? Check which serial port is used on the PC. Check that the HH2Read software is set to use that COM port.

Have you got the right type of RS232 cable? (Delta-T Sales Code HHRS2). The normal RS232 cable has female connectors at each end (and has crossed over lines between some pins). Do not confuse these with RS232 modem cables. Modem cables have male and female connectors (and are wired straight through). WET sensor will not read

(Common with WET kit users) The HH2 battery runs low and when it is changed, it is no longer possible to read the WET sensor. This can occur if the HH2 has resets itself. This can occur if you short the two battery terminal together. Solution: Reinstall the WET sensor calibration file into to the HH2. See Install WET Sensor Calibration on page 41.

WET sensor will not read certain substrates.

Your HH2 may need the WET substrate calibrations upgrade. See Install WET Sensor Calibration on page 41.

86 z Technical Reference Moisture Meter User Manual 4.0

HH2 displays ‘Sys Error’.

The most likely cause of ‘Sys Error’ is corrupted calibration values or other configuration settings. HH2 firmware (PROM) Versions earlier than 1.08 were vulnerable to corruption of calibration values if the battery was not connected cleanly. Solution: Cold Boot the HH2. See To Cold Boot the HH2 on page86 Upgrade your HH2 to v2 firmware as soon as possible. Contact Delta-T.

Readings Corrupt, Store? prompt missing

On initial power up the HH2 reports a sequence of messages such as Readings Corrupt OR, after taking a reading, the HH2 fails to display the "Store?" prompt and it is not possible to record readings. To clear the error condition cold-boot the HH2 but note that this will destroy any data that are already stored. So try to download any stored readings before proceeding (no guarantee of success if readings are corrupted). See To Cold Boot the HH2 on page86

The HH2 displays the error condition only when it first detects the error, normally on power-up, e.g. "Readings Corrupt" messages that occur when it fails to cold-boot correctly. It then patches up the error where possible, for example, restoring the default linearisation tables from ROM, and resumes quasi-normal operation. This means that it is able to take readings and doesn't report the error any more.

Error code 7 – on HH2Read

This problem is common when the RS232 cable is pulled out of the HH2 half way through downloading readings or because the HH2 has detected an error condition with some of the readings. Unfortunately if this has happened the readings can no longer be accessed and the only way to restore the HH2 will be to cold boot it.

Note: readings will be lost.

See To Cold Boot the HH2 on page86

Display is Blank

The meter will sleep when not used for more than 30 seconds. This means the display will go blank.

First check that the meter is not sleeping by pressing the Esc key. The display should become visible instantly.

If the display remains blank, then try all the keys in case one key is faulty.

If you have a voltmeter, then check the battery exceeds 5 Volts. If it drops below this value then the performance of the meter can be intermittent. If it is a long way below 5 Volts then the meter may not work at all.

Try replacing the battery.

If you are in bright light, then the display may be obscured by the light shining on the display. Try to move to a darker area or shade the display.

Technical Reference z 87

Incorrect Readings being obtained

Check the device is connected to the meter correctly.

If using a converter, then check that it is not damaged. If you have spare converters then try one of those.

If you have fitted a connector to the device yourself using the Delta-T adapter kit (type DSK1) then check that the wiring has been correctly applied and that the wiring connections are good with no interference from other connectors, for example solder applied to one wire may be touching another.

Check the sensor user manual. Check that you are using it correctly e.g. is it being inserted into the ground correctly?

Check the user manual to see if the device is being used in soil conditions which the device is incapable of measuring.

Has the meter been set up with incorrect soil moisture values e.g. a0 and a1 values may be incorrect for this soil type?

If you are getting zero for mm Deficit check you have entered a value for Root Depth.

If you are getting a negative value for mm Deficit you may be using too low a value for Field Capacity.

Has the meter been set up with the correct device?

If you have other equipment to measure the device then do so. You can check if the results are the same and hence prove whether there is a fault with the device.

Zero Readings obtained

If you are getting zero for mm Deficit check you have entered a value for Root Depth.

If the soil moisture value is always reading zero, then an additional test to those in the previous section is to check the battery.

Sensors will only return a signal voltage if the meter applies a voltage. This voltage is taken from the meter’s battery.

Check the battery voltage is above 5V. Any less and the device may not be able to take a reading.

Note: WET sensors need more than 6 V.

