SWM 5000
Instruction manual
STEP Systems GmbH * Duisburger Str. 44 * D-90451 Nürnberg
Tel: +49 (0) 911-9626050 * www.stepsystems.de * info@stepsystems.de
Printed in Germany 2019
All rights reserved
SWM 5000
Content
1. Technical data ............................................................................ 2
2. General information .................................................................... 5
2.1. Safety information .................................................................. 5
2.1.1. Use of hazard information .................................................. 6
2.1.2. Precautionary labels .......................................................... 6
2.2. Product overview.................................................................... 7
3. Starting ....................................................................................... 9
3.1. Display ................................................................................. 10
3.2. Keypad ................................................................................. 11
3.2.1. Key ON / OFF .................................................................. 11
3.2.2. Key MODE (-) .................................................................. 11
3.2.3. Key OK ............................................................................ 15
3.2.4. Key SELECT (+) .............................................................. 15
3.2.5. Bluetooth-LED ................................................................. 15
4. Connection with smartphone .................................................... 16
5. Operation .................................................................................. 17
5.1. Mobile measurement of soil moisture ................................... 17
5.2. Stationary measurement of soil moisture ............................. 18
6. Video HOW-TO-USE ................................................................ 19
1
Measuring unit SWM 5000
Measuring range
0 – 99.9 Vol.-% soil moisture
0 – 60.0 °C soil temperature
Operation
4 keys: ON / OFF, MODE, SELECT, OK
Housing
splash-proof according to IP40, EN60529
Dimensions
83 x 180 x 55 mm (w x h x d)
Weight
0.3 kg
Operating
temperature
0°C to +40°C (display in the status line of SWM)
Display
graphical display, 54 x 32 mm, 128 x 64 pixel,
transflective, contrast adjustable
Connector
5-pin plug (DIN 41524) with bayonet catch
Power
9 VDC block battery
Battery reserve
display in %, auto-off at < 2%
Service life
> 4 days of continuous operation
> 200 days in data logger mode
- automatic switch-off in case of weak battery
Operating modes
continuous, time, data logger mode
Data logger
for max. 3441 measurements with recording of
Sensor-Pos*, moisture, temperature, date, time;
data export via smartphone app
Cycle time
max. 24 h, adjustable in 1 min steps
Meas. time
2 s for moisture and temperature
Calibration
in air (0%) and water (100%), if necessary
Zero point
in air (0%) for correction of 0-point display
Clock
internal quartz clock with menu-driven setting of
date, time, data logger cycle time
Languages
German, English, Russian
* only with app sync with access to smartphone location data
1. Technical data
Subject to modification!
SWM 5000
2
SWM 5000
Measuring probes SWP 5000
SWP 5000-1
Probe with 1 sensor at 90 cm for manual
measurement. Stainless steel tube with
handle and holder for measuring unit SWM
5000.
Dimensions
Length: 1000 mm. Diameter: 20 mm.
100 mm marks for measuring the insertion
depth.
SWP 5000-3
Probe with 3 sensors at 90, 60, 30 cm for
automatic measurement by means of a pickup device for a hydraulic press on a tractor.
Dimensions
Length: 1000 mm. Diameter: 30 mm.
Moisture
Measuring range
0.0 to 99.9 %
Resolution
0.1 %
Accuracy
5 % from measured value
Storage temperature
-20 to +80 °C
Measuring temperature
0 - 60 °C
Data logging
capacitive
Measurement method
FDR = Frequency Domain Reflectometry
Probes
SWP 5000-1 with 1 sensor for moisture + temp.
SWP 5000-3 with 3 sensors for moisture + temp.
Signal-LED
in the keypad, for indication of Bluetooth connection
between cell phone and SWM 5000
Smartphone
operation
Connection via Bluetooth, automatic pairing, range
10m, parallel operation to the SWM, data retrieval
from the SWM, control functions, data storage.
See separate operating instructions (in the app).
