IMKO TRIME-PICO 64, TRIME-PICO 32 User Manual

Manual

TRIME-PICO 64/32

Manual TRIME_PICO64-32 Version 2_0 2017-05-30

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Thank you for purchasing a IMKO instrument.

Should you have any queries please
don’t hesitate to contact your local
distributor or address directly to IMKO:

IMKO Micromodultechnik GmbH

Am Reutgraben 2
D-76275 Ettlingen
Germany

Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
Internet: http://www.imko.de

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Manual for TRIME®-PICO 64/32

List of Contents

1 Functional Description .................................................................................................... 5

1.1 Operation modes ........................................................................................................ 5

1.1.1 Operation mode A (Bus communication) ................................................................. 5

1.1.2 Operation mode B (Single measurement) ................................................................ 6

1.1.3 Operation mode C (Cyclic measurement) ................................................................. 6

1.1.4 PC connection....................................................................................................... 6

1.2 External power supply.................................................................................................. 6

2 Technical Data ................................................................................................................ 7

2.1 TRIME-PICO64 ............................................................................................................. 7

2.2 TRIME-PICO32 ............................................................................................................. 7

2.3 Installation hints .......................................................................................................... 8

3 TRIME-PICO64/32 Versions:............................................................................................. 9

3.1 PICO DataLogger cable 5m with end splices (Item no.: 300082) ...................................... 10

3.2 PICO IMP-Bus cable 5m, 4-pin female connector (Item no.: 300080) ............................... 10

3.3 PICO BT+TRIME-HD cable 1,5m, 7-pin female connector (Item no.:300081) ..................... 10

3.4 Accessories ................................................................................................ ............... 11

3.4.1 E-Box (Extension Box), (Item no.: 300092) .............................................................. 11

3.4.2 C-Box (Current Box), (Item no.: 300091) ................................................................ 11

3.4.3 SM-USB Serial Interface Module .......................................................................... 12

3.4.4 PICO-BT Bluetooth Module .................................................................................. 12

3.5 Datalogging with Differential Analog Inputs .................................................................. 13

4 Installation details: ....................................................................................................... 14

4.1 Temperature measurement: ....................................................................................... 14

4.2 Installation equipment: .............................................................................................. 14

4.2.1 Preparation set for TRIME-PICO64, (Item no.: 302035) ............................................ 14

4.2.2 Preparation set for TRIME-PICO32, (Item no.: 302023) ............................................ 14

4.2.3 Extension tubes for TRIME-PICO64 & TRIME-PICO32 ............................................... 15

4.2.4 Hand Auger Set for TRIME-PICO64 & TRIME-PICO32 ............................................... 15

5 Remote Power Supply to TRIME-PICO ............................................................................ 16

6 Basic Calibration with the Calibration Set ....................................................................... 17

6.1 What is a basic calibration? ........................................................................................ 17

6.2 What are the benefits of the calibration set for the user? .............................................. 17

6.2.1 Calibration set for TRIME probes........................................................................... 17

6.3 How to perform a basic calibration? ............................................................................ 17

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6.3.1 Preparation of the glass beads .............................................................................. 17

6.3.2 Basic calibration procedure .................................................................................. 18

7 Material-Specific Calibration .......................................................................................... 19

7.1 Soil Density Correction with PICO Sensors .................................................................... 19

8 Mounting Spare Rods with O-ring Seals .......................................................................... 21

9 Information on Lightning Protection of the ENVIS Environmental Measurement System .... 22

9.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................. 22

9.2 Excess voltage protection on 110/220V mains supply .................................................... 22

9.3 Protection of modem and telephone lines .................................................................... 22

9.4 Excess voltage protection for network modules by "SM-Blitz"......................................... 22

9.5 Lightning protection on meteorological towers ............................................................. 22

9.6 Installation instructions for SM BLITZ lightning protection modules ................................. 22

9.7 Conclusion ................................................................................................................ 22

10 Datalogging configuration examples ............................................................................... 23

10.1 PICO probes connected to a PC under Windows ............................................................ 23

10.2 PICO probes connected to a SDI12 Datalogger .............................................................. 24

11 Quick guide for the Software PICO-CONFIG ..................................................................... 25

11.1 Connection of the RS485 or the SDI-12 and the IMP-Bus to the SM-USB Module .............. 25

11.1.1 RS485 or IMP-Bus Configuration and Probe Scan .................................................... 26

11.2 Scan of connected PICO probes on the RS485 or IMP-Bus .............................................. 27

11.3 Configuration of Measure Mode ................................................................................. 27

11.4 Analogue outputs of the PICO probe ............................................................................ 28

11.5 Simulate Analog Output ............................................................................................. 28

11.6 Selection of the individual Calibration Curves ............................................................... 29

11.7 Test Run in Measurement Mode A .............................................................................. 30

11.8 TRIME WIN MONITOR Datalogger Software .................................................................. 31

11.9 Calibration Curves ..................................................................................................... 32