88 z Technical Reference Moisture Meter User Manual 4.0

Readings can't be stored

This may occur because the HH2 has detected an error. It will have reported it once and partially repaired it.

To clear the error condition cold-boot the HH2. Cold-booting will destroy any data that are already stored, so you might want to try (no guarantee of success if readings are corrupted) to download any stored readings before proceeding. See To Cold Boot the HH2 on page 86.

Meter will not sleep

If the meter is not sleeping, then check that there is no RS232 communication from the PC and that there is not a fault from the attached device which may be constantly or intermittently applying power to the meter inputs.

Meter will not respond

If the Moisture Meter appears to lock up and is not responding to key presses try disconnecting it if it is attached to a sensor or PC.

If this fails try resetting the Moisture Meter to its default values by cold-booting it.

Doing this will lose all your readings and Options settings!

See To Cold Boot the HH2 on page 86.

Error with Profile Probe

When only mm Deficit is selected, only the first Error field is used by the HH2. The others stay blank.

If an error occurs when reading any of the sensors in a Profile Probe then the Moisture Meter reports an error on the display. If you are recording mm deficit it is recommended that you change the units displayed, via the Options, Display menu, to two sets of units, i.e. mm Deficit + %vol, or mm deficit + m good readings to display and be recorded, and the Error fields will indicate the nature of the error affecting the other, faulty, sensors.

This does not fix the problem, but at least it allows you to recover the good data.

If faulty sensors exist and are all lowest in the PR2 then the HH2 will use the lowest good sensor and extrapolate down to the Root Depth to calculate mm deficit.

If a faulty sensor exists which is higher than a good sensor in the PR2 then the HH2 does not try to calculate mm Deficit, and reports an error.

3.m-3

. This will allow all

Technical Reference z 89

Zero mm Deficit

The default root depth in the HH2 is zero. If you do not enter a root depth for your soil you will get zero for mm deficit.

Do not assume that the default values for Field Capacity pre-set in the HH2 will give reliable results for your particular soil. It is much better to independently measure it enter it into the HH2. See Calculating Field Capacity on page 108.

Negative readings

Negative soil moisture readings can be obtained at very low soil moisture values.

This can be frustrating and confusing.

This can be a result of the approximation used when representing a large population of empirical test data of soil moisture vs. permittivity as a simple equation or table. The error indicates a limitation of the permittivity based methods of soil moisture measurement.

Note the impact of the soil moisture coefficient a

in the following equation when

water values are low:Water content θ = (√ε – a

) /a

where √ε is the square root of the dielectric permittivity of the soil and the soil parameters a

=1.6 and a1 =8.4 are used to represent a Mineral soil.

When √ε is less than 1.6 (i.e. in very dry soil) the meter will report a negative reading. This is a consequence of the fact that no two soils are exactly the same.

The permittivity measurement method is sufficiently good for most purposes, using generic look-up tables representative of a range of soils. Most users are happy to use the generic Mineral Soil calibration provided by us.

If necessary you may calibrate your own soil and derive and enter your own soil parameters a

and a1.

Dataset Import Wizard reports 'Unexpected error 0x80041004' in a HH2 dataset.

This is what you get when you open a HH2 dataset CSV file in Excel, then save it

using Save As... .CSV file. Although Excel saves the file according to the .CSV rules

with comma separators etc, the data you get in the file is a .CSV version of what you see on screen and is subtly different from the original file contents in certain points of detail: especially spacing and number and date/time formatting. Dataset Import Wizard expects a file format that is exactly as retrieved from the HH2, and is unable to interpret the Excel version.

90 z Technical Reference Moisture Meter User Manual 4.0

Note for Ls2Win users: upgrading Dataset Import Wizard.

If you are an Ls2Win user, you will already have an installation of Dataset Import

Wizard version 1.0. To upgrade to version 1.4, run HH2Read Setup in the normal way, then proceed as follows:

1. Start Excel and select Tools, Add-ins. In the Add-ins dialog, un-check Dataset Import Wizard and click OK. Excel reports that Dataset Import Wizard has been removed.

2. Start Windows Explorer and locate the file DtImpWiz.xll in the Ls2Win installation directory. Rename this file as DtImpWiz.xl$.