Smartphone app,
free of charge
SWM Companion ©, available for Android and iOS
App functions
calling up and display of all functions as on the
measuring instrument itself (=> parallel operation)
Warranty
2 years
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SWM 5000
Calibration
together with measuring unit SWM 5000
Zero point
together with measuring unit SWM 5000
Temperature
Measuring range
0.0 to +60.0 °C
Resolution
0.1 %
Accuracy
0.5 % absolute
Storage temperature
-20 to +80 °C
Measuring temperature
0.0 to 60.0 °C
Data logging
analogue
Measurement method
analogue
Delay time
about 2 min until the correct display
Calibration
not necessary
Zero point
not necessary
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SWM 5000
2. General information
The contents of this manual were carefully verified and have been
compiled to the best of our knowledge. However, the Manufacturer does
not accept liability for possibly contained statements in this manual. In no
event will the manufacturer be liable for direct, indirect, special, incidental
or consequential damages resulting from any defect or omission in this
manual, even if advised of the possibility of such damages. In the
interest of ongoing product development, the manufacturer reserves the
right to make changes in this manual and the products it describes at any
time, without notice or obligation. Revised editions can be found on the
manufacturer’s website.
2.1. Safety information
Please read the entire manual before unpacking, setting up or operating
this equipment. Pay attention to all danger and caution statements.
Failure to do so could result in serious injury to the operator or damage
to the equipment.
Make sure that the protection provided by this equipment is not impaired.
Do not use or install this equipment in any manner other than that
specified in this manual.
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SWM 5000
DANGER
Indicates a potentially or imminently hazardous situation, which, if not
avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
WARNING
Indicates a potentially or imminently hazardous situation, which, if not
avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
ATTENTION
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that may result in minor or
moderate injury.
REFERENCE
Indicates a situation, which, if not avoided, may cause damage to the
instrument. Information that requires special emphasis.
Electrical equipment marked with this symbol may not
be disposed of public disposal systems. Electrical
equipment users must return old or end-of-life
equipment to the Manufacturer for disposal at no
charge to the user.
This symbol, if noted on the instrument, references the
instruction manual for operation and/or safety
information.
2.1.1. Use of hazard information
2.1.2. Precautionary labels
Read all labels and tags attached to the instrument. Personal injury or
damage to the instrument could occur if not observed. A symbol on the
instrument is referenced in the manual with a precautionary statement.
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SWM 5000
2.2. Product overview
The SWM 5000 is a handheld instrument for measuring soil moisture in
vol .-% (= volumetric water content) and temperature in ° C by means of
a 1m long stainless steel probe.
It has a 5-pin interface with a recessed lock in accordance with DIN
41524 for connecting the probe SWP 5000-1 or SWP 5000-3.
The probes are automatically recognized and the measurements are
displayed as a one- or three-fold result in the graphic display.
The operation is menu-driven via
the graphic display and the keyboard of the instrument
a smartphone (Bluetooth connection) with the "SWM
Companion" app.
The SWM 5000 can be operated either on the unit via keyboard and
display, or by the smartphone or in parallel of both.
The soil moisture is determined by means of the Frequency Domain
Reflectometry (FDR). This method uses the property of the water to
change the value of an electrical capacitor relatively linearly and thus the
frequency of a high-frequency oscillator. FDR has the advantage that
both solids (sand, loam, compost etc.) located in the soil and the
electrical conductivity of the water (salinity) have only a small influence
on the measurement result and can be compensated.
Both the humidity sensor with its high-frequency oscillator and the
temperature sensor are located at the appropriate place in the probe,
they are embedded in synthetic resin and thus protected against the
intrusion of solids and moisture. Already at the sensor, the measurement
results are converted into digital values and routed via a data bus line to
the SWM 5000, where they are evaluated, converted and displayed in
the data logger with sensor position, humidity, temperature, date and
time saved.
7
F D E
C
A
B
Handheld unit SWM 5000
A = Display D = Battery holder
B = Keypad with LED E = Battery cover
C = 5-pin plug for the probe F = 9V battery
SWM 5000
Probe SWP 5000-1 for manual measurement
Probe with holder Probe tip with sensor Complete unit
8
SWM 5000
3. Starting
Insert the supplied 9V block battery into the holder in the battery
compartment on the rear side of the instrument. Pay attention to the
correct polarity. To open the battery compartment, press the push
mechanism in the center of the bottom and at the same time slide the
gray compartment from the center to the outside.