11.10 Creating a linear Calibration Curve for a specific Material ............................................... 35

11.10.1 Calculation for a linear 2-point calibration curve ..................................................... 35

11.10.2 Calculation for a non-linear calibration curve ......................................................... 36

12 Measure Electrical Conductivity with TRIME Probes......................................................... 37

12.1 The analysis of Soils for Electrical Conductivity EC

TRIME

................................................... 38

12.2 EC

TRIME

Measurement Range for TRIME Probes ............................................................. 39

12.3 Measurement of Pore-Water-Conductivity or Salt-Content of Soils ................................. 39

12.4 Creation of a Moisture/ EC

TRIME

Diagram for a particular Soil .......................................... 42

13 Software Error codes ..................................................................................................... 43

13.1 Software Errors which will be coded with 4 digits. ........................................................ 43

13.2 PICO Errors (Firmware errors). The errors come from the firmware, from 1 to 255. .......... 44

14 Savety Notes ................................................................................................................ 45

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1 Functional Description

The intelligent and compact TRIME-PICO64/32 sensors are measurement devices for continuous and non­destructive determination of volumetric or gravimetric material moisture, material temperature and material
conductivity. They are designed for stationary subterranean field use. A variety of installation options (greater
depth, vertical or horizontal orientation) offer a wide range of applications.

TRIME-PICO64/32 systems require an external 7-24V/DC power supply. They are designed for connection to a
data logger or a PC for monitoring and data logging purposes.

Your sensor is supplied ready for use and works in a wide range of standard soils. For further information
please check the details under Section 6!

1.1 Operation modes

TRIME-PICO64/32 systems are supplied with an IMP-Bus interface and analogue output of 0..1V for soil mois­ture and temperature.

TRIME-PICO64/32 sensors can be easily connected (in operation modes A) to SDI12 datalogger and conven­tional analogue data loggers (in operation modes B and C).

A detailed description of how to select a specific operation mode for your application can be found below.

PLEASE NOTE: Analogue dataloggers require differential inputs!

1.1.1 Operation mode A (Bus communication)

TRIME-PICO64/32 systems can be connected directly to the IMP-Bus (4-wire bus system), either via SDI12 data­logger or via the SM-23U level converter module for use in conjunction with the EnvisLog data-logging soft­ware.

If multiple sensors are to be wired as a network, IMKO offers 3-port, 6-port and 12-port distribution modules.
Please note that the IMP-Bus cable length and cable diameter must be properly matched as otherwise the
energy consumption of the TRIME sensors (100mA @ 12V/DC for 2..3s) may cause a drop in voltage. More

information is available in Section 5.

Benefits:

 Low power consumption in field installations (with SDI12 datalogger)
 Straightforward installation and simple wiring by virtue of pre-configured standard compo-

nents (e.g. lightning protection, distribution modules…)

 Attachment of any other analogue sensors to IMP-Bus (via SM-Modules)
 Systems are supplied ready for use
 Cable length >1000m (with only 4 wires for all sensors)

For use with:

 SDI12 Datalogger
 EnvisLog (PC-Software for Microsoft Windows) only with converter module SM-USB
 IMKO calibration and test software PICO-CONFIG (see page 27, Software download:

www.imko.de) only with converter module SM-USB

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1.1.2 Operation mode B (Single measurement)

TRIME-PICO64/32 will perform a single measurement when the power is switched on. Once the measurement
has been taken (2..3s) the readings are supplied as analogue output signals until the power is switched off. The
probe switches to the energy-saving mode (>1mA) and takes no more measurements until the power has been
switched off.

Benefits:

 Low power consumption in field installations
 Easy control of the measurement rate from an external source
 No implementation of commands necessary

For use with:

 Switched power supply
 Analogue data loggers with relay
 PC A/D converter boards with relay

1.1.3 Operation mode C (Cyclic measurement)

TRIME-PICO64/32 takes measurements at a freely configurable measurement rate (from 8s..24h). Once the
measurements have been taken (2..3s) the measured values are supplied as analogue output signals. Until the
next measurement is finished, the values of the previous measurement are available as analogue signal. In
standby until the next measurement is executed the probe consumes 8..10mA @ 12V/DC, if the communica­tion is set to standby (can be changed in PICO-CONFIG software) 2..3mA @ 12V/DC.

Benefits:

 Probe can be supplied with mains power
 Measurement rate can be specified as required (even independent from logging rate of analogue

logger)

 No implementation of commands necessary
 Non-intelligent logger can be used (without power management)

For use with:

 Mains power
 Analogue data loggers with mains power
 PC A/D converter boards

The operation mode is preset to customer specifications prior to despatch. Reconfiguration is possible using
the complementary software PICO-CONFIG (download under http://www.imko.de).

1.1.4 PC connection

The TRIME-PICO64/32 can be connected to a PC via:

SM-23U IMP-Bus  RS232 converter module
BT-Module RS485  Bluetooth converter module
SM-USB IMP-Bus/RS485  USB converter module

1.2 External power supply

In the IMP-Bus the power to sensors can be supplied by battery, a complete solar system or mains power. For
serial connection of a large number of sensors or long IMP232-bus cables it is advisable to use a power amplifi­er module (SM-23LV) or decentralised power supply.