3. In Excel again, select Tools, Add-ins. In the Add-ins dialog, check Dataset Import Wizard and click OK. Excel reports that it is unable to find DtImpWiz.xll, '.do you want to remove it from the list?'. Click Yes

4. Click the Dataset Import Wizard desktop icon to install the new version. (Note that you may now have two copies of the icon, so make sure that you select the new one. You might also want to delete the old one. ) Alternatively, in the Add-ins dialog, click Browse and select the new version of DtImpWiz.xll - you will find it in Program Files\Common Files\Delta-T.

5. Finally, in Windows Explorer again, locate the renamed file DtImpWiz.xl$ and restore its original name DtImpWiz.xll.

You may also need to remove the earlier version of the Dataset Import Wizard icon from your desktop.

Technical Reference z 91

Error Messages

Error Codes

Errors detected by the HH2 are reported in retrieved data sets. Errors detected by the PC software HH2Read are reported immediately on your PC screen.

The HH2 display normally shows the reading and its units. If an error occurs during a reading, the HH2 display shows an error message. If you press Store an error code is saved with the reading. This appears in the data file when retrieved by your PC.

An error field (column) is always saved to the right of each reading saved to file, even if no errors occur.

If no error occurs it contains a single blank (space) character " ".

Error codes in retrieved data sets:

Display Code Description

Under-rng L Under-range: the reading is to low

Over-rng H Over-range: the reading is too high

Below tbl O A linearisation table passed to the HH2

has a value which is too low

Above tbl I A linearisation table passed to the HH2

has a value which is too high

Sys Error V A fault occurred in the HH2.

No Sensor C Sensor not detected – device may be

disconnected or a sensor may be faulty; Also appears with any nonstandard Profile Probe which does not have 4 or 6 sensors.

Too dry D Too dry to compute pore conductivity

reading

Corrupt R EC2/WET reading message is

corrupted

No number N Arithmetic operation resulted in an

invalid IEEE floating point value

Overflow W Arithmetic overflow

Underflow U Arithmetic underflow

No table T Table or calibration is missing

92 z Technical Reference Moisture Meter User Manual 4.0

Battery Low

Battery voltage is dangerously low - below 5.4 Volts.

Disconnect any sensor immediately and replace the battery. See Changing the Battery on page 78

The battery voltage is too low to operate. The unit will attempt to go to sleep immediately after being woken up, and cannot be operated until the battery has been changed. This is to preserve any configurations and readings stored in memory, as taking further readings or operating the units CPU may cause the unit to lose or corrupt any stored readings.

The battery is only measured when the unit is woken so to properly check your battery status allow the HH2 to sleep first, then press ESC to wake it.

Error code 7

See Error code 7 – on HH2Read on page 87.

Failed memory Full

Failed (to store readings) because memory is full.

Failed - Please erase data

Failed to store readings because an error that disables the storage of reading has occurred.

Linearisation Table Corruption

A corrupt linearization table was detected. No subsequent readings can be stored.

Readings can still be taken using the default linearisation tables, but further readings cannot be stored until all readings in memory have been erased.

See also: Readings can't be stored on page 89.

Live Sensor Connected

The HH2 cannot sleep. A sensor may be connected to one of the analogue inputs which is feeding a live voltage to the HH2. The sensor should be disconnected from the unit to allow it to go to sleep.

This error only appears where the unit wishes to enter sleep.

It can also be caused by keeping your finger on the ESC button

Technical Reference z 93

Memory Failure, Readings Corrupt, Settings Corrupt

See Readings can't be stored on page 89.

A memory error occurred. Try to save any readings to the PC.

Then select the Erase option from the Data menu and then try resetting the meter by removing battery power for at least 30 seconds.

See also To Cold Boot the HH2 on page 86.

If the problem persists please ask your supplier how to return the unit for repair.

No Sensor

“No Sensor” means that no sensor could be detected when taking a reading. This could be due to poor cabling.

No Table

“No Table” means table or calibration is missing. When the unit first initialises, or when a battery is changed and the unit reinitialises, linearisation tables for each sensor are automatically loaded by the unit. Custom tables can then be loaded by the user.

If a default table or a custom table subsequently becomes corrupt and you attempt to take a reading, the error “No Table” is displayed.

Over-range

The sampled voltage value was higher than the HH2 can handle, or the resultant soil moisture value was calculated to be greater than 1. As soil moisture is a ratio, this is reported as too high.

Please Change Battery

The battery voltage has dropped below the safety warning threshold of 6.6V.

Change your battery, (but first retrieve your data) : see Changing the Battery on page 78.