Connect the 5-pin plug of the probe SWP 5000 to the socket of the SWM
5000 handheld unit and fix the bayonet catch by turning it.
Now plug the SWM 5000 unit into the provided holder on the SWP 5000
probe, making sure that the lower retaining clip is guided through the
plastic strap of the SWM 5000 housing.
Possible operation modes:
Time operation + Data logger ON
For automated measuring and recording in a fixed cycle time (
stationary measurement);
the instrument shows the measured value for 30s in the display
before it switches off until the cycle time is reached again.
Time operation + Data logger OFF
For manually controlled measuring and recording ( mobile
measurement), the instrument shuts off automatically after
switching on for 30 seconds.
Continuous operation + Data logger OFF
For manually controlled measuring and recording ( mobile
measurement), the instrument remains on standby until it is
actively switched off by the user.
Further information in “3.2. Keypad“
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SWM 5000
Software version
Manufacturer
Website
Country of origin
STEP Systems GmbH
www.stepsystems.de
Made in Germany
Name of the instrument
SWM 5000
V1.19 - Bluetooth
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Status line
Time / Continuous mode
Bluetooth connection to cell phone
Memory for manual measurements
67 datasets stored
DATASETS 67
TIME OPERATION
BLUETOOTH off
DATALOGGER manually
3.1. Display
The instrument is switched on with the ON / OFF key. For 3s, the
following greeting appears:
Afterwards, the display shows the working surface with the last settings
and previously entered data:
Operation is menu based via the graphic display and the membrane
keypad with four buttons. Alternatively, the operation can also be done
with a smartphone via the "SWM Companion" app.
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SWM 5000
3.2. Keypad
3.2.1. Key ON / OFF
With ON / OFF the meter is switched
on. Upon prolonged pressing, the
greeting is shown for a corresponding
length of time, e.g. to read the
information without haste.
The measuring instrument can be
switched off again at any time with the
same key, e.g. to stop a setting
initiated with MODE. This feature is
disabled only during the measurement
or when transferring data to the
smartphone via Bluetooth.
3.2.2. Key MODE (-)
With MODE various setting and adjustment functions are selected. When
the desired mode is displayed, it can be selected with SELECT for further
adjustment. When setting date, time, contrast, language, this key is used
to gradually decrease the value to be set.
MODE 1: ADJUST OFFSET
Correction mode for a possibly small zero offset when measured in air
(0%). The process can be carried out as often as desired.
1. Select with SELECT or continue with MODE 2
2. As instructed, hold the probe in the air and start with OK
3. Afterwards the instrument returns to the waiting position
4. The process can be carried out as often as desired
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SWM 5000
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Status line
Automatic time mode setting
Bluetooth connection on/off
Autom. mode of datalogger
124 datasets stored
Next automatic measurement:
08.05.2018 at 13:30
DATASETS 124
NEXT MEASUREMENT:
08.05.2018 13:30
TIME OPERATION
BLUETOOTH off
DATALOGGER automat.
MODE 2: CALIBRATION
Calibration is always required after replacement of the instrument or
probe or after prolonged use.
1. Select with SELECT or continue with MODE 3
2. As instructed, hold the probe in the air and start with OK
3. As instructed, hold the probe in water and start with OK
ATTENTION: please place the sensor in the center of a large,
water-filled container (such as a 10 litre bucket)!
4. Afterwards the instrument returns to the waiting position
5. The process can be carried out as often as desired
MODE 3: DATALOGGER
This mode is used to switch on and off the automatic cyclic measurement
and to set the cycle time. After each measurement, the result is
displayed for 30 seconds as a check. Then the instrument switches off
automatically. After the cycle time set in this mode has elapsed, the
instrument switches on automatically and the process is repeated.