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2 Technical Data

2.1 TRIME-PICO64

For in situ monitoring of volumetric moisture in soils.
The large measuring volume is particularly suitable
for applications in heterogeneous and skeletal media.
Burying capability for both horizontal and vertical
orientation.

2.2 TRIME-PICO32

For in situ monitoring of volumetric moisture in soils.
The small measuring volume permits high spatial
resolution. Burying capability for both horizontal and
vertical orientation.

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2.3 Installation hints

Please assure careful installation of the probes with close contact between rod and soil. It is important to avoid
air pockets around the rods as the highest measuring sensitivity is directly around them.

Air pockets around the probe rods can reduce the measured moisture reading. Where saturated soils are in­volved, water-filled air pockets will result in an exaggerated reading.

IMKO supplies pre-drilling sets for an optimal preparation of the installation point avoiding compaction of soil
otherwise caused by the insertion of the rods.

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3 TRIME-PICO64/32 Versions:

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3.1 PICO DataLogger cable 5m with end splices (Item no.: 300082)

Wiring:

Pink:

Shield

Grey:

0..1V = -40..+70°C soil tempera­ture

Violet:

AGND

White:

0..1V = 0..100% vol. water con­tent

Blue:

COM (IMP-Bus)

Green:

R/T (IMP-Bus)

Black:

GND; (SDI-12 GND)

Red:

+Vs; (SDI-12 +Vs)

Yellow:

RS485B; (SDI-12 Data if

SDI-12 version)

Brown:

RS485A

3.2 PICO IMP-Bus cable 5m, 4-pin female connector (Item no.: 300080)

Pin layout:

Pin 1:

+Vs

Pin 2:

R/T (IMP-Bus)

Pin 3:

GND

Pin 4:

COM (IMP-Bus)

3.3 PICO BT+TRIME-HD cable 1,5m, 7-pin female connector (Item
no.:300081)

Pin layout:

Pin 1:

+Vs

Pin 2:

RS485-B

Pin 3:

GND

Pin 4:

RS485-A

Pin 5:

0..1V = 0..100% vol. soil water content

Pin 6:

AGND

Pin 7:

0..1V = -40..+70°C soil temperature

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List of abbreviations:

+Vs: + Voltage supply (7..24V/DC)

COM: Common (ground for IMP-Bus)

GND: Ground (for voltage supply)

AGND: Analogue ground

R/T: Receive/Transmit (on IMP-Bus)

3.4 Accessories

3.4.1 E-Box (Extension Box), (Item no.: 300092)

For extending the cable length of the TRIME-PICO
with DataLogger cable (see 3.1) up to 35m with

0..1V output signal.

3.4.2 C-Box (Current Box), (Item no.: 300091)

For extending the cable length of the TRIME-PICO with
DataLogger cable (see 3.1) and converting the 0..1V sig­nal into 0(4)..20mA (cable length >100m possible).

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3.4.3 SM-USB Serial Interface Module

For connecting any of the TRIME-PICO (see 3.1 to 3.3, for 3.2 & 3.3 adapter required) via the
USB-Interface to a PC. The module offers 2 Sensor-Interfaces, IMP-Bus (IMKO specific) and
RS485 (industrial standard). One sensor can be powered out of the USB-Interface, if multiple
sensors are connected external power supply is required!

3.4.4 PICO-BT Bluetooth Module

For connecting the TRIME-PICO with PICO BT+TRIME-HD cable (see 3.3) to a PDA/PC via
Bluetooth interface. Module contains a internal rechargeable battery, which enables >1000
measurements.

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3.5 Datalogging with Differential Analog Inputs

Using a datalogger with a common ground will produce considerable problems, due to earth loops.
The higher the length of the cable the higher the problems with earth loops. Earth loops can produce
considerable fluctuations at the measurement signal 0 to 1V !

IMKO recommends to use a datalogger with differential inputs as shown in the following picture. With
differential inputs the problems with earth loops are eliminated.

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4 Installation details:

4.1 Temperature measurement:

Conclusion: the probes should be permanently buried in the soil for optimum

temperature measurement!

4.2 Installation equipment:

4.2.1 Preparation set for TRIME-PICO64, (Item no.: 302035)

For preboring the soil prior to probe insertion.
1 x spike
1 x core drill
1 x PVC block
Item no.: 302035

4.2.2 Preparation set for TRIME-PICO32, (Item no.: 302023)

For preboring the soil prior to probe insertion. Rod length:
110mm.

Item no.: 302023

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For compacted, coarse or stony soil use the preparation set to bore a pilot

hole!

Preboring using the preparation rods for PICO32 and PICO64 avoids

compaction of soil (which would impair measurement accuracy)
damaging the probe’s rods or rod tips. A defective PVC rod coating or a blank rod is sensitive to elec-

tromagnetic charge and may destroy the electronics of sensor.

4.2.3 Extension tubes for TRIME-PICO64 & TRIME-PICO32

Length 0.5m: Item no.: 302014
Length 1.0m: Item no.: 302015

4.2.4 Hand Auger Set for TRIME-PICO64 & TRIME-PICO32

Please contact us for further details.