Taking further readings may add a sufficient additional load (most probably with a PR1) to the battery that will cause the voltage to drop below the CPU operational threshold. If that happens the integrity of the readings cannot be guaranteed as the lower voltage might cause the CPU to reset and/or corrupt readings.

The error is a warning only, and is displayed directly after power on and does not prevent the user using the unit in any way.

The battery is only measured when the unit is woken so to properly check your battery status allow the HH2 to sleep first, then press ESC to wake it.

Sys Error

See HH2 displays ‘Sys Error’ on page 87.

94 z Technical Reference Moisture Meter User Manual 4.0

Under-range

The sampled voltage value was lower than the HH2 can handle, or the resultant soil moisture value was calculated to be negative. As soil moisture is a ratio, this is reported as too low.

Technical Reference z 95

Warranty and Service

Terms and Conditions of Sale

Our Conditions of Sale (ref: COND: 1/00) set out Delta-T's legal obligations on these matters. The following paragraphs summarise Delta-T's position but reference should always be made to the exact terms of our Conditions of Sale, which will prevail over the following explanation.

Delta-T warrants that the goods will be free from defects arising out of the materials used or poor workmanship for a period of twelve months from the date of delivery.

Delta-T shall be under no liability in respect of any defect arising from fair wear and tear, and the warranty does not cover damage through misuse or inexpert servicing, or other circumstances beyond our control.

If the buyer experiences problems with the goods they shall notify Delta-T (or DeltaT’s local distributor) as soon as they become aware of such problem.

Delta-T may rectify the problem by supplying replacement parts free of charge, or by repairing the goods free of charge at Delta-T's premises in the UK, during the warranty period,

If Delta-T requires that goods under warranty be returned to them from overseas for repair, Delta-T shall not be liable for the cost of carriage or for customs clearance in respect of such goods. However, we much prefer to have such returns discussed with us in advance, and we may, at our discretion, waive these charges.

Delta-T shall not be liable to supply products free of charge or repair any goods where the products or goods in question have been discontinued or have become obsolete, although Delta-T will endeavour to remedy the buyer’s problem.

Delta-T shall not be liable to the buyer for any consequential loss, damage or compensation whatsoever (whether caused by the negligence of the Delta-T, our employees or distributors or otherwise) which arise from the supply of the goods and/or services, or their use or resale by the buyer.

Delta-T shall not be liable to the buyer by reason of any delay or failure to perform our obligations in relation to the goods and/or services, if the delay or failure was due to any cause beyond the Delta-T’s reasonable control.

96 z Warranty and Service Moisture Meter User Manual 4.0

Service and Spares

Users in countries that have a Delta-T Distributor or Technical Representative should contact them in the first instance.

Spare parts for our own instruments can be supplied from our works. These can normally be despatched within a few working days of receiving an order.

Spare parts and accessories for sensors or other products not manufactured by Delta-T, may have to be obtained from our supplier, and a certain amount of additional delay is inevitable.

No goods or equipment should be returned to Delta-T without first obtaining the agreement of Delta-T or our distributor.

On receipt at Delta-T, the goods will be inspected and the user informed of the likely cost and delay. We normally expect to complete repairs within a few working days of receiving the equipment. However, if the equipment has to be forwarded to our original supplier for specialist repairs or recalibration, additional delays of a few weeks may be expected

WARNING: before returning a meter to Delta-T you should collect any readings stored in the meter. If the battery should become disconnected or run down whilst in transit to Delta-T then the meter readings may be lost.

Technical Support

Technical Support is available on Delta-T products and systems. Users in countries that have a Delta-T Distributor or Technical Representative should contact them in the first instance.

Technical Support questions received by Delta-T will be handled by our Tech Support team. Your initial enquiry will be acknowledged immediately with a “T number” and an estimate of time for a detailed reply. Make sure to quote our T number subsequently so that we can easily trace any earlier correspondence.

In your enquiry, always quote instrument serial numbers, software version numbers, and the approximate date and source of purchase where these are relevant.

Contact details:

Tech Support Team Delta-T Devices Ltd 128 Low Road, Burwell, Cambridge CB5 0EJ, U.K. email:

tech.support@delta-t.co.uk

Web site: Tel: +44 (0) 1638 742922 Fax: +44 (0) 1638 743155

www.delta-t.co.uk

Warranty and Service z 97

Accessories

9-pin RS232 Connector

9-pin to 9-pin RS232 cable

25-pin to 9-pin RS232 Converter

A moulded connector containing 25-way female D Connector and a 9-pin male D connector, suitable for connecting the HH2 to a standard RS232 cable.