DATALOGGER switch ON (automatic measurement):
1. Select with SELECT or continue with MODE 4
2. Press "+" to "automat." switch and start with OK
3. Set hours HH with "+ / -" and confirm with OK
4. Set minutes MM with "+ / -" and confirm with OK
5. Afterwards the unit returns to the standby mode with the
following display and automatically turns off after 30s
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SWM 5000
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DATASETS 67
TIME OPERATION
BLUETOOTH off
DATALOGGER manually
DATALOGGER switch OFF (manual measurement):
1. Select with SELECT or continue with MODE 4
2. Press "-" to "manually" switch and start with OK
3. Afterwards the unit returns to the standby mode with the
following display and automatically turns off after 30s (Time
operation)
4. To set continuous operation see MODE
The unit can be switched on and off at any time in order to start
a measurement manually with the OK key. These measurement
results are also stored in the data logger.
Reading the data logger is only possible via a cell phone with
Bluetooth. There, the data is available as a CSV file. Please see
separate operating instructions.
MODE 4: CLEAR DATASETS
Datasets stored in the data logger are deleted and the record counter is
reset to 0.
1. Select with SELECT or continue with MODE 5
2. Go with "+" to "yes" and confirm with OK. The records in the
Data logger will be deleted
3. Go with "-" to "no" and confirm with OK. The records will be not
deleted
4. The instrument returns to the standby mode
MODE 5: DISPLAY CONTRAST
Different temperatures change the contrast of the display only a little.
Nevertheless, a contrast change may be desired.
1. Select with SELECT or continue with MODE 6
2. Press "+" to set the background of the display darker (max. 42)
3. Press "-" to set the background of the display brighter (min. 27)
4. Adjustments are possible from 27 (bright) to 42 (dark)
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SWM 5000
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The time below will be set
after the final OK
Position to be set flashes !
DD.MM.YYYY HH:MM
06.05.2018 14:15
DATE / TIME
Set with +/- => OK
5. The instrument returns to the standby mode
MODE 6: DATE / TIME
Date (including leap years) and time (24h format) are controlled by a
built-in clock. Time is always displayed in the middle of the status line. As
long as a battery is installed, the clock continues to run. Without battery
(for example, when changing batteries) the power reserve lasts for about
10 minutes. After that the clock has to be reset.
1. Select with SELECT or continue with MODE 7
2. Set the day DD with "+ / -" and confirm with OK
3. Set the month MM with "+ / -" and confirm with OK
4. Set the year YY with "+ / -" and confirm with OK
5. Set the hour HH with "+ / -" and confirm with OK
6. Set the minutes MM with "+ / -" and confirm with OK
MODE 7: CONTINUOUS OPERATION / TIME OPERATION
In continuous mode, the instrument remains switched on, while in the
time mode, it automatically switches off 30s after switch on. Selected
mode will be saved.
1. Select with SELECT or continue with MODE 8
2. With current time mode, CONTINUOUS OPERATION is
displayed. Select with SELECT. The instrument immediately
returns to the standby position
3. With current continuous mode, TIME OPERATION is displayed.
Select with SELECT. The instrument immediately returns to the
standby position
MODE 8: LANGUAGE / SPRACHE
You can choose between German, English and Russian.
1. Select with SELECT or go back to MODE 1
2. Select the language with "+/-" and confirm with OK
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SWM 5000
3. The instrument returns to the standby position and displays now
all menus in the language selected
3.2.3. Key OK
With OK, a measuring process is started, regardless of whether the data
logger was set to "manually” or “automat." (see MODE 3).
With the "manual” setting, the measurement result remains in the display
for reading until OK is pressed again. Then the value is stored in the data
logger.
Likewise, the values set or offered via MODE are confirmed and saved
until a new setting is made.
3.2.4. Key SELECT (+)
With SELECT the user can select the currently offered mode for further
setting of the instrument.
For date, time, contrast and language settings, this key is used to
gradually increase the value to be set.
3.2.5. Bluetooth-LED
The white LED in the middle of the 4 keys flashes at intervals of 2s, as
long as there is no Bluetooth connection with the cell phone. It does not
flash when connected (connection is established via the "SWM
Companion" app).
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SWM 5000
4. Connection with smartphone
To connect the SWM 5000 to your smartphone, please follow the steps
below:
1. Switch on the SWM 5000 basic unit, "Bluetooth OFF" appears
on the display
2. Call the app "SWM Companion" (if not already installed on the
phone, please download the app for free from the App Store or
Google Play)
3. Turn on the Bluetooth feature on your smartphone
4. ATTENTION: If the smartphone shows available devices, ignore
the connection to "SWM 5000", DO NOT open !!!
5. Start the app and hold the smartphone close to the SWM 5000
basic unit
6. After successful connection (a few seconds), the display of the
SWM 5000 basic unit shows "Bluetooth ON".
16
Connect the SWP 5000-1 probe to the 5-pin socket
on the underside of the unit and tighten the bayonet
catch.
Switch on the instrument.
After 3s, the display shows the waiting position.
Waiting position display
Depending on the current setting:
Select manual measurement (MODE 3:
DATALOGGER off), set to time or continuous
operation (MODE 7)
Insert the probe SWP 5000-1 into the (soft) soil. By
markings on the probe, the insertion depth can be
read in 10 cm steps. For harder soils, pre-drill the
soil with an auger, if necessary.
ATTENTION: The sensor on the tip of the probe
must be firmly enclosed in the soil, therefore pierce
the sensor straight, avoid tilting, pulling or rotating
movements before and during the measurement (air
gap formation!).
95% BAT 14:09 21.4°C
18.2 °C
Confirm with OK
23.6 %
Start measuring with OK key. After approx. 2s, the
measurement result is displayed. Pressing OK again
will save the result in the data logger and the
instrument will wait for a new measurement
(continuous operation) or automatically switch off
after 30s (time operation).
For measurements without a probe or with a defect
one, the two result lines show ----% and ---- ° C.
ON / OFF
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DATASETS 67
TIME OPERATION
BLUETOOTH off
DATALOGGER manually
5. Operation
5.1. Mobile measurement of soil moisture
SWM 5000
17
SWM 5000
Connect the SWP 5000-1 probe to the 5-pin socket
on the underside of the unit and tighten the bayonet
catch.
Insert the probe SWP 5000-1 into the (soft) soil. By
markings on the probe, the insertion depth can be
read in 10 cm steps. For harder soils, pre-drill the
soil with an auger, if necessary.
ATTENTION: The sensor on the tip of the probe
must be firmly enclosed in the soil, therefore pierce
the sensor straight, avoid tilting, pulling or rotating
movements before and during the measurement (air
gap formation!).
NOTE: Be sure the SWM 5000 is not exposed to
bad weather conditions such as rainfall during the
measurement period, which may damage the
instrument!
Switch on the instrument.
After 3s, the display shows the waiting position.
Depending on the current setting:
Select automatic measurement (MODE 3:
DATALOGGER on), set desired measuring cycle;
the display will show the next measurement time,
after 30s the instrument will switch off automatically.
ON / OFF
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DATASETS 67
NEXT MEASUREMENT:
18.05.2018 15:30
TIME OPERATION
BLUETOOTH off
DATALOGGER automat.
5.2. Stationary measurement of soil moisture
18
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18.2 °C
23.6 %
The measuring process starts automatically at the
next measuring time and the unit displays the
measured value briefly in the display before
returning to the status screen. After 30s, the
instrument switches off automatically.
In the automatic measuring mode, an additional
measuring procedure can be initiated manually
outside of the set measuring cycle: press OK to start
a measuring procedure outside of the measuring
cycle. After approx. 2s the measurement result will
be displayed and saved in the data logger, after 30s
the instrument switches off automatically.
For measurements without a probe or with a defect
one, the two result lines show ----% and ---- ° C.
Clean and dry the probe with a piece of cloth before
setting the zero point or before re-calibrating. Further
measurements can then be carried out immediately.
YouTube: STEP Systems GmbH
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Measuring started…
Care instructions:
SWM 5000
6. Video HOW-TO-USE
Scan the QR code below to watch the video manual on smartphone or
tablet.
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