DIN to 25-pin RS232 Converter

25-pin female connector for HH2 type C-HH2-DIN. Suitable for ThetaProbe type ML2x/p or Equitensiometer type EQ2/p. Provides flying socket for sensor DIN plug.

Tajimi to 25-pin RS232 Converter

25-pin female connector for HH2 type C-HH2-T. Suitable for ThetaProbe type ML2x/t or Equitensiometer type EQ2/t. Provides socket for sensor IP68 Tajimi plug.

PR2 to HH2 cable

1.5 m cable connects PR2 Profile Probe to HH2 Moisture Meter, Type PRC/d-HH2. IP68 M12 connector (female) to 25-way D-socket (IP54).

25-pin D Socket Kit

The 25-way D Socket Kit, type DSK1, is user-fitted to the cable of a PR1 Profile Probe or ThetaProbe, type ML2 or ML1. It forms a waterproof (IP67) connector for use with the Moisture Meter, type HH2.

Note: PR2 Profile Probes users converting from loggers to an HH2 should use the special PR2 to HH2 cable type PRC/d-HH2, not this D connector socket kit.

DSK1 Contents

# Item Notes

1 25-way D Socket Waterproof to IP67 2 Water-Proof Hood IP67 3 Adhesive heat shrink To enlarge cable diameter 4 D Socket Cover To protect Socket

1 2

1. Hood Screws 2. Back of Hood 3. Rubber Gasket

4. Hood Body 5. Holding Clips 6. Cable

7. D Socket 8. Cable Clamp 9. Locking Screws

Accessories z 99

35mm with heat shrink:

>8mm diameter.

40mm without outer sleeve or screen

3mm

bare

Wire Preparation

Thread the cable through the hood body, (complete with back & grommet).

You can’t do this after soldering on the D socket!

Strip away the cable sheath & screen, taking care not to damage the insulation of the individual wires (or cut back the wires, if already stripped) to give 40mm free wire length.

The remaining cable sheath needs to be undamaged for a waterproof connector: a cut in the sheath allows water to pass inside & along between the wires.

The end of the cable sheath needs to be clean to seal to the heat-shrink:

Place the adhesive heat-shrink sleeving, supplied, near the end of the sheath, as shown.

With a PR1 cable, leave about 8mm cable sheath protruding for the cable clamp.

With an ML1 or ML2 cable place the heat shrink to reach the end of the sheath.

Thoroughly heat the heat shrink, preferably with a heat-gun, to shrink it and melt the glue inside, to seal to the cable, without melting the cable. Allow to cool. The heat-shrink’s diameter should now be between 8.0 & 10.5mm, to fit & seal to the gasket in the hood.

Strip back the wire-ends about 3mm for soldering.

100 z Accessories Moisture Meter User Manual 4.0

Delta-T Devices HH2 User Guide

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Quick Start!

About this Manual

Introduction to the Moisture Meter

Description

Connectors

Moisture Meter Parts

How the Moisture Meter takes readings

Sleep and Waking the Meter

Averaging

Navigating Options and Readings

Options Menu

Using the Options Menu

Example: Change the Plot Label

Setting the Clock

Options are device specific

Upload Data to PC

Averaging

Summary

How to average readings

What you need to know about averaging

Examples

SM200 and ThetaProbes

About SM200 and ThetaProbes

Quick Start

Options

Device

Data

Soil Type

Soil Set-Up

Display Units Options

Date and Time

Status

Remote

SM200 and ThetaProbe Options Summary

Reading the sensor

Before Taking Readings

To take Readings

Memory Full?

Upload Data to PC

Then What?

Profile Probes

About Profile Probes

Quick Start

Options

Device

Data

Soil Type (first menu)

Soil Type (sub-menu)

Soil Set-Up (first menu)

Soil Set-Up (sub-menu)

Display

Set the Clock

Status

Remote

Profile Probe Options Summary

Reading the Profile Probe

Before Taking Readings

To take Readings

Memory Full?

Upload Data to PC

Then What?

WET Sensor

About WET Sensors

Quick Start

Install WET Sensor Calibration

Options

Device

Data Menu

Soil Type

Soil Set-Up

Units

Display

Compensation

Date and Time

Status

Remote